The Top Ten Places to Go in Australia
Posted in Australia about 1 year ago, 3 replies
The island continent of Australia is pleasantly situated among the waters of both the Indian and the Pacific Oceans. A wide variety of landscapes can be explored here, from the lofty mountains of the Great Dividing Range, following the east coast from Cape York Peninsula south to the state of Victoria- to the vast deserts equal in magnitude to none other than the Sahara. Suprisingly to some, there are also immense, scenic snowfields. And, the surfing beaches undoubtedly rival the best on the planet. Boasting one of the world's highest living standards, 85 percent of the citizens of this multi-faceted land are in urban areas. But if it's the throngs of people you wish to escape for a more peaceful, eco-friendly way of life with the creatures of the bush, try these top ten places to go in Australia.
Great Barrier Reef
Worth the jet lag alone: The Great Barrier Reef. As the world's biggest living structure- larger than the Great Wall of China, it is also the only living thing on earth visible from space. One of the seven wonders of the natural world, The Great Barrier Reef is located in the Coral Sea, off the coast of Queensland. There live 400 types of coral, 1,500 species of fish and 4,000 types of mollusk, as well as the extinction threatened Dugong. Make Port Douglas or Cairns home base for exploring the reef by snorkeling or diving, or by glass bottom boat.
greatbarrierreef.org
Ningaloo Reef
OK, so it's not as famous as the immense Great Barrier Reef, but the beauty of Ningaloo Reef is equally stunning. Less diving has taken place at this basically untouched barrier reef, which is located 1200 kilometers north of Perth. The 260 kilometer long Ningaloo Reef protects a sparkling white sand lagoon with clear tropical waters. Here, the shallow waters allow you to simply walk from the beach directly to the coral reef. Observe more than 300 species of corals, 500 species of fish, and in excess of 600 species of mollusk. Seasonally, a glimpse of dugongs or humpback whales is quite possible along this branch of their migratory routes.
ningalooreef.net
Daintree Rainforest and Cape Tribulation
For the extremely rare chance to see the highest number of plant and animal species that are rare, or threatened with extinction, anywhere in the world, come to Daintree Rainforest. As the oldest rainforest on Earth, at over one hundred and thirty-five million years old, The Daintree offers untouched natural beauty that is stunning to behold. Witness postcard scenes of deserted golden beaches at Cape Tribulation or Cow Bay, or set off on the great hiking trails through the remote wilderness. The diversity and environmental significance of Daintree Rainforest has earned it a place on the World Heritage List. Visitors can access the Daintree Rainforest by ferry across the crocodile inhabited Daintree River in the Far North of Queensland.
daintreerainforest.com
Great Ocean Road
Take a spin along one of the most unforgettable scenic routes in the world- the 273 kilometer coastline of 'The Great Ocean Road'. Enjoy views of some of Australia's signature limestone rock formations, such as the famous 'Twelve Apostles'. Take a breather to watch surfers at Bells Beach, a photo-op n famous enough to hit the big-screen in the movie Point Break. Stop at another big surfing spot in the town of Torquay, or visit the coastal cities of Geelong and Warrnambool. In addition to water sports, visitors can soak up the rich culture and maritime history of the beautiful Aussie shores.
Uluru
For a taste of aboriginal culture and history, make your way to Uluru, one of the world's greatest natural wonders. At over 1,140 feet high and 2,831 feet above sea level, with the majority of its mass below the ground, this amazing sandstone formation measures 9.4 kilometers around the base. What is really spectacular is how the rock appears to change colour at various times of the day as sunbeams strike its' surface. Sunset offers quite an extraordinary showing, when Uluru presents a red glowing effect. Uluru and the surrounding region are habitat for the aboriginal Anangu people. The Anangu prefer that visitors refrain from scaling the rock due to its' sacred and cultural significance.
Kakadu National Park
To visit one of the most important places for the aboriginal people, head to Kakadu National Park. The name 'Kakadu' is from Gagudjuan, an Aboriginal floodplain language. The flat tropical Savannah woodlands of this Australian World Heritage site have been occupied continuously for at least 40,000 years by the Aboriginal people. Great places to add to the itinerary on a Kakadu tour are Jabiru, Nourlangie Rock, Ubirr, Jim Jim Falls, Twin Falls, Yellow Waters, the South Alligator River and Waterfall Creek Nature Park. Visiting at the close of the dry season is a wise choice, as the park is closed during the ideal wet season.
