There are plenty of historical and cultural landmarks dotted south of the equator that travellers flock to. This is not surprising given the fact that four of the world’s continents – Africa, South America, Australasia and Antarctica – are encompassed within its territory.
If you’re thinking of visiting one of the countries in the Southern Hemisphere, or indeed taking part in a round-the-world trip, then here are some of the top 5 sights for you to check out.
Christ the Redeemer, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
Symbolising the religious zeal of Catholic Brazil, the imposing Christ the Redeemer is a statue of Jesus Christ that has become synonymous with the country. Its substantial size of 98 feet and position on top of the 2,300 feet tall Corcovado Mountain makes it dominate the Rio skyline. Although there is a strenuous climb up to the foot of the statue, the views over the rest of the city are breathtaking. It is estimated that over 1 million people visit every year.
The Bay of Islands, North Island, New Zealand
One of the most popular tourist destinations in New Zealand, the Bay of Islands is a 16km-wide inlet which forms a natural harbour at the northern tip of the country. Although many visitors come each year, the natural beauty of the area remains preserved to a high level. 144 islands make up the area where people come to enjoy the picturesque bays and sandy beaches. Yachting and fishing are also popular pastimes in the Bay of Islands.
Great Barrier Reef, Coral Sea, Australia
The incredible Great Barrier Reef is the world’s biggest single structure made by living organisms. Referred to as one of the Seven Wonders of the World on numerous occasions, it has also been selected as a World Heritage Site. Because of its reputation, millions of people flock to the Reef every year, especially tourists travelling down the popular east coast route. The Great Barrier Reef supports an extremely diverse plant and marine life which make snorkeling an attractive pursuit also.
If you’re planning on visiting Australia and seeing the Great Barrier Reef, visit this site:
Victoria Falls, Zambia & Zimbabwe
Lying on the border of both Zambia and Zimbabwe, Victoria Falls is one of the most famous waterfalls in the world. Named by the Scottish explorer David Livingstone after the British monarch of the time, the Falls are considered to be the largest in Africa and the world due to its combined height and width. Large national parks surround the waterfall with an eclectic bundle of wildlife to enjoy for visitors.
Sydney Harbour, Sydney, Australia
If visiting Sydney then the harbour district is the must-see area for all tourists. With its historical past and cultural landmarks, the image of the harbour is widely associated with Australia. This is notably because the Sydney Opera House and Harbour Bridge lie within a small distance of each other, two of the most prominent sights in the Southern Hemisphere. The spectacular celebrations at New Year also take place around the harbour, perhaps the most famous fireworks display in the world.
