The Avenue of the Baobabs in western Madagascar (@ Nigel Pavitt/Corbis)

The Avenue of the Baobabs in western Madagascar (@ Nigel Pavitt/Corbis)

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• According to local legend, these trees were once uprooted and then turned upside-down.""That is why they appear to have roots where branches should be
• To help them survive the long dry seasons, Adansonia grandidieri store water in their trunks.""Thirsty for more information?
• Imagine being on the receiving end of falling fruit from one of these imperious plants.""Perhaps it would be safer to get a virtual view with these pretty pictures?
• These sacred trees grow to more than 30 metres high and are their island\s official national symbol.""Where will you find the Avenue du Baobab?

Knysna Lourie in Knysna, South Africa (@ Hoberman Collection/SuperStock)

Knysna Lourie in Knysna, South Africa (@ Hoberman Collection/SuperStock)

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• The Knysna Lourie is one of the African continent\s most unmistakable birds.""Have you ever seen a bird like it?
• Can you believe our feathered friend is actually a member of the European cuckoo family?""That\s where the similarities end
• This curious-looking creature would get a real shock if it looked in a mirror.""You\ll have to go a long way south to get right up close.
• These animals live in the forests of South Africa\s Western Cape Province.""Shall we also check out the big city that sails into view up the coast?

Mexican free-tailed bats in the sky above Austin, Texas, USA (@ imagebroker.net/SuperStock)

Mexican free-tailed bats in the sky above Austin, Texas, USA (@ imagebroker.net/SuperStock)

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• Every year, around 1.5 million of these creatures take off from this bridge.""Where should you go to get a proper look at this batty sight?
• As you might expect, such a natural wonder draws people from far and wide.""Happily, you can watch it here instead of catching a plane
• In 1987, a tiny music bash was launched here, taking Alfred Hitchcock\s North by Northwest as its inspiration.""Due to start today, it\s become more like an urban take on the Glastonbury festival
• Welcome to the capital of Texas, founded on the banks of the Colorado River in the 1830s.""Did you know this area was originally called Waterloo?

Chinese lantern seeds (@ Skip Moody-Rainbow/Corbis)

Chinese lantern seeds (@ Skip Moody-Rainbow/Corbis)

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• As the casing of physalis alkekengi dries out, ‘lights\ in the pods appear, making them look like lanterns.""Perhaps you\re more familiar with the ones that float in the sky?
• Shall we take a look at the true inner selves of these botanical beauties?""That way we can really get down to the core of this matter…
• This plant and its seeds have long been used by herbalists to treat a range of complaints, including coughs, fevers and sore throats.""It has a green relative which delivers a real kick in the kitchen
• The Japanese love these plants so much they\ve been throwing a festival to celebrate them for the past 500 years.""It\s held in Tokyo\s oldest temple

Tenby Harbour and North Beach, Pembrokeshire, Wales (@ Chris Warren/Corbis)

Tenby Harbour and North Beach, Pembrokeshire, Wales (@ Chris Warren/Corbis)

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• This beach is one of the 140 served by the RNLI, which is currently celebrating the anniversary of its 1824 formation.""‘Train one, save many\ is their enduring motto
• Water safety is taken so seriously in these parts they\ve got two lifeboat stations, the most recent one operating since 2008.""The original launch can still be seen here and in this amazing footage from 1956
• The harbour pictured is snugly positioned on the coastline of the Bristol channel.""Did you know locals call this place Dinbych-y-Pysgod, meaning little town of the fishes?
• An ancient castle, medieval town walls and miles of sandy beaches dominate this region.""Is it any wonder tourists flock to see stunning settings like this?

Little Tahoma peak in the background with wildflowers in the Upper Paradise Valley of Mt. Rainier National Park, Washington (@ Stephen Matera)

Little Tahoma peak in the background with wildflowers in the Upper Paradise Valley of Mt. Rainier National Park, Washington (@ Stephen Matera)

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• Where can you see Paradise, walk on Sunrise and behold the largest glacier in the continental United States?""In a national park that attracts nearly two million visitors every year
• In the late summer, high meadows on this mountainside explode into full bloom.""Does our glorious gallery do it justice?
• Ever wanted to watch the sun rise above the clouds while sitting on top of a mountain?""You\ve come to the right place
• The Nisqually, Puyallup, Muckleshoot, Yakama and Taidnapam used to be in charge around here.""Who on Earth are we talking about?

Historic Shot tower within glass dome, Melbourne Shopping Centre, Victoria, Australia (@ Andrew Watson/Axiom/Aurora Photos)

Historic Shot tower within glass dome, Melbourne Shopping Centre, Victoria, Australia (@ Andrew Watson/Axiom/Aurora Photos)

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• Six tonnes of shot a week were made here until 1961, when firearms laws changed and demand dropped.""It\s more famous now for producing a charming hourly rendition of Waltzing Matilda
• This nine-storey structure was saved from demolition in 1973 and became part of a vast shopping complex in 1991.""What does it look like from the outside?
• Just a five-minute walk from here you\ll find the execution site of Ned Kelly.""It formally ceased operating as a prison in 1924
• Inside this building, freefalling molten lead used to drop through a copper sieve into a water basin, producing tiny spherical balls.""Sounds complicated - shall we check out some towering images now?