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The continent of Australia includes vast stretches of Outback spreading forever to distant horizons. The smart traveler selects just a portion of the country to explore in a three-week holiday and uses planes to hop between major centers.
From Brisbane to Cairns
In Week 1 of a great 3-Week Australian adventure during the winter months of July and August, a good strategy is to start in Brisbane, explore a portion of the vast Queensland coast including Byron Bay, Noosa, and Fraser Island, and then fly north to Cairns for a day trip to the charming village of Kuranda.
Daintree Rainforest, Great Barrier Reef, Port Douglas, and Darwin
In Week 2, explore the Daintree rainforest and the Great Barrier Reef from Port Douglas north of Cairns and then fly to Darwin for a Top End adventure tour.Week 2 starts on Day 9 and runs to Day 15. Here’s a summary of the itinerary:
Day 9: Cairns to Port Douglas
Day 10: Great Barrier Reef
Day 11: Daintree Rainforest
Day 12: Flight to Darwin
Days 13 to 15: Three-day Camping Tour of the Top End
From Cairns to Port Douglas
Take a bus or shuttle from Cairns an hour north to Port Douglas for a truly laid back, tropical experience. Port Douglas has lovely hotels and resorts, an endless beach, and lots of great shops and eating places. The town is also a good starting point for trips to the Great Barrier Reef and the Daintree Rainforest - both UNESCO World Heritage Sites.
Great Barrier Reef Tour
On Day 10, take a tour to the Great Barrier Reef for some snorkeling or diving. A wide range of trips are offered by the many tour operators lining the harbor. A day trip costs between $100 and $190, depending on the size of the boat, the amenities offered (such as lunch and snacks), and the length of the journey out to the reef. The larger boats, while more expensive, have the advantage of whisking sightseers out to the reef much more quickly than do many of the smaller boats.
Daintree Rainforest Tour
On Day 11, take a tour north to the Daintree rainforest to explore one of the world’s oldest rainforests. Lucky travelers may even spot a cassowary prowling around the ancient trees. A cassowary is a large flightless bird with a distinctive colored wattle and bony casque (helmet) that makes it look like it walked straight out of the pages of a dinosaur book. Several tour operators offer one-day tours that also include a cruise on the Daintree River where saltwater crocodiles are frequently sighted. Choose a small group tour for a more intimate experience.
Port Douglas Beach Basking and Flight to Darwin
On day 12, spend most of the day basking on the beach in Port Douglas, then take the shuttle bus to Cairns airport and catch an evening flight to Darwin.
Camping Adventure in the Top End
On Day 13, be up at the crack of dawn to join a 3-day, 2-night tour of the Top End that includes Kakadu National Park (another World Heritage Site). Some tours also include a side trip toLitchfield National Park and the chance to swim in pristine pools complete with waterfalls. Choose a tour that also includes a crocodile spotting cruise. For a real adventure, choose a small group tour in a four wheel drive vehicle that takes travelers right into the Outback for a true wilderness experience. Tours that include camping, hiking, and viewing of Aboriginal rock art are good choices. Everyone helps out with the cooking and then settles down to swap stories in front of the campfire before crawling into a traditional swag to sleep under the stars.
Kakadu National Park
Kakadu National Park in Australia’s top end covers an area larger than Belgium and provides the traveler with a unique opportunity to explore one of the few World Heritage sites that is listed both for its cultural and its natural values. The park is managed jointly by the Director of National Parks and the Aboriginal traditional owners who have lived on the land for more then 50,000 years.
In Week 2 of a 3-week Australian winter vacation travelers get their first taste of the Outback by exploring the rich diversity of the Top End. Next, is Week 3 which includes a trip into the very heart of Australia to view Uluru (Ayers Rock) and experience the famed Red Centre.
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