Australia has so much to offer lovers of adventure and the great outdoors, that it’s difficult to choose only five, but here they are.
- Horizontal Falls
Sir David Attenborough describes Horizontal Falls as ‘Australia’s most unusual natural wonder.’ The falls are in Kimberley, a sparsely populated area in the north of Western Australia. They are in Talbot Bay which is part of the Buccaneer Archipelago. The sideways waterfall effect is caused by fast moving tidal currents which force their way through two narrow gorges. They can’t be reached by vehicle but can be seen from the air or, for the extreme adventurers, you can go by sea plane and then enjoy a boat ride through the rushing water.
- The Great Barrier Reef
The Great Barrier Reef can be enjoyed from the air or from the sea. This 1,430 mile coral reef is the world’s largest and it can be seen by sea plane, helicopter or small charter plane, by divers and snorkelers or by cruise ship or sailing boat. Sir David Attenborough said, ‘it is the most beautiful thing I have ever seen.’
- Hancock Gorge
Hancock Gorge is in the Karijini National Park in Western Australia. The walk down into the gorge has been described by many as ‘a journey to the centre of the earth.’ It starts with a steep ladder descent and then takes you through a series of pools and ledges. The gorge narrows considerably, with climbers having to straddle both sides to move along it. At the end of the trail, climbers get a good view of Kermits Pool. The gorge continues but it’s too dangerous for climbers from this point.
- Mount Kosciusko
Mount Kosciusko is Australia’s highest mountain at 2,228 metres and is in the Snowy Mountains in New South Wales. It isn’t the hardest climb but it’s still challenging, especially if you don’t go prepared. Like all mountains, the weather can change at the drop of a hat. There is a chairlift which can take climbers to an altitude of 1,925 metres, from there it’s another 6.5 km to the summit.
- 4×4 on Fraser Island
Fraser Island is around 160 miles north of Brisbane. There are various ferries which will take you over, the journey time varies from 10 minutes to one hour. You can hire a 4 x 4 and all your camping equipment from companies in Hervey Bay. Most people tend to go for two days. Just watch out for the environmentalists who’ll tell you about the damage you’re causing the eco system.
The island is home to dingoes who are protected by law. These dingoes are thought to be the purest strain of dingo in Australia, as they haven’t had the opportunity to cross breed with domestic or feral dogs. One warning to given to all visitors to Fraser Island, ‘Don’t feed the dingoes’.
