14 jaw-dropping Australian natural attractions

SOMETIMES we don’t appreciate what we have in our own backyard. But these jaw-dropping Aussie spots should be right at the top of your travel bucket list.

SOMETIMES we don’t appreciate what we have in our own backyard.

This is despite the plethora of astounding natural attractions that are sprinkled all over the country.

Some of these fascinating wonders wouldn’t be out of place on another planet. Others are so ridiculously beautiful, you could stare at them all day.

It’s time to celebrate Mother Nature’s brilliance with this collection of mind-boggling natural attractions.

SEA CLIFFS, TASMAN NATIONAL PARK, TAS

The enormous sea cliffs in Tasman National Park are sure to astound you. Picture: Pierre Destribats

The enormous dolerite sea cliffs found at the bottom of the Tasman Peninsula are simply gobsmacking. Measuring up to 300m in height, these jutted creations are perfectly suited to the rugged, almost unworldly coastal surrounds.

These are the southern hemisphere’s highest sea cliffs, and for the daring they are an abseilers’

mecca.

For the rest of us, simply stare in amazement at what is hands down among the best attractions in Tasmania.

UMPHERSTON SINKHOLE, MT GAMBIER, SA

Now this is one good looking sinkhole.

The word “sinkhole” seems to be all the rage these days but this mighty marvel was formed well before the term became fashionable. Once a limestone cave, the sinkhole is the result of corrosion from seawater that led to the cave’s roof collapsing.

It’s since been transformed into a stunning sunken garden — not so natural, but hey — that you

can admire day and night. Even more appealing is the sinkhole’s proximity to the Mt Gambier CBD.

THE PINNACLES, NAMBUNG NATIONAL PARK, WA

It really doesn’t get any better than this. Picture: Grahame Kelaher

Prepare to encounter a scene widely regarded as being better suited to Mars. The Pinnacles is a mammoth collection of weathered limestone pillars that protrudes from desert-like surrounds and makes for an awe-inspiring sight.

Adding to the peculiarity of the occasion is knowing just how close to the ocean you are — yet you’ll likely feel as far removed from water as you will from earth as you know it. Fascinating.

GRAMPIANS NATIONAL PARK, VIC

The scenery at the Grampians is breathtaking.

The Grampians receives loads of footprints each year, yet pay a visit to it and you’re likely to feel that still, somehow, this area is vastly underrated. Sure, there are tourists around but it’s easy to opine that the area should be swarming with them.

Best not to wander too long and instead enjoy the spine-tingling experience of standing directly

underneath or atop the craggy, towering sandstone mountain ranges.

The Grampians thoroughly deserves to be regarded as one of the best national parks in Australia.

UNDARA LAVA TUBES, UNDARA VOLCANIC NATIONAL PARK, QLD

Undara Lava Tubes make for a fascinating adventure.

Once there was furious volcanic activity, now there is a series of remarkable tunnels and caves to explore. Lauded as among the largest and longest lava tubes on the globe, Undara is the result of volcanic spew that was generated almost 200,000 years ago. Lots and lots of spew.

And vomit has never been so enticing: the results of this ancient fury is so captivating and intrinsic that it’s sure to feature prominently on your Instagram account.

BUNGLE BUNGLES, PURNULULU NATIONAL PARK, WA

Add this spot to your bucket list. Picture: Tourism Western Australia

When it comes to Australia’s most jaw-dropping attractions, the Bungle Bungles consistently earn a podium finish. This Kimberley icon consists of a cluster of beehive-like, cone-shaped towers that are simply dazzling, particularly when witnessed from the air.

Found 290km south of Kununurra, this World Heritage wonder is colourful, spectacular, and absolute bucket-list material.

STROMATOLITES OF HAMELIN POOL, SHARK BAY, WA

Have you seen anything quite like the stromatolites of Hamelin Pool? Picture: Tourism Western Australia

Stromatolites. Heard of them? Google the definition and you’ll find a description most of us won’t understand. All you really need to know is that stromatolites are regarded as living fossils; those at World Heritage-listed Shark Bay are regarded as the oldest and largest of their type; and they are amazing to look at.

