An ancient micro-organism, said to be millions of years old, stromatolites were the surprise awaiting us in Western Australia.

Not far from Ningaloo Reef, in the North West, the detour from the main highway was worth it, as these clumps of what looked like rock one moment and a heap of bird droppings the next, were eerie nonetheless. A very comfortable boardwalk takes you over the formations so that they are not eroded by foot traffic. It is a short walk – maybe 1km – of flat terrain.

As always, take water and a hat.

These are definitely for the Scientist in you, or maybe the casual Geographer. Australia has many significantly old geo-structures and these are right up there.

Safe travels!