The basic objective of eco-tourism is to indulge in a tour that is eco-friendly, focussing on natural regions that promote cultural and environmental understanding. Australia, with its lush wilderness and spectacular landscapes, is home to some of the best eco-tourism spots in the world. The island continent provides shelter to a wide array of flora and fauna, maintaining the balance of ecosystem. If you are looking to immerse yourself in a fascinating eco-tour, use bus charter in Australia to get you to many of these wonderful destinations.
Great Barrier Reef
Any talk about eco-tourism in Australia should always commence with the largest coral reef system in the world, the Great Barrier Reef, which is certainly one of the natural wonders of our planet. It is home to an extensive ecosystem support with as many as 900 islands and 3000 reefs. There are more than 500 species of molluscs, 125 species of stingrays and sharks, 6 species of sea turtles and over 1500 species of fish. Not only is the World heritage site of the Coral Sea a paradise for wildlife, but also salt marshes and mangroves on the Queensland coast are lush breeding space for frogs, crocodiles, and bird species.
Kakadu National Park
Located in the rough Northern Territory of the Australian wilderness, the Kakadu National Park is spread across an area of 7600 sq. miles, including 4 major river systems, basins, southern hills, lowlands, floodplains and estuaries. There is plenty of wildlife out there, encompassing over 280 bird species and 60 mammal species. The area is widely known for its indigenous people, who have resided here for centuries. This World Heritage Site is rich with aboriginal culture, including a wide array of art sites, and also rich with biodiversity as a consequence of conservation efforts.
Daintree Rainforest
Rainforest is generally not the word that you would associate with Australia, but this part of the Queensland UNESCO World Heritage Site is an exception. Daintree is a tropical rainforest, stretching across 1000 sq. miles on the northeast coast of the continent. It looks strikingly similar to the Jurassic Park with rocky mountain peaks, pristine valleys and forests, white sand beaches and waterfalls filled with ancient plant species.
65% of butterfly and bat species of Australia, along with 30% of marsupial species and 18% of the bird species inhabit the area. It is considered an important bird region, supporting a population of endemic species such as Pale-yellow Robbins, Victoria’s Riflebirds, Pied Monarchs, Mountain Thornbills, White-streaked Honeyeaters and Lovely Fairywrens.
Fraser Island
Located around 120 miles north of Brisbane towards the south coast of Queensland, the Fraser Island is known as the largest sand island on the planet. It’s easy to decipher why this place has gained wide recognition as a World Heritage Site. There are over 100 pristine freshwater lakes including Lake Wabby and Lake Mckenzie, scenic sand-cliff formations like the Red Canyon, The Cathedrals and Rainbow Gorge, mangrove forests, rainforests and a wide array of eco-systems to explore. There’s a diverse variety of wildlife including 350 species of birds, marine species including dugongs, tiger sharks and cetaceans, 74 species of reptiles and mammals such as flying foxes, sugar gliders and swamp wallabies. It is also shelter to remaining population of dingoes in East Australia.
Uluru
Considered holy by the Aboriginal people of the region, Anangu, the Ayers Rock or Uluru is a massive rock formation located in Southern Australia. Apart from the tradition of climbing the rock that has drawn many controversies, Uluru is home to some major eco-tourism attractions to keep the voyagers busy. You can witness as many as 73 reptile species, including the Perentie and Sand Goanna, birds such as Emu and Bush Turkey, along with 27 mammal species including Red Kangaroo.
There are also rock caves, waterholes and myriad springs surrounding the region, with some of them featuring ancient petroglyphs dating centuries back. It is a common belief that the rocks here are not to be used as souvenir, as it can be a curse.
The Gold Coast Hinterlands
Hardly half an hour drive from the suburb of Surfers Paradise and the stunning Gold Coast, the Hinterlands is easily one of the best outdoor eco-tourism spots in Australia. Choose to stay in one of the lavish resorts in Surfers Paradise and have an easy access to parks, reserves, farmland, vineyards and charming villages featuring in this part of the country. The real highlight of the place is the fantastic rainforest scenery on offer.
- Hinterland Great Walk: This 54-km walk spread across 3 days will take you past the Numinbah Valley between the Springbrook and Lamington National parks, which are a part of a world heritage site, Gondwana Rainforest. You will find numerous lookout platforms on the way with sweeping views.
- Lamington National Park: Famed for its diverse natural wildlife and incredible beauty, the Lamington National Park near the Gold Coast is a heritage site with plenty of waterfalls, walking tracks and amazing sceneries.
- Tamborine Mountain Rainforest Skywalk: Offering expansive views of the coastline, this skywalk is a heavenly experience 550 metres above the sea level. It has a facility for a range of outdoor activities, including walking trails, hang-gliding, picnic areas, swimming and horse-riding.
Alice Springs
For most of the Aussie travellers, the Red Centre of Australia is an outback region, which is all about tall gorges and desert landscapes. However, Alice Springs is one exception, being a travel destination and a hub of eco-tourists. Roughly 160 km from the Alice Springs is the Chambers Pillar Historical reserve in an area of 340 hectare with picnic and camping facilities. Another key highlight is the Easy MacDonnell Ranges filled with amazing walking trails, gorges and waterholes, stretching tens and hundreds of miles towards the east. To the west of the Alice Springs is the MacDonnell National Park, where you shouldn’t be missing Glen Helen Gorge or the Simpson’s Gap, dotted with landscapes, formations and scenic gorges.