Australia has some amazing landscapes, many cool beach towns and plenty of awesome bush areas. But they’re not half as fantastic when the 18th tour bus turns up and the rainforest walk takes place behind hundreds of waddling day trippers. Luckily, there are alternatives to the big draws which are just as sensational, and only have a fraction of the crowds.
Forget: The Blue Mountains, NSW
Try: The Oxley Wild Rivers National Park, NSW
OK, it doesn’t have the Three Sisters, but it also doesn’t have the herds trying to take a picture in front of them.
A short drive away from Armidale, the Oxley Wild Rivers National Park has many of the features that make the Blue Mountains so attractive. Think blue eucalypt haze, plenty of walking trails and a series of waterfalls falling down to valley floors.
The major difference is that it’s all about gorges rather than valleys – just as spectacular, but steeper sides.
Walkers will have virtually no human company, but arguably the best way of seeing the gorges is by helicopter. Fleet Helicopters offers scenic flights from Armidale over six of the gorges, skirting close to the tops of waterfalls, whilst pointing out old mining settlements and animal tracks. The hour-long flights start at $400 per person.
Forget: Uluru, NT
Try: Mt Augustus, WA
While it doesn’t quite light up in the same way as Uluru, Mt Augustus is actually a much bigger rock. For those that don’t want to be crowded, it’s a perfect alternative as well – very few people visit WA’s desert behemoth.
This is partly, of course, because it’s absolutely miles from anywhere. You really have to want to go and see it, rather than drop by on the way to somewhere else.
Like Uluru, it has tremendous significance in the indigenous Dreamtime tales, while there are sections that contain rock paintings.
Those feeling fit can attempt to climb it, but be warned that doing so will require around six hours.
Forget: The Penguin Parade, Philip Island, Vic
Try: The Penguin Parade, Bicheno, Tas
It’s hard to find anything cuter than hundreds of little penguins waddling in from the sea to their night-time boltholes on land. And that, of course, is why the Penguin Parade is so obscenely popular. Hundreds of tourists turn up every night to line the viewing platforms and boardwalks, and frankly it’s all a bit of a circus.
The same thing happens on a much smaller scale at Bicheno, and with a tiny percentage of the crowds. Bicheno Penguin Tours runs trips out in the evening to see the penguins come in, and importantly, the guys that run it are behind the infrastructure and conservation efforts.
It’s also possible to get much closer without having to fight for space with people piling off enormous tour buses.
Forget: The Barossa Valley, SA
Try: The Clare Valley, SA
The Barossa is arguably Australia’s best known wine region, and thus most of the wine-tasting day trips out of Adelaide go there, hunting down big names such as Penfolds and Jacob’s Creek.
It can feel rather crowded however, and the Clare Valley is a much more laid back option. It’s only half-an-hour’s drive further away from Adelaide, but it doesn’t get mass tourism to the same extent.
There are 30-odd wineries in the region to choose from, and the signature varietal is Riesling. However, there are also good Cabernet Sauvignons and Shirazes to be found.
Many of the wineries are strung out along the Great North Road, and the multi award-winning Jim Barry operation is pretty much an obligatory stop.
Forget: Byron Bay, NSW
Try: Agnes Water/ Town of 1770, QLD
Wanting a chilled out little surf town? Well that’s not Byron any more. It’s about as chilled as melted ice cream, and the army of touts handing out flyers really doesn’t help.
For a taste of what Byron used to be and would still like to portray itself as, head north to the twin towns of Agnes Water and 1770.
Those who make it will find a friendly, vaguely hippyish vibe, and plenty of activities to get into. These include reef diving trips, sea kayaks for hire and surf schools.
Forget: Reef trips from Cairns
Try: Reef trips from Cape Tribulation
So many diving and snorkelling boats head out from Cairns to the Great Barrier Reef every day that they may technically constitute an armada. It’s hardly getting to be at one with nature when you can see hundreds of other people in the water.
A better bet, therefore, is to head north to Cape Tribulation. There are a few reasons for this. Firstly, it’s one of the most beautiful spots in the country even without heading to the reef. Secondly, the reef is a lot nearer, so less time is spent getting out there and more time is spent snorkelling. Thirdly, there are only a couple of operators that set off from Cape Trib, so you’re far more likely to have a spot to yourself.
This article was originally written for Ninemsn.
Copyright David Whitley
