We have the world’s biggest and most famous rock - and other big rocks too
Uluru stands 348m (1,142 feet) above the surrounding desert plain, making it taller than the Eiffel Tower. Imbued with spirituality and a rich Aboriginal history, watching Uluru change colours at sunrise or sunset is one of Australia's most unmissable experiences. Uluru is the world’s largest monolith and should be at the top of any travel list. Any travellers aspiring to visit other wondrous rock formations, should also add Mount Augustus to their list. Located in Western Australia, Mount Augustus is approximately double the size of Uluru and is often identified as the world’s largest monolith, but, because it is composed of multiple rock types, it is technically not a monolith.
We are the custodians of the world’s largest ecosystem
Covering 344,400 sq km in area, The Great Barrier Reef actually extends over 14 degrees of latitude and you can see it from space! The vastness is equal parts extraordinary to the 3,000 coral reefs, 600 continental islands, 300 coral cays and 150 inshore mangrove islands it hosts. To put it into perspective, the Great Barrier Reef is bigger than Victoria and Tasmania combined. Whether you choose to hop the 74 islands of the Whitsundays, explore the extensive range of native flora and fauna on Great Keppel Island, the Great Barrier Reef is unmissable. It’s also home to Luxury Lodge, Qualia, which is consistently rated one of the best in the world.And the world’s oldest rainforest
Sir David Attenborough once called the Daintree Rainforest, “The most extraordinary place on Earth...”, so you know it’s got to be good. At 180-million years old, the World Heritage-listed Daintree Rainforest is so beautiful that its ancient ferns, emerald green vines and lush canopy provided inspiration for the movie Avatar. Here, you can trek through the jungle and discover plants and animals found nowhere else on the planet, or fly through the trees on a zip-line for a bird’s-eye view. Cruise along the winding waterways of the Daintree River, looking for saltwater crocodiles or head to Cape Tribulation and see where the rainforest meets the Great Barrier Reef.Great mountain ranges that stretch across state borders
The Great Dividing Range comprises a series of plateaus and low mountain ranges paralleling the coasts of Queensland, New South Wales, and Victoria for 3,700km (2,300 miles). Formed over 300 million years ago the range has everything from eroded volcanoes to flora and fauna that doesn’t exist anywhere else in the world. It is also home to countless walking and biking tracks, camping grounds and at 2,228m (7,310 feet) high, Mount Kosciuszko which is also Australia’s tallest mountain.Waterfalls that flow horizontally
Western Australia’s Horizontal Falls are unlike any other waterfall you've ever seen. Here, the water ‘falls’ horizontally. Technically, this natural phenomenon is not a waterfall, and occurs thanks to some of the largest tidal movements in the world. There are two horizontal waterfalls in the Kimberley region, located at Talbot Bay in the Buccaneer Archipelago. As the tide rises and falls, a huge volume of water is forced through two narrow cliff passages, creating a variation in ocean level of up to four metres and a unique waterfall effect. Whether visitors ride by boat, or witness the sight from the air, it’s an unforgettable experience.Globally famous man-made icons, that you can climb
Sydney is known as one of the most vibrant, cosmopolitan and exciting cities on earth, with travellers from around the globe drawn to its must-see harbourside attractions. Count the Sydney Opera House's one million roof tiles which cover approximately 1.62 hectares (4 acres), or learn how the House is cooled using seawater taken directly from the harbour. For a more active adventure, BridgeClimb is now offering guests the opportunity to climb the entire length of the famed Sydney Harbour Bridge with an Ultimate Climb. Perhaps the biggest innovation to this iconic tourist attraction in 21 years, it is the first time in history climbers have been able to scale the entire Bridge.
