Australia is known as the land down under, and it’s also home to some of the most spectacular sights. Sometimes, it can feel like you crash landed on a foreign planet. Everything here is new, and it’s exciting to take it all in.
In fact, approximately 40% of Australian land is uninhabitable desert. The majority of Australians pack into larger cities and suburbs, meaning much of the land is untouched by humans. If you want to see truly out-of-this-world sights, this is the place to be. In this guide, we’ll highlight the 5 most unexpected and astonishing landscapes to see in Australia. Add these to your bucket list!
1. Mungo National Park, New South Wales
If you find yourself in New South Wales, you have to visit this remote site. The Mungo National Park is listed as a World Heritage site because of its stark landscape that looks like something from Mars. Start your journey in Sydney, taking the two hour flight to Mungo.
This is where you’ll find the longest continuous record of Aboriginal life, though it’s hard to believe when you see how arid this landscape is. Learn about Australia’s culture, see the desert skies, and explore some of the oldest prehistoric landscapes. Find the best inspiration about where to stay in New South Wales.
2. Lake Hillier, Western Australia
Lake Hillier is like no place on earth. If you’re willing to take the two-hour flight from Perth, you’ll see exactly what we mean. This lake looks like someone spilled bright pink paint into its waters. Surrounded by a lush eucalypt forest and the nearby Southern Ocean, this looks like a sight from another planet.
Nicknamed the PInk Lake of Australia, this natural oddity isn’t necessarily impressive in size, but it’s impressive in sight and wildlife. What causes this stunning pink color? Most scientists think it’s related to the presence of Dunaliella salina microalgae which produces a pink pigment. This is one of those wonders you have to see to believe.
3. The Twelve Apostles, Victoria
This wouldn’t be a list about the best landscapes in Australia without the Twelve Apostles. Located along the world-famous Great Ocean Road, you’ll find these limestone spires that seem to rise from seemingly nowhere. The crumbling pillars are a four hour’s drive from Melbourne, but they’re well worth it.
See how the rock stacks rise over 45 metres (148 ft), and how they’ve been shaped by the powerful waves throughout the years. This coastline is breathtaking in itself, but this location truly will make you question whether you’re on planet Earth.
4. The Pinnacles, Western Australia
Another spot to visit in Western Australia is known as the Pinnacles. These weathered spires stand at attention along the swept sand dunes. These spires took hundreds of thousands of years to form, and they now rest in Nambung National Park.
You’ll be surprised to find that the Pinnacles have deposits of sea shells. Over time, the coastal winds removed the sand, leaving just the pillars that have been exposed to the elements all of this time.
5. The Blue Mountains National Park, New South Wales
Another must-see and World Heritage Site is the Blue Mountains National Park. Here, you’ll find the iconic lookout point called the Three Sisters. Named after it’s trio of rocks, this might be one of the best views in the entire country. You can get to this park with a simple day trip from Sydney, so there’s no reason to miss out on this sight.
While you’re here, be sure to take the glass roofed Katoomba Railway. This is the steepest passenger railway in the world, taking you through a cliff side tunnel. Make sure you bring your camera.
Visit Australia For Yourself
If you want to discover why Australia is home to so many otherworldly and astonishing landscapes, you’ll have to visit for yourself. It’s one of those things you have to see to believe. With so much to see and do here, prepare for a long trip.
Australia is more than just the land down under. It’s an untouched oasis home to some of the coolest landscapes you’ll see. You’ll likely be pinching yourself to remember that you haven’t left this planet. It’s the closest you’ll get to stepping on the moon or Mars without taking a spaceship!
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