Fossil Mammal Sites
Sites in Riversleigh and Naracoorte provide an understanding of key stages of the development of Australia’s fauna. Cave tours of Naracoorte are one of the highlights.
The Tasmanian Wilderness
With glacial lakes, mountain plateaux and densely wooded valleys, this area is home to many unique plants and animals, including the ferocious Tasmanian Devil. Launceston and Strahan are good bases from which to explore the surrounding wilderness of Australia’s largest conservation zone. Cruises, scenic flights and bush walking tours are available.
Willandra Lakes
Remarkable for its semi-arid, landscape, the Willandra Lakes region is the site of archaeological finds dating back 40,000 years. Wetlands emerge each year after the spring rain, providing visitors with the chance to spot water birds and emus.
Fraser Island
Located just off the Queensland coast, this is the world’s largest sand island. Visitors can marvel at hills, valleys, rainforests and crystal-clear lakes on a four-wheel-drive tour. Accommodation ranges from luxury resorts to camping sites.
Wet tropics
The Queensland Wet Tropics contain an abundance of wildlife where rainforests meet the sea and the corals of the Great Barrier Reef. Deep gorges and waterfalls.
Ayers Rock – Kata Tjuta National Park
Set in the heart of Australia’s vast desert region, this park contains two spectacular natural wonders – the huge, red monolith of Uluru (Ayers Rock) and the 36 rock domes of Kata Tjuta (The Olgas). Guided walks around the park teach visitors about the flora and fauna and explain the aboriginal lives and traditions of the area. Tours depart Alice Springs by coach or air.
Lord Howe Island
Volcanic mountains, rainforests, palm forests and grasslands are just some of the awesome sights tourists will be greeted with when visiting this island. Home to rare species of birds and plants, it’s situated 437 miles off the New South Wales coast.
Kakadu National Park
Situated in the tropical north near Darwin, the park is a vast landscape of waterfalls, wetlands and tropical splendour. Cruises along the Yellow Water and the East Alligator River show Kakadu in all its glory. Crocodiles, kookaburras and magpie geese are among the many species that can be seen. It is also a site of cultural importance, with many ancient aboriginal rock carvings.
Central Eastern Rainforest Reserves
Extending across the border of Queensland and New South Wales, this area features four types of rainforest, with some of the world’s oldest ferns grow. Tourists can soak up the forests on one of the bush tours.
Shark Bay
Situated in Western Australia, it’s home to many endangered plants and animals. Visitors flock to Monkey Mia, a small beach where wild dolphins come to feed every morning and boat trips go in search of turtles and dolphins.
The Great Barrier Reef
Numerous day trips operate from the mainland to the reef and around the islands of the world’s largest coral reef system. Around 20 of the islands dotted along the reef cater for tourists, with accommodation ranging from luxury resorts to basic camping sites. The best way to view the coral is by diving or snorkelling, although non-divers can enjoy the reef via glass-bottomed boats or semi-submersibles.
Conservation sites win worldwide acclaim
AUSTRALIA is a land of diverse natural wonders so it comes as no surprise to learn that it boasts eleven areas that have been designated World Heritage Sites. The World Heritage List is an international collection of natural and cultural places of significance that are being conserved for everyone to enjoy.