Whether you’re picnicking on a tropical island that disappears with the high tide, walking along the sea bed in a modern-day diving helmet, or spending the night sleeping on a pontoon under a sea of stars, there is more to the Great Barrier Reef than just donning a snorkel or diving gear.
Credit(s): Tourism Australia
See See the Great Barrier Reef’s “Great Eight”. Whales, manta rays, giant clams, potato cod, sharks, Maori wrasse, turtles and lovable clownfish – just head over to their favourite hang-outs to tick off the box on your great adventure! There are options to ride an underwater scooter, walk along the seabed and travel in a mini submarine to see them all.
Credit(s): Tourism Australia
Do Ditch the snorkel or diving gear and opt for the ultimate in reef romanticism. Vlasoff Cay is a small streak of sand in an ocean of blue. This tiny sand island appears only at low tide and is the perfect setting for a castaway picnic. You can be dropped off at your own stretch of Great Barrier Reef sand by helicopter or chartered boat and left alone with a picnic hamper.
Credit(s): Tourism Australia
Shop If you make your base in Cairns, there are plenty of shopping options to have – from malls to markets and indie stores. The great buys are always the opals and handmade items by the locals. Browse through the markets for potteries and printed shawls, or invest in an aboriginal craft.
Credit(s): Thala Beach Lodge
Stay A member of National Geographic’s Unique Lodges of the World, Thala Beach Nature Reserve in Port Douglas is made of a series of bungalows built to blend in with the surrounding forest. The resort offers guided nature walks as well as information sessions run by the local indigenous community, the Kuku Yalanji, to help guests learn the stories and culture of these ancient rainforest people.
Queensland’s capital, Brisbane, is brimming with great ideas for things to do.
See Make your way to Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary – the world’s oldest and largest koala sanctuary. The sanctuary is home to more than 130 koalas, as well as platypuses, Tasmanian devils, snakes, crocodiles and other Australian wildlife. Hug a koala and hand-feed kangaroos and lorikeets during your visit.
Do At twilight, hit the Story Bridge Adventure Climb. Take a deep breath and feel the rush as you climb the glorious Story Bridge. One of only three bridge climbs in the world, the climb takes you 80m above sea level for breathtaking 360 degree views across the river city. If you time the 2.5-hour climb to include sunset, you will see Brisbane City turn from day to night.
Shop If you’re visiting and want to take home a bit of Brisbane, or love to shop local, Brisbane City is the best. Every Friday, Laidley Village Markets host fresh local produce and homemade treats. There are also collectables, arts and crafts, books and lots of other goodies to bring home. For high end shopping, the beautiful Brisbane Arcade is home to a number of local and independent labels.
Stay Merging original Art Deco architecture with modern art and avant-garde touches, Ovolo The Valley brings a new breed of eclectic style to the Queensland capital. Five room styles range in design from cosy to four-poster bed with free-standing bathtub. And each stay comes with free WiFi, laundry, breakfast, social hour, and free mini bar snacks and drinks.
This character-filled city just outside of Melbourne is big on arts, heritage and gold legacy!
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See Ballarat has a diverse arts scene. From colonial masterpieces to cutting edge modernism, the city is where fans flock to for the best. Art Gallery of Ballarat is Australia’s oldest regional gallery with a remarkably comprehensive collection of Australian art. Others include the James Egan Gallery and Gallery on Sturt.
Do Step back in time at Sovereign Hill during the Ballarat goldrush of the 1850s. Walk amid costumed ladies and gents, pan for real gold, ride in a horse-drawn carriage and watch blacksmiths, candlemakers and coach builders at work. It’s really like the Westerns!
Shop Get off the main shopping strips to find Ballarat’s real gems of homemade crafts, artisanal produce and one-of-a-kind gifts. Such ‘n’ Such has great homewares, clothing and gifts. Or try Sweet Fern. This gorgeous perfumery store stocks indie, handmade scents, as well as a selection of products from Ballarat’s own Sovereign Hill Apothecary.
Stay Craig’s Royal Hotel Ballarat is the place to stay. As one of the first Grand Hotels in the colony, it was born from the wealth of the Australian Gold Rush Era. Established in 1853, Craig’s hosted poets, princes and prime ministers over its 162 year history. The hotel has since been renovated into a charming boutique property that is still filled with character.
Australia is home to many beguiling natural attractions, but its extraordinary pink lakes have got to be seen to be believed.
