When most people think of Australia, they probably think of kangaroos, beaches, and the Sydney Opera House. But if you’re looking for something a bit more unusual, Australia has plenty to offer. From bizarre wildlife to unexpected landscapes, here are five truly weird things that you’ll only be able to see in Australia.
The Tasmanian Devil
The Tasmanian devil is one of Australia’s most iconic animals, but it’s also one of the weirdest. With its stocky build, black fur, and ferocious appetite, the Tasmanian devil looks like a cross between a bear and a hyena. But it’s actually a marsupial, which means that it carries its young in a pouch like a kangaroo.
Unfortunately, the Tasmanian devil is also one of Australia’s most endangered animals. Contagious cancer called Devil Facial Tumor Disease has decimated the population in recent years, and conservation efforts are underway to save the species. If you want to see a Tasmanian devil in the wild, your best bet is to head to Tasmania and visit one of the island’s many wildlife sanctuaries.
The Nullarbor Plain
The Nullarbor Plain is one of the world’s largest semi-arid deserts, stretching across the southern coast of Australia. But what makes the Nullarbor truly weird is that it’s completely flat. There are no hills, no trees, and no signs of life as far as the eye can see.
Driving across the Nullarbor is a unique experience. The road stretches for over 1,100 miles, with nothing but the occasional rest stop to break up the monotony. But the stark beauty of the landscape is mesmerizing, and if you’re lucky, you might even catch a glimpse of a kangaroo or a wild camel.
The Great Barrier Reef
The Great Barrier Reef is one of the world’s most famous natural wonders, but what many people don’t know is that it’s also one of the weirdest. The reef is home to a vast array of marine life, from colorful coral to schools of shimmering fish. But it’s also home to some truly bizarre creatures.
One of the weirdest is the clownfish, which is famous for its symbiotic relationship with sea anemones. The clownfish lives among the anemone’s poisonous tentacles, which protect it from predators. In return, the clownfish provides the anemone with food and keeps it clean. It’s a perfect example of the strange and wonderful relationships that exist in the underwater world.
The Horizontal Falls
Located in the remote Kimberley region of Western Australia, the Horizontal Falls are a natural wonder that defies explanation. The falls are created by the massive tidal shifts in the region, which force water through a narrow gap between two cliffs. The result is a series of rapids that flow horizontally, rather than vertically.
Visiting the Horizontal Falls is a thrill ride like no other. You can take a high-speed boat ride through the rapids, experiencing the force of the water as you race through the gap. Or, for a more tranquil experience, you can take a scenic flight over the falls, marveling at the beauty of the landscape from above.