The Wonders of Australia

Posted on by Miriam

“There’s nothing like Australia” goes the slogan. But have you ever wondered what all the fuss is about?

From barbies and thongs, colourful characters and weird place names like Woolloomooloo, No Where Else, Mt Buggery and Tumburumba, the land down under is filled with more than natural wonders.

Now, after one of the largest national online polls conducted by Experience Oz, tourism experts and 68,000 public votes, here are the top seven wonders of Australia. I wonder if you’ll agree.

1. The Great Barrier Reef (Queensland)

That’s me, over twenty years ago!

Whether seeing it from above or diving below its waters, the Great Barrier Reef, the world’s single largest living organism stretching over 2300kms, is a wonder to behold.

On my 30th birthday we flew over the reef on a Cessna and landed in the Daintree rainforest for an unforgettable adventure. We snorkelled in warm waters amongst delicate coral and rainbow fish.

Decades later the tropical north still offers a multitude of reef adventures for visitors worldwide, whilst efforts of conservationists have gone a long way to ensure the Great Barrier Reef remains as pristine as possible.

2. Uluru (Northern Territory)

The allure of the rock is undeniable. Uluru stands as the iconic natural landmark of the Australian outback, a breath taking sight, best experienced firsthand. It’s a place to ‘feel’ and be inspired.

It’s akin to a spiritual moment to watch the changing colours on the rock. Glowing, morphing from yellow, red to blazing orange as night falls and morning dawns. Majestic, ancient, awe inspiring.

3. The 12 Apostles (Victoria)

The Great Ocean Road is one of the great drives of Australia. I’ve lost track of the number of photos we’ve taken along this coastline. We’ve seen the 12 Apostles at sunrise and at sunset, from lookout points and from the heights of a helicopter.

There’s only eight left now, these 45 metre limestone stacks that rise majestically above the sea, but they remain an iconic and recognisable seascape.

Continued erosion means another Apostle could fall at any time, reason enough to visit.

4. The Australian War Memorial (Canberra)

This one was a surprise to me but it reinforces the pride Australians have of their history.

“The Australian War Memorial serves as a hybrid tribute, museum, archive and attraction all in one and features a staggering array of moving displays.” (Experience Oz website)

“Above all, the Australian War Memorial is about far more than simply war; it is a place of love and friendship, love of family and country, honouring those who have made the ultimate sacrifice and – in paramount: the value of peace, a true Wonder in and of itself.” (Experience Oz website)

5. Sydney Opera House (NSW)

It’s one of our most iconic buildings, the sail shaped facade of the Sydney Opera House. It’s been designated a World Heritage Site by the United Nations – the youngest building ever to be honoured.

And rightly so. It’s striking architecture is the starring role on the beautiful Sydney harbour and forms the focus of a world wide recognisable landmark.

6. Cradle Mountain (Tasmania)

It’s hard to think of Tasmania without picturing the magnificent scenery that surrounds Cradle Mountain.

Pristine, rugged, wild, ancient, the beauty of the mirrored reflection on the surface of Dove Lake is indisputable. Enjoy the gentle amble around the lake, photograph the iconic boat shed that graces its shore and breath the pure air that epitomises Tasmania.

Yes, apparently it’s true. This beautiful state has the world’s cleanest air.

7. Horizontal Falls (West Australia)

Photo by Greg Keighery

This is the only wonder I can’t personally attest to but close friends have spoken of the sheer magnificence and power of this natural phenomenon.

In their words “unforgettable and the most remote area I have been. Nature at its best”.

Although they’re called waterfalls this natural phenomenon actually consists of intense tidal currents hurtling through two narrow coastal gorges.

So there they are, as voted, Australia’s seven wonders.

Here are a few more weird and whimsical facts about Australia:

We have great weather, although lately unpredictable. In one November week we had snow, dust storms, bushfires and flooding.

There are 60 wine regions to enjoy.

People are friendly and down to earth (must be all that wine.)

Aboriginal culture is the oldest culture on Earth.

It would take around 29 years to visit one new Aussie beach every day – there are 10,685 of them.

Australia’s dingo fence is longer than the Great Wall of China.

Australia is full of BIG things, a big banana, a massive mango, a ginormous gumboot, a golden guitar, a giant koala … the list goes on.

Speaking of big things, the Nullarbor Plain is home to the longest straight road in the world, at 146km long.

img_1893The Great Barrier Reef has a mailbox. You can ferry out there and send a postcard, stamped with the only Great Barrier Reef stamp.

There are more than 150 million sheep in Australia and only 20 million people.

Contrary to popular belief the venomous snakes are not the most deadly creatures here. It’s the Box Jelly fish found in the northern warmer waters of the country that takes the honour.

It’s estimated the kangaroo population is almost double the human population. Yep, that’s roughly 45 million kangaroos.

Wombats deposit square poos.

Thankfully, it’s a BIG country so there’s plenty of space.

A wombat in the wild at Wilsons Prom

We’re a laid back lot and very obliging. You’ll always find a helping hand and words of reassurance. Car broken down, she’ll be right, lost your left arm, she’ll be right, dog’s run off, no worries. “She’ll be right mate.”

Translation: it’ll be okay.

Is it any wonder our first police force was made up of 12 of the best behaved convicts.

Yes, you’ll always find help.

There are signs everywhere telling you where to go.

Stunning beaches await.

And our outback is soul renewing.

Australia might be slightly weird but there’s no place I’d rather call home.

“There’s nothing like Australia” is a pretty apt slogan ‘. There really is nothing boring about the lucky country.

Hit the road here and you’ll see what I mean.

Stay safe and enjoy the journey, wherever you are.

