Original Australia: Full of surprises

• Carnarvon Gorge: towering sandstone icon of the Australian outback
• Fraser island and 8 of Australia's finest national parks
• Wallabies, kangaroos and brilliant parakeets

It could be said that Australia does not have the reputation of a classic walking country. The perception is of the famous cities, long beaches and miles upon miles of Outback desert. Yet as befits this huge country, more a continent really, there is so much more to it that the usual clichés and it is the little details that entrance and surprise.

HF Holiday’s Original Australia tour has been labelled by guests as ‘the best HF Holiday ever’, ‘impossible to improve’ and ‘this is the best led holiday I have ever been on’.

Walking holidays in Australia reveal things missed by the regular visitor. By walking is a peaceful and measured way of travelling, you are able to appreciate more fully the traditional beliefs of the Aboriginal people and their deep spiritual connection to the land. And it is on foot that the unique and diverse nature of Australia becomes apparent.

Our holiday is an exploration of the varied landscapes of the East coast, travelling from Brisbane and across New South Wales and Queensland. This is an area of real diversity, including Fraser Island and the stunning coastline, the outback areas including Carnarvon Gorge, prehistoric insights at Giraween and tropical forests and animals.

There are so many more highlights on the Original Australia holiday than can be mentioned here, however these are just some of the unforgettable experiences noted by our last guests:

۰ Travelling with not just a guide but an expert in presenting the evolution of Australia, including nature, geology, history, legends and a look into the heart of the strong local Aboriginal culture,

۰ Many special nature moments such as a broad presentation of Outback birds at a bushman’s aviary, close encounters with kangaroos, wallabies and platypus. You can rise early at the lodge in Giraween and sit and watch the antics of the Kangaroo families as well as hear the chorus from the colourful tropical birds,

۰ Sunrise over the Pacific Ocean and Fraser Island, with over 90 mlies of deserted beaches, multi-coloured sands, sand forest tracks, picturesque ‘perched’ lakes, magnificent forests growing in sand, all features of this World Heritage protected island,

۰ Staying in log cabins in the Cania Gorge park, with an Aussie barbeque amidst colourful bush birds,

۰ A genuine home cooked dinner at a boutique winery in New South Wales, with wine tasting in the company of the friendly hosts and conversation, and insights into the local way of life.

This is not just a visit to Australia, but a journey into the heart of this fascinating country.

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