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Lonely Planet recognises Kangaroo Island as a top place to visit this year

The stunning coastal vistas, inquisitive wildlife and beautiful winding paths of the newly opened Kangaroo Island Wilderness Trail, has come in third on Lonely Planet’s New in Travel 2017 Top 10 list of places to visit in the world.

The Kangaroo Island Wilderness Trail,which is the newest trail in Australia, was recognised for the way it has embraced the island’s most spectacular landscapes, and comes soon after South Australia was ranked fifth on Lonely Planet’s Top 10 regions for 2017, last year. The trail, opened in October 2016, has already proved a huge success with nature lovers from all across Australia and the world.Steve Lane, owner of the prestigious

Sea Dragon Lodge

on Kangaroo Island said “this is a world class trail in the same ilk as the Cradle Mountain Trail in Tasmania.  It takes in some of the best that Kangaroo Island has to offer, from breathtaking scenery to most of the iconic Australian wildlife.”  He expects that the Trail will provide a strong “shot in the arm” for tourism on the island.   He explained that “hikers are able to walk along clifftops, beaches, through forests, and past freshwater lagoons.  There are numerousphoto opportunities like Remarkable Rocks and Admirals Arch and the wildlife is simply everywhere.”

Admirals Arch:  One of the many highlights along the Trail

The 61km-long trail runs along the island’s southwest coast. The spectacular walking track stretches from Rocky River to Kelly Hill Caves through Flinders Chase National Park.  The SA Government contributed $5.8 million towards the cost of building the trail.Kangaroo Island as whole, has a lot to offer travellers and is becoming increasingly important as a “must see” destination in Australia.  Visitors come to Australia to see its pristine beaches, its stunning coastal scenery and above all its unique wildlife.  Kangaroo Island offers all this in the one package, not to mention a delicious array of locally grown food and wine, a thriving art & craft culture and very friendly locals who are happy to share their beautiful countryside.  It is truly an immersive Australian experience.Planning Your Kangaroo Island Holiday

When planning a trip to Kangaroo Island, allow at least 3 nights if you want to see the major highlights and 5 nights if you want to ensure you see it all at a relaxed pace.  Kangaroo Island is much bigger than most people expect, taking 2 hours just to drive from one end to the other.  Steve Lane who has owned property on the island for over 30 years and conducts private 4WD Tours on the island,  rates the following as the Top 10 Places to visit on Kangaroo Island.

Admirals Arch (Spectacular Ocean Scenery and lots of seals)

Remarkable Rocks (Spectacular Ocean Scenery)

Cape Willoughby Lighthouse (Spectacular Ocean Scenery & great little Café called Zest’n Thyme)

Best Cellar Door – Dudley Wine Cellars (Great Food, wine & scenery)

Best Restaurant – Enchanted Figtree at Snellings beach (Unbelievably good!!)

Pennington Bay (Spectacular Surf Beach – visit when the sun is out, the colours are amazing)

Antechamber Bay (3 kms pristine white sandy Beach – usually totally isolated)

Western River Cove (Beautiful little bay with rocky headland and a short river walk – take your swimmers)

Stokes Bay (Beautiful “Secret Beach” – You’ll have to discover the secret yourselves – Good seafood Café called the Rockpool)

Ravine des Casoars bushwalk –  Beautiful 2 to 3 hour walk to a little pristine ocean beach – explore the caves in the headland s of the bay.

There are of course many other great places to visit such as Seal Bay, The Raptor Domain, Kangaroo island Wildlife Park, Hanson Bay Koala Sanctuary particularly if you are interested in wildlife.  Kangaroo Island Ocean Safari, KI Outdoor Action, Emu Ridge Eucalyptus Distillery, The Beehive, KI Pure Dairy, Kangaroo Island Spirits, American River Oyster Farm Shop are just a few of the other interesting places to visitor things to do.

Kangaroo Island Accommodation

Kangaroo Island offers a wide range of accommodation from [...]

This article first appeared at Lonely Planet recognises Kangaroo Island as a top place to visit this year

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Travel Australia: Best Destinations for Fitness Holidays

If your idea of a perfect holiday has literally nothing to do with lazy sun tanning on a beach and everything with sweating it out in the mountains and forests, this post is for you. Travelers exploring Australia will find plenty of opportunities to have an active and fitness-oriented vacation in the midst of stunning natural landscapes.

