So many travelers dream of Australia, of the colorful reefs, crystal-clear water, golden beaches, wild forests and exotic wildlife. The largest island in the whole world, Australia is a dreamland indeed and most of those who eventually go there, realize it’s even more original, beautiful and warm than one can imagine. Here’s a list of 5 tourist attractions in Australia that surely won’t disappoint you.
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The Great Barrier Reef
Dive in the crystal-blue waters of the Great Barrier Reef and meet alien-like sea creatures, colorful fish, and grumpy turtles. The Reef is located in the Coral Sea and stretches for 2,300 km along the Australian state of Queensland. Nothing can compare with the Great Barrier Reef, world’s largest structure made by living organisms, a home of thousands of various species of fish, bright corals, sharks, dolphins and other fascinating beings. Included on the list of The Seven Natural Wonders of the World, the Great Barrier Reef is not only one of the biggest tourist attractions in Australia, but also in the whole world. You can either enter the underwater world directly, diving and snorkeling, or watch it from a glass-bottom boat. Cairns, the Whitsundays, and Port Douglas are major tourist points offering access to the reef.
Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park
Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park focuses on the Uluru and Kata Tjuta, large red monolith formations. They change their colors as the sun changes its position, so if you stay in the park for a few hours, you’ll see how the rocks get covered with different shades of red. Both the monolith and its surroundings create a magical atmosphere, somewhat mystic and sacred. The stones are treasured to the Aboriginal peoples. The Anangu are the official owners of the park and, together with the Parks Australia, they’re responsible for its management. To learn about the rocks from Aboriginal guides, you can join a guided tour.
Blue Mountains National Park
The Blue Mountains National Park is located approximately 80 kilometers from Sydney, so it’s a perfect destination for a day-trip for everyone staying in the city. This wondrous park covers an area of over 664,000 acres, filled with waterfalls, rivers, and dramatic gorges. Even though there are “mountains” in its name, the park is an uplifted plateau. The 140 kilometers of hiking trails lead through pleasant areas. Once you start the hiking, you might come across the Three Sisters (sandstone rock formations) or the beautiful Katoomba Falls. Search for the Aboriginal rock paintings and look around to see astonishing examples of fauna and flora. A lovely highlight is the Katoomba Railway, offering a scenic ride down the Jamison Valley, to the ancient rainforest.
Fraser Island
Fraser Island, the largest sand island in the world, is a piece of paradise situated off the southern coast of Queensland. For thousands of years, sand was drifting off the Australian coast until it formed this gorgeous island. The Frazer Island, with its freshwater creeks and lakes, the lush green rainforest (it’s the only place where rainforest grows on sand) and the colored sandstone cliffs, is a real gem and one of a unique tourist attraction in Australia. It’s also a home for many species of animals, such as dingoes, bats, and various birds. The water surrounding the Fraser Island is full of life as well: Dugong, sharks, dolphins, and whales swim around the sand.
Tasmania
This remote island, separated from the mainland by the Bass Strait, is Australia’s smallest state, a striking area, full of breathtaking landscapes and unique wildlife. Some of Tasmania’s inhabitants are original, such as the great, quirky Tasmanian Devil. This small, furry and angry animal can only be found in Tasmania. Devils share the island with such species as Platypus, Sugar Glider or Forester Kangaroo. Not only nature lovers but also foodies will fall in love with Tasmania, especially the local fruit, beer, cheese, seafood, and wines. Among many tourist attractions in Australia, Tasmania is one of the most diversified. It’s not one attraction; it’s a whole collection of interesting sites.
A large part of Tasmania’s land lies in protected areas and national parks. Cradle Mountain-Lake St Clair National Park, Freycinet National Park, Franklin-Gordon Wild Rivers National Park and others – they all have plenty to offer, from towering dolerite cliffs, green rainforest, and majestic mountains, to rivers, gorges, and pristine lakes. Tasmania’s colonial history also deserves to be discovered, and you can learn about it by visiting the numerous historic sites. Summing up, Tasmania offers plenty of things to see and do, so if you have a chance, spend some time exploring this beautiful island.
