Australia offers a variety of natural landscapes. The Great Barrier Reef is the world's largest coral reef system; reefs, long-distance trails, rock formations and desert basins offer different ways to shape your trip around your interests.
Reefs and a variety of nature experiences
At the Great Barrier Reef, you can snorkel, dive or fly over the reef. Ningaloo Reef is the world's largest fringing reef and can be reached directly from the beach. Ningaloo Reef is home to sea turtles, tropical fish, manta rays, humpback whales and whale sharks. The two reefs offer different highlights: the Great Barrier Reef offers a range of activities, while Ningaloo is known for its direct beach access and marine life.
Trails with different time commitments
Long-distance hikes make it easy to compare landscapes and time commitments. The Larapinta Trail follows the ridge of the West MacDonnell Ranges, passing red rock slopes and waterholes, and leading to sacred Aboriginal sites. The full route takes 12 to 20 days. The Overland Track passes through moss-covered forests and high rocky cliffs and is considered a six-day hike. The different landscapes and timeframes can help you choose between the two hikes based on your interests.
Rock formations, stories and landscapes
The Three Sisters are a striking rock formation linked to an Aboriginal legend about three sisters who were turned to stone. You can view the formation from Echo Point Lookout, and there are numerous bushwalks in the surrounding area. The story behind the rock formation, a specific lookout and nearby trails offer different ways to experience this landscape.
Wilpena Pound is a sunken natural amphitheatre and a desert basin surrounded by rugged mountains. You can join an exploration led by Aboriginal guides, discover rock art, find ancient fossils and observe wildlife there. The landform and opportunities for exploration appeal to different interests.
Getting around across vast distances
Rail services also differ in their routes and stops. The Ghan runs between Adelaide and Darwin, crossing Australia's Red Centre and the tropical Top End. The Indian Pacific runs between Sydney and Perth, stopping at Broken Hill, Adelaide and Kalgoorlie. When comparing the two trains, you can consider both their endpoints and the Indian Pacific's listed intermediate stops. Domestic airlines serve all of Australia's state capital cities as well as many regional cities. Australia also has an extensive network of well-maintained roads; long-distance routes have regular rest stops and service stations.
A taste of Australian cuisine
Cuisine offers another perspective on Australia. It combines global influences with native ingredients such as bush foods, as well as Asian spices and European techniques. Ingredients and culinary influences provide a distinct way to explore Australia alongside its reefs, trails and landscapes.
Discover more destinations: South Australia, Tasmania, Victoria, New South Wales, Australian Capital Territory, Western Australia, Queensland, Northern Territory
