Culture, art and heritage

When it comes to funky formations, Australia rocks. 

This country is full of big, bizarre, and baffling natural wonders that make for enthralling viewing and incredible photos.

We’re shining the light on seven unusual rock formations that you must see for yourself. Don’t forget the camera...

1. Sawn Rocks, Mt Kaputar National Park, NSW

The detailed nature of Sawn Rocks ensures this NSW attraction is mesmerising. Spotted in the New England North West region, Sawn Rocks is a superb example of rock formations that fall into the ‘organ piping’ category. The basalt columns resemble a wall of massive organ pipes and are a result of past volcanic activity. Photographers should note that post-midday is the optimum time to snap away at Sawn Rocks: it’s then that the sun cloaks this imposing cliff face.

Visit when staying at...BIG4 Opal Holiday Park, Lightning Ridge.

2. Murphy’s Haystacks, Eyre Peninsula, SA

If you’re planning on driving along the Nullarbor or exploring South Australia’s Eyre Peninsula, a stop at Murphy’s Haystacks is essential. Found about 1.5 hours southeast of Ceduna, these colourful, imposing pillars are most intriguing. Murphy’s Haystacks are estimated to be older than 1500 million years, and over time the wind has worn these pillars into some mind-boggling shapes.

Visit when staying at...BIG4 Ceduna Tourist Park or Elliston Caravan Park.

3. Wave Rock, near Hyden, WA

The services of creative geniuses weren’t required when it came time to name this next formation: Wave Rock, quite simply, is a rock carved in the shape of a giant surf wave. While simple in name, Wave Rock isn’t simplistic in nature. It’s taken years and years of weathering and erosion to create this 15m-high, 110m-long granite cliff, and it makes for an amazing and unique sight. Wave Rock is located near Hyden, less than four hours east of Perth.

4. The Pinnacles, Nambung National Park, WA

The WA landscape teems with captivating creations, and among its leading natural wonders is The Pinnacles rock formation. The Pinnacles consists of huge limestone pillars that protrude from desert sands, and a stroll around this area instantly generates a feeling that you’re on another planet. There are literally thousands of these pillars to view, some reaching upwards of 3m in height.

Visit when staying at... BIG4 Tasman Holiday Parks - Ledge Point.

5. Karlu Karlu/Devils Marbles Conservation Reserve, NT

The bewildering boulders of Karlu Karlu form one of the most iconic rock collections in Australia. These granite boulders grab endless attention for the way in which several of them are precariously positioned. Witness rocks so delicately balanced they appear as if they could be pushed over: cue cheesy photo op. For the serious photographer, sunrise and sunset are ideal times to shoot.

Visit when staying at... Gemtree Roadhouse and Caravan Park in Anmatjere or G'day Mate Tourist Park in Alice Springs. 

6. The Tessellated Pavement, Tasman Peninsula, TAS

The Tessellated Pavement isn’t going to blow you away for its size; rather it commands attention for its impressive intricacy. This Tasmanian attraction has benefited from various geological events to present a tiled-like appearance that allows you to capture fascinating images. The Tessellated Pavement is one of many peculiar rock formations on the Tasman Peninsula.

Visit when staying at...BIG4 Hobart Airport Tourist Park or NRMA Port Arthur Holiday Park.

7. Girraween National Park, QLD

Strange rock formations are scattered throughout Girraween National Park in QLD's Toowoomba and Golden West region. Witness another assortment of perilous-looking granite boulders, with catchy names such as the Sphinx and Turtle Rock. Visit Girraween in spring for an even better viewing experience – it’s then that glorious wildflowers carpet the landscape.

Visit when staying at...BIG4 Freedom Lifestyle Holiday Park Warwick or Country Style Holiday Park, Stanthorpe.

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