4 minute read
8 essential Australian experiences
8 Australian experiences you might not know about
In the words of Captain Obvious, Australia provides some amazing experiences. What the captain fails to mention, though, is that this wealth of remarkable attractions means some truly incredible experiences are often overlooked.
The Gap, Torndirrup National Park Source: Tourism Western Australia
I
t’s time to change that with this superb line-up of underrated Australian activities.
From the easily reached and the inexpensive to the once in a lifetime, exciting adventures await.
1. Exploring Torndirrup
National Park, Albany, WA
Australia teems with treasure-rich national parks that all jostle for attention, but Torndirrup clearly deserves far more footprints than it receives.
It’s massively mesmerising, rugged and windswept and crammed with eye-popping, funky features. Among the most impressive is The Gap where the full force of the ocean’s wild fury is laid bare in dramatic fashion. And it’s all easily admired from a raised viewing platform. Where to stay: BIG4 Emu Beach Holiday Park or BIG4 Middleton Beach Holiday Park.
2. Climbing the Shot Tower,
Hobart, TAS
Found 10 kilometres south of the CBD, the Shot Tower was once tasked with manufacturing ammunition. Today, it’s in the firing line of visitors seeking spectacular panoramic vistas.
The structure has a few quirks that might enhance your interest, including a sign that proclaims it took eight months to build when the actual figure is more like eight years. Its height is another point of contention.
Where to stay: BIG4 Hobart Airport Tourist Park.
3. Wandering around
Umpherston Sinkhole,
Mount Gambier, SA
Nature has moulded a wonderful creation with a little help from humanity. In a former life, the sinkhole was a limestone cave before relentless corrosion from seawater resulted in its roof collapsing.
It has since become a spectacular sunken garden with a size and scale that is only truly appreciated with a first-hand visit. Better yet, it’s centrally located and open day and night.
Where to stay: BIG4 Blue Lake Holiday Park.
Umpherston Sinkhole, Mt Gambier Source: Offroad Images
Coober Pedy Source: Angela Lisman
4. An airboat tour of Mary
River wetlands, NT
Spotted on the fringes of Kakadu National Park, the wetlands of Mary River are home to a feast of fascinating flora and fauna, including crocodiles. And witnessing it all while on an airboat is unbeatable.
It’s an exhilarating experience that provides unparalleled access to a mind-blowing section of the Top End. If you’re lucky, your friendly guide will be armed with intimate knowledge of these actionpacked surrounds.
Where to stay: BIG4 Howard Springs Holiday Park.
6 Touring Coober Pedy, SA
The opal-mining town is hardly a spotlight avoider, but you get the feeling its unique nature warrants more attention. Simply put, Coober Pedy is truly captivating and a destination that every Australian should experience at least once.
It’s well-known that much of its infrastructure has been built underground so locals can avoid the heat, and it makes for a super interesting and incomparable visit from the moment you enter town. The incredible landscapes in and around Coober Pedy only add to an extremely memorable experience.
Coober Pedy is a truly captivating destination
5. Delving into the SS
Yongala wreck, Ayr, QLD
Admittedly, this site earns much attention, thousands head underwater each year for a diving experience regarded as one of Australia’s best. Yet how many of us can honestly say we know the doomed ship’s backstory? It’s not exactly Titanic like, but details of how the SS Yongala ended up on the seafloor are thoroughly captivating. Dive tours depart from Ayr and provide an eerie, incredible experience where you’ll be joined by a wealth of magical marine life. Or relive the fascinating yarn at the Townsville Maritime Museum.
Where to stay: BIG4 Ayr Silver Link Caravan Village, BIG4 Rowes Bay Beachfront Holiday Park, or BIG4 Townsville Woodlands Holiday Park
Where to stay: BIG4 Stuart Range Outback Resort.
Blue Pool, Bermagui
7. Historical Clunes,
Goldfields region, VIC
Although this isn’t the only place in Australia that could claim to be forgotten by time, it certainly seems to be overlooked by the masses. A wander along this old gold-mining town’s main street is like a trip down memory lane with a streetscape that appears untouched since its creation besides the modern cars.
In fact, Clunes is regarded as having the finest collection of 19th-century buildings anywhere in Australia, which helps to easily evoke thoughts that you’ve travelled back a century or so. Charming.
Where to stay: BIG4 parks in the Goldfields region.
8. Swimming at Blue Pool,
Bermagui, NSW
Move over Bondi Beach’s Iceberg Pool, Bermagui’s Blue Pool is every bit as alluring. Found in the South Coast NSW region, this natural pool is a prized place for a refreshing swim.
The backdrop of craggy, towering cliffs only adds to the occasion, while the sparkling coastal views afforded from this vantage point are worth a visit alone. Best of all, this experience won’t cost you a cent.
Where to stay: BIG4 Wallaga Lake Holiday Park.
Isn’t it time you uncovered something new? Start your holiday adventures at BIG4.com.au
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