Irresistible Family Adventure Travel Holidays in Manuel Antonio National Park

On September 30, 2011, In Outdoor Adventure Travel, Water Adventures, Wildlife, By Sylvia Arad

Just south of the small coastal town of Quepos along the Pacific Ocean lies Costa Rica’s Manuel Antonio National Park.  The smallest of Costa Rica’s national parks, stretching over 1700 acres of land and nearly 136, 00 acres of marine reserve, it is nevertheless one of the most stunningly beautiful parks with a diversity of wildlife that is unmatched.

Manuel Antonio's Beautiful Coastline

Tiny it may be, but Manuel Antonio embodies the very best Costa Rica has to offer:  A breathtaking setting with offshore islands, pristine sand beaches, close up encounters with wildlife galore and a network of wide welcoming trails leading into a swathe of tropical rainforests where you may see marmosets, ocelots, river otters, sloths and rare monkeys.  Howler monkeys  languidly  clamber from tree to tree while iguanas scramble up trunks.  Wild parrots ablaze with red and yellow feathers and toucans and scarlet macaws screech loudly as they flap by. 

Picture of  Sloth  Manuel Antonio National Park
thanks to Rlendog from Wikimedia Commons and Ookaboo!

Howler Monkeys

The lush forest cliffs rise sharply from the shoreline where capuchin monkeys abound and even rare squirrel monkeys can be seen.  Butterflies, as well as wild flowers and plants intensify the forest’s colorful setting, offering spectacular scenery unique to Costa Rica.

Picture of   Squireel Monkey Manuel Antonio National Park
thanks to Rlendog from Wikimedia Commons and Ookaboo!

To the backdrop of the lush mountainous tropical forest reaching to the water’s edge, the park features idyllic white beaches.  Gazing down from the quickly rising hillsides, you’ll gasp in awe at the breathtaking vistas expanding beneath you.   Connected by trails meandering through the rainforest, the near perfect beaches of Espadilla Sur, Playita, Escondido and Playa Manuel Antonio pave the setting for snorkeling, water board surfing and great swimming.   A small coral reef and 12 offshore islets add to the beauty, where dolphins and whales can sometimes be spotted.

Idyllic White Sand Beaches

Whitewater rafting, kayaking and fishing are also core water activities in the park.  Hiking and nature walks through the jungle abound and horseback riding and mountain biking trips provide unparalleled excitement.  The latter take travelers on day-long expeditions to the mangroves, and shorter explorations through the forests and along the coastline.

Awe-Inspiring Vistas

Bringing together the charming combination of a rainforest crawling with exotic wildlife, pristine beaches, coral reefs and awe-inspiring vistas, Manuel Antonio National Park is a fabulous adventure destination with a wealth of activities and attractions for all types and all ages.

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The Most Rewarding Family Adventure Travel Experience in Costa Rica

On September 16, 2011, In Outdoor Adventure Travel, Water Adventures, Wildlife, By Sylvia Arad

Getting to Tortuguero National Park is quite an adventure!  Tortuguero National Park lies on Costa Rica’s Caribbean coast, and though we had heard that it features an incredible variety of wildlife in a near-jungle setting, we were going for the main attraction – to see turtles nesting their eggs along the coastline.

To this end, we headed south.  We began our trip to Tortuguero with an incredible drive through the mountains and farm lands replete with banana fields.  Our real adventure began shortly after reaching Puerto Limon, the capital town of Limon Province.  Little did we know that from here on, a spectacular trip awaited us!

Getting to Tortuguero

There are no roads to Tortuguero, so we took the only possible route – boating through the lush canals.  This was part of the adventure.  A near 2 hour boat trip lead us through the Canal de Tortuguero and through some stunning rainforests at the banks of the swamps.  Shortly after pushing off the dock, a crocodile caught our attention.  The kids were especially excited as he was just a bit too close for comfort.  Competing with the crocodile, Howler and Spider monkeys were staging a noisy show in the treetops.  A sloth flaunted his cuddly koala-like side.   There were turtles and birds of every variety – egrets, herons and toucans flying overhead.  At every bend in the river, a surprise awaited us.  As there is no human settlement, nature truly dominates here.

