05 Dec
Travel

What to See in the United States if it’s Not Your First Trip

The United States is one of the most visited countries among tourists, with more than 80 million travelers from around the world visiting every year. The country is chock-full of interesting attractions, natural wonders and big city life and it would take years to see them all.

Most travelers typically tend to stick to tried and true tourist attractions like Times Square in New York City, the Golden Gate Bridge in San Francisco and the Las Vegas Strip in Nevada.

However, there are so many other tourist spots that deserve a visit as well!

When planning your second visit to the United States, make sure to add these destinations to your itinerary and check here for helpful information regarding the EVUS program.

The Grand Canyon

The Grand Canyon is one of the most picturesque places in the United States — and perhaps even the world!

Located in the state of Arizona, this national park is visited by nearly 6 million travelers a year, with about 40% of guests coming from outside the United States.

The Grand Canyon is famous for its natural beauty, panoramic viewpoints, and cultural significance, so it’s no wonder why it rightfully earned a spot on UNESCO’s World Heritage List.

The flora and fauna in the canyon changes depending on the elevation, while at the bottom there is the mythical Colorado River. During the summer, be sure to enjoy kayaking, rafting, fishing, or even water skiing on the river. Travelers who love nature and the great outdoors should be sure to add the Grand Canyon to their itinerary.

Route 66

Route 66 is rightfully considered the main road of the entire United States and the mother of all other roads. In fact, the route is even nicknamed the Mother Road thanks to a mention in John Steinbeck’s novel The Grapes of Wrath.

The route spans a length of 3,665 km (2,450 mi) and connects Los Angeles (California) on the west coast to Chicago (Illinois) in the northeast. Along the way, travelers pass through major cities like Albuquerque, Oklahoma City, Springfield, and St. Louis across eight US states, as well as tourist attractions like the Grand Canyon and Mississippi River.

To truly get into the spirit of Route 66, be sure to rent a retro car and stop by local mom-and-pop restaurants to order a classic peach cobbler, Americana style!

The Museum Mile

Located on Fifth Avenue in New York, the Museum Mile is, like the name states, a long area where many museums are located next to each other. Those who enjoy culture and museum hopping should definitely block off a day or two to explore the places along the Museum Mile!

The museums here are based on a variety of different topics and interests, including the Museum of the National Academy, El Museo del Barrio (on Latino culture), National Museum of Design, Museum of African Art, Solomon R. Guggenheim Museum (20th century art), and many others.

Yellowstone National Park

Yellowstone National Park is considered one of the most beautiful and diverse nature reserves in the United States. It’s the third most-visited national park in the United States, just behind Great Smoky Mountains and Zion National Park.

Yellowstone is striking in its size (it covers more than 2.2 million acres!) and is located on the territory of the three states: Montana, Idaho, and Wyoming. Here, guests are treated to jaw-dropping landscapes, huge mountains, caves, waterfalls, and rivers.

As a bonus, there are nine museums located around the territory of the national park, like the Buffalo Bill Center of the West, the Idaho Potato Museum, and the Museum of the National Park Ranger.

Mendenhall Glacier

Mendenhall Glacier, in the state of Alaska, is an incredible natural attraction that gives travelers the unique opportunity to walk inside an ice cave! Walking through the labyrinths of the glacier, visitors can see a unique phenomenon where refracting light breaks through the ice and scatters around, creating an incredibly beautiful scene.

Every year the glacier melts and shrinks, which means visiting this place can be a truly rare opportunity to see the glacier before it disappears completely.

Lake Tahoe

Lake Tahoe is the most famous freshwater lake in the United States, having formed between 2 and 3 million years ago. It is located about 320 kilometers northeast of San Francisco and is a very popular holiday getaway for many locals and second-time visitors.

The location has a very developed infrastructure, including intercity transportation, hotels, cabins, restaurants, gas stations, and much more.

