The world of memes is a great place for humour. But it is an even better place to discover new things. Most memes that are woven around Australia, in unison, point at one thing: there is an adventure in every nook and corner. Even behind a supermarket. Appears that the land of kangaroos is an adventurous traveller’s dream paradise.
Australia, the land Down Under, is famous for its iconic landmarks, sprawling cities, and pristine beaches. But for a traveller seeking for something that is extraordinary, there is a whole world of hidden gems waiting to be explored.
Lesser known destinations
Your first stop will be at Karijini National Park in Western Australia.
Situated 325 km inland from Port Hedland, this national park provides a vivid appreciation of the abundant life that the Outback (any inland area remote from centres of population) can host. The thriving flora and fauna in Karijini’s gorges owe their vitality to the ancestral practise of firestick burning by the Aboriginal community.
For the ones who are unfamiliar with the term, it is a method of managing the environment. This approach involves conducting controlled burning of typically small and manageable spot fires, during the cooler early dry season. By doing so, they enhance the well-being of the land and its inhabitants by controlling the growth of vegetation that could cause more intense and uncontrollable fires during hotter months.
This national park stands as a mesmerising fusion of red rocks formed by water and a tapestry of biodiversity. Therefore, it is a nature lover’s true calling. Additionally, it is also a great place for hiking where if weary, you have the Fern Pool; a gorgeous waterbody that is nestled within the expanse of Dales George, to go for a dip and rejuvenate yourself. If you are not tempted to have a bath in the crystal clear waters, you also have the option of sitting under the waterfall and having an exhilarating experience of feeling the water pouring down on you. Almost cinematic, if you ask me.
And if a hike does not quench your thirst for adventure, the climb down to the foot of the Joffre Falls will be a real life changer.
Despite the fact that amidst all the hidden treasures in Australia, Karijini might be the most far-off, paying a visit to see its beauty will not be in vain.
Once you have had your fair fill of hiking, a brief 60-minute boat ride from Brisbane will lead you to one of Australia’s well-preserved hideouts – Moreton Island.
It is a small island that is made entirely of sand and cocooned within its confines is Tangalooma Wrecks- a remarkable feat of human engineering.
This is often visited by backpackers and Brisbane locals.
The repertoire of activities that you can do on this island range from sandboarding upon the vast Big Sand Dunes, swimming in the Champagne Pools, and dolphin feeding at sunset. But the main attraction of the island is snorkelling, diving, or kayaking around the Tangalooma wrecks.
In the 1960s, a group of fifteen sunken ships was intentionally placed in the water at Tangalooma to act as a protective barrier. A sea wall of sorts. Now, these sunken ships have turned into an incredible underwater world where lots of fish and sea creatures live. Sometimes, during the time when whales are migrating from one place to another, you might even be lucky enough to spot one.
While a trip to the island is mostly considered a day trip, an extended stay will promise the traveller with more adventures than one.
Where do we go for spring?
The next stop is a mountain peak. Adelaide Hills is a beautiful range of mountains situated in Southern Australia. Boasting of stunning valleys and lively animals, it is an ideal spot for people to hike, have picnics, or simply drive through the gentle hills. For the ones who have a knack for culture, they can explore wineries and art galleries. The nature enthusiasts can discover quiet beaches and rich rainforests. The hills are certainly alive with the sound of nature’s music, and they are serenading you.
Adelaide
After the hills, if you continue to scout with vigour, it is difficult to miss out on The Red Centre of Australia’s Northern Territory. While this is a well hidden gem, if you look for it hard enough you can stumble across this marvel. You could say that this is the heart of Australia’s Northern Territory. It includes Alice Springs, Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park (which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site), and the Kings Canyon area.
Not only does it give you a glimpse into the vast Australian outback, it is also a great place to explore the country’s unique landscapes.
Why is it called The Red Centre you may ask. The name makes sense because the region is indeed red in colour. This name is derived from the vast red deserts of the territory.
The reason for the red dirt also has a scientific explanation, rather than being for the looks.
The soil found in this land is incredibly old, spanning millions of years. This reddish hue comes from a process called iron oxidation, where the soil’s high iron content reacts with oxygen. Essentially, the abundance of rust in the soil gives it the red colour. Experts are of the belief that the prominent rock formations in the Northern Territory would actually appear grey underneath their red outer layers.
The iconic reddish dirt of the Red Centre is just one of the twelve soil types with different colours across the Northern Territory. Aboriginal communities have historically and still use these soils to share stories, cultures, and traditions with new generations.
A little bit of science, culture and a whole lot of adventure? Sounds like just the right mix.
Australia’s hidden gems illustrate how it is a country that needs to be explored beyond the tourist brochures. So let your curiosity guide you and that adventurous streak motivate you. Australia could very well be your next great expedition and the destination looks promising.
(Sandunlekha Ekanayake)