A Croc Just a Little Too Close for Comfort!

As we neared Tortuguero town, the rainforest gave way to expansive beaches, the perfect nesting ground for the sea turtles.   Tortuguero National Park was created to protect and preserve its turtle residents – Green Sea Turtles, Hawksbill, Leatherback and Loggerheads.   On our own in the afternoon, we explored tiny Tortuguero town, a truly magical little village.  There are no cars here, only bikes and boats.  Walking paths extend through the village and into the National Park.  We started out on a self-guided walk through the Los Raudales Nature Trail to reach a scenic point of magnificent vistas – the azure ocean, the near-blinding white beaches and the sight of waves crashing against the rocks.

Tortuguero's Pristine Beaches

Los Raudales Nature Trail

The next morning we chose to take a guided ecotour through the park’s canals.  Tortuguero National Park hosts a network of stunning black water canals where we spotted all kinds of monkeys and other birds, as well as an abundance of marine life.  Our guide pointed out the sloths, spider and capuchin monkeys which would have been lost to us among the thick foliage.  We spotted a large iguana nearly dropping from a tree precariously, and a Jesus lizard, famous for its ability to run on the water.  Cruising through the canals covered completely by the canopy of the rainforest, the plant and animal life found here is unimaginable.

Iguana in the Trees

In the evening, we were all especially excited, anticipating our turtle nesting walk.  To the waning moon and in complete darkness, we made our way, single file, to the beach.  The sounds of crashing waves and the smell of salt in the humid air gave evidence to our direction in the black night.  The dimmed red light of our guide led the way, as the sand gave way under us. 

Suddenly a huge Green Sea Turtle loomed ahead, its sheer size impressive.  Unaware of our presence, the turtle inhaled and with every exhale, it laid between 2-4 bluish eggs.  It seems these turtles lay between 200-300 eggs at a time, but very few survive.  After dropping the eggs, the turtles hide the eggs in the sand.  The sight of this natural process which has been going on for thousands of years was incredible to witness.  For the kids especially it was an experience which left them with their mouths agape.

Green Sea Turtles Nesting and Hiding the Eggs

On our final morning, we clambered up Tortuguero Island Mountain with our guide, where we saw rubber trees, strangler trees, bright red poison dart frogs, a cave of vampire bats and termite labyrinth.  We learned about natural rainforest healing plants and took in the whole of this magnificent island.

View from Tortuguero Mountain Peak

 Tortuguero is Costa Rica’s breathtaking jungle.  A trip here is a not-too-be-missed adventure into a min-Amazon.

 
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Discover the Riveting Beauty of Costa Rica’s Natural Wonders and Wildlife

On September 2, 2011, In Outdoor Adventure Travel, Rainforests & Jungles, Wildlife, By Sylvia Arad

A premiere eco-tourism destination, Costa Rica is a treasure trove for wildlife adventure.  Its numerous national parks are nature’s live theater, inhabited by rare and magnificent species, while its wonderful hiking trails meander through the country’s natural wonders.

Hiking in Costa Rica

Beautiful trails abound in the humid rain and cloud forests, on the clay paths skirting the numerous volcanoes and through the tracks of wildlife refuges and biological reserves.  Nature hikes range from well-marked easy paths to challenging trails that traverse through a variety of ecosystems in the country’s rich forests, volcanoes and coasts.

Costa Rica's Beautiful Hiking Trails

The numerous trails around Arenal Volcano will awaken your spirit of adventure while the easily accessible hiking paths in Cahuita National Park follow the coastline.  Corcovado National Park is an excellent venue for enthusiastic hikers and offers outstanding wildlife viewing.   Other great hiking areas include the Monteverde Cloud Forest and Rincon de la Vieja National Park, where a range of easy hikes lead to boiling mud pots, bird-filled forests with   waterfalls and water holes where hikers can soak in cool waters. 

