Amazingly Unique Attractions in Each Australian State
With a range of popular and hidden attraction across the country, what makes a venue or attraction unique?
While tourists are always on the lookout for a unique attraction they can tell their friends about, these venues are also in high demand by artists, wedding and event organisers and photographers.
Spring Hill Reservoir – Brisbane, QLD
Imagine attending an event in an old water reservoir buried six metres under an Australian city. That’s exactly what you’ll find at the Spring Hill Reservoir – a unique performance and venue space that was decommissioned as Brisbane’s main water supply in 1960. Five years ago, the reservoir was opened for performances and is now home to the Opera in the Reservoir and Carols in the Reservoir.
Plenty of other events take place in the Reservoir throughout the year, and if you are in Brisbane, it is one of those hidden attractions that is a must do.
Joadja Historic Town & Distillery – Joadja, NSW
Producers of a unique Australian Single Malt Whiskey and with the historic town of Joadja in their backyard, Valero & Elisa Jimenez have something very special in the NSW Southern Highlands. The town was once home to thousands of miners from Scotland who were brought out to Australia to mine the kerosene shale in Joadja Creek.
While the Distillery Cellar Door is open most weekends, with free tours and tastings, open days with heritage tours at Joadja happen throughout the year – it’s always best to call before a visit to confirm dates of open days.
Gunlom Falls – Kakadu National Park, NT
A stunning waterfall measuring in at almost 90 metres tall, Gunlom Falls is often bypassed by travellers. The swimming area below the falls is known as the Gunlom Plunge Pool is magical and, fortunately, crocodile-free! A crocodile free natural swimming area is quite rare in the Northern Territory, and not something travellers come across every day.
Crystal clear waters also mean snorkelling is a great option – anything from freshwater fish to turtles can be found in and around the pool. This is definitely one of the lesser appreciated sites in the Northern Territory which is certainly worth a visit.
Port Arthur – TAS
Port Arthur is absolutely full of history and is one of the most significant heritage venues in Australia. Over many years Port Arthur has gone from a convict settlement feared by even the most hardened criminals to a World Heritage listed Historic Site and a destination that is on the list of many domestic and international tourists.
There is plenty of exploring to be had over the 40 hectares that Port Arthur lays on. From discovering the old houses and buildings to joining a museum or ghost tour this is certainly a venue well worth visiting when in Tasmania.
Bell Tower – Perth, WA
The Bell Tower is one of the most unique venues and attractions in Perth. Located on the Swan River, the tower is an absolute must for history buffs and those looking for a unique venue for a wedding or corporate function.
The Bell Tower is home to the 12 bells of St Martin-in-the-Fields and have been recorded as existing prior to the 14th century. If you visit on a Monday, Thursday or Sunday between 12pm – 1pm, you’ll hear the ringing of the bells, or sit in on an interactive demonstration of the ringing of the bells at various times from Monday – Saturday.
One of the most unique venues and attractions in the heart of Perth, the Bell Tower should be on your list when you visit Perth.
Sovereign Hill – Ballarat, VIC
Gold! Sovereign Hill is one of the best outdoor museums in the country, recreating the first years after the discover of gold in Ballarat. During the day, you’ll find costumed ladies and men, pan for real gold (and keep anything you find), take an underground tour of a gold mine, hop in a horse-drawn cart and experience life as it was in 1850’s Ballarat.
At night, there is always something happening including Lamplight Tours and a brand-new sound and light show; as with everything at Sovereign Hill, these tours and shows are set up to help you experienced the goldfields and the like of a miner.
Mortlock Chamber (State Library of South Australia) – Adelaide, SA
The Mortlock Chamber in the State Library of South Australia is simply stunning; it is a great example of a late Victorian style library and serves as a showcase for the long and deep history of South Australia. This isn’t just a venue for weddings and corporate events; curl up with a good book on those cold winter days or just soak in the history of the building.
The Mortlock Chamber is a rather unique building in South Australia; in the office on the second floor at the southern end of the building, you can find two of the original gas lamps, and in a room off the ground floor, you can find some of the original wallpaper.
In 2016, the library was voted as the 5th most beautiful library in the world but the Huffington Post, and with just one visit to the Mortlock Chamber, you will understand why.
