7 of the Most Amazing Natural Attractions in Australia
16 October 2016 | Mri Grout
Ayer's Rock, or Uluru, is undoubtedly the most famous natural attraction in Australia. However, there are so many other awesome places of nature to visit here that are far easier to access and free to enjoy. From gorgeous caves to odd shaped rocks to some of the most unique geological formations on earth, visiting these seven natural attractions in Australia will seemingly transport you into another world.
7. Ocean Monoliths On the Great Ocean Road, VIC
Everyone knows of the Twelve Apostles rising up out of the ocean on Victoria's coastline, but this is far from being the only ocean monolith in the area. Coming from Melbourne, if you keep driving past the overly busy Twelve Apostles, you'll find much quieter (and much more stunning, in my opinion) rock monoliths that are definitely well worth another stop. My favourite is the above 'the Grotto,' but Rob's is the Bay of Islands. However, there's also the Bay of Martyrs, the Arch, the London Bridge, and Loch Ard Gorge to choose from to pick your favourite.
6. Bubbling Springs Gurgling in the Middle of Nowhere, SA
Located near Lake Eyre (by Aussie standards) in the Wabma Kadarbu Mound Springs Conservation Park are two mound springs bubbling away with the rich minerals and salts of the Great Artesan Basin. However, it's not just the bizarre bubbling of the Blanche Cup & Bubbler that is worth attention; it's the fact that they're literally in the middle of a giant flatland of nothing. They look so out of place that if you're heading up to see Lake Eyre, they are definitely worth the visit - just make sure you fill up with fuel before the trip!
PS: I last visited this place in 2012 Australia, but upon current research I have found there is supposed to be a vehicle entrance fee. I don't remember there being a sign or anything, and I definitely don't remember there being someone stationed there to collect fees. If anyone visits and has to pay, please let me know so I can remove this from the 'free attractions' list.
5. Blowholes Erupting at Kiama, NSW
All the buzz around Kiama goes to the Big Blowhole, which to be fair is quite spectacular and definitely worth popping in to visit at high tide. However, there is another blowhole here that is also worth its grain of salt. It's called the Little Blowhole, but don't let its name fool you as though its diameter is a whole lot smaller, its powerful sprout can shoot over two stories tall! The two blowholes are located a few kilometres apart and they make a gorgeous walk along the coastline. Parking near the Big Blowhole costs, but the Little Blowhole is situated in the suburbs so parking nearby is easily found and free.
4. A Tight Squeeze Through Britannia Creek Cave, VIC
You'd be surprised what you can squeeze your body through. When we first found one of the many entrances to this small, but maze-like cave a mere 1.5 hours outside of Melbourne, we shook our heads and turned around. There was no way either of our bodies could possible fit through that small of a hole. Luckily for us, there was a good sized entrance and so we got to explore this exquisite granite cave system. And then, after an hour of squeezing into hidden rooms and different branches, we finally climbed back out...through the very hole we swore we couldn't have fit through earlier!
3. Singing Rocks Atop Mt. Scoria, QLD
So they can't exactly sing...sorry if I got your hopes up too high on that one. ;) Nevertheless, they are actually nicknamed 'singing rocks' due to the melodic ring they give out when you hit one lava rock with another. Complicated stuff I know. Lols. But even if you don't fancy banging some rocks together and calling it singing, the unique geological shape of these rocks are well worth taking the inland route from Bunderburg to Rockhampton and climbing the short 150m climb to see them.
2. Garden Sinkholes Under Mt. Gambier, SA
You know the search for water wasn't easy when a person decides to build a town on top of a sink hole (AFTER seeing the proof of two) because it was the only source of freshwater around. Not that you would ever guess the town's past reasoning today. With Mt. Gambier situated within a half an hour's drive of the coast and with both sinkholes now transformed into beautiful, lush gardens, it's hard to think that this town ever struggled for water. But then, it is Australia so what was I even thinking? Lols. Anyway, I'd definitely recommend visiting the Umpherston sinkhole both during the day and at night. During the day to escape the burning heat and find peace amongst the beautiful flowers; at night to help feed the many possums that call this place home. They're adorable little things (not at all like the rat ones in America :) and really love strawberries. But being possums, they'll eat just about anything – even horrible gluten free cereal that we bought on accident.
1. Petrified Forest At Cape Bridgewater, VIC
I wanted to see this exquisite natural wonder when I first came to Australia, but despite visiting the seals near the other end of the walk and almost running into a mob of kangaroos on our way over, alas I was unable to view it due to the setting sun and camp being an unknown distance away. So this time (2015 Austalia) I was determined to see this petrified forest. And I'm happy to say, it did not disappoint. The rock is very sharp and pointy though so when you visit, make sure to take a good pair of shoes along with that camera! PS: When you walk from the seal platform side over, there isn't a sign telling you to stay on the path and you only know you made a mistake when you come across a rope barrier and find you're on the wrong side... Whoops. Lols.
[an error occurred while processing this directive]
Travel Tip #4
Do you know of any other freakingly awesome natural attractions to see in Australia? Or just want to write a review on one of the above places you've been? Then we'd love to hear all about them in the comments below!