Words TOURISM AUSTRLIA Images TOURISM AUSTRALIA, TOURISM WESTERN AUSTRALIA, SOUTH AUSTRALIAN TOURISM COMMISSION, ISAAC FORMAN, SERIO, CHLOE TODD, TOM CUNNINGHAM, OCKERT LE ROUX
Australia’s vast country boasts more than a few unbelievable natural wonders, but few are more beautiful – or baffling – than Australia’s pink lakes. From the outback of South Australia to the coast of Western Australia, here are the country’s must-see pink lakes.
LAKE HILLIER Near Esperance, Western Australia Lake Hillier, on Middle Island in Western Australia’s Recherche Archipelago, lies about 130 kilometres from Esperance, or an eight-hour drive from Perth. It’s a surreal sight; the pink lake neighbours the dark blue waters of the Indian Ocean, with a strip of lush green forest acting as a barrier. Although you can see the lake by boat, one of the best ways to take in the spectacle is from the air on a scenic flight with Goldfields Air Services. Make a road trip of it on a colourful journey along Western Australia’s diverse coast.
HUTT LAGOON Coral Coast, Western Australia From its red cliffs to bright blue waters, Western Australia’s Coral Coast is known for having some of the most vividly-hued nature found anywhere in the country. Located under a six-hour drive north of Perth, Hutt Lagoon is one of the region’s most vibrant attractions. Depending on the season, time of day and cloud coverage, this lake changes from red to pink and even to lilac purple. Visit during mid-morning or sundown to catch the best of its colourful spectrum. You can easily access the lake by car on the George Grey Drive, or see the mesmerising marvel from the sky with Shine Aviation or Kalbarri Scenic Flights.
LAKE EYRE Outback South Australia The pale pinks, oranges and yellows of Lake Eyre epitomise the vast landscapes of outback South Australia. Located a six-hour drive or 1.5-hour flight from Adelaide, the lake is usually a salt pan, its blinding white salt plains glistening in the Australian sun. It’s a stunning sight, but becomes a different kind of beautiful every few years as the lake floods with water. The flooding brings flourishing greenery, flocks of birds and a lake turned dreamy shades of pink and orange. This desert oasis is best experienced from the air; book a scenic flight with Wrightsair to witness this unforgettable natural wonder.
LAKE BUMBUNGA Near Clare Valley, South Australia Less than a two-hour drive from Adelaide, Lake Bumbunga is not only one of Australia’s most accessible pink lakes but also one of its most photogenic. Its magenta shores draw amateur and professional photographers alike, moving between hues of pink, white and blue depending on the salinity of the water.
LAKE MACDONNELL Eyre Peninsula, South Australia Contrasting colours of pink, blue and green create the striking scene that is Lake MacDonnell. Located in South Australia’s breathtaking Eyre Peninsula, Lake MacDonnell is one of the country’s most intensely pink lakes, owing to its high salt concentration. Take the ultra-Instagrammable road between the bubblegum-hued Lake MacDonnell and its neighbouring blue-green waters to discover Cactus Beach at the end of the path. After drinking in the beauty of Lake MacDonnell, eat up some of Australia’s freshest seafood as you continue your journey to Coffin Bay.
LAKE HART Woomera, South Australia Lake Hart, set in the seemingly endless outback of South Australia, is as beautiful by night as it is by day. This shallow pink lake has a high salt concentration that creates salt crystals under the pastel water. Its isolation in the outback makes way for incredible star-gazing, but the lake is equally impressive as the salt sparkles in the sun. See Lake Hart onboard the Indian Pacific, a world-class train journey between Sydney and Perth, or the Explorer’s Way road trip through the outback.
THE PINK LAKES Near Mildura, Victoria The Murray-Sunset National Park brings starry nights and rugged landscapes, but its most intriguing drawcard is the Pink Lakes. Located in the vast and wild landscape of north-west Victoria, about a five-hour drive from Melbourne, these lakes change from brilliant pink to glistening white, and tend to be at their most vibrant on cloudy days. Plan to spend more than a day here; you’ll find great walking tracks as well as campgrounds near the park’s Pink Lakes. Hikers will love the Kline Nature Walk, which takes about two hours to complete. Alternatively, embark on the Lake Becking Nature Walk, which takes only 45 minutes from start to finish.
UNESCO’s World Heritage Sites are amazing places worthy of your vacation offering intimate insights into unique cultures.
