The world is full of incredible natural wonders, and many of them are closer than you might think. Here are 12 you’ve gotta see.
1. The Great Barrier Reef
You knew it’d be on here, didn’t you? It’s easy to get blasé about a natural wonder when it’s in your own backyard, but that doesn’t change how amazing it is. Made up of more than 3000 individual reef systems, the Great Barrier Reef is the world’s largest living structure and the only one visible from space. Despite its size, the reef is vulnerable to climate change and pollution, and many Aussies (particularly in Cairns and Port Douglas – towns that rely on the reef for tourism) are fighting to protect it for the future.
2. The Grand Canyon
The Grand Canyon is massive. No, really – it’s mind-blowingly, jaw-droppingly, eye-poppingly huge. It’s also super windy, which is kinda scary when you’re standing near the edge. Las Vegas is an ideal home base for a Grand Canyon trip, as it’s the pick-up point for heaps of daytrips, scenic helicopter flights, and multi-day side-trips. If you’ve got the time, a three-day trip to the Grand Canyon, Zion, Horseshoe Bend, and Monument Valley is unforgettable.
3. Salar de Uyuni
Bolivia’s Salar de Uyuni is the world’s largest salt flat and it’s like something out of a sci-fi movie. Every rainy season (December-April), the plains flood, and the clear skies and still water create an otherworldly mirror effect. In the dry season (May-November), the water evaporates, leaving behind an endless sea of white salt crystals. Salar de Uyunican may seem like another planet, but visiting is easier than you might think. Fly into La Paz, then hop on a bus or train to Uyuni.
4. The Gokyo Lakes Trek
Forget Mount Everest. OK, don’t forget it – it’s pretty amazing. But if you want to explore the Everest region without the crowds (yep, crowds), spend fewer nights at high altitude, and take in views few people will ever see, the Gokyo Lakes Trek is just the ticket. Most expeditions start from Kathmandu, ‘though you’ll need to fly into Lukla to start your trek. Heads up for nervous flyers – the tiny mountainside runway is a doozy.
5. Aurora borealis
What causes aurora borealis, aka the northern lights? Magic. Also solar flares, which release charged particles that collide with the atoms and molecules in our atmosphere, creating little bursts of light called photons. But mostly magic 😉
Whatever the cause, the resulting lightshow is spectacular and there are heaps of amazing places to see it. Some of the best include Fairbanks, Alaska; Reykjavik, Iceland; Yellowknife, Canada; Shetland, Scotland; and Lapland, Finaland. Alternatively, head to Stewart Island, NZ, or even Hobart, Tasmania to see the southern version, Aurora Australis.
6. Eisriesenwelt
Located in Werfen, Austria, about 40km south of Salzburg, Eisriesenwelt is the world’s largest ice cave and a serious must-visit. With tours, a lift, and even a cable car, this winter wonderland is surprisingly accessible, even for families (‘though it is a decent walk). Make sure you rug up, ‘cause the temperature inside the cave is usually below freezing. I mean, it is an ice cave…
7. Uluru
We’d be failing as Aussies and travel gurus if we forgot this one. Uluru is Oz’s spiritual and geographical heart, and you really have to visit to understand how special it is. It’s a 20min drive from Yulara, where most visitors stay, and easy to get to on your own if you like to do your own thing. But if you want to learn more about the local Anangu culture and Uluru’s significance as a sacred site, a small group tour like this one is the way to go.
8. Mount Kilimanjaro
Located in Tanzania, near the border of Kenya, Mount Kilimanjaro is the highest dormant (phew!) volcano in Africa and a must-climb for many hikers and adventure travellers. But if climbing isn’t your thing (or if you’re worried about harming Kilimanjaro’s fragile ecosystem), there are plenty of other ways to enjoy the region. Go on a safari tour of Mount Kilimanjaro National Park, or spend some time exploring exciting Arusha. Get there by flying into Kilimanjaro International Airport or Arusha Airport.
9. The Champagne Pool
Wai-O-Taupo in Rotorua more than lives up to its “thermal wonderland” title, and the first site on many visitors’ lists is Lady Knox Geyser, which erupts at 10.15am every day. But the Champagne Pool is our personal fave. Its vibrant green and orange colours are created by deposits of arsenic and antimony sulphides (science!), while the bubbling is caused by carbon dioxide, similar to a glass of Champagne (‘though probably not as tasty). While you’re in town, make sure you also check out the bubbling, hissing Craters of the Moon. They’re something else!
10. Zhangye Danxia Landform
Look at those colours! It might look like we’ve gone mad with Photoshop, but it’s just the spectacular Zhangye Danxia Land form in the Sun an and Linze counties of China. It’s beautiful all year round, but the best time to visit is summer (June-September), when it’s warm enough to stay out for sunrise and sunset (‘though with minimum temperatures around 10°C, you’ll still need a decent jacket). Lánzhōu is the nearest airport, so be sure to take a few days to stay in town and try the signature dish – Lánzhōu beef noodles. Yum!
11. The Snowdonia Mountains
Not everyone who visits the UK makes it to Wales, which should be a crime, because Wales is stunning. Hire a car to go castle-hopping (there are more than 100 to explore), but save time for a detour through the Snowdonia Mountains. The snow-capped peaks, craggy shale rocks, and green-and-gold foliage make it feel like a set from a fantasy epic. Pro tip: Visit in spring, when the mountains are covered in a haze of pink and purple blooms.
12. Iguazu Falls
You know how people used to think the earth was flat and you could sail over the edge? If that were true, it’d look like this. Smack on the border between Brazil and Argentina, the Iguazu Falls are the largest waterfall system in the world. They’re jaw-dropping from any angle, but if you really want to get how massive they are, a scenic helicopter flight is the way to go. A hike through the Iguazu National Park is also a must-do – it’s home to toucans, jaguars (eek!), capybaras, and howler monkeys.
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