Australia’s Landforms & Natural Wonders: Top Natural Attractions Across the Country

Discovering Australia’s Natural Wonders

Australia is a land of breathtaking diversity and extraordinary natural beauty. From ancient rock formations and expansive deserts to lush rainforests and pristine coral reefs, the country offers a vast array of natural landmarks that captivate visitors and locals alike. Whether you’re hiking through the dramatic Blue Mountains, marveling at the pink hues of Lake Hillier, or exploring the rugged gorges of Karijini National Park, each destination provides a unique glimpse into Australia’s rich geological and ecological heritage. This guide showcases some of the most iconic and awe-inspiring natural landmarks and waterfalls across Australia’s states and territories, inviting you to experience the country’s remarkable landscapes firsthand.

Natural Landmarks in New South Wales (NSW)

Attraction

Description

Australia Rock

Natural rock formation resembling Australia, located in Narooma — a fun photo opportunity.

Blue Mountains hiking

Dramatic scenery, sandstone cliffs, and waterfalls — ideal for bushwalkers and photographers.

Cape Byron

Easternmost point of mainland Australia — stunning ocean views and lighthouse walks.

Crystal Shower Falls

Waterfall in Dorrigo National Park — a magical walk behind the falls through lush rainforest.

Ebor Falls

Dual waterfall in Guy Fawkes River National Park — easily accessible with panoramic views.

Ellenborough Falls

One of the tallest single-drop waterfalls — worth the detour for dramatic photos.

Fitzroy Falls

Located in Morton National Park — great lookout and hiking trails nearby.

Jenolan Caves

Extensive limestone cave network — guided tours offer a journey through ancient underground.

Mount Kosciuszko

Australia’s highest peak — perfect for summer alpine hiking and snow experiences in winter.

Mungo National Park

Ancient lake system with dune formations and fossil beds — significant Aboriginal heritage.

Royal National Park

Second-oldest national park in the world — coastal walks, rainforest, and family-friendly spots.

The Three Sisters

Iconic rock formation in the Blue Mountains — rich in Aboriginal legend and panoramic vistas.

Tia Falls

Remote waterfall in Oxley Wild Rivers NP — great for adventurous hikers.

Wollomombi Waterfall

One of the highest in Australia — breathtaking gorge views from viewing platforms.

Natural Landmarks in the Northern Territory (NT)

Attraction

Description

Devils Marbles (Karlu Karlu)

Giant granite boulders — sacred to Aboriginal people and spectacular at sunrise or sunset.

Uluru

Iconic red rock monolith — spiritual significance and changing colours at sunset.

Jim Jim Falls

Seasonal waterfall in Kakadu NP — adventure 4WD and short hike to dramatic plunge pool.

Gunlom Falls and Gunlom Pool

Scenic falls with a natural infinity pool — unforgettable top-pool views.

Katherine Gorge (Nitmiluk Gorge)

Towering sandstone gorges — explore via canoe or river cruise.

Southern Rockhole

Waterfall and swimming hole in Nitmiluk NP — a refreshing stop after a walk.

Florence Falls

Twin waterfall in Litchfield NP — great swimming hole and short walk access.

Watarrka National Park (Kings Canyon)

Epic rim walk with views across red cliffs and domes — unforgettable desert hike.

Natural Landmarks in Queensland (QLD)

Attraction

Location/Notes

Barron Falls

Near Cairns – Spectacular waterfall especially powerful in the wet season.

Blencoe Falls

Girringun National Park – Remote multi-tiered falls set in wilderness.

Daintree Rainforest

Far North Queensland – World’s oldest tropical rainforest with unique wildlife.

Great Barrier Reef

Coastal QLD – Largest coral reef system on Earth, diving and snorkelling paradise.

Heart Shaped Reef, Hardy Reef

Whitsundays – Iconic coral reef naturally shaped like a heart, aerial views best.

Millaa Millaa Falls

Atherton Tablelands – Classic rainforest waterfall, great for photography.

Noosa Everglades

Noosa – One of only two everglade systems in the world, mirrored waterways.

Wallaman Falls

Girringun National Park – Australia’s tallest permanent single-drop waterfall.

Whitsunday Islands

Off Airlie Beach – White sand beaches and coral reefs; Whitehaven Beach is a highlight.

Natural Landmarks in South Australia (SA)

Attraction

Location/Notes

Admirals Arch, Flinders Chase National Park

Kangaroo Island – Sea-carved arch with nearby fur seals.

