Beyond Sydney’s harbor and Opera House, the waters of the Great Barrier Reef, and the cultural icon Uluru, lie some fascinating destinations that have yet to be discovered by the majority of visitors to this country/continent. These regions are all worthy of a visit for travelers who want to experience untouched natural beauty on a grand scale.
Kangaroo Island is located off the coast of South Australia near Adelaide, and is easily accessible by car ferry or air. Those interested in wildlife conservation will be in their element here in “Australia’s Galapagos.” Wildlife safaris, which feature encounters with sea lions, koalas, kangaroos and echidnas, are conducted by local guides who interpret the animals’ quirky behaviors and ensure the safety of both guests and animals. Try sandboarding on the island’s inland desert and head to Cape Willoughby on the eastern edge of the island for a tour of its historic lighthouse and dramatic ocean views. The beaches on Stokes Bay on the north coast can only be discovered by passing through a “secret” rock tunnel which opens onto a stunning beach and tide pools.
A visit to Lord Howe Island off Australia’s southeastern coast needs to be pre-arranged since strict visitor limits are enforced to preserve its pristine environment. It’s well worth the trouble as lucky visitors enjoy scenery ranging from volcanic mountain peaks to ancient forests and crystal clear lagoons. This UNESCO World Heritage Site is home to Mt. Gower, a trekker’s paradise, where hikers traverse dense foliage through rare cloud forests and are rewarded with panoramic views from its peak. The birds like it here too – many endemic species make the island their home, and migrating birds from all over the world take their “rest stops” on the island. Divers will enjoy exploring the waters around Ball’s Pyramid which shelters over 500 species of fish.
Almost 40% of Tasmania is protected in both its extensive national park and designated UNESCO World Heritage wilderness. But you don’t have to spend your whole visit in hiking gear – there are eye-popping museums, gourmet dining opportunities and luxury lodges as a nice contrast to its more primitive side.
- The MONA (Museum of Old and New Art) is a surprising cultural attraction with provocative art installations that have made Tasmania a prime destination for art enthusiasts worldwide. Seasonal festivals feature special art collections and musical performances. Its location on a cliffside overlooking the Derwent River is especially impressive if you arrive by ferry or catamaran from Hobart.
- Accommodations in one of Tasmania’s several luxury wilderness lodges feature superb living spaces, world-class local cuisine, wellness facilities, and opportunities for guided tours in the surrounding wilderness areas.
- A guided walking journey along the Bay of Fires acquaints you with Tasmania’s unique shoreline features.
- Cruise the Gordon River through ancient rainforests, home to towering Huon pines. Wildlife is plentiful here and you may spot a Tasmanian devil, pandemelon or echidna, and peregrine falcons and orange bellied parrots soar over the river in search of prey.
- Visit Cradle Mountain for an unforgettable stargazing experience as the wonders of the night sky are reflected in the mountain’s crater lakes.
- Take a local culinary tour to Bruny Island for some amazing Australian food and wine. Try Pacific oysters fresh from the sea, shucked before your eyes at Great Bay. Tour the vineyard at Bruny Island Premium Wines to enjoy crisp chardonnay, and taste artisan cheese at the Bruny Island Cheese Company (they brew their own craft beer too!)
- Maria Island seems like a private nature reserve as you visit the unusual geological formations at the Painted Cliffs and come across grazing wombats and wallabies on the island’s hillsides. You may even spot the island’s iconic Tasmanian devil – a wildlife conservation success story. There’s history here, too – you can tour the ruins of Port Arthur where England sent convicts to serve out their prison sentences.
The Kimberley is a sparsely populated region in the far northwest corner of the continent bordered by oceans to the north and west and desert to the south. It’s so remote it can best be explored by expedition ship or helicopter. Highlights of an expedition cruise like National Geographic’s Lindblad Expeditions include helicopter access to the dramatic cliffs of the Bungle Bungle Range (Purnululu National Park). Expert guides steer Zodiac watercraft into the ocean to examine coral reefs and maneuver into hidden canyon gorges to view magnificent waterfalls and cascading rivers. You’ll visit sites of 40,000 year old aboriginal rock art and explore Crocodile Creek. Your cruise team shares its expertise and knowledge of the region’s fascinating history, and will point out countless opportunities for amazing photography in this enchanted “no man’s land.”
See Australia like few ever will. Let your Travel Leaders professional set you on a path to visit some of its hidden treasures.
