Back in February of 1975, Air Whitsunday pilot John Ramsden departed Palm Bay, located on Long Island in the Whitsundays for another tour to the Great Barrier Reef.
John did not know that this would be the day he discovered one of the world’s most famous icons – the Heart Reef!
This year marks the 40th birthday of the Heart Reef, and to celebrate, we’re counting down our top 11 favourite heart-shaped attractions scattered around the globe.
1. Heart Reef, Great Barrier Reef
Located in the Whitsundays, this reef is a natural collection of coral in one of Australia’s most renowned attractions, not to mention the only “aquarium” that can be seen from space.
Talk about love transcending all.
2. Heart-shaped forest, Cantabria, Spain
This forest can be found in Northern Spain, however, the forest will only take on the heart shape when viewed from this sneaky angle. Source: HD Image
3. Heart-shaped island, Adana, Turkey
This perfectly heart-shaped island, located in the city of Adana in Turkey, only shows its ideal heart shape from the sky. Credit.
4. Heart-shaped lake, Ohio
A perfectly heart-shaped lake can be found near Columbia Hills Corners in Ohio, but not much else is known about this curious feature, but it appears to reside on private property, with its true beauty only seen from above.
5. Harbor Island, Maine, USA
Located in the middle of Bucks Harbor, this forested heart-shaped island was sold to a state-wide land conservation organisation in order to protect its natural beauty.
The island is home only to a small cabin on its shore, with its surrounds tranquil and private, only getting busy during the summer. Photo by: Chris Pinchbeck
6. Isla Corazón, Lake Mascardi, Argentina
This tree-covered island can be found in Argentina, creating this gorgeous heart shaped dream. It is best viewed from the East side of Gutierrez Lake. Credit: Flickr
7. Heart-shaped mangrove, Voh, New Caledonia
Everyone recognises this sweet looking patch of land that perfectly resembles a heart, tucked away in New Caledonia’s tropical island.
Made famous by aerial photographer Yann Arthus Bertrand, this image featured on the front cover of his book, Earth From Above. Credit
8. Heart-shaped island, Alaska, USA
Hidden on the beautiful fjords of Alaska, is a small heart-shaped island, near Port Chalmers area, Prince William Sound. Credit.
9. Eros Lake, India
Eros Lake is naturally heart-shaped and located just shy of the top of Chembra Peak near Kerala. The lake sits at 1398 metres above sea level and has become quite the tourist destination for lovers.
It is said that over 150 people pass the lake every day during the 3km journey to the top. Credit: Native Planet.
10. Galesnjak Island (Lovers’ Island), Galesnjak, Croatia
This stunning and fascinating heart shaped island can be found just south of Zadar in Croatia.
The lake is known as Galesnjak, and while at its widest point it only stretches 0.5km, it can only be accessed by boat. Credit.
11. Tavarua Island, Fiji
Just off the coast of Viti Levu and shrouded by coral reef, this island is a little slice of heaven, complete with an isolated, romantic resort. Credit: I love travelling.
