Would you be surprised to know that Australia is the same size (Geographically) as the United States? Our population though is small comparatively at only 25 million people. Australia is also the biggest Island continent in the world and has coastline that is 36000 kilometres or 14000 miles long. That’s allot of beaches. Australia also has 16 World Heritage Listed locations and 8 different Eco Systems from Deserts to Rainforests. In fact Australia has the oldest Rainforest in the world and is home to the longest surviving indigenous inhabitants as well. We are home to 7 of the top 10 deadliest snakes in the world, around 200 different species of marsupials and almost 1000 different species of reptiles. Australia also has a population of around 40 million Kangaroos.
Australia is broken up into 6 states and 2 territories. New South Wales, Queensland, Victoria, Tasmania and Western Australia make up the states and the Northern Territory and the Australian Capital Territory make up the territories. Canberra is the Capital.
With all of that space, Australia certainly has some of the best scenery that the world has to offer. And here are my all time favourites Australian Scenic Spots.
VICTORIA
The State of Victoria is well known for the Great Ocean Road and Phillip Island. But if you dig a little deeper you will find some amazing scenery. The southernmost point of the Australian mainland is known as Wilsons Promontory. This popular locals retreat is hinged by a dramatic coastline, miles and miles of walking trails and spectacular scenery with idyllic coastal views. Located not far from Melbourne are the Grampian Ranges. The Grampians offer a diverse range of scenery including sandstone mountain ranges and a wonderful collection of Aboriginal Art. Climb The Pinnacle for some of the best views in Victoria, and check out Victoria’s largest water fall, Mackenzie Falls.
Image courtesy of Victoria Tourism
SOUTH AUSTRALIA
The state of South Australia is also home to some amazing Australian Scenic Spots. The pick of the bunch here is the Flinders Ranges National Park. 450 kilometres north of Adelaide will land you smack bang in the middle of South Australia’s largest mountain range and just shy of the well known outback town of Hawker. The heart of the Flinders Ranges is Wilpena Pound, a giant natural Ampitheatre that has to be seen to be believed. Words cannot describe the beauty of the rugged sandstone canyons and gorges, hidden creeks, abundance of wildlife and iconic red river gum trees that make up this quintessential outback scene. Dingoes, Kangaroos, Wallabies and Echidnas flourish. There are also an incredible amount of birdlife including the bigger species like Emus and Wedge Tailed Eagles. Impressive Aboriginal Rock Art sites also are common.
Image courtesy of Tourism Australia
While down this way you must also visit the Eyre Peninsula, another amazing Australian scenic spot. This region, to the south of the capital, offers some of the most unique scenery in Australia. The main town is Port Lincoln which supports the biggest fishing fleet in the Southern Hemisphere and produces some of the worlds leading seafood including Southern Blue Fin Tuna and Hiramasa Kingfish.
The Lower Eyre Peninsula also boasts some of the most scenic National Parks in Australia including the Port Lincoln National Park and the Coffin Bay National Park. These parks contain some of the most spectacular coastal scenery from endless white beaches to stunning sand dunes and crystal clear water. And a locals tip, make some time and drive down to Coffin Bay to not only explore this beautiful coastal area but to also taste the famous Coffin Bay Oyster, arguably Australia’s best tasting oyster.
TASMANIA
The state of Tasmania is yet another well known destination that features some of the most scenic places in Australia. A stand out is the Bay of Fires, situated on the North Eastern coast of the Island State. A gorgeous stretch of over 50 kilometres of crystal white sandy coastline. The real beauty of the Bay of Fires though is the orange lichen covered granite boulders. Combine this with the crystal white sand and turquoise waters and you have a jaw dropping background. To the south of here is the Freycinet Peninsula. The Freycinet National Park is home to unique pink granite peaks, secret bays, more white sandy beaches and amazing birdlife. The Hazards Range dominates this part of Tasmania as does the well known Wineglass Bay. Surely one of Australia’s most photographed scenic places. The short walk to Wineglass Bay is absolutely worth it for another one of Australia’s most scenic place.
Image courtesy of Tourism Australia