A Myriad of Birds on Hiking Trails

Hiking in Costa Rica is the way to experience what nature and the pristine diverse environs have to offer.  The scenery is truly splendid and wildlife viewing and adventures are best realized on foot.

 

Wildlife Adventures

  The rainbow colors of scarlet macaws, toucans and flashes of blue and green hummingbirds envelop the forests with vibrant sights and sounds.  Monkeys galore, including white capuchins, howlers and others are easily spotted cavorting through the dense forest branches, with iguanas and coatimundis hot on their heels. Shaggy fur sloths, camouflaged by green-tinted algae, barely move to make themselves indistinguishable from their surroundings.  Red-eyed tree frogs, electric-blue morphos, the neon spectacle of the butterfly world, make for an awe-gaping show.

Red Eyed Tree Frog

Blue Morpho Butterfly

Throughout Costa Rica, wildlife refuge centers, natural wildlife museums and nature reserves abound.  Monte Verde Cloud forest alone boasts a reptile museum, a butterfly house and several other natural museums.  Tortuguero National park is home and refuge to the world’s most diverse range of turtles, including Hawksbill, Green Sea, Loggerhead and Leatherback turtles, which nest along its pristine beaches throughout much of the year.  A sloth sanctuary rescues and rehabilitates injured sloths, and the Barra Del Colorado Wildlife Refuge offers a protected wildlife environment to a wide range of animals.

White Capuchin Monkey

Colorful Humming Birds

Costa Rica boasts a tempting wildlife environment featuring both guided wildlife exploration with expert naturalists as well as a myriad of self-guided opportunities.

Rich, lush and teeming with biodiversity, Costa Rica is one of the world’s best all-encompassing adventure destinations for every age and every type of traveler. Its coastline boasts superb beaches, and inland, its volcanoes and numerous great rainforests flourish.  Coupled with excellent hiking and wildlife viewing opportunities, as well as a countless range of additional adventure activities, Costa Rica is an ideal family adventure vacation destination.

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World’s Top Ten Eco-Lodges: Trout Point Lodge – Wilderness Canadian Style

On July 26, 2011, In Eco Adventure Accommodations, Outdoor Adventure Travel, Wildlife, By Sylvia Arad

A truly Canadian wildlife adventure experience is yours for the taking at a lesser-known out-of-the-way resort in southern Nova Scotia.  A luxurious Relais Chateaux wilderness lodge set next to the Tusket River on Canada’s Atlantic coast, Trout Point Lodge offers discerning travelers remarkable comfort and hospitality, while providing unique Nova Scotia adventure.

Trout Point Lodge

A civilized outpost in the backwoods near the Tobiatic Wilderness Area, Trout Point Lodge proffers rustic yet luxurious comfort, with every room boasting water views.   Within the setting of an enchanting location, spacious rooms and suites await guests.  Set in riverside lodges, each room is appointed with comfortable seating areas, plush bedding and hand crafted furniture, with   cozy public areas in each lodge providing wood-burning fireplaces.   

Luxurious Accommodations

Cozy Public Areas

Trout Point’s main lodge, an architectural masterpiece of the early 20th century, houses a Great Room and dining rooms, a library , 2 bars, recreational facilities and additional spacious guest rooms, featuring log walls and beamed ceilings, many with their own patios and fireplaces.

The great Room

In the Hot Tub

The resort’s multitude of outdoor adventure pursuits include guided fishing and nature hiking, kayaking excursions, canoeing, lake and river swimming and spa services including massage, sauna and wood-fired hot tub.  Nearby whale-watching, sea kayaking, historic towns and beaches await.  A stay here holds a myriad of possibilities for adventure  – wilderness safaris, water activities, hiking trips, mountain biking and star gazing are all on offer.  The pristine Acadian forest provides relaxation in a near-therapeutic environment – from mineral tap water and pollution free air to soaks in the healing tannic waters of the Tusket River.

