With it’s golden sand beaches, clear blue skies and even clearer waters, Australia is well known for it’s laid back culture. However, it does have a few hidden gems that are sure to surprise even the most avid of travellers. Let a personal travel manager take you for a walk on the wild side of Australia and help you discover these treasures.
The Kimberley
Located in North WA, The Kimberley is sure to captivate with its iconic outback landscapes, spectacular gorges and breathtaking waterfalls and cave systems. Take a trip into Purnululu National Park where you will be able to explore the countless, huge, beehive-shaped mounds of the Bungle Bungles or enjoy the wonders of the world’s only horizontal waterfalls scattered deep within Talbot Bay. Those looking at unleashing their inner wild child should take this rare opportunity to venture on a boat ride through the waterfalls and into the bay.
For the music fan, The Ord Valley Muster, held annually in May, is a wonderful line-up of concerts and activities for those interested in experiencing the entertainment scene of the Kimberleys. Although this festival started off as a relatively small affair for the locals, it quickly blossomed into an event that is firmly established on the national festival calendar.
West Australian wild flowers
The wild flowers of West Australia are definitely a welcome change from the usual sight of red, orange and brown dry land that blankets the region before the rains pour in July and August. Boasting over 8,000 different species ranging from fiery, spikey mountain bells to tiny purple and white smoke bush flowers, the wild flowers of West Australia are definitely a sight to behold.
Over half of the species on show are only found in Australia and you can explore the endless varieties either through organised shows like The Kings Park Wildflower Festival, or by taking a leisurely drive through Lesueur National Park, 200km North of Perth. While you can’t pluck any flowers to take home, you are able to purchase some seedlings from licensed distributors to help you start your very own wild garden.
Simpson Desert
The Simpson Desert is well known for its red, windswept sand and vast endless horizons. Located within the driest region of the Australian continent, the sand dunes stretch over hundreds of kilometers and across three states (South Australia, Queensland and the Northern Territory). If you’re looking for a bit of a challenge, the best way to explore this landmark is by trekking through the steep dunes in a four-wheel drive, which takes a minimum of four days to complete.
While you are in the region, you can also take an organised tour into the Aboriginal communities. At the Titjikala community, you will be able to interact directly with the indigenous artists and get a first hand look into their intricate and colorful works.
Talk to your local, personal travel manager about discovering Australia today http://www.travelmanagers.com.au/ptm-search/
Image courtesy of Tourism Australia and Basquali Skamaachi