Mother Nature was pretty generous when it came to Australia. Sandy beaches, crystal blue waters, tropical rainforests and some weird and wonderful critters that inhabit them too. (Sorry platypus, I’m looking at you).
But admittedly over the past 200 years, this great land down under has taken a hammering. Forests cleared, waterways polluted and native wildlife populations depleted.
And it is this eco-undoing, coupled with a growing interest in the lesser-known corners of Oz, which has fostered many volunteer-holiday programs to spring up around Australia.
So forget manicures and margaritas, these are holidays with a difference. Breaks that are about learning, bettering yourself and making a meaningful difference. Here’s some inspiration for a getaway that gives…
Ningaloo Turtle Program –
Set in WA’s spectacular North West Cape near Exmouth, this award-winning voluntary program involves “turtle trackers", to record data on the nesting habits of local green, loggerhead and hawksbill turtles. You may also get the chance to camp on Ningaloo Reef, visit isolated beaches and assist in turtle rescues. Then after a few hours of helping out each day, you’re free to continue exploring the Ningaloo coast. ningalooturtles.org.au
Arnhem Land Marine Rescue Project –
North East Arnhem Land in the Northern Territory may be virtually free from development, but this stunning coastline faces environmental threats from unwanted marine debris, carried in by ocean currents. Discarded fishing nets, empty bottles and plastic bags are all washed up, but you can help keep the area pristine on board this seven-day project. It involves working alongside local Yolngu Aboriginal Rangers, collecting and disposing of waste, scouting for entangled animals and freeing them, while exploring the incredible Arnhem Coast.
worldexpeditions.com/au
Great Barrier Reef Restoration Protect –
Soak up one of the world’s most dramatic landscapes while helping to preserve it. Volunteer projects rotate every couple weeks here, giving you the chance to experience different environmental focuses. Among the ongoing tasks are planting trees, gathering environmental data, removing feral species, building fencing and hiking trails, weed control and other restoration work. Not a bad way to enjoy one of Australia’s most scenic natural habitats… gviaustralia.com.au
Tasmanian Eco Tour –
This one-week experience takes you through some of the most spectacular natural areas in Tasmania. Explore Cradle Mountain and Freycinet National Parks; walk to cascading waterfalls and through beautiful rainforests, stroll along white sandy beaches and experience close encounters with wildlife. Along the way help make a difference in the World Heritage Wilderness Region, undertaking marine debris surveys along the East Coast. conservationvolunteers.com.au
Wilsons Promontory Wildlife Monitoring –
Situated at the southernmost point of Australia’s mainland in Victoria, this spectacular location is boasts stunning coastline, mountain range, forests and some special wildlife species. As part of the five-day program, you’ll alongside a Parks Victoria Ranger as part of a small group, checking traps, recording data and seeing lots of resident wildlife. This is a unique way to experience this iconic national park. conservationvolunteers.com.au
The Northern Territory is made for road trips, and this one hits all the highlights.
Craggy mountain ranges, inviting waterholes, ochre soil: the landscape of the Northern Territory is asking to be explored by road and foot. There are many iconic road trips to choose from here, but none so all-encompassing than the roughly 3000 kilometres of sealed road that make up Explorer’s Way.
Spend 14 days (or more, to really make the most of it) driving this route from Adelaide, hitting the NT near the small settlement of Kulgera before later finishing in Darwin. Along the way, you’ll find nearly all the territory’s most iconic sights.
Discover some of the top highlights that make Explorer’s Way one of Australia’s most incredible road trips.
1. Alice Springs
See the locals at Alice Springs Desert Park. (Credit: Tourism & Events NT)
Recently hitting the big screen again with the story of The Kanagroo Sanctuary , there’s a lot to surprise you in Alice Springs.
Three distinct desert habitats – desert rivers, sand country and woodland – are recreated over 1300 hectares at Alice Springs Desert Park . Time your visit for a presentation or a free bird show.
Later, turn your attention to the skies above, taking a dive into local astronomy at Earth Sanctuary . You’ll find a range of experiences, from a 90-minute toe-dip into the stars through to an overnight adventure.
Alice Springs packs a surprising punch with its tasty dining options, including pub grub and unique brews at Alice Springs Brewing Co , tapas and pizza at Epilogue Lounge and tasty cafe fare at the quirky Page 27 .
2. Tjoritja/West MacDonnell National Park
Dive into Ormiston Gorge. (Credit: Tourism & Events NT/ Dom and Jesso)
Beginning 15 minutes from Alice Springs and stretching across 161 kilometres, Tjoritja/West MacDonnell National Park is packed with striking ancient landscapes and inviting water holes.
