Top 8 Landmarks – Oceania
1. Fiordland National Park
Embark on an adventure in Fiordland National Park, a paradise of glaciers, fiords, and rainforests in the southwest corner of New Zealand.
Accessibility:
2/5. Located in the southwest corner of the South Island in New Zealand, accessible by road and boat. The nearest airports are in Queenstown and Te Anau.
Cost:
3/5. No entrance fee for the park, but activities like cruises, flights, and guided tours are available at various prices.
Visitor Volume:
3/5. A must-see for visitors to New Zealand, known for its stunning fjords, but large areas remain serene and untouched due to their vastness.
Special:
Home to some of the most dramatic landscapes in the country, including Milford Sound and Doubtful Sound, renowned for their natural beauty and wildlife.
2. Tongariro
Explore the dramatic landscapes of Tongariro National Park, home to volcanic peaks, ancient lava flows, and the famous Tongariro Alpine Crossing.
Accessibility:
3/5. Located in the central North Island of New Zealand, accessible by road. The nearest major towns are Taupo and Turangi, with the nearest airport in Taupo.
Cost:
1/5. No entrance fee to the park. Costs may include transportation, guided tours, and accommodations.
Visitor Volume:
3/5. Popular for the Tongariro Alpine Crossing, especially during summer months.
Special:
Renowned for its volcanic landscape, the park was New Zealand’s first national park and is a dual World Heritage site for its cultural and natural significance.
3. Quokka, Rottnest Island
Meet the world’s happiest animal, the quokka, on Rottnest Island, Australia, where these friendly creatures roam freely in their natural environment.
Accessibility:
4/5. Easily reached by ferry from Perth, Western Australia.
Cost:
3/5. Affordable ferry and island costs, with regulated interaction for species protection.
Visitor Volume:
4/5. Popular and well-loved, yet the island’s management keeps interactions sustainable.
Sighting Probability:
5/5. Quokkas are plentiful and often approach visitors, making sightings almost guaranteed.
Special:
A joyful meeting with the world’s happiest animal in a beautiful island setting.
4. Franz Josef Glacier
Experience the majestic Franz Josef Glacier in New Zealand, a dynamic glacier in the heart of the Southern Alps, accessible through guided hikes and scenic flights.
Accessibility:
2/5. On New Zealand’s South Island, Franz Josef Glacier is reachable by road but exploring the glacier itself requires guided hikes or helicopter tours due to safety concerns and the specialized nature of glacier travel.
Cost:
4/5. Exploring the glacier involves costs for guided tours or helicopter flights, which are priced higher due to the unique experience and equipment required.
Visitor Volume:
4/5. A major attraction in New Zealand, it draws visitors year-round. Tour sizes are managed to ensure safety and minimize environmental impact.
Special:
One of the most accessible glaciers in the world, offering a rare opportunity to explore dynamic glacial landscapes up close, including ice caves, crevasses, and stunning views of the glacier valley.
5. Twelve Apostles
Marvel at the Twelve Apostles, magnificent rock stacks rising from the Southern Ocean along Australia’s Great Ocean Road, showcasing the power of natural erosion.
Accessibility:
4/5. Located along the Great Ocean Road in Victoria, Australia, the Twelve Apostles are easily accessible by car, with viewpoints and parking available for visitors.
Cost:
1/5. Visiting the Twelve Apostles is free, with no entrance fee to view these iconic limestone stacks from the coastline.
Visitor Volume:
5/5. A major tourist attraction, it can get very crowded, especially during peak travel times and holidays.
Special:
The dramatic and rugged splendor of these massive limestone formations, set against the backdrop of the Southern Ocean, offers one of Australia’s most iconic natural landscapes.
6. Whitehaven Beach
Experience the pristine beauty of Whitehaven Beach on Whitsunday Island, Australia, known for its crystal-clear waters and silica white sands.
Accessibility:
3/5. Situated on Whitsunday Island, part of the Great Barrier Reef, Whitehaven Beach is accessible by boat, seaplane, or helicopter from Airlie Beach or Hamilton Island.
Cost:
3/5. The cost to visit can vary, primarily depending on the type of tour or transport chosen to reach this remote beach.
Visitor Volume:
4/5. Known for its pristine silica sand and turquoise waters, it’s a popular destination, but strict environmental protections help maintain its natural beauty.
Special:
Famed for its 7 km of stunning white silica sand, considered among the purest in the world, Whitehaven Beach offers a breathtaking and unspoiled natural escape.
7. Kati Thanda-Lake Eyre
Discover Kati Thanda-Lake Eyre, Australia’s largest salt lake. In flood, it transforms into a spectacular oasis attracting birds and wildlife, contrasting its usual vast arid landscape.
Accessibility:
1/5. In the heart of Australia’s Outback, reaching Lake Eyre requires a long drive through remote areas, often on unsealed roads, or a flight on a small plane for a bird’s-eye view.
Cost:
3/5. The cost can be significant, especially for aerial tours, but ground access via 4WD is more budget-friendly, albeit challenging.
Visitor Volume:
2/5. Its remote location and the extreme conditions of the Australian desert keep visitor numbers relatively low, offering a serene experience in a vast, open landscape.
Special:
Australia’s largest salt lake, Kati Thanda-Lake Eyre is a spectacular sight when filled with water, attracting rare birdlife and creating a stunning contrast with the arid desert surroundings.
8. Blue Mountains
Visit the Blue Mountains, a breathtaking World Heritage site in Australia, known for its dramatic scenery, steep cliffs, eucalyptus forests, waterfalls, and villages dotted with guesthouses, galleries, and gardens.
Accessibility:
4/5. Just a 2-hour drive or train ride from Sydney, Australia, the Blue Mountains offer a convenient escape into nature. The area is well-serviced by public transport, and many key attractions are easily accessible.
Cost:
2/5. Exploring the Blue Mountains National Park is free, with costs mainly associated with accommodation, dining, and specific attractions like the Scenic World or guided tours.
Visitor Volume:
4/5. A popular day-trip or weekend getaway destination from Sydney, it can be busy, especially at well-known spots like the Three Sisters or Wentworth Falls.
Special:
Famed for its dramatic scenery, eucalyptus forests, steep cliffs, and waterfalls, the region offers a range of outdoor activities and has a rich cultural heritage, including Aboriginal sites.