Nature of Australia - national parks and reserves for active recreation

Australia is a State in the Southern Hemisphere occupying the smallest continent of the planet. It is located at the junction of two oceans – Pacific, and Indian. The territory of the country also includes the island of Tasmania, and several other small islands. Most of the continent is desert. The relief is represented by the Central lowland with depressions. On the elevated western platform lies the West Australian plateau. Along the east coast stretches the Great Dividing Ridge with steep eastern, and gentle western slopes turning into hilly spurs – downs. The lower mountainous range is the Eastern Australian Mountains. Australia is located in three climatic zones: subequatorial, tropical, and subtropical. When winter comes to the Northern Hemisphere, summer commences in Australia. The continent is dominated by a hot and dry climate.

Many National Parks and Reserves have been created to preserve the unique natural wealth in Australia. The largest nature conservation territory of ​​the Country is Kakadu National Park in the Zone of Alligator Rivers. Almost half of its area is property of the Aborigines people. The Park contains preserved traces of ancient rock art. In the middle of cascading waterfalls and steep rocks dwell kangaroos, monitor lizards, buffaloes, and amazing plant species. To the north of Queensland is the Daintree National Park, an ancient rainforest that is more than one hundred million years old. The Park is divided into two zones, with extensive agricultural lands in between. The valley of the Daintree River has become a nesting site for rare birds. In the Park, you can see the famous Jumping stones, which have a sacral value for the indigenous people of Kuku Yalanji.

The Blue Mountains National Park is located in the most beautiful area of ​​the Great Dividing Range. Here, deep emerald plains with water bodies alternate with picturesque plateaus and cliffs. The Park is densely overgrown with forests, where among the eucalyptus and wood ferns along the sandstone canyons lay many hiking trails. From the observation platforms, the rock formation Three Sisters, the Royal Canyon, the Echo Gorge, and the calcareous caves of Genalan can be well surveyed. Surrounded by the cliffs of the Flinders Ridge, is located Flinders Ranges National Park with its mysterious gorges between ancient rocks, quaintly curved trees and huge boulders. The main treasure of the Park is the grand valley of Vilpena Pound. It is an amazing natural amphitheater framed by steep red-lilac cliffs. In the Park live emu, echidna, pink cockatoos, among others. The flora is represented by eucalyptus forests, cypresses and cassowaries. Copyright www.orangesmile.com

The most extensive protected area of ​​New South Wales is the Kosciuszko National Park, which is part of the Australian Alps. Its name is attributed to the highest peak of Australia, standing on its territory. Large glacial lakes, picturesque hills, pools with thermal waters attract more than two and a half million tourists every year. The reserve contains the riverheads of the Murray, Snowy, and Marrambiji rivers. There also live a rare mountain possum and a bright false toad. On the Kimberley Plateau is the Purnululu National Park, a true museum in the bosom of nature. It is crossed by the amazing Bungle-Bungle Range, surrounded by sandy plains, grass-covered lowlands, and limestone cliffs. As a result of prolonged erosion, the mountain range from the bright orange sandstone acquired an unusual shape resembling giant bee hives.

Uluru-Kata-Tjuta National Park is a vast desert area, named after the two giant hills. Both peaks are part of an underground mountain mass that breaks to the surface at their locations. The base of Uluru is dotted with numerous grottoes with rock-colored walls of red sandstone. During the rainy season, three small lakes fill the caves. In the western direction from Uluru there is Kata-Tjuta – a majestic domed summit with steep slopes. Along the Great Ocean Road on the territory of Victoria stretches the National Park of Port Campbell. On a narrow strip, the famous natural limestone sculptures are collected: a group of cliffs of the Twelve Apostles, a natural arch of London Bridge, etc. Tourists aspire to see the beautiful Loch Ard canyon.

On the island of Fraser is the Great Sands National Park, famous for its dunes and wet mangrove forests, “hanging” lakes, and swamps. In Lake Boemingen live freshwater species of turtles. In the Park you can meet dingoes. The east coast is covered by a white sandy beach. Cradle Mountain National Park – Lake Saint Clair on the Central Plateau Area of Tasmania is the most beautiful Park of the island. Tourists are attracted by; the broken silhouettes of the mountains of Cradle and Barn Bluff, Pigeon Lake with crystal clear water, alpine meadows, virgin rain forests and snow-white beaches. The famous six-day route Overland Track is passing through the park, allowing you to view all the spectacular views of the reserve.