Lake Tahoe receives tourists all year round. During the summer, travelers can swim in the lake, chill out on the beaches, or go hiking, and in the winter, the area is frequented by skiers and snowboarders looking to slide down the Olympic-worthy slopes.

Mount Rushmore

Although most people have some familiarity of Mount Rushmore, only a few have visited on their first trip to the United States — making it a perfect destination for returning visitors!

The mountain is notable for the fact that it is carved with portraits of four of the most famous US presidents: Thomas Jefferson, George Washington, Abraham Lincoln, and Theodore Roosevelt. The carved portraits are striking in their size, with the average height of each bas-relief coming in at around 18.6 meters (60 feet).

The post What to See in the United States if it’s Not Your First Trip appeared first on Wandering Earl.

05 Nov
Travel

The Perfect 5 Day Portugal Road Trip

After recently realizing that I need more nature in my life, we decided to spend some time outside of Lisbon. As a digital nomad, I felt lucky that I could just pick up and go, knowing that I can still get work done along the way.

So we looked at several destination options. But then a friend recommended the area around Serra da Estrela National Park and we immediately loved the idea. I honestly think we put this Portugal road trip together in about 10 minutes. We simply wanted to get out into nature and if a friend said this area was worth visiting, that was good enough. We booked a rental car and a hotel and four days later we were ready.

The trip proved to be PERFECT. And I’m convinced that anyone looking to enjoy some time in the countryside of Portugal visiting small villages, hiking through impressive nature, breathing in the fresh air and eating some really good food, should head to this region as well.

Here’s exactly what we did…

 

Piadao village on our Portugal road trip

 

Day 1: Lisbon to Manteigas (the Portugal road trip begins)

We picked up our rental car in the center of Lisbon. I used Sixt car rental, which I’ve used before in Portugal. It’s always been reliable, easy and affordable in my experience. Given that we were headed into the mountains, I went with an SUV so that we’d feel a bit safer. It cost 40€ per day including insurance.

And then, off we went on this Portugal road trip!

  • Left Lisbon at 2:00pm and began the drive north.
  • Drove via the A1 and A23 highways, had a failed attempt to find a good place for a coffee break in the town of Entroncamento, and then continued.
  • At the town of Malpique, we left the highway and took N232, a windy road that went through picturesque villages, with impressive mountain scenery as well.
  • 40 minutes later we arrived in the small mountain village of Manteigas.
  • Checked in at the Hotel Berne (simple, but great rooms with views out over the town and valley, excellent breakfast and very easy to park here, which is rare in these parts with all the narrow roads).
  • Walked into town and ate at Restaurante Paragem Serradalto, one of the few restaurants open. We had some bread, cheese, olives, trout and local wine.
  • Then we walked back to the hotel and promptly fell asleep.

 

Serra da Estrela park during our Portugal road trip

 

Day 2: Manteigas to Serra da Estrela + 2 hikes

After breakfast at the hotel, we started our day out and about at 10:30am…

  • Drove along Rua da Lapa, heading south and then on to the very narrow N338 that went along the Zezere River.
  • Enjoyed the gorgeous scenery of the Glacial Valley of Zezere next to us.
  • Arrived at Covao d’Ametade Park for a quick walk to some of the valley viewing areas.
  • Continued driving another 15 minutes to the Serra da Estrela National Park.
  • Stopped at the impressive lookouts along the way.
  • Did the 1 hour hike down to Covao do Meio (picturesque artificial mountain lake).
  • Drove to Torre, the highest mountain peak in the Serra da Estrela mountain peak (and highest point on mainland Portugal).
  • Ate fresh sandwiches for lunch while sitting on a rock overlooking the stunning mountain range.
  • Drove 20 minutes to Lagoa Comprida (Comprida Lake) which is the start of another great hiking trail.
  • 3 hour return hike to Covao dos Conchos (an artificial lake with a bizarre tunnel in the middle – the hike was easy/moderate and passed through some really beautiful landscapes the entire way – highly recommended!).
  • Drove back to Manteigas along N339 and N232, two incredible mountain roads that offered constant breathtaking views (including bright green pastures full of huge, scattered boulders).

