The Sydney Opera House turned 40 in October. Getting the Aussie icon built was a drama itself with design issues, cost blowouts and a bitter original architect.<br />Click to see 10 hidden destinations in Australia.
20 Australia discoveries —
The Sydney Opera House turned 40 in October. Getting the Aussie icon built was a drama itself with design issues, cost blowouts and a bitter original architect.
Click to see 10 hidden destinations in Australia.
WILLIAM WEST/AFP/Getty Images
Capertee Valley, 135 kilometers northwest of Sydney, is said to be slightly longer than the Grand Canyon but not quite as deep, making it the world's second-largest enclosed canyon.
Capertee Valley, New South Wales —
Capertee Valley, 135 kilometers northwest of Sydney, is said to be slightly longer than the Grand Canyon but not quite as deep, making it the world's second-largest enclosed canyon.
courtesy hamilton lund & destination NSW
It's got small hills rather than a whopping great rock, but this desert region 50 kilometers southwest of Oodnadatta is spectacular. It's best seen at sunset when rocky outcrops glow red, pink and orange.
Painted Desert, South Australia —
It's got small hills rather than a whopping great rock, but this desert region 50 kilometers southwest of Oodnadatta is spectacular. It's best seen at sunset when rocky outcrops glow red, pink and orange.
courtesy SATC 7& Peter Fisher
Not all of Queensland's natural wonders are located on the coast. The world's longest molten-rock tunnels, 275 kilometers southwest of Cairns, were formed 190,000 years ago and include impressive underground caves.
Undara Lava Tubes, Queensland —
Not all of Queensland's natural wonders are located on the coast. The world's longest molten-rock tunnels, 275 kilometers southwest of Cairns, were formed 190,000 years ago and include impressive underground caves.
courtesy credit tourism and events queensland
"Kakadu's little brother" is one of the best places in the Top End for bushwalking and swimming in croc-free pools. A two-hour drive from Darwin, Litchfield is also more accessible than Kakadu during the wet season.
Litchfield National Park, Northern Territory —
"Kakadu's little brother" is one of the best places in the Top End for bushwalking and swimming in croc-free pools. A two-hour drive from Darwin, Litchfield is also more accessible than Kakadu during the wet season.
courtesy tourism NT
The Great Barrier Reef isn't Australia's only diving draw. The coral reefs at Lord Howe Island are the southernmost on the planet and teem with more than 90 species of coral and 500 species of fish.
Lord Howe Island, New South Wales —
The Great Barrier Reef isn't Australia's only diving draw. The coral reefs at Lord Howe Island are the southernmost on the planet and teem with more than 90 species of coral and 500 species of fish.
courtesy capella lodge
Known as "Noah's Ark" for its endangered animals, including the Tassie Devil and Cape Barren Goose, this east coast island features deserted beaches, rugged cliffs and eucalyptus forests.
Maria Island, Tasmania —
Known as "Noah's Ark" for its endangered animals, including the Tassie Devil and Cape Barren Goose, this east coast island features deserted beaches, rugged cliffs and eucalyptus forests.
courtesy the maria island walk
Dolphins come to shore each day to be fed in the shallow waters of the Shark Bay peninsula, 850 kilometers north of Perth.
Monkey Mia, West Australia —
Dolphins come to shore each day to be fed in the shallow waters of the Shark Bay peninsula, 850 kilometers north of Perth.
courtesy tourism australia
The Great Ocean Road runs along the Princes Highway to South Australia's Limestone Coast. The region is home to endless beaches, blue-hued crater lakes, World Heritage caves and wonderful wineries.
Limestone Coast, South Australia —
The Great Ocean Road runs along the Princes Highway to South Australia's Limestone Coast. The region is home to endless beaches, blue-hued crater lakes, World Heritage caves and wonderful wineries.
courtesy satc & adam bruzzone
This mellow surf spot on the far north coast is like Byron Bay without the crowds. Beach bums can choose from 11 gorgeous beaches, while confident board riders can tackle Angourie's legendary point break.
Yamba, New South Wales —
This mellow surf spot on the far north coast is like Byron Bay without the crowds. Beach bums can choose from 11 gorgeous beaches, while confident board riders can tackle Angourie's legendary point break.
courtesy Grenville Turner & Destination NSW
Located in the remote Pilbara mining region, Karijini is as magnificent as the Kimberley but with a fraction of the crowds. The rugged gorges and sparkling rock pools are star attractions.
Karijini National Park, West Australia —
Located in the remote Pilbara mining region, Karijini is as magnificent as the Kimberley but with a fraction of the crowds. The rugged gorges and sparkling rock pools are star attractions.
courtesy tourism western australia