12 Places That Are Extraordinary In The Rain

Are you over the rain? At these other-worldly Australian locations water transforms the entire landscape – with phenomenal results.

It’s hard at times to think of anything positive when it’s drizzling outside. But as one of the world’s driest continents, a bit of rain casts a real-life magic spell over our deserts, swamps and cities.

It’s time to gaze upon these drenched destinations.

1. Uluru, NT

Conjure up in your mind’s eye the sandstone monolith that has become emblematic of Australia. Can you see it glowing red, surrounded by the dust of the Red Centre? It’s not always like this.

Once or twice a year, Uluṟu is transformed by heavy downpours. You’ll see waterfalls and rivulets cascade down channels of sandstone leaving you awestruck.

the Uluru Waterfalls cascading down the purple rocks — See the breathtaking waterfalls cascading down Uluṟu. (Image: Voyages Indigenous Tourism Australia)

2. Kati Thanda-Lake Eyre, SA

A trip to Australia’s largest salt lake should be on everyone’s travel to-see list – and the best way to appreciate it is from above.

a plane flying over Kati Thanda-Lake Eyre, SA — Admire Kati Thanda-Lake Eyre from above. (Image: South Australian Tourism Commission)

When Kati Thanda is dry (which is most of the time), stripes of moon-like shades of grey and sandy orange are at the country’s lowest point below sea level.

an aerial view of Kati Thanda-Lake Eyre, SA — Kati Thanda-Lake Eyre is Australia’s largest salt lake. (Image: South Australian Tourism Commission)

But come here after outback rain? A surge of water causes the expanse to turn pink, and it teems with breeding migratory birds.

a bird's-eye view of Kati Thanda-Lake Eyre, SA — Rain transforms Kati Thanda-Lake Eyre. (Image: South Australian Tourism Commission)

3. Darwin, NT

Sure, the Top End is more popular in the winter dry season. But in monsoon season? It becomes truly electrifying.

thunderstorm in Darwin — Monsoon season in Darwin is truly electrifying. (Image: Tourism NT/Paul Thomsen)

Starting by sitting on a Darwin balcony with a cold drink, soon your skin will pimple as the humidity drops. Ominous rumbles turn into outright roars and lines of white-purple crack across the sky. It’s a truly humbling experience.

4. Daintree Rainforest, Qld

The rainy Tropical North Queensland summer gets a bad rap. It’s true that the reef isn’t as clear, humidity hits hard when the sun is at its peak, and some walking tracks are bound to be inaccessible due to rain.

But these rainstorms contribute to what makes the Daintree so unique in the world. The emerald green leaves of the rainforest drip with vital moisture, waterfalls come to life and the happy hum of its wild residents intensifies.

rainforest and sunbeam morning — The Daintree Rainforest gets greener when it rains. (Image: kritdarat Atsadayuttmetee via Getty Images)

5. Tasmanian temperate rainforests

Over 3000 kilometres south you will find a very different type of rainforest. The remote, temperate rainforests of Western Tasmania are alive with ancient Gondwanan flora, Huon pines, climbing tree ferns, the beloved platypus, Tasmanian devils and pademelons.

the Huon pines in Western Tasmania Rainforest, Tas — The temperate rainforest of Western Tasmania is dotted with Huon pines. (Image: Stu Gibson)

No wonder hikers from all over the world come here to trek in this cool, damp wonderland.

King River in Tasmania — Get lost in the Tassie wilderness. (Image: Flow Mountain Bike)

6. Lorne waterfalls, Vic

On one hand, it’s extremely annoying that when the sun is out in summer, the Great Ocean Road becomes a nightmarish melee of cars and campervans (hello stress-induced mental breakdowns).

the Sheoak Falls in Lorne — Stop by Sheoak Falls in Lorne to break from your Great Ocean Road drive. (Image: Parks Victoria)

On the other hand, it’s a good excuse to come here for a winter trip instead and see the raging waterfalls of Lorne. The autumn and winter rains make the already impressive falls even more so. And with the thinned-out crowds, you might even spot a koala in the nearby eucalyptus trees.

a man sitting on the rocky edge of Lorne Waterfalls, Vic — See the raging waterfalls of Lorne. (Image: Visit Victoria)

7. Glow Worm Tunnel, Wollemi National Park, NSW

You can see these unearthly, bioluminescent larvae at any time of the year. But there is something special about passing from rain to the cool darkness of the old railway tunnel in Wollemi National Park in the Blue Mountains.

