Things To Do - Get back to Nature

Go Wild

Kangaroo Island

Kangaroo Island, near Adelaide, is one of the best places in Australia to observe native animals in their natural environment. There are few introduced species to compete with the local wildlife and so the native animals flourish here in a way rarely seen in other parts of the country. It’s possible to see kangaroos, koalas, wallabies, possums, bandicoots, goannas, dolphins, echidnas, platypus, many different species of birds, and sea lions (to name a few), all in their natural habitats.

Kangaroo Island is also home to many specified wildlife conservation areas, with thirty percent of the island protected to help maintain its delicate ecological balance. One of the most stunning wildlife havens in the country, the Flinders Chase National Park, is located on the island. It covers 70 000 hectares of amazing wilderness.

Another not-to-be-missed attraction is the Remarkable Rocks, a natural rock formation located on the southwest tip of the island and created by hundreds of years of coastal winds and rain.

Kangaroo Island is also home to hundreds of sea lions. A population of up to 600 of these amazing creatures can be found in the Seal Bay Conservation Park. Incredibly, if you visit, you can actually walk around among the sea lions as they sleep, look after their young and play.

Kakadu National Park

Kakadu National Park is located in the Northern Territory and contains within its vast land area (1,975,700 hectares) wetlands, mangrove swamps, sweeping plains, and woodlands filled with eucalyptus trees. Kakadu is one of only 17 World Heritage sites to be listed for not only its ecological value but also its cultural significance.

Kakadu is home to a huge range of animals, birds and reptiles (including crocodiles). Kakadu is the place to go for those who want to see endangered species like the Gouldian Finch or the Loggerhead Turtle.

Another thing making Kakadu so remarkable is the Aboriginal rock art, which can be found all through the park. You can find out more about the art by reading the signs which are posted throughout the park, or by taking a guided tour.

Daintree National Park

The Daintree National Park, located in the north of Queensland, boasts some of the most spectacular tropical rainforest in the world. As the world’s oldest living tropical rainforest, the Daintree is home to many beautiful rivers, mangrove swamps and hundreds of species of animals, some of which cannot be found anywhere else in the world.

Lord Howe Island

Yet another of Australia’s contributions to the World Heritage list, Lord Howe Island, which lies 600 kilometres off the coast of Australia about half way between Brisbane and Sydney, is a mere 11 kilometres long and 2.8 kilometres wide, making it perfect for exploring on foot or by bicycle.

Lord Howe Island is mostly covered by palm forests and rainforests, and is also home to huge colonies of seabirds, some of which use the island as a stop-off on their migratory journeys to Asia. Lord Howe Island is also an excellent destination for divers, with clear blue water and a stunning coral reef that stretches for six kilometres.

Phillip Island

Phillip Island is located about 140 kilometres south-east of Melbourne. Its main claim to fame is the fact that it plays host every evening to the Penguin Parade, an amazing ritual played out every night by thousands of fairy penguins who march along the shoreline. Visitors can watch the Penguin Parade from specially constructed boardwalks and viewing areas.

Cuddly Koalas

Koalas are one of the best known symbols of Australia and luckily enough there are many places where you can get up close and personal with them – by giving them a cuddle! Just a quick word of warning, however: koalas in the wild can be unpredictable and aggressive if threatened, so it’s always better to handle, feed or photograph them in a wildlife park or zoo. There are plenty of wildlife parks and koala sanctuaries where the koalas can be petted, hand-fed, held and photographed.

Camel Trekking

Camels were originally imported to Australia to help explore the sandy interior. They remain an invaluable way of seeing the desert and the outback and beaches. Whether you choose a short or a long trek, a camel ride is one of the most memorable Australian experiences you can have.

Outback & Rural Australia

Broken Hill

Broken Hill, located in western NSW, is built over one of the largest lead/silver/zinc ore deposits in the world. It has an interesting history as a mining town and has grown to become a major centre for artists, who find themselves inspired by the amazing landscapes.

Farms and Stations

One of the best ways to get a feel for rural Australia is by staying on a farm or station. There are plenty of ways to do this. You can take a farm-based holiday, staying at the home of one of Australia’s many farmers, or you could try working on the land as a volunteer, or even jackarooing or jillarooing. Being a jackaroo (or a jillaroo if you are female) involves working with cattle, other livestock and various farm duties. It’s perfect for those who love the outdoors, or those who always dreamed of becoming a cowboy (or cowgirl).

The Sea, the Shore and More

The Great Barrier Reef

The Great Barrier Reef, which lies off the coast of Queensland, is not only the world’s largest coral reef, or even the biggest World Heritage listed site in the world; it is the world’s biggest living thing, covering an area roughly half the size of Texas.

