Travelling to Australia is a true adventure. This vast country has everything from vibrant cities to stunning, wild landscapes. But what are the hidden treasures? The sights that dedicated travellers have found and loved? Here are five little-known gems to discover while travelling in Australia.
Lake Hillier
Australia may be famous for crystal clear and blue waters, but that’s what makes this particular lake all the more astounding. Lake Hillier, in the Recherche Archipelago, is a vibrant pink colour. Nearly 2000 feet long, the lake is home to countless native and migratory birds and is lined by dense forests of paperbark and eucalyptus trees. To this day, no one is completely certain why the lake is pink, although it could be to do with pigment from the algae that grows in
the water.
The Haunted Bookshop
If you love the occult and macabre, Melbourne’s Haunted Bookshop is the destination for you. As well as books on tarot, witchcraft and even aliens, the store owner, Haunted Australia presenter Drew Swinton, runs ghost tours exploring the more spooky lanes and secret sites Melbourne has to offer. A truly unique experience.
Balls Pyramid
Earth’s eighth continent, Zealandia, mostly resides deep beneath the ocean. But determined travellers can see a tiny part of it by travelling to the Gold Coast and heading out into the Pacific. Ball’s Pyramid is a tip of the continent that juts prominently above the waves; a huge 1,843 feet of seemingly barren rock. In 2001, scientists discovered the rock is not quite as barren as first thought, as it is actually home to the Lord Howe Stick Insect – thought extinct for many years.
The Giant Stairway
If climbing nearly 1000 steps sounds manageable to you, then head for the Three Sisters in Katoomba. Widely regarded as one of the highlights of Australia’s Blue Mountains, the iconic landmark rises 3000 feet above sea level. The stairs were originally dismissed as an expensive folly, but park rangers lobbied for the easier access to the Three Sisters. Over 900 of the huge steps are hewn directly into the stone cliff face, with steel stairs added in to help complete the journey to one of Australia’s most incredible vistas.
Redwood Forest Tree Art
In East Warburton is a California Redwood Forest that’s like something out of a fairy tale. Originally planted in the 1930s as a weed control project, the forest is now something of a giant art exhibition. Huge, woven birds’ nests and stunning archways made solely from the trees themselves surprise and delight visitors. The grid formation of the forest only adds to its surreal nature, making the work of artists such as David Digapony all the more striking.
If this has given you a taste for the unusual in Australia, head over to Ben Groundwater’s The One Thing blog series, where there are plenty of tips and hacks for travelling in Oz. Get excited about starting your own incredible Australian adventure.