AUSTRALIA Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park Extraordinary landscape of desert plains, weathered mountain ranges and rocky gorges define the Aboriginal Australia’s most sacred sites: Uluru and Kata Tjuta. Floating in an outback waterhole, dining under a starry sky while being serenaded by a didgeridoo, and watching the world’s most famous rock change colours at dawn and dusk are some of outback Australia’s most unmissable experiences. Walk around the base of Uuru with an Aboriginal guide, take a helicopter flight or motorcycle tour, or see it from the back of a camel on an early morning or sunset safari. The 36 rounded domes of Kata Tjuta are only 50 kilometres from Uluru and are just as impressive. Follow one of the many bushwalking trails or join a tour from Ayers Rock Resort. And, whatever your budget you’ll love Ayers Rock Resort, which has accommodation from camp and campervan sites to five-star poolside rooms at Sails in the Desert, and glamping at Longitude 131, where you can see the sun rise and set over Uluru from your own luxury safari tent. Join one of the free cultural tours at the resort, star gaze with an astronomer and dine out in style under a canopy of stars at the famous Sounds of Silence outdoor buffet.
INDONESIA Komodo National Park Komodo National Park, nestled between the islands of Flores and Sumbawa in Indonesia, consists of three large islands namely Komodo, Rinca and Padar. It is home to the legendary Komodo Dragon – the largest lizard in the world. The park’s terrain is uniquely diverse, consisting of mountainous hillside, tropical rainforests, grass-woodland savannah, and pristine white sandy beaches which harbour a rich marine biodiversity. The marine environment in the Komodo National Park is one of the world’s richest in flora and fauna and is still relatively undiscovered. Many begin their excursion to visit the park’s three islands by hiring private boat tours through the local port town of Labuan Bajo on Flores island. Form here, a daily itinerary consists of snorkelling, diving and discovering more of the magical underwater landscape of Komodo National Park. Hiking up to the tops of Rinca and Padar islands to catch the sunset is also popular. For a five-star experience by the sea, Amandira, a gorgeous 52-metre, two-masted Phinisi yacht belonging to Aman Resorts, plies the waters from March to October where the journey includes picnics on secluded beaches and a curated diving experience.
VIETNAM Hoi An Ancient Town An ancient trading port, Hoi An had the largest harbour in Southeast Asia in the 1st century and even opened its own stoneware kilns in the 15th century to support the growing popularity of the Japanese tea ritual. Today its eclectic collection of communal houses and 82 ancient tube-shaped houses – many located on original streets – stand testament to its vibrant ancient personality. The architecture of Hoi An is characterised by a harmonious blend of Vietnamese, Chinese and Japanese influences. By night, the old town turns magical with an array of beautifully coloured lanterns lighting up the sidewalks and night markets. Explore the ancient town on foot, visit the markets, explore the express tailors and take up a cooking class by the river. Outside of Hoi An are peaceful villages that have artisanal and traditional crafts such as carpentry, bronze making and ceramics. Rent a bike or a taxi to see how these crafts have resisted time.
MACAO Historic Centre of Macao Known as the “Las Vegas of the East”, Macao is a city full of history that offers so much more than their extravagant casinos. Known as the Special Administrative Region of China (SAR), the city is known for its heritage, preserving the unique culture and traditions of east and west of China. Macao has 22 sites recognised by UNESCO to be of cultural and historical significance. The best part is, many are within reach and situated right in the centre of town. There are the ruins of St Paul’s, arguably Macao’s most famous landmark. Located at the top of a hill, only the beautiful granite façade remains and a grand staircase of 68 stone steps leading up to it. At the heart of Macao’s colourful Senado Square is the neo-classical Leal Senado Building. This was Macao’s first municipal chamber and remains so till today. The striking green and white neo-classical Dom Pedro V Theatre, built in 1860, is the oldest theatre in Macao and was the first Western-style theatre to open in China. Further afield, walk around Guia Fortress and Lighthouse that was constructed in the early 1600s, and the first Western-style lighthouse on the China coast. Walk through the Flora Garden Gate at the foot of the hill and you will find a cable car that takes you to the top for picturesque views of Macao.