Great lakes and rivers, some of which turn pink
Australia is known for its incredible beaches, but don’t overlook the great lakes and rivers. Lake Eyre in South Australia is Australia’s largest salt lake at 9,500 km2 (3,667 miles2) and regularly cycles from completely dry to a full basin dependent on rainfall. The Murray River is 2,508km (1,558 miles) and is Australia’s longest single river, running across three states and bringing lush green landscapes to its surrounds. Australia is also home to extraordinary pink lakes that have to be seen to be believed. From the outback of South Australia to the coast of Western Australia, there are few things that are as beautiful and baffling as Australia’s pink lakes.Some seriously great inclines and declines
15 minutes from Tasmania’s Launceston city centre at Cataract Gorge (20.5m deep), you can jump on the world's longest single-span chairlift which is 457m (0.3 miles) from station to station. In New South Wales, Scenic World in the Blue Mountains lets visitors ride the world’s steepest railway down into a valley between the mountains. Here, passengers can choose their level of adventure, adjusting their seated position up to 20 degrees. Choose ‘Cliffhanger’ at a steep 64 degree incline; ‘Laidback’ for a more relaxed journey; or ‘Original’ at 52 degrees. For an incline you can't climb, but is just as breathtaking - there is the Staircase to the Moon. From March to November, when conditions are just right, visitors to Broome in Western Australia are treated to this breathtaking natural spectacle. The phenomenon occurs around three times a month at extremely low tide when the full moon rises over the exposed mudflats of Roebuck Bay, creating the optical illusion of lunar stairs.Stuff that glows
In New South Wales’ Jervis Bay, the beaches are even more wondrous at night. Due to a natural chemical reaction, the plankton become luminescent and emanate a blue glow. This unusual natural phenomenon is more common in spring and summer months. Jervis Bay is not the only place in Australia you can see this occur, with it also being reported in Whitsundays Queensland, Port Lincoln South Australia and Lauderdale Tasmania. Or, to be surrounded by nature’s own version of fairy lights, head to Lithgow in New South Wales to find a magical glow worm that lights up an old railway tunnel. In Queensland’s Springbrook National Park, find Australia’s largest colony of glow worms or in Melba Gully, Victoria spot glow worms can be seen at night along the walking tracks. There are also fireflies in the forests and mangroves along the coast of New South Wales, Queensland and the Northern Territory.The world’s largest dinosaur footprints
Australia has a rich archaeological history and the world’s largest dinosaur footprints can be found on the north coast of Broome in Western Australia. At 1.7m (5.6ft) long, these fossilised dinosaur footprints are 130 million years old and extend in patches for 80km (49 miles) along the coast. Travellers with budding palaeontologists in the family can head to the National Dinosaur Museum – a 15-minute drive north of Canberra city. It’s a must for its massive collection of interactive dinosaurs, skeletons and fossils. Or visit the Australian Age of Dinosaurs exhibition in Winton Queensland to see the skeletons of three dinosaurs found in the area, and watch palaeontologists at work or join in the fun with a prep-a-dino package.Trees made for giants
Experience some of the tallest timber on Earth at canopy level – 40m (131ft) above ground – at the Valley of the Giants Treetop Walk near Walpole Western Australia. One of the first walking trail of its kind, the 600m (1,968ft) walkway extends through the majestic and ancient 400 year old red tingle forest where visitors can spot native wildlife below. These giant eucalypts are found nowhere else in Australia, or on Earth as a matter of fact. For a tropical adventure visit Queensland’s Daintree with trees reaching 44.2m (145ft), or 100km (62 miles) outside of Hobart in Styx Valley witness some of the world’s tallest trees - the eucalyptus regnans growing 100m (328ft) tall.Land so wide it looks like a giant took a bite out of it
The Great Australian Bight is home to the Nullarbor Plain, where visitors can go fishing from cliff tops or watch whales migrating along the coast. There are some incredible experiences to be found as you drive along the open road. On South Australia’s Eyre Peninsula, you can stand on the edge of Australia at the Head of Bight to watch southern right whales nurse their calves. The Nullarbor is also home to a 1,365km (848 mile) golf course along the Eyre Highway, the longest in the world, Nullarbor Links.Our Parliament House is shaped like a boomerang
Part of Walter Burley Griffin’s vision for Canberra in 1912 was New Parliament House. Shaped like a boomerang, this marvel of modern architecture is nestled on Capital Hill. Highlights of the building include the two huge circular walls composed of granite, which mirror the curves of the hill; the towering 81m (265ft) flagpole; and in the foyer, 48 columns of illuminated greenish-grey marble create the impression of a eucalyptus forest. After visiting Parliament House take the 3.5km (2.1 miles) Parliament House Walk to the city centre or fly over Parliament House in a hot air balloon.We have seriously great animal migrations
Australia’s great lands and seas are a stop on many animal’s migrations, from red crabs that crawl across Christmas Island to spider crabs which migrate under the water of Port Phillip Bay in Victoria. Each year, tens of thousands of whales migrate along Australia’s east and west coasts - resulting in the longest whale watching season in the world. Hotspots on the east coast include the Whitsundays, Hervey Bay, Gold Coast, Sydney and the Sunshine Coast, where you can also swim with the whales. Over in Western Australia, your best whale watching spots are the coastal towns of Albany, Augusta, Busselton, Fremantle and Broome. For the chance to swim next to the largest fish in the ocean, head to Western Australia for the incredible whale shark migration. Or off the coast of South Australia, witness the annual migration of thousands of giant Australian cuttlefish to the waters of the Upper Spencer Gulf, which is one of the most spectacular natural events in the Australian marine environment.Great whites sharks...
