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Everyone knows the seven wonders of the world. From Machu Picchu and the Great Wall of China to the Colosseum and Taj Mahal, these iconic monuments collectively draw tens of millions of visitors every year. However, this immense popularity has fueled a global overtourism crisis, putting pressure on local communities and ecosystems. Fortunately, the planet is packed with lesser-known natural wonders waiting to be discovered instead – offering pristine landscapes with a fraction of the crowds.
Inspired by this, Icewear conducted a study to determine which global natural wonders are really worth the trip. The researchers analysed more than 54,000 Google reviews across 75 of the world’s most recognised natural wonders, parsing the data for 30 positive keywords, like "relaxing," "amazing" and "beautiful." From here, they separated the most overhyped spots from the ones that deserve more attention.
Claiming the number-eight spot is Western Australia’s otherworldly Pinnacles Desert. Located inside Nambung National Park, roughly 2.5 hours north of Perth, this striking golden landscape is home to thousands of ancient limestone rock formations, with some pillars soaring up to 3.5 metres high. Formed between 25,000 and 30,000 years ago, the desert looks like a scene straight out of a sci-fi film.
Not only are 56.6 per cent of Google reviews for the Pinnacles positive, but the analysis crowned them the most “amazing” natural wonder on Earth, with 15.7 per cent of reviewers using that specific keyword.
Meanwhile, along Victoria’s famous Great Ocean Road, the Twelve Apostles clinched the number ten spot on the global list, pulling 54.5 per cent of positive reviews. This seven-strong collection of 45-metre-high limestone stacks is most magical during sunrise and sunset, when the rugged pillars glow in shades of orange, red and gold against the roaring ocean.
You can explore the full list of underrated natural wonders here, or check out the top ten below.
The world’s 10 most underrated natural wonders
- Hoh Rain Forest, United States
- Crater Lake, United States
- Mendenhall Glacier Visitor Centre, United States
- Staffa National Nature Reserve - Fingal’s Cave, Scotland
- Grand Prismatic Springs, United States
- Moraine Lake, Canada
- Milford Sound (Piopiotahi), New Zealand
- The Pinnacles Desert, Australia
- Kaieteur Falls, Guyana
- Twelve Apostles, Australia