 

Hike to Covao dos Conchos

 

Day 3: Manteigas to Covilha + forest hike

Looking to head in a different direction, we researched several other nearby towns to visit. In the end, we landed on Covilhas for no real reason other than it looked interesting. And so the Portugal road trip continued, and off we went at 10:30am…

  • Drove 45 minutes to Covilha along the N338 and N339 mountain roads.
  • Visited the Santa Maria Maior church which is covered in blue and white tiles.
  • Walked all over the center of town and found a ton of interesting murals on the sides of buildings (check out the small lanes!).
  • Had a coffee at the cafe in the Public Garden of Covilha, overlooking the rest of the town below.
  • Lunch at Alkimya (great restaurant with delicious food, a unique atmosphere and an wonderful owner/waiter).
  • Drove back towards Manteigas along a different route (N18 to N232) that led us to the very top of the mountains behind Manteigas.
  • Using AllTrails app again, we did this 1 hour forest hike (Rotas das Faias) at the top of the mountain (nice scenery through a pine forest).
  • Returned to the hotel via crazy windy road that led straight into town.
  • Dinner at Hotel Berne.

 

Covilha, Portugal

 

Day 4: Manteigas to Piodao

With a full day to visit somewhere a little farther away, we decided to do some more hiking. So we looked at the AllTrails app (shows all the walking/hiking trails in an area) and settled on what seemed to be an ideal hike in the Serra do Açor protected region. The main focus of the hike was the halfway point – the tiny mountain village of Piodao.

We left Manteigas at 9:30am and began the day.

  • Drove to Serra da Estrela National Park and straight across until we reached the N338, which took us to the town of Vide.
  • From Vide, we drove to the village of Foz de Egua on CM1134 (another incredible road scenery-wise, but bumpy and narrow!).
  • We parked in the village of Foz de Egua.
  • Began our hike to Piodao village following the AllTrails map.
  • The hike was easy/moderate and took 1.5 hours (surprise, surprise – the scenery was gorgeous, with lots of cows and sheep, trees, valleys and fresh air – it was one of the best hikes I’ve taken in a long, long time).
  • Reached the really quaint village of Piodao and had lunch at the excellent O Solar dos Pachecos.
  • Walked all over the village, through all the narrow lanes (really attractive village!).
  • Continued our hike along the Eastern trail back to Foz de Egua.
  • This part of the hike was easy, mostly downhill and super pleasant (it took about 45 minutes to reach the suspension bridge at the end).
  • We climbed up the stairs to the top of Foz de Egua (where our car was parked alongside the road).
  • Returned to Manteigas via the craziest route we drove on during this trip (SEE THE MAP BELOW!).
  • Be careful with this route as there is a very narrow 3km stretch that is dirt only and brings you right up close to the edge, with a massive drop-off into the valley!
  • We stopped for a view and celebrated being alive after the harrowing drive.
  • Arrived back in Manteigas at 5:00pm.
  • We tried to go to the hot springs at the Termas de Manteigas Hotel but they were fully booked (if you book advance, this would be a great way to finish the day!).
  • Dinner back at Hotel Berne.

 

Day 5: Manteigas to Lisbon (the end of our Portugal road trip)

On this day, we returned to Lisbon. It was an easy day as we left Manteigas at 10:00am and arrived back at the Sixt car rental location in the heart of Lisbon at 1:30pm. As soon as we entered the city though, we instantly wanted to turn around and head back out towards the peaceful, therapeutic countryside. Luckily, in Portugal, such places, and their benefits, are never far away.

 

 

The post The Perfect 5 Day Portugal Road Trip appeared first on Wandering Earl.

