Why do people love travelling to Australia?
This big beautiful country has something for everyone. The sun, surf, sand, snow, natural beauty, adventure activities, boating activities, unique wildlife, you name it, we have it. You can go to one state to enjoy 30 degree days or you can visit another state and enjoy bumper snow conditions.
Australia has some of the most naturally beautiful spots in the world, including the Great Barrier Reef, Uluru, Bondi Beach, the Blue Mountains, Daintree Rainforest, numerous national parks and botanic gardens, Kakadu, the Great Ocean Road, Kangaroo Island, Cradle Mountain, the list is endless.
The tourist industry in Australia realise the special opportunities they have to showcase the country to the world. Many places are purely tourist towns and they do their best to cater for the visitors. Take Airlie Beach for example. This is close to the Great Barrier Reef, which is the most visited tourist attraction in Australia and attracts people from all over the world.
The business community employ transient backpackers across all industries, they provide many hire outlets to supply people visiting the Great Barrier Reef with all equipment needed to dive and explore the area. It is a big boating town so there are plenty of boating mechanics and engineers on hand, there are many local merchandise shops, there are a range of guides to provide information both on land and at sea, there are many accommodation options to suit all budgets ranging from the humble backpacker to those who can afford luxury living.
Great Barrier Reef,
Queensland
Being one of nature’s most beautiful creations, this central Queensland coast attraction will leave you with a memories you will cherish forever. This awe inspiring protected area showcases the best marine life you will see anywhere in the world. The reef is 2,300 kilometres long and there are so many ways to see the vast expanse of this natural wonder.
You can take a helicopter or seaplane ride to get a special view from above or join a guided boat tour which will give you the option to just stay on deck and observe or drop anchor and snorkel the reef. Queensland is one of the few places in the world you can hire a boat without a boat licence, it’s called bareboating and this is another special way to and see the reef at your leisure.
Part of the Great Barrier Reef is the Whitsunday islands which incorporate 74 different islands, some big, some small, some uninhabited and some that welcome visitors. There are some glorious beaches and islands that should be visited including Whitehaven beach, Daydream Island, Hook Island, Long Island and more, depending on what you want to do. There are bushwalking options, wildlife interaction, water sports, sailing opportunities, etc. Just another reason to visit the central Queensland coast.
The Great Ocean Road,
Victoria
Considered one of the most beautiful coastal drives in the world, The Great Ocean Road offers seaside views unique to this part of Australia. This Australia Heritage listed icon stretches 243 kilometres between the townships of Torquay to Allansford.
The road was built by the return servicemen between the years of 1919 and 1932 to pay homage to all the soldiers who fought and died in the First World War. It is the world’s largest war memorial.
As the road hugs the coastline, there are many towns to stop and visit including Lorne, Anglesea, Apollo Bay and Port Campbell. There is much to see along the way including limestone caves, rainforests, picturesque beaches and sheer clifftops, the views of Bass Strait and the Southern Ocean seem like they go on forever. With such natural beauty the area also plays host to cycling races, marathons and competitive ocean swims.
Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park,
Northern Territory
Uluru has very important cultural significance for the local indigenous community. This 348 metre high sandstone dome shaped rock is at its best during sunset and sunrise, the changing colours of the landscape are breathtaking.
The Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park is a World Heritage listed site and from 24th October 2019 visitors will no longer be allowed to climb the rock. The traditional owners of the land feel the damage done by the 300,000 visitors each year has now become too great. There is still plenty to see in the areas surrounding the rock including ancient indigenous paintings, springs, waterholes and rock caves.
Kakadu National Park,
Northern Territory
Also World Heritage Listed, Kakadu is Australia’s largest national park, which is what Australians consider just a bigger park to play in.
Tropical rainforests, wetlands, diverse plant and wildlife, mangroves, ancient indigenous art drawings, spectacular landscape with ever changing colours make Kakadu one of the most loved playgrounds for both the nature lover and adventure junkie.
It is steeped in local indigenous history to explore as well as swimming holes, hikes, boating, fishing, camping and just enjoying the outdoors.
Cradle Mountain,
Tasmania
Tasmania isn’t the first stop on everyone’s list because it is off the mainland so the list of activities you can do is not as long. This makes it even more unique because Tasmania has some of the most breathtaking natural beauty seen anywhere in the world. Lake St. Clair National Park where Cradle Mountain is located has glittering lakes, sheer alpine peaks, thick lush forests, and the jewel in the crown is Mt. Ossa, the highest peak in Australia.
There are no theme parks or marine sanctuaries so it is more suited for those who like to travel around by car and stop when the mood strikes. A bushwalkers paradise, It has loads of hikes and scenic walks including Weindorfer Walk, Lake Dove Walk, and treks that will take you up Cradle Mountain to give you a birds eye view of Lake St. Clair, the deepest lake in Australia. You will see wildlife here that you won’t see anywhere else, including the Tasmanian Devil, wombats, wallabies, pademelons, and platypus all frolicking in their natural habitat.
The Kimberleys,
Western Australia
Located in far north Western Australian, the Kimberleys is known as one of the country’s hidden jewels. If you love your adventure, this is the place for you.
Known for its spectacular natural beauty, the Kimberleys highlights include Mitchell Falls, Windjana National Park, Cable Beach, enormous natural gorges, horizontal waterfalls, countless flora and fauna, the Bungle Bungles and much much more.
The locals have inventive ways to see all these natural wonders too. Have you ever been on a camel ride on the beach at sunset or driven a car on the sand of a beach to get from one place to the next? The Kimberleys is a bucket list destination even if you are native to Australia.