kakadunationalpark.com
Fraser Island
Situated just off the coast from Hervey Bay, at the start of the Great Barrier Reef, is untamed wilderness, adventure, and total relaxation, all in one. Explore the planet's largest sand island, measuring 120 kilometers long and over 30 kilometers across. In fact, Fraser Island is the only place in the world where rainforest are found growing on sand. Delve into the ancient rainforests, the colored sand cliffs of Seventy-Five Mile Beach, and the mirrored, gold-rimmed freshwater lakes that number well over one hundred. World Heritage-listed Fraser Island is a beautiful place to visit, but beware the Tiger Sharks as well as some of the last pure breed dingoes remaining in Eastern Australia.
fraserisland.net
Bungle Bungle Range
To see the most unusual sculptures by Mother Nature herself- plus a few termites- head to the Bungle Bungle Range, where huge strings of beehive domes rise from the earth. According to the expert guides in the area, layers of black lichen and bright orange silica stripped of its outer protective covering run in almost straight lines across the range to project the unusual beehive effect. As one of Western Australia's most interesting landmarks, Bungle Bungle range has also been a highly significant cultural and spiritual site to local aboriginals for the past 20,000 years. Located in World Heritage Listed Purnululu National Park, these famous rock formations can be toured from 4WD vehicles or scenic flights.
North Coast of New South Wales
For some of the best weather on the continent, set your sights on the North Coast of New South Wales. Situated at the midpoint between Sydney and Brisbane on the eastern coast of Australia, this area is a great stop-off point for fabulous lounging beaches, tranquil lakes, and great national parks. Traveling towards the North Coast some ten minutes outside of Newcastle, don't miss The Hunter Wetlands Centre for wildlife observation. Whale watching opportunities are also all along the NSW Coast. At Coffs Harbour NSW on the Coffs Coast, enjoy banana plantations, beaches, and national parks. The Great Lakes at The Lakes Way on the Mid North Coast NSW, is an ecotourism haven, particularly the beautiful waters of Myall Lakes National Park.
The Blue Mountains
For history, antiques and art galleries, native bird and wildlife, and some spectacular views, explore The Blue Mountains. The Gundungarra, Wiradjuri and Dharug tribes of local aboriginals have been in these mountains for thousands of years. In addition to learning about the fascinating cultural history of the region, there are many different Bushwalk experiences of varying length and difficulty. Take a leisurely tour to swim at Jellybean pool at Glenbrook, or, for a longer excursion, hike to the South Lawson waterfalls for views and plenty of birdlife. From horseriding and Devonshire Tea at Megalong Valley to the educational Australian Heritage Centre to the magnificant lookout at Mt. Blackheath, this National Park of more than 240,000 hectares never fails to entertain.
Great Barrier Reef
Worth the jet lag alone: The Great Barrier Reef. As the world's biggest living structure- larger than the Great Wall of China, it is also the only living thing on earth visible from space. One of the seven wonders of the natural world, The Great Barrier Reef is located in the Coral Sea, off the coast of Queensland. There live 400 types of coral, 1,500 species of fish and 4,000 types of mollusk, as well as the extinction threatened Dugong. Make Port Douglas or Cairns home base for exploring the reef by snorkeling or diving, or by glass bottom boat.
greatbarrierreef.org
Ningaloo Reef
OK, so it's not as famous as the immense Great Barrier Reef, but the beauty of Ningaloo Reef is equally stunning. Less diving has taken place at this basically untouched barrier reef, which is located 1200 kilometers north of Perth. The 260 kilometer long Ningaloo Reef protects a sparkling white sand lagoon with clear tropical waters. Here, the shallow waters allow you to simply walk from the beach directly to the coral reef. Observe more than 300 species of corals, 500 species of fish, and in excess of 600 species of mollusk. Seasonally, a glimpse of dugongs or humpback whales is quite possible along this branch of their migratory routes.
ningalooreef.net
Daintree Rainforest and Cape Tribulation
For the extremely rare chance to see the highest number of plant and animal species that are rare, or threatened with extinction, anywhere in the world, come to Daintree Rainforest. As the oldest rainforest on Earth, at over one hundred and thirty-five million years old, The Daintree offers untouched natural beauty that is stunning to behold. Witness postcard scenes of deserted golden beaches at Cape Tribulation or Cow Bay, or set off on the great hiking trails through the remote wilderness. The diversity and environmental significance of Daintree Rainforest has earned it a place on the World Heritage List. Visitors can access the Daintree Rainforest by ferry across the crocodile inhabited Daintree River in the Far North of Queensland.
daintreerainforest.com
Great Ocean Road
Take a spin along one of the most unforgettable scenic routes in the world- the 273 kilometer coastline of 'The Great Ocean Road'. Enjoy views of some of Australia's signature limestone rock formations, such as the famous 'Twelve Apostles'. Take a breather to watch surfers at Bells Beach, a photo-op n famous enough to hit the big-screen in the movie Point Break. Stop at another big surfing spot in the town of Torquay, or visit the coastal cities of Geelong and Warrnambool. In addition to water sports, visitors can soak up the rich culture and maritime history of the beautiful Aussie shores.
