February 10, 2025

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Australia’s Wild Heart: An In-the-Know Guide to Adventures Outside the Lines

AustraliaAustralia’s Wild Heart: An In-the-Know Guide to Adventures Outside the Lines

But Australia has landmarks, too — the Great Barrier Reef, Uluru, Sydney Opera House. But those journeyers also get the inside deevees to the places where you can find a inobserved beauty of the land down undot away from the normal holi-dayer routes. If you’re looking for an adventure that doesn’t just scratch the surface for a postcard picture, here are a few hidden gems that promise lasting memories.

The Bungle Bungles in Purnululu National Park in Western Australia, for example. These really odd, beehivelike formations protrude from the desert floor, creating this striking visual contrast with the flat expanse of the land nearby. One of Australia’s best-kept secrets, the Bungle Bungles are also a little hard to reach. But believe me, that requires so much work. The rock formations are not only stunning but also steeped in ancient Aboriginal culture, and their remoteness means you’ll have this remarkable destination all to yourself. There’s something magical about the wide open quiet, the emptiness, the kind of weird beauty of it all.

On the other side of the country on the east coast, Wilson’s Promontory is one of the most beautiful (and least visited) places to see in Victoria. Locally called “The Prom,” it’s a potpourri of grassy rainforests, sandy beaches and jagged hills. There are trails for every level, whatever you seek: a meander or a challenge. The wildlife however is a draw and you might see kangaroos lying in the shade or, if you’re lucky, a wombat in your path. It’s the ideal place to avoid the crowds and reconnect with nature.

For the full aussie coast experience, you head to the Lizard Island, a prized piece of paradise tucked away in the Great Barrier Reef. Sure, you can swim with the fishes here, but what characterizes the place is the seclusion. Accessed only by small plane, Lizard Island is home to some of the most untouched beaches you’ll ever see. No roads, no crowds, just peace & quiet It’s a place to reboot — distractions removed, the ocean roaring and a bird overhead once in a while.

For quirkier towns, and if you can withstand a little detour from the remaining list, head to Mudgee in New South Wales. Yes, this gorgeous country town is famed for its vineyards but it’s the laidback energy and quirky little cafes that render it so special. Mudgee isn’t inundated with tourists, and that’s what makes it so special. It’s the sort of place where you can while away an afternoon, sipping local wine, wandering boutique shops and talking to visiting townsfolk.

Deep in the Top End of Australia’s Northern Territory lies another less familiar marvel: Kakadu National Park. Most visitors skip its remote beauty, though it has a rich Aboriginal history. The park is the real deal, home to crocodiles, kangaroos and thousands of species of birds. There are also magnificent waterfalls, ancient rock art and plenty of hikes that lead deep into the wilderness.

And lastly for something totally wacko, Port Fairy, tiny coastal Victoria town. You get the sense that this is a holdover from the past, a holdover that strikes you as something that’s becoming more rare each day and age. Cobblestone streets, 19th century buildings and a fishing village vibe lend woodsy flavor to the storybook escape. The local beaches are unassuming and ideal for a roam; the surrounding countryside offers a great day out.”

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