The region of Australasia is made up of Australia, New Zealand, New Guinea and a number of small islands in the Pacific Ocean. It may not be able to match the size of North America or the population of Asia but Australasia certainly holds its own when it comes to sheer beauty. The region is home to some of the world’s most breathtaking places, from the stunning wildlife and natural beauty of The Great Barrier Reef off the coast of Australia, to the incredible atmosphere and spectacle of the glowworm caves in New Zealand. Grab your backpack, as the following are 10 of the most stunning places to visit in Australasia.
The 12 Apostles – Victoria, Australia
The Great Ocean Road in Victoria, Australia runs along the southeast coast of the country and provides stunning views of the coastline and ocean. The main attraction is The 12 Apostles though, a collection of limestone stacks that run along the shoreline. There were originally 12 stacks but, due to wave erosion, there are currently only 8 remaining. So, if you want to see this natural beauty spot for yourself, we’d advise you don’t leave it too long!
Ayers Rock – Northern Territory, Australia
Ayers Rock, or Uluru as it is also known, is found in the middle of Australia and is a huge sandstone formation right in the middle of the desert. The stunning rock rises out of the ground and is surrounded by hundreds of miles of flat landscape, making Uluru one of Australia’s biggest tourist attractions.
Glowworm Cave – Waitomo, New Zealand
The Waitomo caves on the North Island of New Zealand are famous for their large population of glowworms. Visitors are able to take a boat ride along the river that runs through the cave and look up to see the insects provide a stunning light show!
The Great Barrier Reef – Northeastern Australia
The Great Barrier Reef off the coast of Queensland in Australia needs little introduction. It is the largest coral reef in the world, made up of over 2,900 individual reefs and 900 islands and can even be seen from space. The breathtaking living organism is also home to a huge variety of wildlife and is one of the best places in the world to go scuba diving.
The Painted Cliffs – Tasmania, Australia
The painted cliffs can be found on Maria Island, just off the coast of Tasmania and, while they may sound and look like a man-made structure, they are actually totally natural. The incredible patterns, shapes and colours of the cliffs are due to the combination of the sandstone rock and the natural erosive action of the ocean.
Sydney Harbour – Sydney, Australia
Sydney Harbour may be one of the most famous places in Australia (if not the whole world) but there is a simple reason for this: The area is absolutely breathtaking. Whether it’s the natural beauty of the harbour, the incredible sight of the Opera House or the stunning view of the Sydney Harbour Bridge, you’d struggle to find a better place on the planet to enjoy a drink or two as the sun goes down.
Lake Matheson – New Zealand
Lake Matheson in New Zealand is one of the most beautiful lakes on earth and is famous for its almost perfect reflection of Mount Cook and Mount Tasman that line its shores. On a clear and still day, the waters of the lake offer such a perfectly mirrored reflection of the mountains that its hard to now which way is up and which way is down.
Whitsunday Islands – Australia
The Whitsunday Islands are located off the coast of Queensland in the northeast of Australia and are made up of 74 tropical islands. The area is often described as ‘paradise on earth’ and it’s easy to see why. The crystal clear warm waters and the golden sands make Whitsunday one of the most beautiful places to sail on the planet.
Lake Hillier – Australia
The photo above may look like it’s been tampered with but the waters of Lake Hillier, off the south coast of Australia, really are bright pink! The bizarre colour is believed to be caused by the presence of the organism Dunaliella Salina. The unique lake can be found on the edge of Middle Island and even taking the water out of the lake doesn’t stop it from losing its pink colouring.
Marlborough Sounds – New Zealand
At the north end of South Island in New Zealand there are a number of sea-drowned valleys that make up Marlborough Sounds. The beautiful islands were created by a combination of rising sea levels and land subsidence. Many of the islands are difficult to access, making Marlborough Sounds not only one of the most beautiful places in Australasia but also one of the most peaceful.