05 Oct
Travel

Best Places to Photograph Tigers in the Wild in India

If you are planning to travel in Asia, India is one of the top destinations that you shouldn’t miss. Over the years, India has gained a lot of attention from international and local visitors that want to explore the diverse landscape and geography, enjoy an array of sumptuous Indian cuisine, and explore the mountains, beaches, backwaters and even the wildlife. Speaking of wildlife, India currently hosts the largest tiger population in the world and therefore you can always look for trips that would allow you to photograph tigers in the wild.

Encountering tigers in the wild is a thrilling experience and therefore you need to look for tours that can take you closer to action to help you photograph these majestic big cats. Reputed providers with talented guides like, Naturetrek can offer you wildlife tours in India and beyond with experts.

Let’s take a quick look at some of the best places to photograph tigers in the wild in India.

Jim Corbett National Park, Uttarakhand

Named after the legendary naturalist Jim Corbett, this national park is the best wildlife reserve in India where you can photograph tigers. This national park was the first to come under the Project Tiger initiative and currently is home to the most tigers in India. Nestled in the Nainital district, this park is set against the picturesque backdrop of Almora and Nainital. The park offers various jeep safari plans that take you close to the action to click some of the best wildlife shots you can get. With lush green forests all around, you can also enjoy various streams, rivers and waterfalls that cut through the vast area of the park. Apart from the tiger, the park also protects the Asian elephant and the great one-horned rhinoceros.

Bandipur National Park, Karnataka

Being part of the much popular Project Tiger initiative, the Bandipur National Park has also emerged as one of the best places in India to photograph tigers in the wild. It has the second-highest concentration of tigers in India. The park enjoys a typically tropical climate with wet and dry seasons and harbours plenty of wildlife animals like Indian elephant, sloth bear, golden jackal, four-horned antelope and mugger crocodile. With plenty of flora and fauna to discover, the park is a paradise for wildlife lovers and those who want to capture some excellent wildlife pictures. You can also enjoy a weekend getaway at the park with your family and friends.

Kaziranga National Park, Assam

Nestled in the heart of Assam, Kaziranga National Park is home to the world’s largest population of one-horned rhinoceros, but it also has one of the highest densities of tigers in India making it a perfect place for wildlife photographers to capture these big cats in action. However, apart from one-horned rhinoceros and tigers, the park is home to elephants, wild water buffalo and swamp deer (barasingha). The park is immensely vast and offers shelter to birds and animals of a wide variety. Also, various rivers like the Brahmaputra pass through it creating small bodies of water. The park is also a World Heritage Site and therefore experiencing Kaziranga is an adventure in itself.

Nagarhole National Park, Karnataka

Formerly known as Rajiv Gandhi National Park, Nagarhole National Park spreads over the Kodagu and Mysore district. Like Jim Corbett and Bandipur National Park, this park is also an important Tiger Reserve. With plenty of natural streams and rivulets, the park is home to tigers, Asiatic wild dogs, Asiatic elephants, gaurs, sambals, four-horned antelopes and southwestern langurs. Nagarhole National Park is also known for its high-density of tiger population which attracts plenty of wildlife enthusiasts, photographers and scientists to observe, take pictures and study them. This park is also home to a wide variety of birds which frequent this park.

Tadoba Andhari Tiger Reserve, Maharashtra

Known as one of the oldest national parks in Maharashtra, the Tadoba National Park, also known as Tadoba Andhari Tiger Reserve is a part of the Project Tiger initiative. The park is a 3-hour drive from the city of Nagpur and offers a great way for many wildlife enthusiasts and photographers to see tigers in their natural habitat. The park looks great in the post-monsoon season from October when you can click pictures of tigers as well as birds and flowers that you can find all over the park.

Kanha Tiger Reserve, Madhya Pradesh

When you are traveling to India for photographing tigers you must visit the state of Madhya Pradesh. Also known as Kanha-Kisli National Park, the Kanha Tiger Reserve is among the top spots in India to photograph tigers in the wild. It is certainly the biggest national park right in central India. Nestled in the Maikal range of Satpuras, the Kanha National Park has remained the prime destination for tiger enthusiasts and photographers that flock from all corners of India and the world at large. While the park hosts a good population of Bengal tigers, it also is home to the Indian jackal, Bengal fox, Indian leopard, sloth bear, swamp deer, gaur and the very rare blackbuck. The park is also a nesting and migrating place for more than 300 species of birds that frequent here.

