From staggering waterfalls to snow-white beaches and completely unique wildlife, Australia is full of hidden gems. But as I reflect on my last month road tripping this beautiful country, there are a couple places I can’t seem to get off my mind. A place so perfect, that I will forever be traveling back there in my memories…
So I’ve put together a little list of my favorite special spots around Australia so you can be transported there as well. Whether or not you plan to visit in the future, here is just a small bit of the magic you can find in Australia.
Whitsunday Islands
Rumored to have some of the best beaches in the world, there was a lot of hype surrounding the beaches at Whitsunday Islands. Well I’m happy to report, this is one place that definitely lived up to the hype!
These 74 islands brimming with coral and marine life, are nestles between the northeast coast of Queensland and the Great Barrier Reef. These remote islands are mostly uninhabited but full of bizarrely white sand beaches that almost resemble snow! Not to mention, the islands are full of beautiful rainforest hikes.
Fraser Island
This secluded island is dream if you want to disconnect from city life. Remote and largely untouched, this is the largest sand island in the world. There are no actual roads on the island, making this place is as wild as it is beautiful. Rent a 4WD and buckle up! Because the only way to access much of the island is by off-roading. Talk about an adventure! This island is located off the eastern coast of Australia.
With limited data, grab a map and have fun navigating this island old school style. Fraser Island is also home to Lake McKenzie. A freshwater lake with water so clear, it looks like glass. And keep your eyes peeled for the wild dingo packs that call Fraser Island home!
Wallaman Falls
Found in the northern region of Queensland, this cascading waterfall drops a stunning 879 feet (268 meters) making it Australia’s tallest single drop waterfall. This waterfalls end in a 66ft (20 meter) deep pool far below.
Be sure to leave enough time to do the full hike to the bottom of the falls!
READ: CHASING WATERFALLS IN QUEENSLAND, AUSTRALIA- THE PERFECT 1 DAY ITINERARY
Mon Repos Beach
Did you know there are beaches in Australia you can witness tiny baby turtles hatching? Or mother turtles laying their eggs at night?
“For turtle conservation, Mon Repos is a globally-significant site that supports the largest concentration of nesting marine turtles on the eastern Australian mainland; and the most significant loggerhead turtle nesting population in the South Pacific region. The success of the loggerhead nesting and hatching turtles at Mon Repos is critical for the survival of this endangered species. “
This protected beach provides guided tours from November to March for visitors to witness the turtles nesting or hatching.
Check out their site here. I cannot recommend this experience highly enough! After the mother had laid her clutch of eggs and slowly pushed herself back out to sea, the nest had to be dug up and the eggs moved. Assisting the researchers, we carefully carried the eggs to a new nest that wouldn’t be destroyed by high tide.
Read: HOW TO SEE TURTLES HATCH IN AUSTRALIA
Kangaroo Island
While the bushfires sadly burnt half of Kangaroo Island, the other half is still open for business and totally accessible. Not only is it open for tourism still, now is the perfect time to visit to help support the local businesses following the crisis!
- Grab a board and try sand boarding at the Little Sahara sand dunes
- Have a picnic on Vivonne Beach.
- Take a guided tour down to see the sea lions at Seal Bay Conservation Park.
- Rent ATVs and go cruise around the island.
- Have lunch at Emu Ridge.
Despite the fires there is not shortage of fantastic things to do on Kangaroo Island!
Noosa Heads Fairy Pool
Two idyllic rock pools secretly tucked into the coast of Noosa Heads National Park- what’s not to love? You can swim in the refreshing ocean water without being swept out to sea.
Bring your friends, bring your camera and enjoy these natural pools courtesy of Mother Nature!
Read: VISITING THE MAGICAL NOOSA HEADS FAIRY POOLS
Australia Zoo Wildlife Hospital
When Americans think of Australia, often images of the infamous crocodile Dundee, Steve Irwin come to mind. But before he died, did you know he established a wildlife hospital?
Sharing land with the Australian Zoo, The Wildlife Warriors treat thousands of injured and sick animals from all over Australia. Steve’s legacy is continued on by his wife and children who are also active animal conservationists.
The Wildlife Warriors hospital is brilliantly designed to allow visitors to see what goes on each day behind the scenes. By placing the facility behind glass, you can actually see what your donations are funding, just how many animals are receiving care at any given moment and the dedicated workers responding to calls about injured wildlife and working around the clock to save their lives.
On the day we arrived, we witnessed several koalas getting treatment for burns they received in the bushfires that swept Australia. But it’s not uncommon to see a full-blown surgery happening right before your eyes.
It can be quite confronting. But by pulling back the curtain and allowing guests to witness the all too common injuries inflicted by humans, it can help raise awareness for conservation.
“The greatness of a nation and its moral progress can be judged by the way its animals are treated.”
Great Ocean Road
The ultimate Australia road trip wouldn’t be complete without driving the famous Great Ocean Road! This stretch of highway along the south-eastern coast of Australia is iconic with it’s glorious ocean views and famous sites like the Twelve Apostles.
Definitely add this one to your road trip bucket list! And be sure to check out my complete 2 day itinerary.
Read: GREAT OCEAN ROAD: YOUR ULTIMATE 2 DAY ITINERARY
Shop My Australia Essentials:
Birkenstocks
Wicker Bag
Backless Maxi
Teal Maxi Dress
More on Australia? Keep reading:
- GREAT OCEAN ROAD: YOUR ULTIMATE 2 DAY ITINERARY
- VISITING THE MAGICAL NOOSA HEADS FAIRY POOLS
- WHY I’M VISITING AUSTRALIA NOW- DESPITE THE BUSHFIRES!
- VAN LIFE IN AUSTRALIA: DON’T FORGET TO PACK THESE 8 THINGS!
How beautiful is the Great Ocean Road!! 😍😍
Ahh I’m so keen to travel my own country after seeing all of your beautiful photos & reading this!
Thank you so much Chloe!! I hope you get the chance to do Great Ocean Road, it’s pretty spectacular!