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A May accident involving a crocodile highlighted the dangers posed by some of Australia's most spectacular natural attractions. Nine tourists were treated for serious injuries after a tourist boat capsized at what David Attenborough previously described as "one of the world's greatest natural wonders" in Western Australia – the Cross Falls.
Horizontal waterfalls in Australia
Horizontal Falls, also known as the unusual horizontal waterfall, is a natural phenomenon where powerful tidal water flows into a narrow crevice in the rock face, creating a waterfall up to 5 meters high. Large tourist boats can easily navigate the crevice to provide a close-up view. However, in a recent tragedy, a boat carrying 28 tourists and crew crashed into the cliff. Horizontal Falls is one of dozens of notable natural attractions in Australia that pose a danger to tourists.
Here are the five most dangerous tourist attractions in Australia, according to recent assessments:
Esperance Beach, Western Australia
With its long stretches of fine white sand surrounded by turquoise waters and frequented by a number of kangaroos, Esperance Beach is perhaps the most spectacular beach in all of Australia.
Tidal waves crash in and out on West Beach in Esperance. Photo: Getty
However, one drawback of the coast around Esperance is the staggering number of sharks. Australia is world-renowned for its sharks, particularly the great white shark, which can grow up to 6 meters long and weigh 2,000 kilograms. On average, the country experiences more than 20 shark attacks each year.
Nowhere in Australia has a darker history with sharks than the small town of Esperance. In the last five years alone, three people have died in separate shark attacks near Esperance, and many more have been injured. Some were attacked while surfing, others while diving or swimming.
Blue Mountains, New South Wales
With its pristine landscape of valleys and mountain peaks covered in forests, Blue Mountains National Park is a magnet for tourists visiting Sydney, located just 60 km east of the city.
This is the most visited national park in Australia. Its appeal stems from its proximity to the country's largest city.
Each year, more than 100 people need to be rescued after being injured or going missing while hiking in the Blue Mountains of New South Wales.
Blue Mountains National Park is notable for its miles of trails for hikers and mountain bikers, and it's also a popular natural playground for adventurers and thrill-seekers who enjoy activities like rock climbing and cliff rappelling.
But perhaps because it's located near urban areas, many tourists underestimate the unspoiled and remote nature of the Blue Mountains. Each year, more than 100 people need rescuing after being injured or getting lost while hiking in this area.
Remote swimming spots, Northern Territory
The Crocodile Dundee trilogy fueled a tourism boom from the 1980s, with Australia attracting visitors seeking to explore remote wilderness areas and spot crocodiles, sharks, and snakes from a safe distance.
Unfortunately, maintaining that distance isn't always possible when tourists explore the untamed landscapes of the Northern Territory and Western Australia. On average, one person is attacked by a crocodile each year, which can be up to 6 meters long and weigh over 1,000 kg. Victims are often found while fishing or swimming in rivers.
Lake Argyle is known as the jewel of the Kimberley in the Kununurra, Western Australia.
The Australian heat makes these places attractive to tourists seeking relief from the heat, and some are overflowing with foreign visitors, such as the spectacular Wangi Falls in Litchfield National Park in the Northern Territory.
A male tourist was attacked at that location in 2017. Meanwhile, in May 2022, a female tourist was seriously injured when she was attacked by a crocodile at the popular Lake Argyle in Western Australia.
Great Barrier Reef, Queensland
Spanning four times the size of the UAE, the Great Barrier Reef is the world's largest coral reef system and a must-see destination for any traveler visiting Australia. Like the locations mentioned above, it harbors numerous dangers beyond its stunning beauty.
It was here, in 2006, that renowned wildlife expert and "Alligator Hunter" Steve Irwin died after being gored in the chest by a stingray. While it was a truly rare incident, tourists often encounter problems when diving at this spectacular location.
Tourists often get lost, drown, or nearly drown at the Great Barrier Reef – one of Australia's most famous attractions.
In addition, accidents frequently occur on boats, and tourists get lost, drown, or nearly drown in these waters, so Maritime Safety Queensland has dozens of volunteers assigned to carry out rescues on the coral reef.
Mount Augustus, Western Australia
Uluru, or Ayers Rock, is an icon of Australia and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Although less famous, Mount Augustus is the largest monolithic rock in Australia, twice the size of Uluru.
Unfortunately, some visitors who climb or around Mount Augustus underestimate its rugged terrain, harsh weather, and extreme isolation. In summer, temperatures can reach 47 degrees Celsius. The monolithic rock formation, 715 meters high, is located approximately 850 km north of the capital Perth and more than a 5-hour drive from the nearest hospital.
Visitors who climb around Mount Augustus often underestimate its rugged terrain, harsh weather, and extreme isolation.
In 2020, three people died on Mount Augustus after getting lost. Visitors to this monolithic rock are warned against hiking alone. But even with companions, there is a risk of death, as was the case in September 2020, when an elderly couple died on Mount Augustus. In the weeks that followed, another elderly visitor miraculously survived after getting lost.
