Five Australian forests with WOW factor to explore
If you're looking at getting back in touch with nature, driving out of town and exploring one of the country's grand old forests just might be what you need. Be prepared to be wowed by their beauty.Early European settlers once bemoaned Australia’s seemingly unending miles of bush, finding it less pretty than their homeland woodlands and spent generations trying to cut it all down. Well guess what? Australian forests can be stunning and interesting and we have preserved some truly incredible forests that are ready for your enjoyment. Here are five with a certain ‘wow’ factor.
Brisbane Water National Park, Woy Woy, NSW
Imagine lowering yourself into clear waters at the base of a cascading waterfall, looking out across rainforest treetops to the coast beyond. No, it’s not the Daintree but (in this case) the Woy Woy water pool in Brisbane Water National Park. Just north of Sydney, this National Park has an abundance of walks including the Piles Creek Loop with its suspension bridge and forests of stately orange-barked Sydney red gum (Angophora costata). Other secret waterfalls include Kariong Brook Falls, a picture-perfect forest pool that might be all yours even on a hot summer’s day.
Daintree National Park, far-north Queensland
Take your pick of which section to visit – the Mossman Gorge closer to Cairns or the Cape Tribulation area further north – but in either case, the Daintree is all about tropical rainforest. These last vestiges of Amazon-like jungle are totally unlike other Australian environments with their own species of trees, plants and animals. The Mossman Gorge has a number of short or longer trails and the chance for swimming among boulders. Up towards Cape Tribulation head for the discovery centre with its treetop sky-walk.
Kakadu National Park, Northern Territory
Kakadu is famous for its wetlands teaming with birdlife, and rocky escarpments with tumbling waterfalls. But it is forested as well, with species not found outside the tropical north and a walk through the bloodwoods and sand palms is a unique experience. Try the Jim Jim plunge pool walk and not only discover the spectacular 200 metre Jim Jim falls, but also enjoy anbinik forests featuring the area’s tallest (and shadiest!) trees.
Cradle Mountain-Lake St Clair National Park, Tasmania
This National Park in the depths of the Tassie wilderness has some of Australia’s most ancient and remarkable trees, such as the deciduous fagus (or beech) forests that were once part of Gondwanaland, and turn deep red colours in autumn. See them on the Enchanted Walk right next to the park’s welcome centre, or explore any number of other short or longer walks past lakes created by glacial activity millions of years ago.
Great Otway National Park, Victoria
The hills that lead down to the sea in south-western Victoria are known as the Otways, and as well as including beachside towns on the Great Ocean Road, are a great opportunity to explore unspoiled cool-climate forests. Try a walking track such as Maits Rest for ferny rainforest, or there are the extraordinary sequoias (Californian Redwoods) near the town of Beech Forest. The Otway Fly takes you on a tree-top walk of forest giants and Melba Gully has a glow-worm walk that lights up after dark.
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