In light and love

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137 thoughts on “The Wonders of Australia”

  3. Stunning photos! And those 7 Wonders sound truly amazing. I had fun reading about Australia’s fun facts. Just love that big wombat grazing in the grass (that is a wombat, right?) Have a wonderful week ahead, Miriam! xx

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  5. Excellent post, Miriam. Your photos and descriptions of Australia are so enticing since I’ve had the pleasure of living in Sydney for a few months and traveled a bit around your beautiful country. I am pleased to say I’ve seen many of the places on your list and hope that I will return someday soon. 🙂

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  7. Loved reading this, love my country, and after reading this l need to get outside more and see some of these places, I’ve only been to three 😊

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  8. I agree with you, Miriam. Australia is a great country. I re-post my Australia travel a few months ago. I still have visitor for that post and it got 370 visits and counting. I surely would like to go back and visit some wonders that we missed last time. Thank you for this post, Miriam. 🙂

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      1. We watch nature documentary every night before bedtime. I have the map of Australia in my mind now of where the birds, animals, and landscape are. I love to see some of the birds can only be found in Australia.

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  10. It is a beautiful country and you have over the time shown a lot of fantastic places.
    I loved the Seven facts about Australia.
    Well, you won’t run out of wine, have an enormous choice of beeches
    and you still have some left of the original Aboriginal culture. I didn’t know it was the oldest on Earth. Fascinating though. Close bonds with nature – just like Native American and Bushmen.

    You must use up a lot of sheep! 😊.

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    1. Thanks Miriam. Yes, we have a lot of wine (Australia is the fourth largest exporter in the world), a lot of culture and a lot of sheep. And mostly they live a pretty good life too! 🙂

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  11. Miriam, how dare you post this tempting post of the wonders of Australia?! 😀 Don’t you know we are in the grey damp of winter. Only kidding … this was a treat to read and dream about visiting all the places you mention. I had to smile as there was only one place you haven’t seen yourself! The facts at the end were fun and I’m up for visiting every beach … seems like 29 wonderful years! And who knew about square poo? One to drop into dinner table conversation! Happy wanderings, my friend! Enjoy the beauty of your landscape and writing and sharing about it! Hugs ❤️

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    1. Yep, I think I could live here all my life Annika and not visit every beach. Mind you, I could have fun trying! But I don’t want to rub it in now lol. 😏 How about I send you over some warm vibes and sunshine. Thank you for your lovely comment and good wishes. A happy week to you my friend. Hugs back xx ❤️

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  12. Nice one Miriam, been to several of those places so know just how impressive they are. Might personally have put Cradle Mountain at Number 2 but they are all impressive. Thought we visited loads of beaches on our trip but now feeling like we didn’t actually make a lot of effort!

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  14. wow I’m totally impressed that you did all this with one finger … must have taken you a full week at least!
    Great shots but don’t entirely agree with the seven. Not seen the last one so good to know 🙂

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      1. oh that’s made me think …
        1. the top dive spot in oz, more bountiful with zero tourists than the reef!
        2. Uluru is without doubt a spiritual songline for the oldest living culture in the world
        3. Great Ocean Road, cycled along that, what a blast!

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  18. I’ve never visited Australia and as I’m not allowed to fly I guess I never will, so I’m grateful to you for sharing these wonderful photos. It really does look as good as I was always being told by the many Australians I’ve worked with 😊

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  23. Honestly, I think you are lucky to live in such a wonderful country! Not that I’m unhappy with the USA, we have many things to love, but Australia just seems to offer so much beauty and has such diversity. I know I’ve said it before, but I really mean it when I I’m going to visit some day!

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  34. Hello there dear Miriam, such a gorgeous post for your friends who haven’t visited Australia. And for those of us who have or call it home…some new places to add to the bucket list.
    You’ve made an Aussie proud…
    🙋🏻💞💞🌍

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  39. Enjoyed this post very much and hope to go to the land down under someday!
    The image with the finger on the opera house was fun!
    I would like to see the 12 apostles –
    And maybe each place featured here –
    😉

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  41. Australia is on my list. 🙂 I love the long coastlines and sunsets that you’ve shown me. I just read another blogger friend’s account of her Australian holiday. There are so many gorgeous places to visit on our planet and I keep adding new ones every time I visit blogs. lol. How have you been? Is the weather getting better? Sending you a little chill from here with a warm hug! xoxo

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    1. Life’s been up and down lately Cheryl. I had hand surgery recently from my big bike accident. My hand’s been in a splint for three weeks and another three still to go, so I must admit I’m feeling cagey and slightly restricted as I’m not allowed to drive. Thank goodness it’s not my right hand so I can still one finger type on my phone! Always challenges hey? But all in all I’m okay, just a busy time of year and yes, the weather’s getting warmer as yours is cooling down. Big hugs to you my friend xx 🙂

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      1. I’m so sorry to hear that. I hope you’re recovering well. It must be quite a challenge to do daily tasks. 6 weeks sounds terrible and 3 more to go. 😦 Please take care! I’ve been so disconnected lately with the blog. Big hugs back! ❤

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        1. Yep, you’re right about the daily tasks. Luckily Doug has been a blessing and has largely taken over the cooking. The rest, well I’m coping, it’s all been a bit of a lesson in patience. You take care too. 🙂💕

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  44. Those are definitely some Amazing Wonders Miriam!! It’s interesting the number of sheep and kangaroos vs people. When I visited Scotland, we learned that their sheep population outnumbered humans as well. I had no idea that wombat poo was square. That’s too funny.

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  46. Well here we are, gobsmacking reasons to pack our bags for Australia. I only wish we could push the continents a bit closer. Though I better beware what I wish for. Someday it is on our list. Mt. Buggery and Woolloomooloo are inducement enough. xx

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