Blue Lake (Mount Gambier)

South East SA – Volcanic crater lake that turns vibrant cobalt blue in summer.

Flinders Ranges

Outback SA – Rugged ranges with gorges, fossils, and Indigenous rock art.

Lake Eyre (Kati Thanda)

Outback SA – Often a dry salt lake; occasionally floods and teems with life.

Remarkable Rocks, Flinders Chase NP

Kangaroo Island – Sculptural granite boulders shaped by weather and time.

Umpherston Sinkhole

Mount Gambier – Garden oasis in a sunken limestone cave.

Wilpena Pound

Flinders Ranges – Natural amphitheatre for bushwalking and scenic flights.

Natural Landmarks in Tasmania (TAS)

Attraction

Location/Notes

Bay of Fires

East Coast – Coastal area with orange-hued boulders and pristine white beaches.

Cataract Gorge

Launceston – Urban gorge with scenic walks, suspension bridge, and chairlift.

Cradle Mountain – Lake St Clair NP

Central TAS – Alpine scenery, hiking trails, glacial lakes and wildlife.

Horseshoe Falls, Mount Field NP

Near Hobart – Elegant cascade surrounded by rainforest.

Liffey Falls

Central TAS – Series of picturesque falls in temperate rainforest.

Montezuma Falls, Rosebery

West Coast – Tasmania’s tallest waterfall, with a scenic forest track.

Russell Falls, Mount Field NP

One of Tasmania’s most photographed waterfalls. Easy access and great year-round.

Wineglass Bay

Freycinet Peninsula – Iconic curved bay with turquoise waters and white sands.

Natural Landmarks in Victoria (VIC)

Attraction

Location/Notes

Dandongadale Falls, Alpine NP

North East VIC – Victoria’s tallest waterfall, flows strongest in spring.

Grampians National Park

Western VIC – Mountain ranges with native wildflowers and Aboriginal rock art.

Great Otway National Park

Southwest VIC – Coastal cliffs, lush rainforest, and waterfalls.

Loch Ard Gorge

Great Ocean Road – Steep-walled gorge with tragic shipwreck history.

Mackenzie Falls, Grampians NP

One of VIC’s largest waterfalls, strong flow year-round.

Twelve Apostles

Great Ocean Road – Iconic limestone sea stacks rising from the Southern Ocean.

Natural Landmarks in Western Australia (WA)

Attraction

Location/Notes

Bungle Bungles (Purnululu NP)

Kimberley – Striped beehive-shaped domes in remote wilderness.

Horizontal Falls, Talbot Bay

Kimberley – Tidal flow phenomenon, accessible by boat or seaplane.

Karijini National Park

Pilbara – Deep red gorges, waterfalls, and natural pools in ancient landscapes.

Kimberley Coastline

Remote and rugged, rich in biodiversity and cultural sites.

King George Falls

Kimberley – Twin falls plunging from sandstone cliffs, best seen by boat.

Lake Hillier

Middle Island – Vibrant pink lake due to salt-loving algae.

Mitchell Falls

Kimberley – Tiered waterfall reached via hike or helicopter.

Mount Augustus

Gascoyne – World’s largest monocline, twice the size of Uluru.

Ningaloo Reef and Shark Bay

Coral Coast – Less crowded than GBR, snorkel with whale sharks and manta rays.

The Pinnacles, Nambung NP

Cervantes – Otherworldly limestone spires rising from yellow desert sands.

Turquoise Bay

Exmouth – Pristine beach with easy snorkelling access to Ningaloo Reef.

Valley of the Giants

Walpole – Walk among massive red tingle trees via canopy walkway.

Wave Rock, Hyden

Natural granite wave formation shaped by erosion.

Wharton Beach

South Coast – Known for powdery white sand and striking blue waters.

Embrace the Adventure and Protect Our Natural Heritage

Exploring Australia’s natural landmarks is more than just a journey through stunning scenery—it’s an opportunity to connect with the environment and appreciate the ancient stories embedded in the land. As you visit these extraordinary places, it’s important to respect the ecosystems and cultural significance they hold, ensuring they remain protected for future generations to enjoy. Whether you seek adventure, tranquility, or inspiration, Australia’s natural wonders offer endless possibilities to immerse yourself in nature’s grandeur. So pack your bags, lace up your hiking boots, and prepare to be amazed by the incredible landscapes that define this vast and beautiful continent.