Around the Camp Oven

Wildlife Viewing

Moose in Tobeatic Wilderness

Kayaking in Tusket River

Commitment to environmental conservation is high on the list of priorities.  The lodge’s kitchen offers gourmet dining based on local ingredients – fresh regional seafood, herbs and vegetables from on-site gardens, and in-house baking.

Gourmet Cuisine in the Works

Located an easy three hour drive from Halifax and only 25 mi. from Yarmouth,  Trout Point Lodge offers a quintessential Nova Scotia adventure in one of Canada’s most breathtaking, pristine environments.  Surrounded by water on three sides, this gem of a lodge lets you relax, unwind and forget the outside world as you absorb the beauty and peaceful environs.   For an exceptionally pampering, luxurious vacation which comprises adventure with relaxation, Trout Point Lodge offers the best wilderness adventure location with a Canadian flavor.

Fall Foliage- View from the Lodge

* Images courtesy of Trout Point Lodge

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World’s Top Ten Eco-Lodges: The African Bush in Style at Sindabezi Island Camp

On July 15, 2011, In Eco Adventure Accommodations, Outdoor Adventure Travel, Wildlife, By Sylvia Arad

Surrounded by the Zambezi National Park, the Sindabezi Island Camp is set on the shores of the Zambezi River near the Zambian side of Victoria Falls.  Accessible by a short boat trip down the river, Sindabezi is the only bush camp in the region.  The camp is comprised of five thatched chalets opening towards the river for great wildlife encounters and can accommodate a maximum of 10 guests, making it an ideal adventure destination for a private extended family vacation.

Sindabezi Island

Island Chalet

Accommodations

 

Solar Heating for sustainable preservation

Perched on the sands at the river’s edge, the camp is rustic in style.  Sindabezi boasts   state-of-the-art solar paneling which compensates for the lack of electricity.  Each cottage has its own outside heated shower, bedside lamps and flushing toilets with views to boot!  AT night, the flickering candles and hurricane lamps only serve to enhance the traditional camp atmosphere, providing a romantic setting.  AT dawn, private sundecks afford wondrous views of magnificent sunrises over the river’s flood plains.  Gourmet outdoor dining or relaxing the lounge area with a cool drink assure an unforgettable experience as cavorting baboons and monkeys come into view and hippos wallow nearby.

Night View

A natural haven of serenity, Sindabezi is a place to experience the unique sights and sounds of the African Bush.  Situated just across from one of Zimbabwe’s largest national parks, wildlife viewing abounds, with elephant, hippo, baboons, monkeys and many more types of game seen grazing on the nearby river banks.

Elephants on the Rivers Edge

Activities on and away from the camp include bird watching, canoe safaris, boating, rive and rainforest walks, fishing, guided museum tours and visits to local villages and Victoria Falls.  Game drives and safaris abound in this region of numerous national parks and private game reserves.  And with over 200 species of birds, this is a birdwatcher’s paradise.

Canoeing and fishing

White Water Rafting

Sindabezi Island camp is a year-round destination.  The dry season stretches from May to November, with ideal game viewing from June to October.  From December to March, during the wet season, the weather varies and short downpours are followed by bright sunshine.  Vegetation is lush green and beautiful.  By April, the Victoria Falls are at their most spectacular and bird watching is at its best at this time.  The focus of activity at the camp varies based on the season.

Victoria Falls at their Best

Exclusivity is key to Sindabezi.  This enchanting island is unique as it provides complete privacy in an intimate setting without forfeiting the adventures presented by the African Bush.  Expert guides, private boat and vehicle are part and parcel of the private Sindabezi experience.  With a qualified staff on hand to guarantee guests every need and comfort, Sindabezi provides a perfect family adventure vacation.