Ranthambore Tiger Reserve, Rajasthan

In terms of sheer size, the Ranthambore National Park is certainly one of the largest in the northern part of India. Named after the historic Ranthambore Fort which lies within the park, it became a part of the Project Tiger initiative in 1973. The park harbours dry deciduous forests and has plenty of open grassy meadows that become a perfect ground for tigers. If you are planning to take pictures of tigers in the wild you can take up the jeep safari plans that allow you to be close to the action. Apart from tigers, Ranthambore National Park is home to the Indian leopard, elephants, wild water buffalo, gaur, blackbuck, sambar, spotted deer and many more animals and birds.

Sundarban National Park, West Bengal

Straddling India and Bangladesh, the Sundarbans is the world’s largest mangrove forest. The area stretches from River Hooghly in India to River Baleswar in Bangladesh. The Sundarban National Park is a part of the area on the Indian side which is now a national park, a biosphere reserve and one of the largest tiger reserves for the Bengal tiger in eastern India. The park is also inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Visiting the Sundarban National Park from November to March is the best time when the weather is pleasant and clear for sightings.

Apart from these national parks and tiger reserves, you can also find tigers in Pench Tiger Reserve also known as Pench National Park which is one of the premier tiger reserves in India. On the other hand, Bandhavgarh National Park is also a prominent tiger reserve in India that can offer you glimpses of tigers in their natural habitat.

The post Best Places to Photograph Tigers in the Wild in India appeared first on Wandering Earl.

05 Sep
Travel

How to Travel to Germany on a Budget

There’s no escaping the fact that everything is getting more expensive. With the increased cost of living, you may be looking for ways to reduce how much you spend on your upcoming trip to Germany. 

To help out, I’ve come up with a few suggestions to keep costs to a minimum. Although this post is about visiting Germany on a budget, the tips can be applied to just about any popular travel destination.

There are some costs you can’t avoid when traveling, like the price of a visa or travel authorization. The good news is that, if you’re from a visa-exempt country such as the US, you don’t need a visa to travel to Germany for up to 90 days. The new travel authorization for Germany, ETIAS, won’t be operational until 2023 so you don’t need to pay these fees either just yet. 

Most other travel costs, however, are under your control. Let’s have a look at some of the top tips for visiting Germany on a budget. 

Eat at the Markets

The food you’ll find at German markets is both fresh and reasonably priced. It’s also often organic, so you know that what you’re eating is good for you! You’ll find traditional German foods like bratwurst, potato pancakes, and pretzels. You can also try something new—there are often vendors selling international cuisine at the markets.

If you have access to a kitchen, you can shop for local ingredients and cook up your own delish dishes without spending a fortune.

Stay Outside of Major Tourist Areas

Staying in a hotel or hostel outside of the major tourist areas is one of the easiest ways to save money while traveling. And, since all of Germany’s major cities are relatively safe, it’s not like you need to worry about your safety. There are plenty of options for accommodation in every price range and style preference.

Avoiding the most touristy areas is a great way to reduce your accommodation costs. Just make sure it’s not so far out that you’ll end up spending too much on transportation. Go for hotels and hostels that are within around 30 minutes walk of the main attractions and well connected by public transport to other areas.

Also, don’t dismiss budget accommodation. There are loads of great hostels in Berlin and other German cities that provide everything you need, especially if you’re going to spend most of your time out and about.

Find an Apartment to Rent Online

If you are unfamiliar with the city you are visiting, Airbnb is a great option for accommodation. In addition to having access to the amenities of a hotel (like a kitchen and washing machine), many hosts have been known to act as tour guides and offer suggestions on where to go out in town or what attractions are worth visiting.

