Hinterland – A Magical Land
Follow the road inland from the Gold Coast's beaches and a magical
world unfolds. A world of tropical rainforests, moutain villages, and other
hidden treasures that are all part of the Gold Coast Hinterland - the green
behind the gold.
Much of the hinterland area is designated National Park, allowing you to
experience the natural beauty of the area first hand on one of the park's
many walking tracks. Browse through the various museums, art galleries and
craft shops in Hinterland and take time to dine in one of the many
restaurants and cosy tea houses.So it is aptly called a magical land.
Fraser Island : A Veritable Paradise for Nature Lovers
Long white beaches, dramatic colored-sand cliffs, natural sand blows, rocky
headlands and pristine freshwater lakes and streams are some of the Fraser
Island's natural features.
Fraser Island is the most prominent feature off Queensland's southern
coast. It is the world's largest sand island and a place of remarkable
natural beauty.
The universal importance of these outstanding features was recognised
through the island's World Heritage Listing. Being a World Heritage listed
site, Fraser Island joins the ranks of the Great Barrier Reef, Uluru and
Kakadu National Parks as being of universal significance as the largest
coastal dune system and sand island in the world and for its special
environments.
Ayers Rock
Ayers Rock is the portrait of Australia. It is the Eiffle tower of France,
USA's the Statue of Liberty and Everest of Nepal. What makes it so striking,
is its presence in a sea of nothingness. It is surrounded by sunburnt red
dirt as far as the eye can see, and what the first explorers must have
thought when they set eyes on it from around 100km away, would be the same
reaction that people have now. It is the holiest place for the Australian
aboriginals, and they now own the "Uluru".
The Olgas
About 32 kilometres west of Uluru are the 36 steep-sided domes of Kata
Tjuta (The Olgas), covering 3,500 hectares in the 132,566-hectare Uluru-Kata
Tjuta National Park. Mount Olga, the highest feature, rises to 546 metres.
These formations stand in dramatic contrast to the surrounding
desert. Despite its barren appearance, Kata Tjuta's arid zone is rich in
wildlife. Frequently spotted are geckoes, skinks, goannas, dragons, legless
lizards and snakes. It is home to 24 desert mammals including red kangaroos,
rock wallabies and dingoes. Many people are even more impressed and inspired
by the Olgas than by Uluru.
Kangaroo Island :
Kangaroo Island is South Australia's largest Island and is located off the
south eastern tip of the Fleurieu Peninsula south of Adelaide. It is
renowned for its rugged and beautiful scenery and the beaches and fishing
which it provides. Seals will be found at Seal Beach and are a popular
attraction, and the Koala population of the island is becoming a problem so
you will have no trouble seeing these popular creatures on your visit.
12 Apostles :
The 12 Apostles rock formations can be seen from the Great Ocean Road in
Victoria, standing as sentinels against a dramatic backdrop of cliffs and
wild ocean. Formed over thousands of years by the action of the sea, only
eight of the original 12 Apostles remain. Marvel at the awesome
vistas. While the Twelve Apostles area is known for its scenic beauty,
there is also plenty of adventure to enjoy. The brave can try abseiling and
rock climbing, while those who like to get their feet wet can enjoy surfing,
canoeing and kayaking. Bushwalking and mountain bike climbing gets you
up-close to nature, while coach or four-wheel drive tours are ideal for a
day's rest.
Pinnacles :
The Pinnacles, located within Nambung National Park in Western Australia is
a bizarre sight: a world of thousands of limestone spires all rising from
smooth desert dunes. The thousands of limestone monoliths scattered around
the sandy plain south of the coastal township of Cervantes were mistaken by
early Dutch sailors for the remains of an ancient city. Varying in size from
truck-sized 6m giants to finger-thick pieces of piping, they are the
fossilized roots of long-dead trees and shrubs. Limestone formed around the
roots of plants growing on stable dunes about 30,000 years ago. The plants
died and the dunes moved on leaving the calcified structures exposed.
The Bungle Bungles
Purnululu National Park, in the north east of Western Australia is an
incredible sight, a landscape of beehive-shaped sandstone formations, deep
chasms with palm trees and long, deep Picaninny Gorge. To appreciate the
overall aspect of this weird landscape, one has to take to the air and there
are plane and helicopter rides available.
But to experience the Bungle Bungles properly you have to go on foot and
that means first getting there by four wheel drive, as the road to this
remote place is rather rough. A hike through this landscape with its
sandstone domes is unforgettable. This is one of the most mysterious places
of Australia.