Port Lincoln, on the Eyre Peninsula's east coast in South Australia, is home to some of the world's largest predatory fish - the great white shark. For those feeling brave, a handful of local cage diving operators offer the chance to meet them face-to-face. If the thought of diving doesn't appeal, Adventure Bay Charters has the world’s first Aqua sub, meaning travellers can still see sharks up close underwater without getting wet. Or if visitors to the region would prefer something a little more relaxing, book a swimming experience with the friendly sea lions or dolphins at Baird Bay, 284km (176 miles) from Port Lincoln.The oldest living culture on Earth
No Australian adventure is complete without an opportunity to learn about and connect with the vast history of Australia’s First Peoples. The oldest living culture on Earth, Australia’s Aboriginal culture is multifaceted, with a deep connection to land, sea and spirit at its core. The Discover Aboriginal Experiences collective offers an extraordinary suite of authentic and meaningful journeys, from one-hour tours to multi-day odysseys, which provide a window of insight into this ancient community. Perhaps the richest of all travel experiences available in Australia, adding an Indigenous experience to any itinerary will leave any traveller with a newfound appreciation and connection to Australia’s ancient natural environment and cultures.Great legacies of Aussie icons
Australia is a great country and it’s no surprise that it’s also home to some great people. In the Southern Highlands of New South Wales, the Bradman Centre, honours one of Australia’s most famous players, Sir Donald Bradman. The museum contains a vast collection of memorabilia associated with Sir Donald Bradman, and overlooks the oval where The Don began his career.In Queensland, explore wildlife icon Steve Irwin’s legacy at Australia Zoo. Here, meet some of Australia’s cutest animals, hand-feed kangaroos, meet cockatoos and wombats, and learn all about Australia’s crocodiles. At the Australian War Memorial in Australia’s capital, commemorate the sacrifice of Australians who served and died in times of conflict through its huge collection of stories and artefacts. Here, several exhibitions including permanent galleries that cover Australia’s involvement in all major conflicts, and a number of temporary displays reveal the touching stories of these Australian heroes with relics, personal and public records, photographs, sculptures, aircraft, the Roll of Honour and more.
World-class golf courses
Golfers are spoilt for choice when it comes to world-class courses in Australia. Whether you spend the day on spectacular coastal links, stunning parkland courses or a championship course, a day on the green is sure to be a hole in one. Keen golfers can also get exclusive access to some of the most impressive private-member courses in the country with the Great Golf Courses of Australia collective, a number of which regularly place in world top 100 listings.Fishing riches
Keen anglers will find Australia is a paradise for fishing. Boasting nearly 4,000 marine species, of which many are only found in Australia’s waters, the richness and diversity of Australia's fish life is world-class. With a catalogue of fishing riches including chrome-silver barramundi, massive Murray cod, the world’s greatest seasonal concentration of black marlin, record-breaking trevally, succulent snapper, lip-smacking whiting and some of the finest trout fishing to be found anywhere south of the equator, you wont need to travel far for fishing bliss. Check out Great Fishing Adventures of Australia for more.A collection of the world's greatest, grandest and longest drives
- Whether you’re hugging the coastline or heading inland to the ochre-hued outback, Australia offers road trips like nowhere else.