JAPAN Historic Villages of Shirakawa-go and Gokayama Famous for their traditional farmhouses called “gassho-zukuri”, both Shirakawa-go and Gokayama are among the few areas left in Japan where you can witness the serene and beauty of a late 17th century village. “Gassho” means the act of prayer, and the roofs get their name because their steep triangular frame resemble two hands in prayer. Traditionally, the roofs are built between 45 and 60 degrees so that snow does not pile up on them in winter. Each of the houses is built without any nails and range between 100 and 400 years old. Any time is a good time to visit as Shirakawa-go beautifully reflects the different faces of the four seasons. The scenery blushes in pink with cherry blossoms in spring, turn bright green with the rice fields in summer, becomes fiery red with autumn foliage leaves in fall and turns a surreal winterland dreamscape in winter. Some of the houses are still lived in as homes, whilst others have been turned into guesthouses or souvenir shops. There are also some gassho-zukuri houses that are open to the public as museums. The houses light up in a special event every January and February. Because of its popularity, reservations are now required and can be made via their official website.
UNITED KINGDOM City of Bath A whimsical mix of cobblestone streets, historical sites and romantic architectural styles, Bath is famed for its history and natural hot springs. It’s also the only destination in the UK where the entire city is a designated UNESCO World Heritage Site. Any visit to Bath must start with a dip at the Thermae Bath Spa. The open-air rooftop pool, where you can bathe in mineral-rich waters heated to 33.5°C, also gives panoramic views of Bath. For something more private, The Gainsborough Bath Spa is a stunning five-star luxury hotel with a unique twist. Built in a Regency architectural style, it centres around its own naturally-heated pools with direct access from several rooms – meaning you can run your bath with the mineral-rich thermal waters. To discover the city’s history, tour the Roman Baths for a look into the city’s beginnings. Then learn about its famous resident, Jane Austen, at the Jane Austen Centre where you can enjoy talks, displays and activities centred on the author’s celebrated works. Still in the mood for all things Regency? You will be pleased to know that when you stop for a cup of tea at the Regency Tea Room, the staff will serve you in period costume. The hop-on, hop-off City Sightseeing bus offers a relaxing tour of the city’s must-see attractions, including Bath Abbey and the architectural splendour of Bath’s Royal Crescent. Then wander along Pulteney Bridge, considered one of the most beautiful bridges in the world and one of just a handful with shops built into the design.
Driving further afield to discover Victoria’s vast and diverse region.
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The compact state of Victoria, with its diversity of landscapes and terrains, means visitors can get seriously off the beaten track. Off road adventures in Victoria are available for everyone from novice drivers taking their own vehicles, to those experienced in a four wheel drive (4WD) or SUV. The landscapes range from the adrenalin pumping action of the rugged high plains to the big deserts and open skies of the Mallee, river red gum forests, hinterland, rainforest and Victoria’s famous coast. Off roaders can go for a day trip, an overnight stay in a camp site or hotel, or longer.
For high plains and a bit of history, driving through the Davies Plain Ridge will be both scenic and challenging. The trail takes you through remote Alpine landscapes, pass Snow Gum woodlands, tranquil riverside campsites, historic huts and panoramic mountain views. Best undertaken over a number of days, the track includes demanding 4WD tracks in some of Victoria’s most isolated and scenic country. Highlights include big views, imposing forests, meandering streams and wildflower-strewn ridges. Drivers will enjoy views across the Victorian Alps to Kosciuszko National Park from Mount Pinnibar summit. Keen anglers can finish the day by catching a wily brown trout for dinner and cooking over the campfire.
A drive through the Grampians will take you past beautiful rock art and rugged beauty. The spectacular peaks and dramatic rock formations of Grampians National Park provide for an awe-inspiring drive. Picturesque waterfalls, spectacular wildflower displays, panoramic views, and fascinating Aboriginal rock art sites are some of the highlights. Stunning camping and picnic grounds and a network of excellent 4WD and walking tracks make exploring this natural wonderland easy and enjoyable.
For a drive that lets you feel as though the world is an endless road, consider Victoria’s Mallee region. One of the State’s hidden gems, it has big deserts and open skies for a liberating adventure. From sand dunes and pink lakes to woodlands and rolling plains, it features abundant native wildlife and fascinating remains of the pastoral era. It may be Victoria’s driest region, but the Mallee is far from lifeless. Emus, kangaroos, birdlife, woodlands and wildflowers make this a nature lover’s delight. Starting at the Wyperfeld National Park entrance, this drive allows for lots of daytime exploration and night time star-gazing. Vast open spaces and the famous Pink Lakes offer fantastic photo opportunities. Pitch a tent by dry creek beds, enjoy native woodland walks and stunning Mallee sunsets, before stepping into the area’s pastoral past at the Shearers Quarters Campground in the remote northwest.