Here are 8 best destinations for a fitness holiday in this unique and diverse country.

Take the Great Ocean Walk

Stretching across 104 kilometers from Apollo Bay, this stunning track takes you from the gum and eucalyptus forest, to the picturesque Cape Otway Lightstation, traversing countless stunning sand dunes, beaches and cliff-top tracks.

You’ll see countless fascinating shipwrecks and admire what must be the most photographed limestone sea stacks in Australia – the famous Twelve Apostles. You can either take a guided walk, choose a self-guided inn-to-inn package or simply head out on your own, using the smart shuttle service for transporting your gear from one stop to the next.

Wilderness camp in Tasmania

Visitors interested in exploring the South West national park until recently had to make an intense 10-day trek, but today the area is much more accessible thanks to the South West Wilderness Camp. If you’re looking for an adventure, this isolated spot is a top choice. You can admire the area’s extraordinary geology from the seat of a comfortable seaplane or trek down there yourself to see the gorges and creeks from up close.

Blue Mountains

Right in the heart of the stunning Blue Mountains you’ll find a 16-hectare Blue Gum Forest. This site was adopted by conservationists as a touchstone of their philosophy. It takes a seven-hour walk to reach it, but it’s more than worth it. This bushwalk is a classic Australian experience that takes you through the impressive Eucalyptus deanei growing on the Grose River flats. Listen to the sounds of the forest and breathe in the scented air for optimal relaxation.

Treetop surfing in the Daintree rainforest

This brand new and highly adventurous way of enjoying the forest is bound to make for some great memories. Jungle surfing is a lot of fun. Zipping from one forest platform to another with the help of a guide offers an exciting way to enjoy the beauty of this remarkable place.

Mawson Trail in South Australia

This one is just perfect for avid bikers. You can take a marked mountain-bike trail for 900 kilometers. Starts from Adelaide right into the heart of the Flinders Ranges. On your way, you’ll have the opportunity to admire some of South Australia’s most beautiful regions: the Barossa valley, Burra, or Wilpena Pound. Make sure to take the scenic Riesling Trail through the Clare Valley, and the end of the Mawson Trail from Wilpena to Blinman – you won’t find views like these anywhere else!

Walk along the Kings Canyon Rim

Wake up early and set off for this walk before the sun comes up. You’ll be able to take in stunning views of the morning light embracing the stony landscape of the canyon. This six-kilometer walk is just as scenic as Uluru, but less crowded – it simply skirts Kings Canyon. You’ll pass impressive 150-deep gorges, see 400-year-old cycads and relax in a beautiful oasis called the Garden of Eden. If anything, this walk is definitely worth your time.

Stay on a sheep station in Gnaraloo

Adventure travelers will be delighted to visit Gnaraloo – it’s remote, raw and beautiful, the quintessence of Australian landscape. At the end of the upheaved road north of Perth you’ll find a working sheep station, where you can stay and enjoy everything the area has to offer. If you prefer a different type of accommodation, check websites like Gumtree for some alternative options.

Surfers can camp on the beach and wait for the impressive Tombstone breaks. Snorkelers can explore the undersea world full of marvels like seadragons, parrotfish, seahorses and reef sharks. Walking around the coast, you’re bound to spot whales and dolphins in their element. A perfect spot for all those who want to experience the natural wonders of Australia to the fullest.

Surf on the North Coast from Angourie to Byron Bay

The North Southwest coast used to be a surfing paradise. Capturing the heart of the 1960s surfing counter-culture, the spot saw crowds of surfers settling there to practice their alternative lifestyles.

To experience everything the coast has to offer, check out the Byron Bay coast marvels like the Main Beach, Tallow Beach, or the wreck at Belongil. You won’t find another surfing spot like this anywhere else.

Wrap-Up

Australia is a place rich with opportunities for active travelers! Whether it’s biking, hiking or surfing, you’ll find many occasions to explore the country and stay fit at the same time while you travel Australia!

Source: This article was first published here Travel Australia: Best Destinations for Fitness Holidays