Not that they don’t deserve it, of course. But let’s all agree we know what they look like. Instead, here are some lesser-known natural wonders in the harsh, rugged land that is Australia.
This is my inspiration to return here and explore.
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The reef, in Western Australia 1200 km north of Perth, is 260 kms long and is the only large reef located close to a landmass.
Photo: Holly S. Canon/Shutterstock
The park is nearly 200 km north-south and 100 km east-west and is just southeast of Darwin in the Northern Territory. It’s home to four major river systems, six major landforms, and a gazillion species of wildlife.
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Located in the Nitmiluk National Park in Northern Territory, the gorge follows the Katherine River, which starts in Kakadu. The relatively safe freshwater crocs may be found in most parts of the river.
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The Pinnacles in Western Australia are part of the Nambung National Park. Scientists know what the limestone formations are made of, but can’t agree on the mechanism of how they were produced.
Photo: >RoadWarrrior Photography/Shutterstock
In South Australia, southeast of Adelaide, where the Murray River meets the sea. This spot in Goolwa is known locally as “Beacon 19” — popular for fishing.
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Not an easy place to get to, but an amazingly large — about the size of Florida & New Jersey combined — untouched piece of Australia in the Northern Territory.
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Cape Willoughby was the first lighthouse to be erected in South Australia, and lights the Backstairs Passage between Kangaroo Island and the mainland.
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Located in the Cradle Mountain-Lake St Clair National Park in Tasmania, the surrounding area has many options for walking, including the terminus for the Overland Track.
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After millions of years, the patterns of wear on the tops of this very hard rock shows in grooves. Must have been from eons of hail storms and freezing nights…water being limited in this area. South Australia.
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Found in Western Australia, these unique landforms were given the name Purnululu by the Kija Aboriginal people. This shot taken in Piccaninny Creek.
Photo: John Carnemolla/Shutterstock
A lonely mangrove tree at the bay right at the tip of Cape York in Far North Queensland.
Photo: Eric Middelkoop/Shutterstock
This desert is within the boundaries of three states: Northern Territory, South Australia, and Queensland. It contains the world’s longest parallel sand dunes. 
[Note: Most of these photos are licensed All Rights Reserved. Matador Trips received special permission from the photographers in these cases. Please note the license type before reusing any of the following images.]