Overwhelming: the majestic Rocky Mountains.Credit: iStock
Seven wonders of the world? There are far more than seven worth seeing. But our writers have narrowed down their list to 13, from the natural wonders of mountains and deserts to ancient ruins that remain shrouded in mystery. Which was named the world’s greatest wonder? Scroll down to find out.
Rocky Mountains, Canada
With glaciers, iridescent lakes, and spectacular wildlife on mountains so majestic they can overwhelm the senses, you might find yourself weeping wordless tears of joy. Fortunately, the warm and welcoming locals, in beautiful towns such as Banff and Jasper (not to mention the lovely accommodation therein), get it.
Kruger National Park, South Africa
Bigger in size than some European countries, this protected landscape practically guarantees solitude, and, crucially sightings of the Big Five.
Amalfi Coast, Italy
A road trip along the Amalfi Coast during the summer is thrilling. The towns plunging to the coast, the umbrella-festooned beaches, the delightful al fresco restaurants, the shopping, the swollen lemons and customary limoncello apertivo – this place is heaven.
Atacama Desert, Chile
The Atacama Desert is one of the driest places on Earth.Credit: iStock
One of the driest deserts in the world with hot springs where you can boil eggs, at night this moonscape is lit by a universe worth of celestial bodies. No wonder the world’s most eminent astronomers gather here to study the final frontier.
Serengeti, Tanzania
These are the “endless plains”, the name alone stirs visions of flaxen grass, noble Masai tribesmen, an incredible concentration of wildlife and sunsets that set the heart ablaze. Then, following the rains, there’s the wildebeest migration, one of the world’s truly phenomenal natural spectacles.
Patagonia, Argentina/Chile
Patagonia: supremely beautiful.Credit: iStock
A supremely beautiful part of South America, and for that matter, the world, with glaciers, sheer mountains, sparkling lakes and rugged fjords. Straddling two countries and taking in the southern extremes of the mighty Andes mountains, it is no exaggeration to declare that this is like nowhere else on Earth.
Machu Picchu, Peru
Unquestionably one of the greatest places in the world … Machu Picchu, Peru. Credit: iStock
Peru’s poster child may be a victim of its own success, but it is unquestionably one of the greatest places in the world, especially when arriving at the Sun Gate at dawn after hiking the Inca Trail. The cloud-wreathed setting is dramatic as is the site’s religious and royal history.
Angkor Wat, Cambodia
Angkor Wat … “better than any expectations you might have”.Credit: iStock
This UNESCO World Heritage listed site is known for its stunning towers, intricate bas-reliefs and vast moat, making it a symbol of Cambodia’s rich cultural heritage. On most people’s bucket list, and rightly so, this vast, once-hidden Hindu-Buddhist temple complex really is spectacular. Better than any expectations you might have.
Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe/Zambia
It’s simply magnificent to witness this spectacular natural wonder – one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World – any time throughout the year from either the Zambian or Zimbabwe side of the Zambezi River. A helicopter flight over the falls and its sections is a must.
Great Barrier Reef, Queensland
A 2300-kilometre World Heritage-site, with multiple access points (Cairns, Port Douglas, Whitsundays), dozens of experiences (snorkel, dive, swim, glass-bottom boat, whale-watching, citizen science, Indigenous culture) and a wide range of accommodation, it really is one of the greatest destinations of all time.
Antarctica
Antarctica: life changing.Credit: iStock
Unparalleled beauty, furious extremes, the thrill of adventure, wildlife dramas, otherworldly landscapes and the insights gained into why we must protect such pristine places. You can’t go to Antarctica and come away unchanged. It engenders deep appreciation of the planet. We need to love it gently.
Petra, Jordan
This World Heritage-listed desert is the Middle East of our imaginations: arid plains, craggy outcrops, curious camels, that extraordinary archaeological site vividly telling stories of ancient history, and luxurious Bedouin encampments.
The winner: Uluru, Northern Territory, Australia
Uluru … unforgettable.
Staying in the sightlines of Uluru is an experience few forget. Its ancientness and spirituality imbues all visitors with a special connection to Indigenous Australia.
CONTRIBUTORS Kate Armstrong, Keith Austin, Ben Groundwater, Shaney Hudson, Belinda Jackson, Julietta Jameson, Brian Johnston, Ute Junker, Nina Karnikowski, Katrina Lobley, Rob McFarland, Steve McKenna, Catherine Marshall, Justin Meneguzzi, Julie Miller, Sheriden Rhodes, Tim Richards, Craig Tansley, Lee Tulloch, Kerry van der Jagt, Penny Watson and Sue Williams