The reef is home to hundreds of species of sea creatures, from tiger sharks that weigh over a tonne to tiny sea worms that burrow under the surface of the sand. The reef also provides a home for dolphins, dugongs, whales, turtles, eels and various species of fish. And it’s not only these creatures that provide the underwater entertainment. The reef itself is made up of many different varieties of multicoloured coral, sea sponges, anemones and many types of seaweed.

The Great Barrier Reef has something for everyone, with scuba diving for the complete beginner as well as the expert; boat rides and even tours in glass-bottomed boats for those who aren’t too keen on getting into the water but still want to see the reef.

Bruny Island

For those who want to have a completely unique experience in Australia, Bruny Island might just be the perfect destination. The island, roughly the size of Singapore (although the population is only 500), is located off the south east coast of Tasmania.

Bruny Island is really made up of two islands: South Bruny and North Bruny, although they are joined by a narrow strip of land. The landscape of North Bruny is made up of sweeping plains and a few trees, while South Bruny is hilly and covered in forests. There’s plenty to do and see here, with huge dolerite cliffs to see, bull seals and their pups to watch at Friar Rocks, and dolphins to spot.

Port Stephens

Port Stephens is located about 220 kilometres north of Sydney. It’s one of the best places to go to see dolphins, Port Stephens also has a great beach culture and a range of beautiful dive sites.

Whale Watching

Whales abound around Australia’s coastline and there are plenty of places to watch them. Some of the best lookouts include Hervey Bay in Queensland, where you might catch mother whales with their young (calves) heading back down south to the Antarctic.

Alternatively you could train your binoculars on the waters of Byron Bay, Australia’s most easterly point, where massive humpback whales pass through between July and September. This type of whale is the most active, so visitors often get to see the amazing rolls, leaps and breaches that the whales are famous for.

Southern right whales can be seen in the Great Australian Bight, an area in the south of Australia. Logan’s Beach in Warnambool, Victoria, is another place where these huge animals can be seen as they migrate north to give birth in warmer waters.

Although whale sharks are actually fish, they are the largest species of fish that exist and so are pretty spectacular. Visitors to Ningaloo Reef in Western Australia can actually swim with these amazing creatures, which can grow up to 12 metres long and may weigh more than 11 tonnes.

Eden, a town in New South Wales, was once a whaling town. Now it has become one of the best places to see humpback whales during their migration to and from Antarctica.

During June and July, snorkellers and divers in the Great Barrier Reef may find themselves sharing the water with Dwarf Minke Whales, a (thankfully) toothless breed that love to interact and often seek encounters with humans.

Turtle Beach

For a wildlife experience like no other, look no further than Mon Repos beach, not far from Bundaberg in Queensland. Turtles journey to the beach from November to February to lay up to 180 eggs at a time, which hatch into baby turtles between January and March. The sight of hundreds of tiny turtles crawling out of the sand and down to the shore is truly remarkable.

The Great Ocean Road

Travelling the Great Ocean Road, a stretch of road that goes for more than 400 kilometres along the south west coast of Victoria, is an unforgettable travel experience. The road snakes around the cliffs by the sea, taking in not only world-class ocean views but a multitude of amazing and unique sights along the way.

Some of the most well-known landmarks along the road include the Twelve Apostles, a series of limestone pillars that jut dramatically out of the sea, reaching heights of up to 45 metres.

The road also takes you past the beautiful Otways rainforest and the world-renowned surf beach, Bells, culminating in the scenic Shipwreck Coast.

Stop and Smell the Waratahs

West Australian Wonders

Each spring in the northern part of Western Australia, a multitude of incredible native wildflowers bloom across the land. Like many of the natural wonders in Australia, this incredible phenomenon was only able to develop because of the area’s geographical isolation. Because there are no outside influences that have hindered the evolution of the flowers, more than 8000 species have been able to flourish over time.

Sydney Flower Markets

The Sydney Flower Markets are the biggest fresh flower market in Australia and the best place to buy cut flowers. Although the market exists primarily to supply florists, it is also open to the public, which also means that for individuals, the prices remain relatively low. The markets boast a huge range of native flowers and plants.

Amazing Arid Lands Botanics

Even in the seemingly deserted outback, there are amazing examples of Australia’s unique and fascinating native ecosystem. There is a huge range of wildflowers and native plants to be found, and the amateur botanist would be well advised to spend some time in Port Augusta in the South Australian outback, home to the Australian Arid Lands Botanic Garden. Or you could go to the Alice Springs Desert Park, which is located in the very centre of Australia. This park is a great place to go to learn about the incredible ecosystem of the Australian desert, as well as the lifestyle of the Aboriginal people that inhabited it for thousands of years.

Excellent Ecotourism

Eco-what?

Ecotourism is a fantastic and increasingly important part of Australia’s tourism industry. The basic idea behind ecotourism is that travellers become aware of the local environment and the local people, and that they try to leave their holiday destination more or less the way that they found it. Ecotourism is of particular importance in Australia because we have such a precious and delicate ecosystem.

How do you get involved?

