5 different landscapes in Australia
Are you traveling to Australia and wondering what it's like? Or perhaps you simply want to enjoy certain landscapes, such as beaches, deserts, or mountains, but you don't know where to go? Stay with us as we review the 5 most beautiful Australian landscapes and where you can find them on the great continent.
Beaches
Beaches are the absolute symbol of Australia, as are the tanned surfers who inhabit them.
While the large beaches on the east coast, dedicated to board sports, are the most famous, there are different types of beaches in Australia.
The beaches of Western Australia, less popular and wilder, are nonetheless just as beautiful, if not much more so.
The beaches of southeastern Australia, between Perth and Esperance, have such fine, white sand and a unique texture that the traveler who ventures there may for a moment think they're walking on snow. A van or campervan tour of the superb Cape Le Grand National Park is a must-see on your trip to Australia.
The northern coasts, however, aren't really worth the detour in themselves. If your stay in Australia is short, they're not a must-see.
However, if you have plenty of time and decide to go there, be aware that swimming there is dangerous.
In Darwin in particular, the sea is infested with crocodiles and therefore not recommended for your daily laps. A little further east, towards Cairns, it's jellyfish that you should be wary of; they're not very present during the dry season (May to October), but you should be wary of them during the wet season, and swim in a wetsuit if you're planning a trip to the Barrier Reef.
Where can you find the most beautiful beaches in Australia?
You're spoiled for choice. Here is a very small selection starting with the Cairns region.
CAIRNS AREA - QUEENSLAND
 | Ellis Beach and Palm Cove in the Cairns area are two great beaches to visit if you are in the area. |
MACKAY AREA - QUEENSLAND
 | Whitehaven Beach dans les Whitsundays. All the beaches in this region are magnificent. Don't miss them! |
GOLD COAST - QUEENSLAND
 | Rainbow Bay south of the Gold Coast is a favorite beach for locals and visitors. |
SYDNEY - NEW SOUTH WALES
 | Manly Beach à Sydney is also a favorite beach for locals and travelers. |
REGION DE JERVIS - NEW SOUTH WALES
 | Hyams Beach à Jervis Bay, one of the most beautiful beaches in the country, not to be missed! |
MURRAMARANG NATIONAL PARK - NEW SOUTH WALES
 | Pebbly Beach to see the Kangaroos in Murramarang National Park. |
ADELAIDE AREA - SOUTH AUSTRALIA
 | Vivonne Bay sur Kangaroo Island is not to be missed! You might also see dolphins and sea lions there |
ESPERANCE AREA - WESTERN AUSTRALIA
 | Wharton Beach ,There is nothing better in the Esperence region than the white sand and turquoise water of Wharton Beach, plus a campsite nearby. |
ESPERANCE AREA - WESTERN AUSTRALIA
 | Lucky Bay is another beach in Esperance with white sand and turquoise water but with kangaroos living there. |
EXMOUTH AREA - WESTERN AUSTRALIA
 | Turquoise Bay in the Ningaloo Marine Park to swim with the turtles, the coral reef is a few meters away. |
BROOME - WESTERN AUSTRALIA
 | Cable Beach à Broome, Do we even need to introduce this one? The most beautiful beach in the world in our opinion! |
Deserts
In stark contrast to the coastline, the desert covers 20% of Australia's territory.
The most iconic desert area in Australia is the one surrounding Alice Springs and the iconic Uluru.
This region, also commonly known as the "Red Center," is highly valued by travelers seeking an unusual experience and unique landscapes. The Alice Springs-Alice Springs loop, which passes through Uluru and the MacDonnell Ranges, is a magnificent stretch to explore. A 4x4 is recommended, even essential for the MacDonnell Ranges.
More arid and more orange in color in the south of the continent, the Australian desert becomes increasingly densely vegetated as you head north.
Past the Tropic of Capricorn, in the northern third of the country, the desert eventually gives way to rainforest.
TROPICAL FOREST
The rainforest is a characteristic landscape of northern Australia.
The most famous in Australia, the Daintree Rainforest, is a real tourist attraction for anyone visiting the northwest part of Australia.
Once you arrive in Cairns, book a day trip to this unique site. You'll discover waterfalls, rivers, and lush vegetation. You can even spend the night in a treehouse if you wish.
The rainforest is also found in the Northern Territory around Darwin, as well as in the northern part of Western Australia.
Where can you find the most beautiful rainforests in Australia?
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Daintree Rainforest: No visit to the Cairns region is complete without a trip to the Daintree Rainforest. Don't miss it! | Gondwana Rainforest of Australia : These 180 million year old forests are recognized by ONESCO and are located on the east coast of Australia. |
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Great Otway National Park: Easily accessible along the Great Ocean Road, you will find a lush forest with waterfalls, giant ferns, ... | Tasmanian Wilderness: This UNESCO World Heritage-listed forest covers 20% of Tasmania, or more than 1 million hectares. |
THE MOUNTAIN RANGES
Australia isn't a country known for its mountains.
