We’re lucky to live in a country with scenery as diverse as Australia. Spoiled even. And take it for granted, we do.
Thanks to all the effortless splendour that surrounds our cities it can be easy to forget that there’s plenty more to this sunblessed land than weekend retreats to Byron Bay and downing wines in the Barossa.
In our sprawling 7,692,024 km2 backyard there’s an abundance of hidden gems to discover.
From pink granite rocks that glow, to hardened salt lakes that you can walk over without a worry, here are five lesser-known natural wonders that you’ve got to see to believe…
Pink Lake, Western Australia
Approximately three kilometres from the sleepy town of Esperance in Western Australia lies the bubblegum-coloured body of water called Pink Lake.
Its rosy hue can be attributed to the concentration of algae in the water and is known to change shades from pink to purple depending on weather conditions.
While in the area, catch a boat tour or scenic flight to the dreamy Lake Hillier, another strawberry milkshake-hued lake worth checking out.
Ningaloo Reef, Western Australia
One of Planet Earth’s last great ocean paradises, Ningaloo Reef in WA’s Gascoyne region is the largest fringing coral reef in the world.
Bursting with turtles, tropical fish, whale sharks, Ningaloo Reef beckons to be explored.
Swim the vibrant-coloured coral gardens at Exmouth’s Cape Range National Park or Coral Bay, or take an eco-adventure tour anytime during March to August to dive with killer whales.
Freycinet Peninsula, Tasmania
A leisurely drive up Tassie’s east coast is the Freycinet Peninsula, home to pink granite peaks, secluded bays and white-sand beaches.
Located in the depths of the Freycinet National Park, the views out the to Tasman Sea and the rugged Tasmanian coastline are sure to stop you in your tracks.
Rewarding hikes will take you Wineglass Bay, a consistent feature in ‘Top 10 Beaches In The World’ lists, as well as the iconic The Hazards mountain range, which shines a unique reddish glow at sunset and sunrise.
Bungle Bungle Range, Western Australia
Rising 300 metres from grassy plains of the Purnululu National Park are one of the most remarkable geological landmarks on the Australian continent.
The Bungle Bungles are massive boulders that sport black and orange stripes.
Shaped like beehives, these sandstone structure are said to have formed as a result of the weathering away of the stone over 350 million years.
Explore by foot and you’ll stumble across hidden gorges that welcome you to take a dip, as well friendly locals, including the Nailtail wallaby and short-eared rock wallaby.
Lake Gairdner, South Australia
While you’ll probably never get the chance to walk over an ice-covered lake in Oz, we think this is the closest you’ll come to it.
This huge salt lake in the outback of South Australia spans an impressive 160-kilometres in length and 48-kilometres in width.
A photographer’s dream, walk out onto the crystallised saline surface to see (and capture) the white salt seamlessly blend into the sky.
