The Best Place to View Whales in Australia

The Great Australian Bight – the Best Place to View Whales in Australia

The Great Australian Bight, Australia. The oceanic bight stretches for about 1160 km (720 mi) along the southern coastline of the continent. Mostly the steep cliffs are 60 m (200 ft) high and create this spectacular view of waves breaking to the colossal rock wall. Native Australians have been living on these beautiful shores for ages.

Apart from being impressive itself, the Bight makes it a wonderful platform to watch whales from. It is a protected area, which preserves the populations of Southern right whales and Australian sea lions. The whales perform an entertaining number by blowing water, rolling and slapping the waves with their tails. There are specially made viewpoints to admire these ocean giants. Also there are some great beaches like Salmon Holes or Green Poll, that provide a refreshing dip in the water.

Why to go there?

The natural wonder is located on a remote coast. However, it can be approached while traveling via the Eyre Highway.

When to go there?

To view the whales go there between June and October. To view the coast go the all year round.

How to get there?

The Bight is found 80 km (50 mi) of Yalata and 20 km (12 mi) of the Nullabor Roadhouse. The are several circuits from the Eyre Highway that will take to the site.

Avaiki Cave - Natural Cave

Avaiki Cave Filled with Warm Crystal Clear Water in Niue: Avaiki Cave, Niue. The island country of Niue is found in the South Pacific Ocean and is in free association with New Zealand, which lies 2 400 km (1 500 mi) away. Niue is a raised coral atoll, which ensures its natural and unspoiled beauty. Also an interesting fact about this remote island: it is the world’s first Wi-Fi nation, which provides wireless internet throughout the whole country.

Water here is extremely clear, having a 30 meters (100 ft) visibility! The versatile marine life can be admired while snorkeling or boating. Meanwhile the Avaiki Cave is said to be the first settlement by the newcomers from Polynesia, at around 900 AD. It features limestone caves, carved by erosion, and pools, filled with this turquoise water, which is not even very saline.

Why to go there?

Visiting Niue can be a goal itself: not many visitors reach this remote island. Once there swimming, diving and boating are a must-do. While Avaiki Cave is a nice place to bathe in – it is like a natural pool!

When to go there?

Tropical climate ensures warm weather all year round. Meanwhile the wet season takes place from November to April.

How to get there?

By plane from Auckland, New Zealand. Today it is the only direct connection. However, the island is determined to invest in tourism and make it more accessible to the visitors around the world.

Cabo Vidio in Asturias, Spain

Cabo Vidio – a Dramatic Coastline in Asturias, Spain

Cabo Vidio, Asturias, Spain. The rugged surface and precipitous cliffs overlooking the Atlantic Ocean are located in the northern part of the country. A dramatic coast provides some of the most exciting views. Although the place looks quite inhospitable, there are a few viewpoints that give a good impression to this glorious natural wonder.

The cliffs reach 80 m (262 ft) above sea level and allow to see Punta de Estaca de Bares – the northernmost point of the Iberian Peninsula – as well as Cabo de Peñas. Other popular features include a lighthouse on a cape and a cave below – a result of erosion, caused by the waves. Overall this is a popular site to visit while traveling in Asturias.

Why to go there?

Amazing views to the vast coastline open from here: one can admire the ascending and descending cliffs, mountains and horns. Moreover, there is a picturesque town of Cudillero only 10 km (6 mi) away, which is worth visiting while in the area.

When to go there?

Anytime – although winters can be quite cold and the wind can get rough, so bring warmer clothes.

How to get there?

The best way to get around the region is by car or bus.

Khao Sam Roi Yot National Park of Thailand

Khao Sam Roi Yot National Park, Thailand. A marine park in Prachuap Khiri Khan Province, overlooking the Gulf of Thailand, is proud of its fascinating nature, that attracts thousands of tourists. It is embedded in the mountains, where hundreds limestone hills protrude and create its signature landscape.

The park also features lush greenery and versatile wildlife, picturesque sandy beaches and islands, hiking trails and viewpoints, where one can admire great panoramic sites. But the most popular and fascinating spot is the Phraya Nakhon Cave. It is a huge chamber with a hole above, so that sunlight comes in and creates this spiritual effect. Unsurprisingly a royal pavilion is built there – a beautiful example of nature meeting culture.

Why to go there?

The park provides numerous picturesque sites, romantic hiking trails and animal (like wild elephant, Dusky leaf monkey, waterbirds and more) watching opportunities.

When to go there?

All year round. If you wish to see a certain animal always check before going: for instance catch migrating waterbirds between January and February.

How to get there?

It is found in a rather easily accessible location: get there by bus from Hua Hin (60 km) or Bangkok (a three hours drive).

The Hum Hod Cliff in Thailand

Hum Hod Cliff, Sai-Thong National Park, Thailand. Found in Chaiyaphum province, a mountainous area, park features versatile unspoiled nature, waterfalls and viewpoints, from where an impressive scenery opens. The place also features vast flower fields: Siam tulip is a local icon and is in full bloom from June to August.

Ham Hod Cliff viewpoint is not for the cowardly – at 860 m (2821 ft) above sea level a narrow rock seems to be protruding above the abyss. However, overwhelming panorama to the forest takes visitors’ breath away. Along the way to the top, hikers pass the Siam tulip field and move towards Pung Poey Mountain. Tourists also love to have a refreshing dip in the Wang Sai pond, which lies below outstanding Sai Thong waterfall.

Why to go there?

Wonderful nature, great hiking trails, unforgettable panoramic views.

When to go there?

The rainy season takes place from June to August. However it is the time when Siam tulips bloom.

How to get there?

The park is 70 km (43 mi) from Chaiyaphum and 37 km (23 mi) from Nong Bua Rahaeo. Get there by car, taking Highway No 225.