However, you'd be surprised by the number of mountain ranges you'll find there.
Among the most picturesque, the Blue Mountains near Sydney are worth a stop after unloading your van or campervan and heading south. The blue light that reigns there (from which they get their name) gives the Blue Mountains a very special atmosphere.
The Blue Mountains are carved out of immense gorges (up to 1,000 meters deep) and cover an area of 1,436 square kilometers. You'll have the opportunity to enjoy magnificent hikes here and take in the breathtaking views.
Also in New South Wales, the Snowy Mountains are worth a day trip if you're a skier. While the Snowy Mountains can't compete with the European Alps or the Rocky Mountains in North America, they can still offer a chance to relax on the slopes before hitting the road again.
If you're more of a climbing enthusiast, the Grampians, a little further along your route, north of Melbourne, are a fantastic playground.
You can also hike along the steep cliffs and waterfalls of the national park. Go fishing or canoeing on Lake Bellfield and Lake Wartook, and get up close to the country's wildlife, such as koalas, kangaroos, emus, and eagles. Then head to Mount Arapiles-Tooan State Park, where you can admire the spectacular rock formations. Then, if you have more time, explore the vast sandstone mountains by 4x4 or with a flight over the mountains.
A little further afield, in South Australia, take a trip to the Flinders Ranges. This very arid mountain range offers a beautiful glimpse of the Australian desert.
The Flinders Ranges are located about 400 kilometers north of Adelaide and are well worth a visit.
Australia's mountain ranges:
Blue mountains: Close to Sydney, you can go there for the day or weekend. There are plenty of hikes to do or simply enjoy the atmosphere of the small villages nearby.
Snowy Mountains: In winter you will find several ski resorts there and in summer it transforms into a summer resort with mountain biking, river fishing, hiking and much more.
Les Grampians: More than just a mountain range, it's a national park. You can hike for several days or choose one of the most beautiful day hikes.
Flinders Ranges: The panorama and landscape change in the Flinders Range for an arid and dramatic area.
THE BEST ISLANDS
Australia's islets are gems whose photos of turquoise seas and white sand inspire travelers around the world.
The Whitsunday Islands are one of the most popular attractions on the east coast. Comprised of 74 islets, the Whitsundays are best known for Whitehaven Beach, where you'll sink your toes into the whitest sand.
After leaving your campervan or motorhome in Airlie Beach, board a sailboat for one, two, or three days in the Whitsundays and enjoy sunbathing on deck, snorkeling, and barbecues.
Also off the east coast, Fraser Island is the largest sand island in the world, covering 1,840 square meters. To fully experience it, the best way to book a two-day excursion to the island and explore it with a group in a 4x4. Among other things, you'll see Lake MacKenzie, an old shipwreck, and meet the island's dingoes at nightfall.
Hamilton Island and Magnetic Island are also worth exploring if you have enough time during this Australian road trip.
Rottnest Island, off the coast of Perth along the west coast, is not to be missed.
Take a ferry from the small coastal town of Fremantle, which is a 30-minute train ride from downtown Perth, and spend the day in this little paradise. You can rent a bike for a day to explore the island. Quokkas, a cute mix of mouse and raccoon, are typical of the island.
Tasmania, Australia's largest island and a state in its own right, is of course not to be missed.
It's a worthwhile stop during your trip to Australia if you have at least a week to dedicate to it. You'll see, with its wild landscapes and quiet roads, Tasmania will dazzle you and confirm that you're at the end of the world.
During your vacation in your rental campervan, you'll discover very different landscapes, yet all representative of Australia.
Which islands are not to be missed in Australia?
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74 small islands to explore in this paradise, either with fins and snorkel, by boat or simply on the beach. | A 40-minute ferry ride from Hervey Bay takes you to the world's largest sand island and explore the vast beaches in a 4WD, go hiking, or swim with whales. |
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A nature island that combines adventure, flora and fauna, and relaxation. Yes, it's possible on Kangaroo Island. | A 2-hour ferry ride from Brisbane, this is a destination not to be missed for its landscapes, dunes, clear water, and many different beaches. You can go there for a day or longer. |
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Be one of the 400 people allowed to visit the island each day. Listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, you can hike, swim in the lagoon, and see turtles, dolphins, and more. | A 60-minute flight from Cairns, this island is renowned for its beauty, white sand beaches, lagoon, and access to the Great Coral Reef. |
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Easily accessible from Melbourne, it's a great day out whether you're a fan of nature activities or looking to discover motorsports. | Where white sand meets Tasmania's green grasslands. |
