They don't call it "Australia Fair" for nothing. Australia is a stunning country. The countries low population together with their relatively good environmental policies help protect the many areas of natural beauty. Amongst the more spectacular are:
Uluru (or Ayres Rock) - You have seen it depicted on a thousand postcards but it is so much more spectacular to visit in person. Its many changing colours at sunrise or sunset give you the perfect holiday snap of your own! Although costly to get out there in both time and money (so much so that we almost left it out) in hindsight thank goodness we didn't as we would have regretted it in a big way. Its sheer size is jaw dropping and you can understand why it is so important to the Aboriginal people.
Great Barrier Reef - Does breathtaking natural beauty get any better than this? Maybe, but as far as colours, sights and diversity of sub aquatic life it is unsurpassed in my experience. The first time I just snorkelled around the inner reef. The second time I went on a diving holiday and explored the outer reef in more detail. If you have the time, inclination and budget try and dive - it is so much better.
Kings Canyon - Protected from the harsh desert climate by the steep sides of the canyon are pre-historic ferns and rainforest fauna. I didn't really expect to be so impressed by the sheer size and beauty of the canyon. I guess you prepare yourself for Uluru and just think of Kings Canyon as a side-show...something to break up the journey on the way to the coast. This couldn't be further from the truth. A visit is a must.
Blue Mountains National Park - The Mountains look blue from a distance due to oils released by all the eucalyptus trees creating a blue haze. (Now you know!) Conveniently located a short drive from Sydney the Blue Mountains provide welcome respite from the summer heat. Go there to walk, climb or just sit back and admire the views. Just remember to take plenty of water!
Jenolan Caves - The biggest and best caves I have ever seen (not that I am a cave expert!) If stalactites and stalagmites are your thing I am sure you will love them...!
Twelve Apostles - You can see these monolithic limestone stacks whilst driving along the Great Ocean Road between Melbourne and Adelaide. Sadly they will not be around for ever due to coastal erosion. Within recent years one collapsed and the famous London Bridge caved in.
Whitehaven Beach, The Whitsunday Islands - Do beaches get more pure white than this? Australia has its fair share of beaches but this is the one that always tops the charts.
The Pinnacles - Perhaps not as impressive as the other sights listed here but certainly the West Coasts most bizarre natural beauty. If you have an interest in geology then you will have a greater understanding of how they were created by tectonic plates. For the rest of us this multitude of limestone stacks in the middle of the desert provides the perfect opportunity to take lots of ridiculous photos!
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