The "Zoo Without Fences" - Kangaroo Island
From the terrible bushfires that burned almost half of Kangaroo Island at the beginning of 2020, there is now almost nothing left to see. The island has recovered incredibly quickly, the bushland in Flinders Chase National Park is almost as dense as before, and the wildlife has also returned to the western part of the island. If you want to experience Australian wildlife up close and in the wild, you should definitely plan a multi-day visit to Kangaroo Island. A stay of three nights is ideal so that the island can be explored intensively over two full days. There are many lodges where kangaroos and wallabies hop through the grounds, especially at sunrise and sunset, providing an unforgettable experience.
The Natural Paradise - Tasmania
Tasmania attracts visitors with an abundance of nature, which can be found in the 19 national parks or on more than a third of the island. The entire southwest of the island is inaccessible by car, offering untouched landscapes and an unparalleled nature experience. But the rest of the island, which can be ideally explored on a self-drive tour, also has a lot to offer. Hiking enthusiasts will especially enjoy the Freycinet National Park with Wineglass Bay or the Cradle Mountain National Park with Dove Lake. Those who prefer something more intense can also participate in multi-day hikes on the small neighboring island of Maria Island or in the magical Bay of Fires.
The "Last" Adventure - The Kimberley Region
Although most of Australia's population lives on the coasts and there are sometimes many hundreds of kilometers of outback in between, the infrastructure is very well developed, especially in the tourist regions. For those still seeking a true adventure in the outback, the Kimberley region in the northwest is just the right place. A drive along the unpaved Gibb River Road, which is only open during the dry season from May to November, takes you through one of the oldest and largest wilderness landscapes in the world, hiking through deep gorges and surreal landscapes, and experiencing an authentic Australian outback adventure. A trip through the Kimberley region is possible in a 4WD rental car with pre-booked accommodations or in a 4WD campervan, which allows you to reach even more remote areas. Those who prefer more luxury can also take a cruise along the coast.
The Vibrant Culture of the Aborigines - In the Northern Territory, North Queensland, and Western Australia
The culture of the Aborigines is palpable in many parts of the country, but especially in the Red Centre and the Top End of the Northern Territory, in the Daintree Rainforest in North Queensland, and throughout Western Australia, cultural experiences are guaranteed that should not be missed on any trip. In the Red Centre, the sacred mountain of the Aborigines, Uluru, in the Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park, attracts thousands of visitors annually. Equally impressive are the "galleries" of Aboriginal rock paintings in Kakadu National Park at the Top End, with some of the oldest rock paintings in human history. If you want to combine one of the oldest cultures in the world with a visit to the oldest tropical rainforest in the world, the Daintree Rainforest and Mossman Gorge are the perfect places. The state of Western Australia probably has the highest density of cultural activities, ranging from art workshops to culinary experiences to guided tours, there is something for everyone. The most authentic way to experience the culture is, of course, on a guided tour with an Aboriginal guide, from whom you can learn firsthand about the "Dreamtime," the living customs, and much more.