There are many other websites that can help you find apartments for short-term rent in Germany. Wimdu offers properties ranging from apartments and chalets to farmhouses and tree houses throughout Germany—though some listings may require booking several weeks in advance if they’re popular during high season. The site includes vacation rentals from more cities across Europe including Berlin, Munich, Hamburg, and Frankfurt. 

There are loads more options too, invest some time when looking for accommodation in Germany and it could save you more money than you think.

Use Public Transportation

Public transportation is a great way to get around in Germany. If you’re planning on visiting Berlin, the U-Bahn and S-Bahn are your best bets for getting around. They’ll take you from one part of the city to another quickly and easily—and it’s much cheaper than taking cabs every time!

In cities like Düsseldorf, Frankfurt, and Munich, trams are also convenient ways to get around.

Buy Your Plane Ticket Early

Booking early is important when looking for cheap flights to Germany. In general, the earlier you book, the more likely it is that you can get a good deal on your ticket.

Use flight price comparison websites to find the best option. Several low-cost airlines fly to cities across Germany. If you’re traveling within Europe, you can find cheap flights to Germany from just about any European city.

Also, think about when you’re going to travel. The price of your flight to Germany will depend on the time of year, if you don’t mind the cold, January could be a cheap month to travel to Germany.

Visit Museums on Discounted Days

You may also be able to save money on museum tickets on discounted days. Many museums in Germany offer a reduced price for certain days of the week, as well as reduced admission for senior citizens and students. You can check the website of each museum you want to visit for a list of discounted days and special offers.

Finally, if you’re staying in hostels or hotels while traveling around Germany, ask them if they have any deals that will help reduce your costs while visiting museums. 

Go on Free Walking Tours

Ok, so they may be called free walking tours but the truth is you’ll be expected to pay your guide a well-earned tip. Nevertheless, this is a really cost-effective way to get to known German cities.

Walking tours take you to all the major attractions and monuments. During a walking tour of Berlin, you’re likely to see Red Town Hall, Berlin Cathedral, Checkpoint Charlie, and the Brandenburg Gate, among other highlights.

 

The post How to Travel to Germany on a Budget appeared first on Wandering Earl.

05 Sep
Travel

Nightlife Ideas When in Prague

 

Prague is a beautiful city and it’s easy to see why 8 million people savor all that it has to offer every year. As well as the touristy city center highlights, the Czech city has nightlife in abundance. Whereas the Old Town is geared towards the tourists, the suburbs of Prague is where the action is, and where the better night spots can be found.

After you’ve checked in and upacked at one of the best hotels in Prague, it’s time to embark on a nighttime adventure!

Whether you’re here as a tourist or for business purposes, get yourself a metro ticket and head out to the districts of Holešovice, Smichov and Kárlin, and prepare yourself for a night, or several nights, to remember.

So let’s see what Prague has to offer in terms of nightlife.

 

Deja Vu Music Club

Prague is synonymous with partying and this spot, known for its cocktails and great happy hour, is a good introduction. It’s bustling but with a laid-back atmosphere, offers wonderful drinks at affordable prices and has a comfortable vibe for travelers and locals of all ages. Everything from the music to the service receives rave reviews from those who spend an evening here, creating an ideal spot to start the night before you head to the nightclubs later on.

 

Hells Bells

There are no bells here but this hard rockin’ dive bar will lift your spirits no matter what night of the week you show up. Located in Smichov, Hells Bells has been rockin’ out and serving cold beer for as long as anyone can remember. It’s a cellar pub so it can be dark down there, but if you’re after riffs and good beer, then a visit to Hells Bells is an absolute must.

 

Letná Park

Many festivals happen in Prague and when they do, they frequently happen in Letná Park. The park is the highest point in Prague and offers fantastic views over the city as it was built near the edge of the Vltava River. Be sure to check the festival schedule while you’re here and if there is a festival taking place in Letna Park, it’s probably worth attending. The atmosphere is usually welcoming and energetic and it can be a great place to meet some local people.

