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Eco-Friendly Travel In Australia: Explore The Most Amazing Places On Foot

Australia is one of the most eco-friendly destinations in the world. With 85% of plants being endemic and having a 10% stake in the global biodiversity, this is truly an amazing country to see and feel. It’s also a unique opportunity to see koalas, wombats, and echidnas – all remarkable animals having Australia as their home.

The landscapes and natural beauties are a story for themselves offering visitors magnificent attractions and experiences to remember. To help you decide what to visit first and next, here are the most amazing places in Australia to explore on foot.

Lake Hillier

Pink Lake, formerly known as Spencer Lake, hasn’t been pink for little over ten years due to the weather conditions. But Lake Hillier is still pink and near the blue ocean which makes it a gorgeous play of colors and nature. The lake is surrounded by eucalyptus trees and sand dunes covered in vegetation. The best thing about Lake Hillier is that is safe to swim in.

Blue Mountains

The Blue Mountains is a national park close to Sydney with the famous Three Sisters peak. The walk through magnificent nature will take you to waterfalls and through unique rainforests. Those really adventurous can try some rock climbing, but firstly this is the place famous for amazing hiking trails.

Go on the Grand Canyon Walk and up to the Echo Point lookout to relish the view. This is a perfect place to escape city rush and come for an enjoyable meal in the local restaurants. For an added experience, go on the steepest ride in the world – Scenic Railway.

Lord Howe Island

Lord Howe Island Group consists of 28 islands famous for their millions of years of volcanic origin. This is a World Heritage Site with untouched forests and undisturbed flora and fauna that it is perfect for hiking holidays. Besides some of the best hiking trails, it is also a great place for bird watching with more than 200 different species.

A gorgeous coral reef spreads on the 6km lagoon rich with marine life and surrounded by volcanic mountains. Forests like Blackbutts, Greybarks, Curly Palms and Hopwoods are all perfect for a relaxing walk, and you can even visit Goat House Cave if you are up for a challenge.

Daintree Rainforest

As part of the Daintree National Park in Queensland, Daintree Rainforest is older than the dinosaurs. This World Heritage Site offers Ngadiku Dreamtime Walks which are led by indigenous people. While you hike the gentle tracks, you will visit culturally significant locations and pass remarkable landscapes.

Before the walk, you will participate in the smoking ceremony to ward off bad spirits. Then you will hike through the rainforest and learn about traditional plant use. Of course, you can take self-guided walks on trails like Baral Marrjanga, Rex Creek Bridge and Rainforest Circuit Track.

Eco-Friendly Travel In Australia: Explore The Most Amazing Places On Foot

Twelve Apostles – Great Ocean Walk

Great Ocean Walk is what happens when you decide to go over 60 miles (96 km) long Great Ocean Road on foot. One of the national parks you will pass on your way is the Twelve Apostles which are the testimony of the times long passed. There are eight massive limestone structures left now and they are around 148 feet (45 meters) high with 230 feet (70 meters) high cliffs behind them.

This is a wonderful spot to observe the sunrise and have a picnic, or simply enjoy the view of the horizon and natural landscapes. At night, the whole area gets eerie with the sea glowing in the moonlight, so it’s also a nice place to stay after dark.

Eco-Friendly Travel In Australia: Explore The Most Amazing Places On Foot

Royal National Park

Being the oldest park in Australia, Royal National Park is also the third oldest in the world, after Bogd Khan Uul in Mongolia and Yellowstone in the USA. This is a perfect national park to visit if you are staying in Sydney since it is only one hour away. Look from the ancient cliffs is amazing and will certainly be a life-changing moment for many.

Natural formations like Figure Eight Pools are located near the track and offer a great spot for photo sessions. You can take a dip at the Little Marley Beach and Wattamolla and visit river valleys with eucalyptus woodlands.

Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park

Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park, or just Uluru, is an ancient landscape full of history and tradition. The land belongs to Aboriginal people Yankunytjatjara and Pitjantjatjara which will tell you their stories and legends. There are many rock arts in Uluru like in Mala Walk and Kuniya Walk to Mutitjulu Waterhole.

The best way to explore Uluru is by foot and there is a number of walks to do that. You can walk around Uluru instead of climbing on the Talinguru Nyakunytjaku from where you can see the whole area.

Final Thoughts

Whatever place you choose to visit in Australia will tell you a story, so you can’t make a mistake. But exploring this eco-friendly country on foot will show you some amazing places. So, pack some snacks and put on your hiking shoes, because Australia is anxious to tell you its story.

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