The Land Down Under got its name from the explorers who discovered it when searching for land under Asia. Australia’s the biggest continent country. It’s unique thanks to its peculiar accent, culture, wildlife, and its natural wonders.
Uluru, the Great Barrier Reef, and the Sydney Opera House are a few places famous worldwide. When visiting Australia no one misses these spots. But there are so many other Australia vacation spots than the prominent sites!
Here are some marvelous Australia destinations you may not know but should be on your list. If you’re traveling in Australia, using an E-sim gets you a recharge and data plan at local charges!
1. The Pinnacles, Nambung Desert
This desert is located north of Perth and has a pinnacle collection made of strange limestone pillars. Some suggest they gained their unusual shapes because the limestone eroded with time. Another theory suggests these were originally trees or roots that got covered by limestone later.
A legend in Aboriginal culture states a mildly disturbing cause. It says that the formations represent people who died in the quicksand. Either way, the sight is unforgettable. Especially at sunset, the shadows formed and the golden gleam is something you should not miss.
2. Magnetic Island, Queensland
It’s said that during the 1770s when Captain Cook was crossing from this route, this area exerted a magnetic pull which was evident on a compass. Over the years, scientists have tried researching this but haven’t discovered anything yet. The name still holds.
The Magnetic Island in Queensland offers beautiful views. Another prominent feature of the place is the remains of an observation deck from World War II. During WWII it was an important location due to its proximity to Townsville (a military base).
3. Newnes Glow Worm Tunnel, Putty
The railways of Newnes shut down in 1932, after which the tunnel was abandoned. This tunnel then became a home to glow worms. The bioluminescent larvae of various species cover its interior. When you reach the middle, which is entirely dark, you’ll see the gnats glowing steadily. The whole image is absolutely dreamy.
4. Port Arthur Penal Colony, Tasmania
If you’re a traveler who is fond of history and legends, this place is for you. In the 1830s, the most heinous criminals from Britain were kept here. They were forced to engross themselves in hard labor. You can walk through the torture cells, hospitals, and mental asylum and get a glimpse of the life they had.
5. Shell Beach, Western Australia
This beach appears to have clear white sand when looked at from a distance. As you get nearer to the beach, you’ll be amazed! It’s made entirely of shells!
Tidal inflow is blocked by a massive bank of seagrass. The water here has twice the salinity of regular seawater and high evaporation. Cockles can survive this but other marine life couldn’t. Through the years, they washed up on the shore forming the exquisite beach.
6. Nimbin, New South Wales
Nimbin is one of the Australia vacation spots representing the word vibrant! It’s where the counterculture movement was born. If you’re an artist and hippie culture entices you, this place is a must-visit! Various struggling artists reside here. It’s like a trip back to the 1970s. A unique herb aroma fills the air, people roam with tie-dyes, and there are craft stores and a hemp museum too!
7. Little Blue Lake, South Mount Cameron, Tasmania
The serene blue hues make this lake irresistible, but as they say – don’t judge a book by its cover. Avoid jumping in the lake no matter how strongly you desire it. It’s greatly contaminated by toxic heavy metals which makes it perilous. However, the scenic beauty of this place is refreshing. It’s believed that gem hunters visit this Australia vacation spot often.
8. Wycliffe Well, Northern Territory
Don’t believe in aliens or life outside Earth? Visit this place and you’ll get your opinions changed. The town of Wycliffe Well can turn the most skeptical persons’ opinions. Since WWII there have been UFO sightings here. The proof is all collected in a local restaurant. Sounds unreal, doesn’t it? Visit and decide for yourself! Besides this, Wycliffe Well is a place for stunning sunrises and sunsets too. It’s very much like an amusement park.
9. Lake Bumbunga
This lake is situated in South Australia. One fascinating factor about this lake is that it changes its color from blue to white to pink depending upon its salinity. The pink shades of the lake are almost like a painting and it is a great spot to get Instagrammable pictures.
Salt has been mined at Lake Bumbunga since 1881 and the Loch Eel Monster has been here since The 70s, visible from long distances.
10. Umpherston Sinkhole
This sinkhole is also called The Sunken Garden. It was formed when a subterranean cave naturally collapsed. In 1886, James Umpherston began planting a garden and transforming it into what it is today. It gives you an experience of the film Avatar. The greenery that surrounds you in the sinkhole is enthralling!
11. Horizontal Waterfalls in Talbot Bay
Everyone’s amazed by the waterfalls! But did you know that horizontal waterfalls exist? This Australia vacation spot is proof of the magic that nature has to offer. These horizontal waterfalls are a result of the moon tides and are a true wonder that will leave you speechless.
12. Devils Marbles
The two-round structured granite boulders are believed to be the fossilized eggs of the mythical Rainbow Serpent according to traditional Aboriginals. The elegance of the place is something you cannot afford to miss when you visit the best Australia vacation spots. These boulders hold a spiritual significance and their rounded shape has been caused by weathering over the years.
13. Cape Pillar Tasmania
This place is housed in the tallest pillars (300 m) of the Southern hemisphere. It offers breathtaking views of the sea.
14. The Grampians National Park in Victoria
The broken river, home to platypus, The Grampians are where you’ll uncover other stunning Australia hidden gems.
A journey to Australia offers an out-of-the-world experience. It’s like visiting a different reality and the stories of each of these Australia vacation spots are astounding.
It would be disappointing if you didn’t get the complete experience of Australia just because you spent most of your travel budget on extravagant phone charges. Make sure you don’t let that happen and enjoy your visit to the best vacation spots in Australia!
Mirela Letailleur is a Romanian travel blogger living in the South of France. She writes on The Travel Bunny travel blog about affordable travel in Europe, creator of unique free travel guides, local travel expert. Problem solver. Wannabe coffee guru.
Other travel guides to help you plan your Australia visit
Here’s the best time to explore Australia
Kangaroo Island Australia – A visit to Paradise
Best holidays for Melbourne travelers