Nature is waiting: what are you waiting for?

Posted on 29 May, 2019

In the scheme of things, Canberrans are lucky and I think most of us know it.

We get to live in a city where wilderness corridors intersect with major roads, a kangaroo studded hillside is never far away and we have possibly one of the shortest rush hours of any bonafide city in the world.

That being said, no matter where you live there is sometimes a need to escape. Escape the supermarket queues, escape the tiresome conversations around the water filter and escape reality in general.

To be certain of a full reset, an escape to nature can be the fastest way to shake off city life and despite all the doom and gloom of global warming our planet still possesses some of the most breathtaking nature imaginable.

Here are my top picks and travel tips that will stretch your travel comfort zone and get you back to nature.

Guatemala

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When you think of Central America, or travel in general, Guatemala may not come to mind straight away.

However, while neighbours Mexico and Costa Rica do get more coverage in Australian travel publications, Guatemala is a gem overflowing with experiences for the adventurous traveller.

Ever wanted to feel like an explorer? The ruins of the Tikal, deep in the Guatemalan jungle 303 kilometres northeast of Guatemala City, is an experience that will stay with you forever.

Here you’ll find an ancient Mayan city with stone pyramids reaching from the jungle floor up through the canopy, a sight so unusual that George Lucas chose the location as a key shot for the rebel base on the alien planet of Yavin in Star Wars. The reality is as good as fiction and you can climb to the top of these pyramids and look out on a scene so unusual you’ll think you’re on another planet.

Coming back to society (but still within the spirit of adventure) a few days in Antigua, Guatemala (not to be confused with the island of Antigua) is a must. This sleepy town sits in a valley dominated by three active volcanoes which provide opportunities for hiking as well as getting dangerously close to fire and brimstone.

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To wrap up your trip, stop in at Panajachel, a town on the edge of the deepest lake in Central America, Lake Atitlan. At 340 meters deep this flooded caldera is a sight to be seen, and you can take a boat out to the middle to swim or hop between the villages dotted around the lake’s shore.

For a real adventure, be sure to ask the locals to take you to see their deity Maximon. Getting across the lake and out into the villages is half the adventure, but you won’t be disappointed by the smoking, drinking effigy of the god you find out there either.

The Cook Islands

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As far as South Pacific Islands go, the Cook Islands is often bypassed for it’s better-known counterparts Fiji and Vanuatu. But if it is pure natural beauty you’re after, the Cook Islands takes the cake.

Crowds will not be an issue here with a population of less than 18,000 people spread over 12 islands, with a handful of unpopulated islands in the mix as well.

The main island of Rarotonga is serviced by weekly direct flights from Sydney and daily flights via New Zealand and offers a jungle-like interior surrounded by protected lagoons and coral reefs.

While tourism there has been steadily increasing, the islands have never allowed international chain hotels to set up shop and therefore have maintained traditional slow-paced island vibes.

The low-key properties on offer are sympathetic to their surroundings with no high-rise buildings and no sprawling mega-resorts. You’ll find everything from family-friendly fun to secluded couples luxury retreats.

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In the Cook Islands, your back to nature experience covers everything from the expected water sports such as snorkelling and diving, through to adventurous hiking on the steep hillsides covered in verdant jungle. A four to five hour journey will take you from the north coast to the south coast on the cross-island track via Te Rua Manga which is the rocky outcrop at 413 meters above sea level. There is a trail to follow but as with all jungle settings, it may be in various states of over-grown. The Cooks can also be notoriously humid in the summer months with sudden downpours so be prepared before you set out. Guided hikes can be arranged.

187 kilometres north-east of Rarotonga you will find the island of Atiu. The islands’ population of just 400 people live across five villages where island culture thrives. The local rare bird population, deserted coves and limestone caves are waiting for the intrepid traveller.

The island is serviced by regularly scheduled flights on the local carrier, Air Rarotonga, however, accommodation is limited and found in local chalets and villas so once there it’s best to hire a motorbike to get around. Don’t expect bars, clubs or resorts…there are none. This is a back to nature experience. 

Yangshuo, China

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Most travellers make their way to China for the big-ticket items. The Great Wall, the Xian Warriors, the incredible food scene.

While these are all worthy motivations, the natural beauty of China should not be overlooked.

Located in the south of this vast country lies a town at the confluence of the Li and Yulong rivers called Yangshuo. The drawcard of Yangshuo and the reason tourists now flood the area is the magnificent limestone karsts of the Guilin region.

Thousands of these craggy peaks rise from the ground to create a unique and stunning setting for all manner of activity. Grab a bike a explore the trails through the karsts and along the river where farmers still use buffalo to till the fields. Float down the Li RIver on a boat to see men enact the traditional form of fishing in which cormorants are used instead of a fishing rod or wander the cobblestone streets of West Street in search of a steaming bowl of noodles.

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Yes, tourism has changed the face of this region, but there are few places left that can claim they have not been similarly affected and the nearby McDonalds can’t take away from the fact that you are surrounded by a truly incredible natural setting, that’s what brought the tourists in the first place.

To get to the town of Yangshuo you can fly into the nearby city of Guilin and catch a shuttle or why not make the journey a part of the adventure and get a high-speed ferry from Hong Kong to Guangzhou followed by the high-speed train to Yangshou?

Thredbo, Australia

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I am a big believer that you don’t need to go halfway around the world to have an adventure.

In Canberra, we’re on the doorstep of the Snowy Mountain region and in less than three hours you can go from the city to a secluded mountain village like Thredbo.

Thredbo isn’t just for skiers and snowboarders, it’s gorgeous setting in the Crackenback Valley on the Thredbo River nestled within Kosciuszko National Park is a haven for lovers of the outdoors.

For a full weekend of immersion in nature, base yourself at the centrally located Thredbo Alpine Resort and head up the chairlift to Eagle’s Nest Restaurant. The rise of 560 vertical meters in 15 minutes is an adventure of its own but once at the top, you can hike the 13.5 kilometres round trip through the high country to the top of Mount Kosciuszko, Australia’s highest peak.

Despite the barren and rocky scenery, if you time your visit right you can spot colourful wildflowers amongst the rocks and mountain streams.

The region caters for walkers and hikers of all skill levels and many other guided or self-guided walks can be taken from your base in Thredbo Village. The Riverside Track down along the golf course is a flat 4-kilometre return trip and takes you past bridges and cascades as the river makes its way down the valley.

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The surrounding mountains are also home to over 50 kilometres of mountain biking trails and the village itself plays host to a range of events across the year, from craft beer festivals to yoga retreats, giving you a myriad of ways to enjoy Australia’s high country.

You aren’t limited to where your feet can take you in the Snowy Mountains either. A drive out past Perisher to Charlottes Pass will take you through a rainbow of mountain colours with golden grasses and maroon heathers and a stop in at Jindabyne on your way home will reward you with expansive lake views.

You’re only limited by your imagination when it comes to exploring the world’s natural beauty.

To discuss ideas and get the best travel deals, speak to one of Canberra’s fantastic local travel agents.