Dive into a Kaleidoscope of Azure, Turquoise and Sapphire

Bioluminescence in Jervis Bay, NSW

We’re going from the chemical reaction that gives Uluru its rust-red hue to one that looks like something from a sci-fi movie: bioluminescence.

Jervis Bay is known for occasional displays of glowing blue water, created by microscopic marine organisms called dinoflagellates. These organisms contain luciferin, a molecule that emits light when it reacts with oxygen. When waves break or the water is disturbed, the ocean can glow electric blue.

Bioluminescence at night in Jervis Bay, NSW, Australia

The phenomenon isn’t permanent and is notoriously difficult to predict. Blooms can occur at almost any time of year, but warm water temperatures help stimulate the growth and activity of these glowing microorganisms.

For the best odds, visit after rainfall. Runoff from land carries nutrients into the ocean, which can trigger a bloom.

Nearby 4WD Tracks

• Braidwood to Bendalong Trail – A scenic mix of gravel and bush roads through coastal forests.
• Murramarang National Park 4WD Tracks – Beach and bush tracks north of Jervis Bay.

Camping

• Green Patch Campground – A beautiful coastal campground inside Booderee National Park.
• Bendalong Point Tourist Park – Popular coastal camping near excellent beaches.

Great Barrier Reef, QLD

One of the 7 wonders of the natural world, the Great Barrier Reef is a kaleidoscope of shifting blues, from deep navy ocean to bright turquoise lagoons and shallow coral cays.

Great Barrier Reef, QLD, aerially

This living, breathing ecosystem stretches over 2,300 kilometres along the Queensland coast, and rivals Uluru as Australia’s most iconic natural marvel. While much of the reef is explored by boat, the surrounding coastline offers plenty of 4WDing opportunities and basing yourself in either Cairns or Port Douglas gives you access to both the Daintree and the Tablelands.

Under the water, blue-ringed octopus, blue-spotted lagoon rays and blue coral inhabit the tropical waters and add to the spectrum of colour this reef produces.

Great Barrier Reef native, the blue-ringed octopus

Nearby 4WD Tracks

• Bloomfield Track – A challenging coastal rainforest track between Cape Tribulation and Cooktown.
• Cape Palmerston National Park Tracks – Remote beach and bush tracks along the central Queensland coast.

Camping

• Cape Tribulation Camping – Beachside camping where rainforest meets reef.
• Cape Palmerston National Park Campgrounds – Remote coastal camping with reef views.

Blue Lake, SA

In the heart of Mount Gambier, you’ll find one of Australia’s most striking natural colour changes: the Blue Lake.

Set within an ancient volcanic crater, this lake transforms dramatically each year, shifting from a steely grey in winter to a vivid cobalt blue during the warmer months. It is hypothesised that as surface temperatures increase, calcium carbonate in the water forms micro-crystals that reflect the blue light from the sun, scattering it across the water and emphasizing the hue.

Blue Lake in Mount Gambier, SA

Regardless of the science behind it, the result is a brilliant blue lake surrounded by steep crater walls and walking tracks that offer spectacular views across the water.

The Blue Lake also serves as Mount Gambier’s main water supply, and its scenic loop road makes for an easy and rewarding stop when travelling through South Australia’s LimestoneCoast.

Nearby 4WD Tracks

• Canunda National Park Coastal Track –A rugged beach and dune drive along the Limestone Coast.
• Piccaninnie Ponds Conservation Park Tracks –Scenic gravel roads leading to crystal-clear freshwater springs.

Camping

• Pine Country Caravan Park–A relaxed campground set on a rural property near Mount Gambier.
• Southend Campground–Coastal camping near the start of the Canunda 4WD track.

Ningaloo Marine Park, WA

Running along Western Australia’s Coral Coast, Ningaloo Marine Park is one of the few places in the world where a vibrant coral reef sits just metres from the shore.

The shallow reef lagoons create brilliant shades of turquoise and aquamarine, while deeper waters beyond the reef drop away into darker ocean blues. These waters are home to an abundance of marine life, including manta rays, turtles and the famous seasonal visitors: whale sharks.

A turtle pictured in the Ningaloo Marine Park

Because the reef lies so close to land, many of the best experiences here involve simply walking off the beach with a snorkel and plunging into the blue.

Nearby 4WD Tracks

• Cape Range National Park Coastal Track – A stunning coastal drive past some of Ningaloo’s best beaches.
• Yardie Creek Track – A rugged track leading to dramatic coastal cliffs and creek crossings.

Camping

• Osprey Bay Campground– Beachfront camping overlooking the reef.
• Winderabandi Campground – A coastal camp adjacent to the Marine Park.

Lake McKenzie, QLD

Located on K'gari, the world’s largest sand island, Lake McKenzie (Boorangoora) is one of Australia’s most spectacular freshwater lakes.

The lake is famous for its brilliant blue water, which contrasts sharply with the bright white silica sand that lines its shores. Its remarkable clarity comes from the fact that the lake is entirely rain-fed, with no streams or groundwater flowing into it. Instead, rainwater is naturally filtered through the surrounding silica sand, leaving the lake’s waters incredibly pure and crystal clear.

The surrounding rainforest and soft sand tracks make the journey there just as memorable as the destination itself.

Lake McKenzie, K'Gari, QLD

Nearby 4WD Tracks

• Seventy Five Mile Beach – The island’s main highway and a bucket-list beach drive.
• Central Station Track – A sandy inland track through tall rainforest.

Camping

• Central Station Campground– Popular forest camping near the lake.
• Dundubara Campground– A well-equipped camping area near the beach.

Part of our complete guide to Australia’s most colourful 4WD destinations.