If you’re planning a trip to Australia then you are in for a real treat. Combining rich history with a vibrant modern culture, Australia is home to some of the most amazing natural landscapes and attractions in the world. There is a huge array of things to see and do in Australia, but here are just a few suggestions to get you started:
Whitsunday Islands - Courtesy © sfmthd - Fotolia
Whitsunday Islands
This relatively small archipelago consists of some of the most beautiful island scenery you will find anywhere in the world. As a result of rising sea levels, The Whitsunday Islands have been gradually separated from the mainland off the northeast of Queensland. The area has been declared a national park to ensure that its stunning beauty is well protected, but truly needs to be seen to be believed. Boasting fantastic beaches, exotic vegetation and a thriving wildlife population, these islands will take your breath away.
Courtesy © marcos81 - Fotolia.com
Uluru (Ayers Rock)
This sacred natural site is the world’s largest monolith and stands proudly over a desert plain in the Northern Territory. It’s hard to imagine a more remote location and it’s easy to see why local people attach such spiritual significance to the spot when you experience the sense of other world tranquillity that can be found here. Uluru takes on different colours at different times of year due to the change in light quality and the height of the sun. To really explore the majesty of Uluru, walking tours are available with an Aboriginal guide to share with you the history and legends of this incredible place.
Aerial view of the Great Barrier Reef - Courtesy © Dropu - Fotolia.com
Great Barrier Reef
The largest system of coral reefs in the world, the Great Barrier Reef draws thousands of visitors each year to enjoy its spectacular beauty both above and below the waterline. Over 1,500 species of fish inhabit the 3,000 coral reefs, including whales, green turtles and many endangered species. This makes the Great Barrier Reef a hotspot for scuba divers who are treated to some of the most impressive underwater views that the world has to offer. The reef stretches for 2,600 kilometres off the east coast of Australia, making Cairns a good base for your explorations.
The Rocks - Courtesy © Christopher Howey - Fotolia.com
Sydney Harbour
A trip to Australia wouldn’t be complete without a visit to this stunning harbour, where you will find some of the country’s most famous landmarks. Sydney Opera House sits resplendent on the waterfront, made up of distinctive ‘shells’ to create a unique acoustic sound. A spectacular view of the Opera House and the rest of the harbour can be found from the top of the Sydney Harbour Bridge, which you can cross at different times of the day to give you a whole new perspective each time.
Shipwreck off Fraser Island - Courtesy © cool chap - Fotolia.com
Fraser Island
The world’s largest sand island is a World Heritage Site and known as K’Gari, or Paradise, in the local language. Fraser Island is home to unspoilt beaches, fascinating rainforest and a huge population of birds and animals including wallabies, flying foxes and dingos. Beach lovers are drawn to the 75 mile stretch of sand where you can enjoy a huge range of water sports or simply relax and work on that tan, and the island offers a full range of accommodation to suit any taste or budget.
About the Author: This post was written by Nicky Hand. Making the most of Australia can be tough for the independent traveller, so I would recommend talking to a professional tour operator such as Wings Tours to help you make the most of this incredible place.