Bioluminescent plankton, Jervis Bay, New South Wales
Just three hours' drive from Sydney, Jervis Bay has garnered somewhat of a reputation for its oh-so-idyllic white sand beaches. But after dark, things get a whole lot more interesting. Due to a chemical reaction, the area's plankton becomes bioluminscent and emits a strong, blue-tinted glow. En masse, they light up the sea, and the shore turns into a sparkling, glittering expanse of beautiful lights as the gentle tide continues to lap against the beach, flecked by luminous plankton. Hot tip: scientists have found that the presence of red algae during the day can indicate a higher likelihood of bioluminescence in the evening.
When to go: While this phenomenon can happen at any time of the year, it's more common in the warmer months.