*Pictures courtesy of Tongabezi Lodge

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Tiger Tops: Pioneering Nepal’s Conservation Tourism

On June 10, 2011, In Family Vacation Adventures in Asia, Outdoor Adventure Travel, Wildlife, By Sylvia Arad

Royal Chitwan National Park, one of Asia’s most spectacular wildlife sanctuaries and a UNESCO World Heritage site, located some 75 mi. southwest of Kathmandu, is home to Tiger Tops, a treetop jungle lodge.  Situated in the heart of the park, in a lush sub-tropical jungle setting, Tiger Tops Jungle Lodge is THE pioneer and the prime model for sustainable ecotourism in Nepal, offering a host of adventures into Chitwan’s diverse and fascinating natural world.

Tiger Tops Jungle Lodge

Tiger Tops’ programs of wildlife exploration include jungle safaris in environmentally friendly vehicles, river boats and kayaks, as well as fascinating jungle walks.    By far, the most popular adventure activity here is a tiger spotting elephant safari – nothing can quite capture the magic of traveling through the primeval grasslands of Chitwan atop an elephant in a custom-made “cab”.  From this height, Chitwan’s animals come alive, as you spot some of the park’s 43 mammal species and 450 bird types up-close.

Sunrise Elephant Trek

Catch a glimpse of the majestic and rare Bengal tiger or the endangered mammoth one-horned rhino, as you tread softly along on an elephant’s back.  Unique breeds of bear, wild Asian elephants and chital are only some of the animals to come into view.  Gaur or Indina Bison, four-horned antelope, striped hyena, leopard and golden-backed jackals are among the more common creatures to be seen.  Among the 45 species of reptiles and amphibians who make the park their home, you’ll delight to scenes of gharial crocodiles loping on the banks of the Rapti and Narayan Rivers, which form the park’s natural boundaries.

Tiger Spotting from An Elephant's Back

Morning View on Elephant Trek

Spotting the One-Horned Rhino

 

Gol Ghar

In common with the entire Tiger Tops Mountain Group of lodges and camps, Tiger Tops Lodge practices environmentally responsible conservation tourism.  The tree houses and bungalows are built in local style with sustainable natural materials such as reeds.  The lodge’s photovoltaic power plant is the largest in Nepal, providing the camp’s solar-powered heating and energy.  The Gol Ghar, the circular dining hall, with its huge domed roof and central open hearth, serves local cuisine, utilizing fresh organic products from Tiger Mountain’s Organic Farms.  Here, travelers can relax with friends and family after a long day of adventuring and wildlife viewing.

Inside the Gol Ghar

In addition to the elephants that take you through the towering grasslands, the lodge focuses on other wildlife safaris such as river trips in traditional canoes and kayaks, which offer the unique opportunity to spot the park’s array of water life.  Other highlights include rare bird watching and jungle walks with expert naturalists to explore the diverse plants used for culinary and medicinal purposes. Short jaunts to nearby villages offer a personal introduction into the unique culture and traditions of the villagers and include local cultural and musical entertainment.

Crocodiles in the River

Beyond Tiger Tops Lodge, Tiger Tops Tented Camp affords the ultimate in-depth jungle experience.  Poised above a broad plain, the idyllic, tranquil tented camp is sited in perfect wilderness, with safari tents set to maximize the sweeping panoramas of the river, the hills and the snow-capped Himalayan peaks beyond.  Outside the Gol Ghar, raised viewing platforms maximize arm-chair wildlife viewing as you relax with a cold drink in hand.  With over 40 year’s experience, Tiger Tops Tented Camp is undoubtedly Nepal’s ultimate luxury adventure travel experience.

Tiger Tops Tented Camp

View from the Camp

Tiger Tops, set in the dense tropical rainforests of Chitwan’s nearly 1000 sq. km. of natural park, offers a range of wildlife, adventures and panoramas to quench every nature lovers’ thirst for wildlife exploration.