Visit Standley Chasm – traditionally known as Angkerle Atwatye, meaning ‘Gap of Water’ – to take in its bold red and orange hues, and to observe the diverse bird species, lizards and wallabies that call it home.
Cool off in one of several picturesque natural swimming holes, like Ellery Creek Big Hole and Ormiston Gorge.
3. Uluru & Kata Tjuta
Explore Kata Tjuta. (Credit: Tourism & Events NT)
Visiting the Cultural Heart of Australia is something everybody should experience. There are so many side trips in the Red Centre you could easily spend a week here, but to get the most out of a short time, park the car then get out on foot.
Take the 10-kilometre Base Walk around the entirety of Uluru or join a free, ranger-guided Mala Walk along part of the base, learning about Tjukurpa (creation stories) and geology as you go.
For a change of pace, wait until nightfall and wander through the iconic Field of Light display by celebrated artist Bruce Munro, or see the Wintjiri Wiru lightshow that shares the ancient Mala story using drones, lasers and projections.
4. Tennant Creek
See the ancient granite boulders of Karlu Karlu (Devils Marbles). (Credit: Tourism & Events NT/ Dom And Jesso)
Tennant Creek was Australia’s third-largest gold mining town in the 1930s, and visitors can discover that history at Battery Hill Mining Centre – and even try their own hand at gold fossicking.
For a completely different side of history, pop into Nyinkka Nyunyu Art & Culture Centre , which preserves and shares Warumungu culture through art, performance, a museum and more.
Just outside town, find the ancient granite boulders of Karlu Karlu (Devils Marbles). A site integral to important stories held by the Warumungu, Kaytetye, Warlpiri and Alyawarra peoples, the boulders appear to almost have dropped out of the sky and seemingly continue to defy gravity.
5. Mataranka
Dive into Bitter Springs. (Credit: Tourism & Events NT/ Ben Savage)
A town made famous by the novel We of the Never Never by Jeannie Gunn (and a movie of the same name), Mataranka is also known for its sandy-bottomed thermal pool, Bitter Springs , within Elsey National Park. Follow a 500-metre loop track around these spring-fed pools that stay a toasty 34°C year-round, before choosing your favourite spot to dive into. Enjoy the local birdlife while you relax.
Elsewhere in the park, find historical sites, several scenic walks and Roper River, which is perfect for boating and fishing.
6. Nitmiluk National Park
Join a sunset cruise with Nabilil Dreaming. (Credit: Tourism & Events NT/ Lachlan Gardiner)
Nitmiluk National Park is sandstone country, with 13 stunning gorges and plenty of waterfalls waiting to be explored.
One of the most beautiful spots can be found along the 62-kilometre Jatbula Trail, a five-to-six day bushwalk that follows an ancient Jawoyn songline from Nitmiluk Gorge to Leliyn (Edith Falls). Numbers are restricted and book out quickly, so be sure to plan well ahead. Not up for the hike? Drive right up to the falls and enjoy a dip without the challenge.
Elsewhere, explore Nitmiluk (Katherine) Gorge. Paddle a kayak through the river running through the canyon, or save your energy on a Nabilil Dreaming Sunset Dinner Cruise , discovering the stories and ways of the Jawoyn people while enjoying a candlelit dinner as the cliffs around you shift colour and glow with the changing daylight.
Be awed by giant cathedral termite mounds. (Credit: Tourism & Events NT/ As We Wander)
Just over an hour’s drive from Darwin lies the beautiful Litchfield National Park. It’s famous for stunning waterfalls and swimming holes, including Buley Rockhole, Wangi Falls, Florence Falls and Tjaynera Falls.
Here you’ll also find hundreds of giant – and magnetic – cathedral termite mounds that are truly a sight to see. Ageing up to 100 years old, you won’t find mounds like these outside the northern parts of Australia. Stroll along the accessible boardwalk to see them up close.
8. Darwin
Darwin art is streets ahead. (Credit: Tourism & Events NT/ Mark Fitzpatrick)
This list wouldn’t be complete without the territory’s capital city: Darwin. Situate yourself upon arrival with a stroll through the main streets, admiring the many art murals by local, interstate and international artists. They’re all remnants of the annual Darwin Street Art Festival , one of Australia’s longest running street art festivals.
Stop to recharge along Darwin’s Waterfront Precinct , an area of delectable restaurants, public swimming pools and free events. And, of course, it would be wrong to leave the city without enjoying a bowl of laksa at Mindil Beach Sunset Market as the sun goes down.
