Cervantes / The Pinnacles

 

Cervantes is a thriving fishing and resort town.  The town’s name derives from an American whaling ship wrecked off the coast in 1844.  The coastal lands surrounding Cervantes features intense displays of wildflowers, particularly from August to October each year.

Just 29km south of Cervantes in the Nambung National Park, is one of Australia’s most striking natural features,- The Pinnacles.  A formation of limestone outer crops standing in a small sandy desert.  The Pinnacles create an eerie atmosphere.  Dutch sailors who spotted the columns from the sea prior to European settlement thought they were seeing the remains of an ancient city. Nambung National Park also features colorful displays of wildflowers and wattles.

Cervantes is 245km north of Perth via the Brand Highway (turn off at Bibby Road).  Half-day coach tours of The Pinnacles are available from Cervantes, and full-day tours depart from Perth.

Photo courtesy:  k43 pbase

 

 

Underground River Palawan (Luzon)

 

A world heritage site inscribed by the UNESCO, this natural wonder features an 8.2 kilometer navigable underground river that winds through a spectacular cave before emptying out in to the South China Sea.

The river flows within a deep cavern under rugged limestone and marble cliffs, the special features of the park.  Within the awesome recesses of the cave, one winds through the tunnel aboard a paddle boat.  Stalactite pillars, rock formations, domed amphitheaters and cathedrals are outstanding features of the park.

Photo courtesy:  outscape

 

 

 

Callao Cave Penablance, Cagayan (Luzon)

  

It’s a seven-chambered Callao Caves boast of massive limestone and other rock formations, skylights and a chapel.  Other pristine and undisturbed caves with living rock formations in the area include Sierra Cave, Quibal Cave, Odessa-Tumbali Cave System, Jackpot Cave, Roc and San Carlos Caves, among others.  More than 300 caves dot the area, 75 of which have been documented by the National Museum since 1977.  Within the area is the Pinacahauwan River conducive for river rafting or boating, kayaking, fishing and swimming while the mountains are perfect for trekking and mountaineering.

photo courtesy:  click the city