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The Most Fascinating Railway Adventures in Australia : Alice Springs and the Red Centre

On May 17, 2011, In Active Australia & New Zealand Kid-Friendly Vacations, Outdoor Adventure Travel, Wildlife, By Sylvia Arad

Alice Springs 

Alice Springs sits at the southern border of Australia’s Northern Territory.  Framed by the MacDonnell Ranges and an intense desert landscape, Alice Springs is THE Outback town of Australia, and a great setting for Outback adventure.  Quad and mountain biking, trekking along the Larapinta trail, 4WD desert treks, bush camping, excursions to gorges, ghost towns and working camel farms – all are adventure options on offer in the Red Centre.  Alice Springs is also the starting point for a trip to Uluru, popularly known as Ayers Rock.

We had planned our first train holiday stopover here, intending to discover the region and to visit the Kata Tjuta National Park, home to not-to-be-missed Aboriginal Uluru, or Ayers Rock.

Feeding an Emu in the Desert Park

We arrived early morning, in time to take the day to explore Alice Springs.  Alice Springs Desert Park was our first stop, and afforded a fascinating microcosm of Australia’s Outback and Aboriginal heritage.  A combination of botanic garden, zoo, Aboriginal cultural center and Conservation Park – all rolled into one – this park includes desert habitats, bird, kangaroo and emu enclosures, a snake and lizard house and so much more.  It offers a veritable model for visitors heading to the Outback.

Desert Park Scenery

Water Fragon in Reptile Center

The Reptile center, with its displays of snakes and lizards, was especially fun for the kids, as they could hand feed and hold some of the friendlier creatures.  The Aboriginal Art Center illustrates the region’s Aboriginal heritage, and in general, the town provides a sense of what the pioneering days of the Outback were like.

 

 

Uluru

We took off for Kata Tjuta National Park the next morning.  Located nearly 500 km. from Alice Springs, we arrived in time for the main highlight – watching the splendor of the sunset on Uluru, Ayers Rock.

Uluru at Sunset

In a vast red desert, Ayers Rock towers some 350 m. high with a circumference of nearly 8 km around.  This monolithic sandstone rock formation stands naked of vegetation, with rain grooves caves and pools along its sides.  We had considered a climb to the top – however, that was before we knew how strenuous and hazardous such a climb could be!  Upon arriving, we also learned that Uluru is a sacred Aboriginal site whose climbs are reserved only for spiritual leaders. 

Uluru Rock Formations

The most intriguing feature of the rock is its ever-changing colors at sunset and sunrise when viewed from various angles.   At sunset, the deep orange, then crimson, glowing above the already darkened expanse of the Outback is spectacular.  Sunrise brought with it the magic of a mass that nearly glowed and glittered  in the morning light.
Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park Pictures
This photo of Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park is courtesy of TripAdvisor

In anticipation of continuing our Ghan train adventure, we headed back to Alice Springs.

 
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Exploring Wildlife Travel on Phillip Island

On May 10, 2011, In Active Australia & New Zealand Kid-Friendly Vacations, Outdoor Adventure Travel, Wildlife, By Sylvia Arad

Phillip Island, some 2 hours south of Melbourne, houses one of Australia’s most popular wildlife attractions – the Fairy Penguins.  These penguins, the cutest in the world,  are the only blue-feathered penguins in existence and are also the smallest in the world, with adults approximately 33 cm tall and weighing just over 1 kg.

Fairy Penguins

The Penguin parade

The island is home to the largest  Fairy Penguin colony in the world, the biggest attraction being the Penguin Parade.  The penguins make their home on Phillip Island’s Summerland Peninsula, where they burrow sand dune nests to later lay their eggs.  At first light of day, these enterprising locals make their way to fish in the clear waters.  At sunset, as the Fairy Penguins emerge from the sea, the magic of the Penguin Parade begins.  Hundreds of wild Fairy Penguins waddle from the sea, marching in groups across the beach to their burrows.  This amazing spectacle brings with it squeals of delight from young observers.