Smaller foot traffic to the Glow Worm Tunnel walking track in wet weather means you can hear the drips falling into the puddles on the floor, with the unearthly blue glow providing your very own light show.

the Glow Worm Tunnel, Wollemi National Park, NSW — Glow worms glisten with a mystical blue glow. (Image: Destination NSW)

8. Coalseam Conservation Park, WA

In the summer, Western Australia’s first mined coal deposit is hot and quiet. When the winter rains pass though? It bursts into life with colourful spring flowers.

the Coalseam Conservation Park in WA — Coalseam Conservation Park bursts to life with the rain. (Image: Tourism Western Australia)

People travel to this part of the Wheatbelt region for a tranquil day: wandering through the yellows and pinks of the everlastings, grevilleas and banksias, snapping photos as they go.

a 4WD driving along the wildflowers in Coalseam Conservation Park — Drive along the white wildflowers in Coalseam Conservation Park. (Image: Tourism Western Australia)

9. Gurruwiling (Arafura Swamp), NT

Have you heard of the Gurruwiling (Arafura Swamp) in Arnhem Land? It is a remote water system, and the largest freshwater ecosystem and paperbark swamp in Australia.

Gurruwiling is also the home to the Yolŋu and Bi peoples, who work hard to mitigate the impact of climate change through their land management. If you want to see its ethereal beauty but can’t access it in person, the swamp played the starring role in the 2006 film, ‘Ten Canoes’.

the Arafura Swamp in Arnhem Land — Gurruwiling, also known as the Arafura Swamp, is a pristine wetland in Arnhem Land.

10. Bungle Bungles, WA

Fly to Purnululu National Park in the East Kimberley and it’s impossible to miss the hive-like rock hills of the Bungle Bungles.

the Bungle Bungles ancient sandstone formations within Purnululu National Park — Walk among ancient sandstone formations within Purnululu National Park. (Image: Tourism Western Australia)

Exploring the cluster of red-orange and plum-dark striped stacks is heightened by the rainfall. We’re talking pools between the rocks, and springtime blooms of acacia flowers and grevilleas.

hikers navigating the Bungle Bungles, WA — Exploring the cluster of red-orange and plum-dark striped stacks is heightened by the rainfall. (Image: Tourism Western Australia)

11. Wentworth Falls, NSW

The downside of it raining when you go to see Wentworth Falls is that you might need to eat lunch in the car in the picnic area. But brave the weather and step outside (we promise it’s worth it).

an aerial view of the Wentworth Falls, NSW — The short hike to Wentworth Falls is incredibly worth it. (Image: Destination NSW)

Make it to the nearby lookout and look across the misty Jamison’s Valley. It’s there you will see the jaw-dropping site of a pounding Wentworth Falls, courtesy of the rain-swollen creeks of the Blue Mountains.

the three-tiered Wentworth Falls, NSW — Be enchanted by the sight of the three-tiered Wentworth Falls. (Image: Destination NSW)

12. Barmah-Millewa Forest, Vic

Close to the Murray River, the Barmah-Millewa Forest is a seriously underrated destination for the average traveller.

the Barmah-Millewa Forest near Murray River — Barmah-Millewa Forest is on Yorta Yorta land. (Image: Parks Victoria)

The traditional lands of the Yorta Yorta have river red gum floodplains, freshwater marshes, and birdlife as diverse as waterbirds, galahs, cockatoos and cockatiels. Floods that occur from winter into spring contribute to its title as wetlands of international significance.

an aerial view of Barmah-Millewa Forest, Vic — The wetlands have provided a constant source of nutrition for the Yorta Yorta People. (Image: Parks Victoria)

A new wave of retreats, hotels, glamping sites and more is encouraging visitors to savour their time spent along the Great Ocean Road.

Long holding a place as one of Australia’s most rewarding drives, cliffs, curves and shifting coastal light continue to draw travellers to Victoria’s coastline year after year. What has evolved more quietly is the range of new accommodation along the Great Ocean Road to add new dimensions to the drive.

Rather than competing for attention, these stays are shaped by their settings. They sit beside rivers, among vines, on the edge of lakes and close to town centres where local life unfolds at an unhurried pace. Together, they point to a way of travelling the Great Ocean Road that values time spent in place, as much as distance covered.

1. The Monty, Anglesea

inside a classic room at The Monty Anglesea Great Ocean Road — Settle into The Monty’s unique style.

