Australian Sights

From beautiful beaches, bustling cities and the magic of the red centre Australia is a country that offers one plenty to see and do. The Great Barrier Reef, Uluru, Wave Rock, Sydney Opera House, Kangaroo Island and Kakadu National Park are only a few of the many attractions that Australia has to offer.

Listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site, the Great Barrier Reef is the world’s largest coral reef, and is home to an array of sea life and birds. At 300,000 square kilometres the Great Barrier Reef is so large that it is even visible from space. Stretching from north of Cape York to the coastal town of Bundaberg, the Great Barrier Reef is one of the world’s seven natural wonders. Every year the Great Barrier Reef, with its turquoise waters, idyllic environment and perfect diving sites, attracts visitors from all around the world.

Also listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site, Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park is home to the world famous Uluru, or Ayers Rock, which is situated in Australia’s red centre. The ever-welcoming Anangu Aboriginal people are the traditional landowners of this area, and the area holds great cultural importance to them. Proud of their heritage, the Anangu people lead walking tours around Uluru, and the surrounding area, offering a wealth of knowledge about the local flora and fauna, bush foods and Aboriginal Dreamtime stories.

A few hours outside of Perth is Wave Rock, another of Australia’s exquisite rock formations. Wave Rock stands a majestic 14 metres high and stretches to a length of 110 metres. The multicoloured rock, as its name suggests, resembles a gigantic wave ready to crash to the shores below.

One of Australia’s most sophisticated cities Sydney opens its arms to visitors each and everyday. Among other things, people flock to Sydney to see Sydney’s world famous Opera House. The Opera House is one of the worlds most famous performing arts centres and is, yet, another of Australia’s World Heritage sites.

For those excited about seeing some of Australia’s native wildlife, why not consider visiting Kangaroo Island. Kangaroo Island is home to both Flinders Chase National Park and Seal Bay Conservation Park. Australia’s Kangaroo Island offers one the opportunity to see rare Australian sea lions, wallabies, kangaroos, koalas, platypus and more. The island is also populated with beautiful flora, gorgeous beaches and quaint coastal towns.

Not too far from the city of Darwin is the magical Kakadu National Park. Kakadu National park is rich in culture and offers beautiful scenery and a wide array of wildlife. Listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site, the park is owned in part by the Australian national government and in part by the local Aboriginal people, some of who still live there. With beautiful rock formations, cascading waterfalls, green wetlands, an array of wildlife and aboriginal rock art, visiting Kakadu National Park is an adventure.

Australia is a magical country with so much to offer; so, be sure to always carry your camera with you, no matter where you go.

K.Patten