1. 🌊 You Can Snorkel in the World’s Largest Reef System
- The Great Barrier Reef is the largest coral reef system on Earth, stretching over kilometres along Australia’s northeast coast. It is home to thousands of marine species, from clownfish and sea turtles to reef sharks and vibrant corals. Snorkelling here feels like swimming in a natural aquarium, with crystal clear water and endless underwater color.
2. 💗 Australia Has a Pink Lake
- Lake Hillier, located on Middle Island in Western Australia, is famous for its bright pink colour that stays vibrant all year. The hue comes from naturally occurring algae and bacteria that thrive in the salty water. Though it looks like something out of a fantasy movie, the lake is completely real — and best admired from the air.
3. 🐚 You Can Find Giant Clams and Glow-in-the-Dark Coral
- In the Great Barrier Reef and surrounding tropical waters, you can spot giant clams that grow up to a meter wide and display neon shades of blue, green, and purple. Some coral species in the reef naturally glow under certain light, especially during night dives or snorkels with UV torches. This bioluminescence turns the reef into a surreal underwater light show, like nature’s version of neon art.
4. 🐧 You Can Watch Penguins March Home Every Night
- Every evening at sunset, Phillip Island in Victoria hosts the enchanting Penguin Parade, where hundreds of Little Penguins, the smallest penguin species, waddle ashore after a day of fishing. This natural spectacle occurs at Summerland Beach, home to the world's largest colony of Little Penguins, estimated at around 40,000 birds. Visitors can observe this nightly ritual from specially designed viewing platforms and boardwalks that ensure minimal disturbance to the penguins' natural behavior. The experience is both heartwarming and educational, offering insights into the lives of these charming creatures.
5. 📦 Australia Once Went to War With Emus - and Lost
- In 1932, Australia faced an emu overpopulation crisis in Western Australia. The military was sent in with machine guns, but the "Emu War" ended with the birds outrunning and outsmarting the soldiers. To this day, the emus are unofficially considered the victors of a real-life bird vs. army standoff.
6. 🛣️ The Straightest Road in the World Is in Australia
- Australia’s Eyre Highway includes the “90 Mile Straight”, a perfectly straight stretch of road running 146.6 kilometers without a single turn. Located on the Nullarbor Plain in Western Australia, it cuts through flat, open landscape and is so remote it doubles as an emergency runway.