Anglesea has always appealed to travellers drawn to a quieter stretch of coast, where surf culture, bushland and river scenery blend into one. The Monty complements that character with a recent rebrand and refresh with traditional beach road trip nostalgia in mind. Mid-century retro decor means rooms are contemporary and funky, without being over-styled.

A highlight of the stay is Nina Cantina, the on-site Mexican restaurant overlooking the Anglesea River. Opening in 2026, it will undoubtedly become a popular gathering point, bringing together locals, day trippers and overnight guests. Watch the river flow while tucking into plates of tacos, before enjoying a digestion swim in The Monty’s pool.

Mornings in Anglesea often begin quietly. Kangaroos are a familiar sight on the nearby golf course, and walking tracks wind through heathland that reflects the natural landscape of the Surf Coast. From here, the road south feels like a continuation rather than a departure, easing travellers into the next stretch of the journey.

2. Basalt Retreats, Port Fairy

Basalt Retreat Private Villa interior — Discover this new adults-only retreat.

Near Port Fairy, Basalt Retreats is an adults-only delight set among a 24-year-old vineyard at Basalt Wines . The accommodation is a mixture of luxury and linens (and ultra comfy beds), allowing the long stretches of grapes to take centre stage. As the sun sets, Basalt Retreats settles into stillness. With minimal light pollution, the night sky becomes part of the experience, and star-searchers will delight in the uninterrupted views of our vast universe.

Poombeeyt Koontapool lookout — See Poombeeyt Koontapool from the lookout.

Staying along the Great Ocean Road western region gives you en route access to coastal landmarks. A visit to Poombeeyt Koontapool at Loch Ard Gorge is a must for those fascinated by natural blowholes, with enough walking trails to tucker out the most seasoned hiker.

The Poorpa Yanyeen Meereeng Trail between Timboon and Port Campbell reveals how wetlands, farmland and coastline connect across the region, best appreciated on foot or by bike.

3. Lake Colac Holiday Park, Colac

Book into a cabin at Lake Colac Holiday Park.

Lake Colac Holiday Park introduces new cabin accommodation set along the edge of a broad volcanic lake. The cabins are modern and light-filled, designed to make the most of the water views and open skies.

Lake Colac plays an important role in local life, hosting community events and everyday rituals alike. Staying here offers insight into the agricultural heart of the Great Ocean Road region, where the pace is shaped by seasons rather than sightseeing schedules.

Brae Restaurant great ocean road victoria — Have a delicious lunch, then join a farm tour at Brae Restaurant. (Image: Visit Vic)

Colac’s central location places visitors within reach of standout regional experiences. Otways Distillery’s Birregurra cellar door reflects the surrounding forest in its approach to spirits. While Brae Restaurant’s guided farm and kitchen garden tours offer a closer look at the land that underpins its acclaimed dining. Together, they highlight the strong connection between produce, place and people.

4. Glamping tents, Apollo Bay Recreation Reserve

Apollo Bay Recreation Reserve Glamping — Take a breather in Apollo Bay with brand new glamping tents.

Back on the coast, Apollo Bay has always been known to be a natural place to take a breather, sitting roughly at the Great Ocean Road’s midway point. The brand-spanking new glamping tents at the Apollo Bay Recreation Reserve offer comfortable accommodation that remains closely connected to the outdoors. With ensuite bathrooms and thoughtfully designed interiors, the cabin-tent hybrids offer enough privacy and luxuries to make the trip feel more luxurious than your standard camping affair.

Set near the river and within walking distance of the town centre, the location allows guests to move easily between beach walks, forest drives and relaxed meals.

A session at The Corner Sauna fits naturally into a stay here. The wood-fired sauna has become part of Apollo Bay’s way of life, offering warmth and restoration after time spent in the elements (also known as a frolic at the beach).

Apollo Bay Fishermens Co-op — Enjoy fresh seafood at Apollo Bay Fishermen’s Co-op.

Apollo Bay has enough to entertain and dazzle travellers more than your average town. Graze on fresh seafood at local cafes – like Graze or Apollo Bay Fishermen’s Co-op – before venturing to nearby waterfalls. Spend hours kayaking among real-life seals, try your hand at surf lessons taught by understanding and patient guides, or simply spend your days reading a book while the surf crashes in front of you.

Together, these new accommodation openings highlight the Great Ocean Road’s continued evolution. With more places that invite travellers to slow down and stay a little longer, the journey becomes less about rushing between landmarks and more about engaging with the unique towns along the way.

Start planning your next trip along the Great Ocean Road at visitgreatoceanroad.org.au .

When it rains, it shines: 12 places that are extraordinary in the rain