The world may be big place, but here in our own Australian backyard are some of the globe’s largest landmarks. Check them out on an epic road trip of massive proportions!
Finger Wharf, Woolloomooloo
Say woohoo in Woolloomooloo! Yes – in true Aussie fashion, Woolloomooloo is the name of an actual place. This horseshoe-shaped valley boasts the world’s largest wooden structure, Finger Wharf, measuring 410 metres in length and 64 metres in width. This historic wooden jetty stretches along the harbour side, originally designed in an Edwardian style and used as a wool and cargo dock. In the 1990s, it was revamped to become the glorious foodie heaven that it is today.
Fine dining from different parts of the world ranging from Italy to Asia are on offer along the wharf, as well as a glamorous Water Bar to toast to the Sydney skyline. History buffs will enjoy reading all about the story of this wharf, displayed on glass walls dotted throughout the structure. What’s more, you are likely to see celebrities such as Russell Crowe or Delta Goodrem as they own property not far from here!
Only 1.5 kilometres east of Sydney, you can easily drive on over here and enjoy the quality cuisine as you hear the waves crash nearby.
Coral collection, Great Barrier Reef
UNESCO reports that the biggest collection of coral found anywhere in the world is just a hop, skip and swim away from Cairns in the Great Barrier Reef. With 4,000 types of mollusc and 400 types of coral, there is plenty to admire here as you snorkel below the waves. What’s more, there are 2,500 individual reefs and more than 900 islands.
The sheer size of the reef will take your breath away (so be sure to keep your snorkel head above water!) because it covers a jaw-dropping 348,000 square kilometres. To put this in perspective, the second-largest Red Sea Coral Reef off the coasts of Egypt is only around 1,900 km.
Not much different to an underwater forest, coral is built up over time with thin layers of calcium carbonate, which all connect like tree canopies to form a colony of coral. Seeing such a massive range of coral is truly breathtaking.
UNESCO proudly states that all of these factors make it “one of the richest and most complex natural ecosystems on earth” so be sure to take a trip to Cairns, see all the city has to offer, and schedule in some time to venture out to this incredible reef.