At the very least, the park is an ideal spot to drink a quality Czech beer in the evening, whether there’s a festival or not!

 

U Zlateho Tygra (The Golden Tiger)

Sometimes, you have to go to the more expensive bars to get the full Czech experience. The Golden Tiger is one such place and after entering, you’ll immediately know that you’ll be drinking in the footsteps of giants. Indeed, this bar boasts that Bohumil Hrabal, one of the country’s greatest writers, enjoyed a few beers regularly at The Golden Tiger. Bill Clinton has also paid this bar in a visit. Famous for their pilsner, it’s also well-known for often being full so make sure you get there early and hopefully you’ll get to enjoy this unique pub.

Prague is truly full of excellent spots for nightlife. And taking a little trip off the beaten track, outside the main tourist center, is definitely worth your time if you want some memorable evenings out on the town!

 

The post Nightlife Ideas When in Prague appeared first on Wandering Earl.

05 Sep
Travel

4 Stunning National Parks to Explore in Australia

 

Offering one of the most diverse varieties of landscapes and wildlife around the globe, Australia is nothing short of a dream holiday destination for nature lovers. The Oceanic country is home to over a whopping 500 national parks, each providing a unique experience for its visitors. Whether it’s sandy beaches, coral reefs, unique rock formations or lush rainforests – Australia, a big land with a big story – is guaranteed to take your breath away. So, if you are looking to explore some incredible nature, here are 4 absolutely stunning national parks in Australia.

Blue Mountains

If you are staying in Sydney during your visit in Australia, the Blue Mountains is an absolute must-see day-trip destination, around 60-minutes drive away. This national park is the perfect location for mountain biking and other adventure sports, while also perfectly suitable for peaceful hiking on its many historic trails.

The park is not called Blue Mountains without reason – covered in eucalyptus forests, the mountains reflect a unique blue glow every time they get direct sunlight, creating a truly magical feel. Besides the magnificent eucalyptus forests, the region is rife with other natural wonders, including grand landscapes, waterfalls, valleys, and charming villages.

Kakadu

This list would simply not be complete without Kakadu, the largest and perhaps most popular national park in Australia. Kakadu is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site due to its incredible biological and ecological diversity. The national park is home to around 2,000 plant species, around a third of all Australian bird species and around a fifth of all mammals.

Only reachable by 4WD or a boat, the Kakadu National Park is a highly preserved and tranquil destination, surrounded by rocky landscapes and lush greenery. Make sure to visit the iconic Jim Jim Falls and the Twin Falls while there as well to witness the most beautiful sunset from the Nadab Lookout.

K’gari (Fraser Island)

Located at the southern coast of Queensland, K’gari is the world’s largest sand island and undoubtedly one of the most stunning national parks in Australia. The island was named K’gari by the local Indigenous people, meaning Paradise, and what better name to describe the beauty of the golden beaches and sand dunes, turquoise blue waters, champagne pools, subtropical rainforests and plentiful freshwater lakes.

In addition to the heavenly nature of Fraser Island, you may also come across a range of exotic wildlife there, such as dingoes, Swamp Wallabies, Humpback Whales, Echidnas, Sea Turtles, and a variety of birds.

Uluru-Kata Tjuta

Widely different from the ones above, the Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park is famous for its natural beauty and cultural heritage. Located in the Red Centre of Australia, the park has been home to local Aboriginal people for thousands of years and holds a powerful spiritual presence, strongly felt by its visitors.

The two key attractions are Uluru, formerly known as Ayers Rock, and Kata Tjuta, or The Olga’s. Uluru is a huge sandstone monolith which formed over 550 million years ago. The rock used to be a popular destination for climbers, however, in 2019 climbing Uluru was banned due to its importance for the locals. It is surrounded by Kata Tjuta, a total of 36 domed rock formations, which are particularly stunning to see during the golden hours of sunrise and sunset.

 

The post 4 Stunning National Parks to Explore in Australia appeared first on Wandering Earl.

123