Take a spin to Otways for stunning coasts and lush green hinterland. Starting from the surf beach village of Anglesea and heading inland to tranquil Mountain Ash forests and lush fern gullies, drivers can discover the ancient rainforest at Maits Rest, watch the water drop at the stunning Erskine Falls, and walk the rainforest loop to Triplet Falls. The coastal scenery on the return journey along the Great Ocean Road has few equals in the world, with spectacular coastal views. Dinner can be enjoyed with some delicious local seafood at Apollo Bay or the popular seaside resort of Lorne, then tired eyes can hit the sack at one of the many accommodations or campsites.
The world’s largest River Red Gum forest is the star on a scenic drive past backdrops of the mighty Murray River of the Murray region. There is a wide range of camping and picnic grounds, and an extensive network of forest tracks that make this natural area one of the most memorable of the collection. It’s a 354-kilometre, two to three days drive if drivers wish to fully appreciate the natural and cultural heritage of these forests that are home to many threatened native plants and animals.
Whichever four wheel drive or SUV adventure you choose, you will be sure to discover the breadth and depth of regional Victoria.
Nothing like an old-fashioned road trip to take in the sights and experiences of a holiday. Our recommendation? If you’re heading to Australia, get behind the wheels for its most iconic drive: The Great Ocean Road.
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Melbourne’s charming with its vibrant cultural and trendy food scene but if you’re after a unique getaway that’s different from your usual holiday itinerary, we suggest going on a road trip to The Great Ocean Road. Travel through picturesque seaside villages, see wildlife, walk through rainforest and of course, the highlight of the trip – coming face-to-face with the Twelve Apostles. Ready to start driving? Here’s our suggestion for a quick but memorable three-day adventure.
DAY 1: START DRIVING MELBOURNE TO APOLLO BAY DISTANCE: 187 KILOMETRES | DRIVING TIME: 2.5 HOURS Your trip begins out of Melbourne and into Apollo Bay where along the way you will take in stunning cliff top views overlooking Australia’s iconic surf location Bells Beach. Don’t forget to make a pitstop at Split Point Lighthouse in Aireys Inlet where you’ll have the most amazing views over Eagle Rock Marine Sanctuary and Great Ocean Road. For more stunning views, head to Teddy’s Lookout in Lorne where in June right through August, you’ll spot schools of humpback and southern right whales making their migration journey. Make sure you have enough batteries on your camera as you’ll be taking even more photos when you arrive at Marriners Lookout.
DAY 2: WILDLIFE SPOTTING APOLLO BAY TO PORT FAIRY DISTANCE: 189 KILOMETRES | DRIVING TIME: NEARLY 3 HOURS See remote rainforest, coastal scenery, wildlife and mainland Australia’s oldest lighthouse at Cape Otway. You won’t want to miss the magnificent Otway Fly Treetop Walk – this is the world’s tallest and longest treetop walk where you’ll experience a bird’s eye view of the magnificent Otway Ranges rainforest. Plan to spend at least an hour here for a satisfying experience.
Today is also the highlight of your trip where you’ll come face-to-face with the natural wonders Twelve Apostles as well as Gibson Steps, Lord Ard Gorge and London Arch. Aim to take a break and enjoy the quaint seaside charge of the Port Campbell village. Into history? You won’t regret exploring Warrnambool’s Flagstaff Hill Maritime Village, home to Australia’s richest shipwreck collection. Or if Australia’s wildlife creatures are what you’re here for, make your way to the Tower Hill Wildlife Reserve for some koala, emu and kangaroo spotting.
DAY 3: BACK TO MELBOURNE PORT FAIRY TO MELBOURNE DISTANCE: 286 KILOMETRES | DRIVING TIME: 3.5 HOURS Time to head back to Melbourne but not without some pitstops along the way. View cultural displays and aboriginal crafts at Worn Gundidj Visitor Centre back at the Tower Hill Wildlife Reserve if you didn’t make it on Day Two. Then for the final panoramic view this stretch of road has to offer, stop by Camperdown’s Mount Leura Lookout for sweeping views of volcanic peaks and lakes. Before you arrive at Melbourne, turn off to Winchelsea, a small town that is home to early colonial buildings. Finally, back in Melbourne, end your road trip with a well-deserved meal at one of Southbank Promenade’s riverside restaurants.
One of the world’s last great wilderness areas is just a stone’s throw away in Tassie.
