5 Australian World Heritage sites everyone should visit
The little island across the Tasman is home to 19 of the world’s World Heritage sites, and some of them have to be seen to be believed.
1. Great Barrier Reef, Queensland
Aussies are lucky to have the world’s most beautiful reef sitting just off their shores. The Great Barrier Reef stretches for thousands of kilometres and is strung with a necklace of jewel-like islands. It’s a World Heritage site that visitors can literally immerse themselves in with cruising, snorkelling and diving. The reef’s beauty is made even more poignant by the fact that it could be under threat from climate change and external factors like proposed offshore mining. Visit now before this great national icon is irrevocably changed.
2. Ningaloo Coast, Western Australia
Australia's newest World Heritage site only made the list in 2011. It’s an incredible stretch of coastline along the northwest coast of Western Australia and is regarded for both its onshore and offshore treasures. On shore, intricate rock formations, caves and beautiful beaches make for a stunning natural landscape. In the water, pristine reefs teem with tropical fish as well as the region’s most famous residents – whale sharks. These huge creatures are the largest fish in the world and visitors can hop right in the water to swim beside them.
3. Greater Blue Mountains Area, New South Wales
The Blue Mountains are so familiar to Sydneysiders that it’s easy to become blasé about their beauty. As every school kid knows, the name ‘blue’ comes from the smoky haze that comes off the thousands of eucalyptus trees covering the mountains, giving the place a permanently misty mystique. But beauty’s not enough for World Heritage status. The region is remarkable for its ancient fossils and unique plant species, such as the rare Wollemi pine that was rediscovered here when thought to be extinct.
4. Australian Convict Sites
Rather than one specific site, this classification covers 11 of the country’s best historic convict sites under one umbrella. Stretching from Western Australia to New South Wales, from Tasmania to Norfolk Island, it takes in sites that have played an integral role in shaping the nation. While we were once ashamed of our convict heritage, modern Australians are embracing their past and see a pilgrimage to these sites as a way to connect with their history.
5. Kakadu National Park, NT
This wetland wonderland truly encapsulates what World Heritage listings are about and is a site of both natural and cultural significance. As a wetland, Kakadu is a lush environment filled with birds, fish, frogs and reptiles (including enormous crocodiles), that changes drastically with the seasons. Culturally, the region has ties to the most ancient parts of Aboriginal culture and has been inhabited for more than 50,000 years. That makes it the home of one of the oldest civilisations on earth and its plentiful rock art sites give a glimpse back to another time.
Have you been to any of these World Heritage sites? If so, are there any moments from your visit that stand out? Let us know in the comments section below.
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