Australia has 17 World Heritage sites, a mixture of natural and cultural wonders. Popular areas like Kakadu, the Great Barrier Reef and Tasmanian Wilderness get the most airtime. But did you know Shark Bay WA, Blue Mountains NSW and even the Royal Exhibition Building and Carlton Gardens in Melbourne also feature on the list? If you're looking for an experience, where you can absorb Australia's rich natural and cultural offerings, and not necessarily in complete remoteness, then read on...
 Head to Fraser Island to spot the humpback whales until November. If you miss whale season, it's year round fun swimming in jewel-coloured freshwater lakes, or walking through a rainforest growing in sand, 4WD-ing or exploring the Maheno shipwreck. Stay at the Kingfisher Island Bay Resort or try mainland Hervey Bay for more accommodation options.
 This world heritage site comes with all the big city conveniences. The Blue Mountains NSW is less than 2 hours from Sydney. There's plenty of activities for all fitness levels, from bushwalks and canyoning to the railway ride at Scenic World. There's also fine dining, art galleries and spa treatments for indoorsy types.
 Shark Bay WA has an abundance of wildlife, including dugongs, turtles and more sharks per square kilometre than anywhere in the world! It's also home to the famous Monkey Mia, a haven for dolphins and visitors alike. Featuring absolute beachfront accommodation, interaction with the dolphins costs nothing at the Monkey Mia Dolphin Resort.
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