- In Victoria, wind down the famous 243km (150 miles) Great Ocean Road and spot koalas sleeping in the treetops. Best known for its dramatic rock formation of the 12 Apostles (of which there are now only eight, as time and salty waters have caused the others to fall), the route is also home to spectacular vistas of craggy cliffs, crashing waves. For a truly GREAT stay, enroute, guests can choose to stay at Great Ocean Road Resort which is surrounded by beautiful beaches and bushland, or the Great Eco Lodge which is entirely self-sufficient.
- Or, wind through an alpine adventure along Victoria’s 339km (210 miles) Great Alpine Road, from Wangaratta in the north-east across to Metung on the jaw-droppingly beautiful Gippsland Lakes. The road tours through Mt Hotham ski resort and has some of Australia’s most spectacular mountain scenery from plunging valleys, lush forests, lofty mountain ranges and past rolling vineyards.
- In Tasmania, the Great Eastern Drive takes visitors from the white beaches of Tasmania’s east coast, to some of the most luscious food and drink experiences in the world. Here the seafood is world class, with clean seas and inland streams offering up fresh seafood morsels such as oysters, mussels and lobster. Follow this action-packed 5-day road trip to meet the region's passionate growers, producers and winemakers, explore award-winning walking tracks, and have your breath taken away with spectacular views.
- One of Australia’s most spectacular coastal drives is New South Wales’ Grand Pacific Drive. At 140 kilometres (87 miles) long, the Grand Pacific Drive is an easy yet epic road trip that begins just south of Sydney in the Royal National Park and clutches the coastline down to the Shoalhaven region. This winding road unfurls onto Wollongong’s Sea Cliff Bridge, which seems to levitate between aquamarine water and rugged cliffs.
- Something that should be on every Australians bucket list is the “Big Lap”. Pack up the car and head either north or south, and just keep driving right around the country until you end up back where you started. Note: this no easy feat. Planning is a must and if you’ve never been outback or off-road before, sign up for a 4WD training course.
- Not all great drives are long drives, even in a place as big as Australia. At only 140 kilometres (87 miles) long, the Great Barrier Reef Drive – from the tropical city of Cairns to the wilds of Cape Tribulation – offers more than its fair share of wonders. Where else can you see two World Heritage sites (the Great Barrier Reef and the Daintree Rainforest) at the same time.
And great walks to boot!
- Western Australia’s Bibbulmun Track spans 1,000km (621 miles) from Kalamunda in the Perth Hills to Albany on the south coast. The trail passes through some of Australia’s most stunning scenery, including magnificent karri and tingle forests, rivers, valleys, and ancient bushland with over 8,000 wildflower species, and the dramatic southern coast’s cliffs. Visitors can meet wildlife in this biodiversity hotspot, including western brush wallabies, emus, kangaroos, and possums especially near the lush rock pools along the trail.
- Tasmania’s magnificent 50km (31 miles) burnt coastline has been known as the Bay of Fires for thousands of years, since settlers witnessed the fires of the Aboriginal people on the beaches. Visitors will witness dramatic landscapes, ecology and wildlife as they walk the soft sandy beaches and explore hidden coves, before ending a day of walking in the impossible clear ocean.
- The Great North Walk links Sydney to Newcastle through a 260km (161 mile) bushwalk. Visitors are able to take their time and enjoy the whole walk in 30 short day walks starting in Macquarie Place in central Sydney and finishing at Queens Wharf in central Newcastle.
- Soak up the ethereal scenery of vast flood plains, razorback rocky outcrops and ancient land on a guided 72km (44.7 mile), six-day walk through the high ridgelines of the West MacDonnell Ranges along the Larapinta Trail in Northern Territory. Visitors will follow in the footsteps of the land's traditional Aboriginal owners, early explorers and modern adventurers.
- Victoria’s Great Ocean Walk located in the Great Ocean Road region between Apollo Bay and the iconic Twelve Apostles, hugs more than 100km (62 mile) of Australia’s rugged coastline. Over eight days visitors can weave their way through tall forests, coastal heathlands, beside wild rocky shores and along windswept cliff-tops presenting amazing views.
Director of Tourism Australia Phillipa Harrison said:
“For those who have the means and are able to do so, summer offers the perfect opportunity for getting out and enjoying some of Australian tourism’s greatest icons, experiences and offerings while also helping our tourism businesses and communities get back on their feet.”
Website: https://www.tourism.australia.com/en
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