Page 540 - (DK Eyewitness) Travel Guide - Australia

538  TR A VELLERS ’ NEEDS

SPECIALIST HOLIDAYS AND
OUTDOOR ACTIVITIES

To make the most of a trip to a country as from. If travelling to Australia from abroad,
vast and geographically diverse as Australia, the best starting points are the local
a specialist holiday is an excellent idea. Tourism Australia offices or website, or your
Whether you’re pursuing an interest, local travel agent. Once in the country, the
acquiring a new skill or learning about the state tourism bodies (see p547) offer expert
environment, such holidays can be very advice and can help you make bookings
rewarding experiences. There is a wide with reputable companies and contact local
range of specialist operators to choose activity associations for information.

yellowpages.com.au. Bike
helmets are a legal requirement
throughout Australia and can
be bought cheaply or hired.
Many cyclists spend several
days on the road camping along
the way, while others will
arrange an itinerary that allows
them to stop for the comfort of
a bed and meal in a town. The
wine­growing areas of South
Australia (see pp342–3), the Great
Ocean Road in Victoria (see
pp432–3) and almost anywhere
in Tasmania (see pp460–75) are
terrific cycling destinations.
Bushwalking in Namadgi National Park in the ACT (see p211) Bicycling associations in
Australia also arrange regular
Bushwalking MacDonnell Ranges in the cycling tours that anyone can
National Parks are without Northern Territory (see p288) join. These include accommo­
doubt the best places for and the Blue Mountains in dation, food and vehicle back­
bushwalking in Australia. Not New South Wales (see pp172–5). up; most of the organizations
only do they preserve the best are non­profit­making, so the
of the country’s natural heri­ Cycling costs are generally low. Contact
tage, but they also offer expert Bicycle New South Wales
advice and well­marked trails With its vast stretches of near­ for a catalogue specializing
for bushwalkers. These parks empty roads, many of them in Australian cycling publica­
are state­managed and each without a hill in sight, it is no tions. They will also provide
state has a central information wonder that Australia is popular information on their sister
service. Each state’s national as a long­distance cycling associations in other states.
parks authority maintains a destination. Visitors
website with information can bring their own
on each national park within bicycles, but are
its jurisdiction. advised to check first
Equipment, including whether this is
backpacks, boots and tents, is acceptable with the
available from camping stores airlines and what
in city and country areas. charges may apply.
Joining up with a tour is a good Trains and buses will
alternative for those planning usually carry bikes for
long bushwalking trips, as tour a small extra charge.
members will benefit from a There is limited space
guide’s expertise on local flora allocated, so book a
and fauna, and access to remote bike space when
wilderness areas. Exceptional buying your ticket.
bushwalking regions in Australia To hire a bike in
include Cradle Mountain in Australia, look
Tasmania (see p471), the under “Bicycles” at Cycling around Canberra’s lake (see pp198–9)