The Checkerboard

The Checkerboard

As we all know, the chessboards we use for playing chess are square and flat. However, apart from those used in the game, there is a magical landform in Australia that resembles a chessboard and is truly astonishing — it is called the Checkerboard. The Checkerboard is located at Eaglehawk Neck in Tasmania and is a unique geological formation in Australia. From a distance, it looks like a flat chessboard made up of rectangular sections, which is nothing short of miraculous.

Many people believe the Checkerboard was man-made, but that’s not the case. It is actually a rare erosional landform formed when the earth's crust fractured under pressure. As the water evaporates from the sedimentary rock during low tide, salt crystals form on the surface. Influenced by these salt crystals, cracks appear on the ground, creating the rectangular patterns we see. Visitors to Tasmania often come here to see this amazing Checkerboard and enjoy the breathtaking view of the vast ocean while standing on it.

Tessellated Pavement

Must-see reason: The world’s most fascinating checkerboard-like landform

Continent where the attraction is located: Oceania

Country/Region where the attraction is located: Australia

Province/State where the attraction is located: Tasmania