Active leisure has been becoming increasingly popular tourist option in Australia. This is a country that can be proud of its rich collection of walking tours that are a perfect choice for anybody who doesn't want just to lay on the beach for 10 days straight.
Why active leisure?
The benefits active leisure offers are numerous. Let's start with the obvious - physical welfare can be significantly improved if you opt for this type of holiday. Walking tours provide you with a mildly intensive workout, where there's a low chance of getting injured but every muscle in your body needs to be active. Another benefit, which is equally, if not even more important is the good that it does for our bodies and souls.
When you realize you'll be far away from the modern technology and the buzzing it brings, you can't help but feel joyful. What's even more enriching is the pleasure of getting to know distant regions, hidden treasures and incredible living things you weren't aware of before. You'll get familiar with the local flora and fauna and the history of the region, and feel the incredible sense of freedom in the process. Slow down your pace of life a little and breathe in some fresh air far away from the smog and the noise. It's what more and more people need these days.
Needing some walking tour ideas?
1. Flinders Island
Maybe we haven't invented the time machine, but there's a cheaper way to go back to the past times - go on a walking tour on Flinders Island. There's a soothing slow pace of life, friendly local people and abundance of clear air. This is a paradise for walkers, as it is rich with wildlife, astonishing beaches, mountains, and forests - everything but people to stumble upon. Enjoy the view of Trousers Point Beach or Mount Strzelecki.
2. Larapinta Trail, Northern Territory
Want something more challenging? You can go for an endeavor that covers 223km of bleak but astonishing scenery. You will definitely need at least 14 days of walking, even though you're not a beginner (and you shouldn't be for this trek) but it will be worth it. Make sure that you go during the cooler months, meaning somewhere in between April and September, as well as that you make food breaks and rest days. The hike itself is hard but both entrance points are easily accessible. The reward - a once-in-a-lifetime view worth all the trouble.
3. The Overland Track
If you want a bit less of a challenge, but something that will still make you sweat and test your strength, try out this 65km long hike through the Tasmanian Wilderness World Heritage Area from Cradle Mountain to Lake St Clair. It's a six-day long walk, offering you an experience of true wilderness - spectacular waterfalls, dolerite mountains and diverse ecosystems. Both the incredible scenery and the challenges of Tasmania's highest mountain take credit for the increasing popularity of the Overland Track over the globe.
4. Roof of Australia (Snowy Mountains)
Are you in the mood for a completely different scenery? Down Under can help you with that, too. All the highest mountains of Australia are gathered across a 690000 hectares big surface, under one name of Snowy Mountains. There are various ski villages you could spend the night in these Australian Alps, having one of the most unusual active holidays of your life.
And once the snow melts, there is also a chance to visit the peaks of Kosciuszko National Park and lose yourself in beautiful wildflowers that cover this rugged area.
5. Scenic Rim Trail, Queensland
This part of Australia has something to be braggy about - unique vegetation, indigenous inhabitants, ancient volcanic plateaus, and escarpments. This trail gives you the opportunity to explore Main Range National Park in detail, even though it is known for still not well-explored parts that hide the secrets of the local indigenous people. Connect yourself with a natural way of living on this trail and give yourself an enlightening experience.
6. The Blue Mountains trek
If you aren't planning on leaving too far away from the Australian capital, this is a perfect walking tour only 90 minutes away from the city. Featuring stunning cliffs, beautiful waterfalls and magnificent canyons, this is the area listed in the UNESCO World Heritage. The additional perk includes walking treks that can get even to more than 100 years old, as this region played an important part in the country's history. And let's not forget to mention the specific natural beauty of the Blue Mountains trek, including phenomenal Majestic Valley, the Govetts Leap, the Three Sisters, and Wentworth viewpoints, as well as Valley of the waters.
7. Freycinet Peninsula Circuit
This circuit encompasses both the Wineglass Bay and Hazard circuit. Its 30km long track leads you around the Hazard Mountains and then continues towards the south to Cooks and Bryans Beaches. The next challenge is to go across the peninsula over a heathland plateau providing you with breathtaking views before you descend to mesmerizing white sandy beaches of Wineglass Bay. It's important to note that the walk needs to be done in an anti-clockwise direction to prevent a dangerous plant pathogen Phytophthora from spreading. The trail should take you two days or more, depending on how often you'll decide to take relaxing breaks.
Final comment
Active leisure in Australia could definitely be one of the best experiences of your life. The benefits it will give you go beyond a regular holiday - try and see for yourself.
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