9 of the best Aussie rocks
Posted 11 June, 2019
John Pedler
Among Australia’s many great attractions, there’s a fair collection of monster rocks. Here are some of our favourites.
1. Bald Rock, NSW
In the highly competitive world of rock sizes, Bald Rock takes the gong for being ‘Australia’s largest exposed granite surface’. Awkward title to squeeze onto a souvenir teaspoon but impressive nonetheless.
Rising 200m above the surrounding bushland, it’s a relatively easy walk to the top for commanding views.
Getting there: Bald rock is 39km north of Tenterfield via a sealed road.
Where to stay: There are bush campsites (fees apply) and a picnic ground
2. Karlu Karlu (Devils Marbles), NT
Karlu Karlu started out as a single great lump of molten magma beneath another great lump of sandstone. The magma cooled to form granite which was exposed when the overlying sandstone eroded away.
When the granite eroded, it separated into hundreds of smaller segments. This left a number of boulders balancing precariously, and created the perfect setting for, “Look, I’m holding up a giant rock” selfies.
Getting there: Located just off the Stuart Highway, 9km south of Wauchope.
Where to stay: There’s a bush campground with toilet (fee applies) at the
Karlu Karlu / Devils Marbles Conservation Reserve. The nearest accommodation and caravan park can be found at the tiny roadside settlement of Wauchope.
3. Remarkable Rocks, SA (Kangaroo Island)
It’s all about location. As their name suggests these rocks are quite something, and their lofty perch atop coastal cliffs certainly adds to their appeal.
Sculpted into wild shapes by the incessant forces of wind, rain and sea spray, and daubed with bright orange lichen, this is a feature that suggests a Salvador Dali-esque approach to landscape design.