Uluru
For a taste of aboriginal culture and history, make your way to Uluru, one of the world's greatest natural wonders. At over 1,140 feet high and 2,831 feet above sea level, with the majority of its mass below the ground, this amazing sandstone formation measures 9.4 kilometers around the base. What is really spectacular is how the rock appears to change colour at various times of the day as sunbeams strike its' surface. Sunset offers quite an extraordinary showing, when Uluru presents a red glowing effect. Uluru and the surrounding region are habitat for the aboriginal Anangu people. The Anangu prefer that visitors refrain from scaling the rock due to its' sacred and cultural significance.
Kakadu National Park
To visit one of the most important places for the aboriginal people, head to Kakadu National Park. The name 'Kakadu' is from Gagudjuan, an Aboriginal floodplain language. The flat tropical Savannah woodlands of this Australian World Heritage site have been occupied continuously for at least 40,000 years by the Aboriginal people. Great places to add to the itinerary on a Kakadu tour are Jabiru, Nourlangie Rock, Ubirr, Jim Jim Falls, Twin Falls, Yellow Waters, the South Alligator River and Waterfall Creek Nature Park. Visiting at the close of the dry season is a wise choice, as the park is closed during the ideal wet season.
kakadunationalpark.com
Fraser Island
Situated just off the coast from Hervey Bay, at the start of the Great Barrier Reef, is untamed wilderness, adventure, and total relaxation, all in one. Explore the planet's largest sand island, measuring 120 kilometers long and over 30 kilometers across. In fact, Fraser Island is the only place in the world where rainforest are found growing on sand. Delve into the ancient rainforests, the colored sand cliffs of Seventy-Five Mile Beach, and the mirrored, gold-rimmed freshwater lakes that number well over one hundred. World Heritage-listed Fraser Island is a beautiful place to visit, but beware the Tiger Sharks as well as some of the last pure breed dingoes remaining in Eastern Australia.
fraserisland.net
Bungle Bungle Range
To see the most unusual sculptures by Mother Nature herself- plus a few termites- head to the Bungle Bungle Range, where huge strings of beehive domes rise from the earth. According to the expert guides in the area, layers of black lichen and bright orange silica stripped of its outer protective covering run in almost straight lines across the range to project the unusual beehive effect. As one of Western Australia's most interesting landmarks, Bungle Bungle range has also been a highly significant cultural and spiritual site to local aboriginals for the past 20,000 years. Located in World Heritage Listed Purnululu National Park, these famous rock formations can be toured from 4WD vehicles or scenic flights.
North Coast of New South Wales
For some of the best weather on the continent, set your sights on the North Coast of New South Wales. Situated at the midpoint between Sydney and Brisbane on the eastern coast of Australia, this area is a great stop-off point for fabulous lounging beaches, tranquil lakes, and great national parks. Traveling towards the North Coast some ten minutes outside of Newcastle, don't miss The Hunter Wetlands Centre for wildlife observation. Whale watching opportunities are also all along the NSW Coast. At Coffs Harbour NSW on the Coffs Coast, enjoy banana plantations, beaches, and national parks. The Great Lakes at The Lakes Way on the Mid North Coast NSW, is an ecotourism haven, particularly the beautiful waters of Myall Lakes National Park.
The Blue Mountains
For history, antiques and art galleries, native bird and wildlife, and some spectacular views, explore The Blue Mountains. The Gundungarra, Wiradjuri and Dharug tribes of local aboriginals have been in these mountains for thousands of years. In addition to learning about the fascinating cultural history of the region, there are many different Bushwalk experiences of varying length and difficulty. Take a leisurely tour to swim at Jellybean pool at Glenbrook, or, for a longer excursion, hike to the South Lawson waterfalls for views and plenty of birdlife. From horseriding and Devonshire Tea at Megalong Valley to the educational Australian Heritage Centre to the magnificant lookout at Mt. Blackheath, this National Park of more than 240,000 hectares never fails to entertain.
submitted by Heather