It’s not difficult to become an eco-tourist: this is really just another way of saying ‘responsible traveller’. Having an environmentally friendly holiday just means being aware of things like not littering, respecting the local environment and following the rules when you’re in a protected area. You can be environmentally aware by choosing products and services that are run by companies committed to the conservation of Australia and the protection of local interests.

‘Green’ Experiences

It’s now easier to be green in Australia, with the makers of various products and services committing themselves to the environment. One of the best states to see this mentality at work is in Queensland, which has the largest range of eco-friendly activities and accommodation in Australia. New South Wales is also excellent, with plenty of eco-tour options and accommodation available in both coastal and inland regions.

A great way to experience the local environment responsibly, anywhere in Australia, is to visit a National Park. Because most parks are set up primarily as protected conservation areas, they often have guidelines for visitors regarding what you should and shouldn’t do there, making it easier for the visitors to do the right thing regarding the environment.

Being environmentally friendly in Australia doesn’t have to cost a fortune. There are plenty of eco-certified lodges, resorts and campsites that will allow you to travel guilt-free without breaking the bank.

Magnificent Mountains

Cradle Mountain

Cradle Mountain, located in the west of Tasmania near the town of Launceston, is one of the most beautiful spots in the whole of Australia. It overlooks Lake St Clair, Australia’s deepest freshwater lake, and marks the starting point for one of Australia’s most striking nature hikes, the Overland Track.

Cradle Mountain and the surrounding wilderness remain more or less unchanged by human interference. Many of the plant varieties found here can be traced back to prehistoric times, and many animals that are becoming rarer in other parts of the country can be spotted easily. Cradle Mountain is an ideal destination for hikers.

The Blue Mountains

The Blue Mountains are covered in thousands of trees that emit a fine mist of eucalyptus oil into the air above them. This mist, when seen from a distance, appears to turn the air blue. This is what gives the Blue Mountains their evocative name.

This beautiful region is located west of Sydney in New South Wales, and remains more or less untamed, making it the perfect place to get away from the hustle and bustle of the city. The peaks of the sandstone mountains reach more than 1000 metres into the clean, crisp air, and are covered in pristine vegetation.

The Blue Mountains are extremely popular with bushwalkers and hikers, who can choose between long or short treks through the beautiful bush land.

The amazing scenery can also be seen from the winding roads that snake up and down the mountains. These scenic routes provide not only beautiful cliff-top panoramas, but also access to the many historic towns in the area.

Breathtaking Rivers and Lakes

Wondrous Waterfalls

The Great Dividing Range along the east coast of Australia is the perfect location for those who want to see waterfalls. Water from nearby rivers and streams gushes over the steep, often sheer cliff-faces of the mountain range, and cascades into the rainforest below.

Lake Eyre

Lake Eyre, in South Australia, is the backdrop to one of the most amazing natural phenomena to take place in Australia. A huge salt lake (in fact, the largest in Australia at 10 000 square kilometers), it is dry for most of the year. The parched salt crystals glitter eerily in the sunlight during a drought; but when it rains, the lake comes alive in a riot of colour and activity. It’s not only flowers and plants that reappear, but also animals and reptiles. One amazing example of this is the water-holding frog, a tiny frog that can store water in its bladder for months. During a drought, the frog burrows underground and goes into suspended animation. When the drought breaks (for example when it rains at Lake Eyre), the frog reawakens and emerges from the ground to take advantage of the water supply.

Katherine Gorge

Katherine Gorge, in the Northern Territory, is made up of a series of stunning canyons connected by the Katherine River and is one of Australia’s truly stunning natural wonders. The Gorge is now the main attraction of the Nitmiluk National Park, and one look at the beautiful waterfalls, clear blue waterholes and rich red cliff walls makes it easy to see why.

There are plenty of ways to see this natural paradise, and some of the most popular include kayaking, taking a boat cruise through the main waterways, or bushwalking. Katherine Gorge also offers a rich cultural experience in the form of the rock art painted by the Jawoyn people, the original inhabitants of the area.

The Murray River

The Murray is the fifth-largest river in the world and winds its way from the Snowy Mountains in New South Wales all the way through to the Southern Ocean near Adelaide. Until the introduction of railways as the primary means of transportation, the Murray was a huge part of travel and transport in Australia.

Now, however, the Murray offers more laid-back activities. It’s possible to hire a houseboat, go fishing, camping or even water-skiing. You can even catch a glimpse of history by taking a tour in a paddle-steamer.

Mount Gambier’s Blue Mystery

Mount Gambier, in South Australia, is home to one of the strangest natural mysteries in Australia, the Blue Lake. Formed by one of the four volcanic craters in the area, the Blue Lake is fascinating because of the colour of its water. Usually a deep blue, every November when summer begins, the water begins to change colour until it is a dramatic bright turquoise. When the water cools down again, the water changes back to cobalt, until the next summer, when the cycle begins again.