Koalas at Koala Conservation Center

Though the Fairy Penguins are Phillip Island’s most prized highlight, there is more to wildlife on this island.  Koalas can be observed in hordes at the Koala Conservation Center.  Here, elevated boardwalks afford superb close viewing in a bushland setting  of these lovable animals.  The Koala Conservation Center is also home to a host of Australian wildlife, including swamp wallabies, nocturnal brushtail and ringtail possums, echidnas and over 150 species of birds. Nearby French Island is home to a colony of over 1500 koalas in their natural habitat.  Koalas are nocturnal creatures, so an overnight camping adventure affords the opportunity to see them at their liveliest.

Echidnas

Wallabies

The Seal Rocks at the very end of the Nobbies, two huge rock stacks at the western tip of the Summerland Peninsula, host the largest colony of some 16,000 Australian Fur Seals.  These can best be viewed up-close on the wildlife cruises on offer, especially during Australia’s summer months.

Seals at Seal Rocks

 

Phillip Island is an adventure into an incredible range of native wildlife that calls Australia home.  Wildlife travels here culminate with the not-to-be-missed Penguin Parade, an adventure travel experience for the entire family.

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Discover Australia’s Fascinating Adventure Playground

On May 3, 2011, In Active Australia & New Zealand Kid-Friendly Vacations, Biking & Hiking, Outdoor Adventure Travel, Wildlife, By Sylvia Arad

Some 60 km west of Sydney  lie the Blue Mountains, Australia’s most accessible wilderness and an expanse offering a world of adventure.  With over one million hectares of the most breathtaking scenery, this paradise of nature is home to seven national parks providing a myriad of adventure travel experiences geared to every level and interest.

Blue Haze over Blue Mountains

A natural playground of craggy mountains, spectacular rainforests, breathtaking canyons and caves, awesome waterfalls and meandering rivers and creeks, the Blue Mountains provide adventures galore with miles of walking, hiking and biking trails, canyoning, rock climbing and adventure caving opportunities, as well as horseback riding, abseiling and 4 WD experiences.  Wildlife viewing is part and parcel of the area.

Wildlife - Kangaroos

Wildlife - Birds

Located at Katoomba, the main town and gateway to the Blue Mountains, the spectacular Three Sisters, a magnificent series of craggy rock formations, are one of the most spectacular not-to-be-missed highlights here.  Situated side by side, these 3 mountain peaks are surrounded by cliffs that resemble the Grand Canyon.  According to Aboriginal legend, 3 sisters of the Katoomba tribe fell in love with 3 brothers from a rival tribe.  In order to protect the sisters during the ensuing battle, the local witch doctor turned them into stone.  Intending to reverse the spell later on, the witch doctor was killed in the battle and the sisters remained in their breathtaking rock formation.  Short walks atop the peaks look out upon the panorama of the range and rock climbing, canyoning and caving are popular here.  The gentle 60 ft. drop from the top provides a spectacular abseil experience.  

The Three Sisters

 

The Featherdale Wildlife Center offers a natural wildlife zoo where native Australian animals, among them koalas, kangaroos and kookaburras, can be viewed.  A walk in the bush provides the natural setting for spotting these local residents.  Bushwalks, from 1 hour walks to challenging hikes, lead to tempting locations, among them the Ruined Castle and the Blue Gum forest.  Ridgetop walks, such as the Prince Henry Cliff Walk, open to amazing scenery and provide spectacular vistas of the Jamison and Grose Valleys.  And beautiful rainforests, such as the Leura Forest, are hidden in the depths of the towering canyons. 

Jamison Valley

For the more adventurous, 4WD trips take you exploring inland to such spots as the Jenolean Cave, an amazing cave formation   with intricate walks through its stalactite-stalagmite columns.  The 3-hour walk is a slithering-sliding caving experience, with even ghostly night walks offered!