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Alpine landscapes, pristine beaches, untamed forests, natural vaults of Aboriginal treasures and an extraordinary array of indigenous plants and animals make the Tasmanian Wilderness World Heritage Area, one of Earth’s true natural treasures and one of the last great wilderness areas on the planet. While much of the area, which now encompasses 20 percent of the state, is superbly wild and tantalisingly remote, parts of it are easy to discover and experience, with an exciting range of sustainable outdoor activities suitable to all fitness levels to choose from.
The 1.4 million hectares that make up Tasmania’s Wilderness World Heritage Area encompass the iconic Cradle Mountain-Lake St Clair National Park, the Franklin-Gordon Wild Rivers National Park, Southwest National Park, Walls of Jerusalem National Park, Hartz Mountain National Park, part of Mole Creek Karst National Park, plus a number of other state reserves and conservation areas; an area so precious that it is one of only two places worldwide to meet more World Heritage criteria than any other.
The 6-day Cradle Mountain Overland Track Walk from Cradle Mountain to Lake St Clair is one of Australia’s most iconic multi-day bushwalks, led by experienced guides and taking in the true beauty of the World Heritage Area. Tasmanian Expeditions offer a range of thrilling adventures in Tasmania’s World Heritage Areas, from guided walks to rock climbing and rafting. The six-day Walls of Jerusalem bushwalking expedition takes in the spectacular mountain scenery and pristine wilderness of Tasmania’s only true alpine National Park.
Thrill seekers can discover a hidden side of Cradle Mountain as they explore the remote hidden canyons of Dove River led by experienced guides on the Cradle Mountain Canyons adventure. The company specialises in half day tours and full day tours, taking daredevils into otherwise inaccessible places and unveiling a unique insight into Tasmania’s wilderness. Rafting enthusiasts will revel in the excitement of the 10-day Franklin River Rafting Tour which takes in the haunting beauty of the wild and isolated Franklin River in the Franklin-Gordon Wild Rivers National Park. The adventure is a professionally guided experience on an expedition raft and includes quality rafts and white water equipment, delicious meals, camping equipment and return transfers from Hobart. No previous experience is necessary, but a thirst for adventure is highly recommended.
Visitors looking for an experience with a difference can see Tasmania’s spectacular underground wilderness with a tour of Mole Creek’s caves. Wild Cave Tours offer half and full day tours where visitors can truly experience the subterranean wonderland as they wade through underground streams and discover underground glow worm chambers. Meanwhile, the scenic flights offered by Tasmania’s small airlines and charter operators give visitors a true sense of the absolute vastness and wild beauty of the state’s Wilderness World Heritage Area. Par Avion conducts scenic flights from Hobart exploring the incredibly remote waterways and wilderness of the Southwest on a half day experience and also transport bushwalkers and their supplies to Melaleuca in the Southwest National Park.
Roaring 40ºs Kayaking is a premium ecotourism operation, offering sea kayaking tours in Tasmania’s Southwest World Heritage Wilderness Area. Its comfortable Forest Lagoon Camp is open to short stay visitors; the perfect option for visitors who are travelling without camping gear but still seeking an authentic wilderness experience. The campsite features comfortable yet affordable accommodation in five twin-share platform tents and meals are offered in the open air dining shelter nestled into the surrounding rainforest where resident wildlife come and go as they please. This beautiful part of Tasmania features some of the most rewarding short walks in the state and for those new to bushwalking, experience guides are available by prior arrangement.
Visitors can base themselves in the state’s capital and still get back to nature with the many day touring options within easy reach of Hobart. Adrenaline junkies will get a kick out of abseiling at the Gordon Dam which, standing at 140 metres high, is Australia’s longest vertical abseiling experience. The two and a half hour drive from Hobart to Gordon Dam meanders through the magnificent southwest wilderness to reach Strathgordon, nestled between Lakes Gordon and Pedder. Taking it down a notch, a number of short walks are located within easy driving distance of Hobart. Around one and a half hours from the city, the Hartz Mountains National Park offers visitors breathtaking views of remote mountain ranges as far as the southern coast and boasts picturesque waterfalls and small glacial lakes.
Visitors can download Tasmania’s Parks and Wildlife Service’s new 60 Great Short Walks app, a wonderful resource with a wealth of information about day walks from all around the state. The app can now be downloaded for free from the iTunes Store and features beautiful photographs, simple maps and essential safety tips.