This funky photo subject is 225km south of Carnarvon and roughly 300km north of Geraldton.

KATA-TJUTA, ULURU- KATA-TJUTA NATIONAL PARK, NT

It doesn’t attract the same crowds as Uluru but this spot is just as beautiful. Picture: @80kphcombilife/Tourism NT

Move over, Uluru. We’re shining the spotlight on your less-hyped neighbour. Kata-Tjuta — also known as the Olgas — is a gathering of giant red sandstone domes that dominate the surrounding arid landscape.

Thought to have once been a single rock, these three dozen domes make for some damn fine photo ops. And, interestingly, the highest point of Kata-Tjuta — Mt Olga — reaches a height of 546m above ground, making it roughly 200m higher than Uluru.

WILPENA POUND, FLINDERS RANGES, SA

The incredible Wilpena Pound. Picture: Anthology Travel

How did that happen? is what you’ll find yourself thinking when viewing this incredible attraction. The most notable landmark in the famous Flinders Ranges, Wilpena Pound is a huge, sunken natural amphitheatre of such remarkable beauty that you can’t help but be astounded by it.

Viewing it on a scenic flight and taking in the richness of the landscape’s colours is just about unbeatable.

AUSTRALIA’S PINK LAKES, VARIOUS LOCATIONS

The pink lake near Esperance has to be one of Australia’s prettiest sights. Picture: Tourism Western Australia.

We couldn’t just settle on one Australian lake to feature but we did narrow it down to a type: the pretty-in-pink lakes dotted around the country. These bright beauties easily rank among Australia’s best natural attractions.

Pink Lake near Esperance in South West WA and Lake Hillier in the same pocket of the state are key examples, while the Pink Lakes of Murray-Sunset National Park in northwest Victoria are also outstanding.

KINGS CANYON, WATARRKA NATIONAL PARK, NT

The view from here is unlike any other. Picture: Shaana McNaught/Tourism NT

Wow. Just wow. The towering sandstone walls of Kings Canyon are quite simply astonishing. These walls contrast jaggedness with smoothness, all brightly coloured and beautiful and demanding more clicks of the camera than your average celebrity.

Planted 470km from Alice Springs on sealed roads, this top attraction rewards whether you’re

peering upwards or taking in all its glory on a rim walk.

WALLS OF CHINA, MUNGO NATIONAL PARK, NSW

Mungo National Park is a jaw-droppingly beautiful place.

When it comes to jaw-dropping Australian natural attractions, this crazy creation demands serious attention. Here, nature has carved out crescent-shaped sand and clay dunes so dramatic and mind boggling that you’ll be thoroughly absorbed.

It’s a key feature of the World Heritage Willandra Lakes region, 125km from Mildura, which is famed for its immense cultural significance.

BUDJ BIM NATIONAL PARK (MOUNT ECCLES NATIONAL PARK), VIC

Mount Eccles National Park was recently renamed Budj Bim National Park and it’s just as stunning as it always was. Picture: Stuart McEvoy

Largely flying under the radar, the stunning works of the dormant volcano Budj Bim make for engrossing exploration. Rocky outcrops dominate the surrounds and give way to a beautiful crater lake that can be spied from various vantage points.

The park is rich with Aboriginal history and culture and warrants plenty more attention than it receives.

WAVE ROCK, HYDEN, WA

Wave Rock is a sight to behold. Picture: Tourism Western Australia

Ahhh, Mother Nature. Haven’t you had fun here? Welcome to one of Australia’s funkiest natural attractions. Without roadside signage, you could easily pass by this rocky phenomenon without realising you’re missing out on a must-visit attraction.

Aptly named for its smooth, wavelike carving, this granite cliff stands an impressive 15m high and extends for 110m. It’s spotted 330km east of Perth.

This article first appeared on BIG4.com.au.