For youngsters, the region’s best part is a series of scenic rides.  The Scenic Skyway provides a journey above the ancient ravines and sparkling waterfalls.  The highlight of the rides is the Scenic Railway, the steepest incline railway in the world, which features a smooth 415 m. descent from a cliffside tunnel to an ancient rainforest.  Here a Scenic Walkway guides through the rain forest to a Scenic Cableway which travels through the World Heritage listed Jamison Valley Rainforest.

Scenic Skyway

The breathtaking landscapes, terrain and activities available to travelers in Australia’s Blue Mountains lend themselves to an unmatched family adventure holiday experience.

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Hiking Vacations on Cradle Mountain

On April 29, 2011, In Active Australia & New Zealand Kid-Friendly Vacations, Outdoor Adventure Travel, Wildlife, By Sylvia Arad

If you’ve ever wanted to leave civilization behind, get close to nature, spend quality family time and experience some great wilderness, nothing beats Cradle Mountain in Tasmania.  A model for accessible wilderness in Tasmania’s best known national park, Cradle Mountain is  located in the World Heritage Wilderness Area of the spectacular Cradle Mt./St. Claire National Park. 

Mural at Sheffield

Tasmania had long been a source of fascination for us, and  being in Australia, we had every intention of experiencing this island.  We started out in Launceston, planning an early morning start.  Along the way, there was much to see – waterfalls, plants and animals we had never before encountered.  What impressed us most, however, was the small town of Sheffield.  Passing though, we stopped in our tracks, struck by the many murals we saw around us.  The town is a fascinating place to wander, with some 40 murals adorning the buildings, depicting rural life, the region’s history and its legends.

We arrived at our lodge in the evening to be greeted by a warm, toasty fire and simple creature comforts.  Situated in a unique wilderness setting, the lodge sits amidst the rugged beauty of entrancing ancient mountain peaks and glacial lakes, and offers numerous activities including horse riding, fishing, canoeing and guided hiking.

Cradle Mountain Lodge

We rose early next morning, planning a full day of walking.  Making our way to the park’s entrance, we were enveloped by cloud forests.  At the entrance, we were awe-struck by the shrouded grandeur of the alpine eucalyptus landscape framed by the brooding peaks.   Stopping at the visitor center, we discovered an excellent facility with detailed information covering weather, track conditions, menus for shorter and longer walks and hikes, and extensive flora and fauna displays.

The Enchanted Walk

 As the sun broke through, we knew a good day for walking was ahead.  We started with a short walk along the banks of the Pencil Pine River on the Enchanted Walk, treading through tea tree thickets, eucalypt woodlands and mossy myrtle forests.  We hoped to catch a glimpse of the elusive platypus in the waters, and were not disappointed when we caught sight of a wombat instead!

Surprising Wombat

Pencil Pine Falls

We continued following the track along a boardwalk to Pencil Pine Falls, where the cascading falls greeted us and the tranquil river beckoned.  After frolicking in the invigorating water, we set out for our longer walk around nearby Dove Lake.  Dove Lake is the starting point of the famous Overland Track, a 5-day hike covering nearly 90 km and ending at Lake St. Claire.   

Dove Lake with Backdrop of Cradle Mt.

As the clouds lifted, the lake mirrored a panoramic display  of the Cradle Mountain peaks and forests to expose the full glory of this inspiring place.  We meandered on, watching the grazing wallabies and native birds feasting on wildflowers.  At the lake’s southern shore, we stopped for a family picnic and paused to enjoy the pristine view, whose silver blue waters were ruffled only by  canoeists gliding gently down.

Dove Lake from the Overland Track

The 3 hr. walk around the circuit took us through a primeval forest and rugged, beautiful landscape framed by the jagged Cradle Mountain peaks.  We returned to the lodge to the warmth of a roaring log fire,  the delights of delicious hot soup and the pleasure of knowing we had yet another day of family adventure outdoors in the Tasmanian wilderness ahead of us.

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