Travel Bucket List: 5 Adventure Experiences in Australia’s Wild West

By Mike Richard Published December 18, 2019

western australia — Visit Broome/Facebook

Visit Broome/Facebook

We’re loath to use the phrase “something for everyone.” But, whether you’re a foodie, thrill-seeker, nature-lover, or diver, Western Australia quite literally has something for everyone. Here are five of our favorite adventure experiences the wild Australian state has to offer.

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Get Wet in Ningaloo Reef

ningaloo reef western australia — Visit Ningaloo/Facebook

Visit Ningaloo/Facebook

Ningaloo Reef is second only to the Great Barrier Reef as home to the continent’s best snorkeling and diving. The UNESCO World Heritage-listed reef is the largest “fringing” coral reef in the world, which means it’s readily accessible directly from the beach. The waters are rich with dolphins, manta rays, and whale sharks (the world’s largest fish) almost any time of year. By boat, visitors can track the seasonal migration of humpback and southern right whales or dive some of the continent’s most interesting wrecks. Nearby Shark Bay is also home to the largest, oldest living fossils on the planet, as well as the world’s biggest dugong population.

Try Truffle Hunting in Manjimup

winter truffle inside — Image used with permission by copyright holder

Foodie travelers know that truffle hunting is a rare and unique experience, and many companies keep their hunting skills and favorite spots secret. However, every year, Western Australia’s aptly named The Truffle & Wine Co. offers a small and exclusive group just such an opportunity. Trained truffle dogs guide visitors around the premier truffière (incidentally, the world’s largest producer of black Perigord truffles) in search of the earthy delicacies.

Ride a Jet Boat at Horizontal Falls

Horizontal Falls Seaplane Adventures in HD

Western Australia’s Talbot Bay is home to incredible Horizontal Falls — the world’s only horizontal waterfall. The falls are a result of rapid tidal currents attempting to squeeze through the area’s extremely narrow gorges. The tides can exceed more than 30 feet with directional changes that force the water to flow in two different directions every day. The best way to experience this extraordinary phenomenon is by seaplane or jet boat through Horizontal Falls Seaplane Adventures.

Track Dinosaurs in the Kimberley Region

broome western australia — Visit Broome/Facebook

Visit Broome/Facebook

Australia is home to some truly unique geological and archaeological points of interest. At Cable Beach in Broome lies Gantheaume Point where, at low tide, visitors can literally follow the trail of 130-million-year-old dinosaur footprints. Thus far, five species of have been identified, including sauropods and stegosaurus.

Trek Gibb River Road and Beyond

The GIBB RIVER ROAD - Australia's best Roadtrip

Within Karijini National Park and the Nullarbor Plain lies some of Australia’s most sacred lands, massive gorges, and a fascinating Aboriginal history. Adventurous travelers will find the region best explored via a guided four-wheel drive expedition. For something more intense, Gibb River Road is 410 miles of pristine Australian outback often regarded as one of the last true wildernesses on earth. A multi-day expedition here affords travelers the opportunity to spot crocodiles in Windjana Gorge, camp in the million-acre El Questro Wilderness Park, and swim the base of a 328-foot waterfall near Bell Gorge.

Feature image courtesy of Visit Broome/Facebook.

Contributor

Mike Richard has traveled the world since 2008. He's kayaked in Antarctica, tracked endangered African wild dogs in South…

Outdoors

Biscuit Basin is closed — here’s what to do in Yellowstone instead

Summer fun at Yellowstone is going to look different this year

Overhead photo of a geyser at Yellowstone National Park

Visiting Yellowstone National Park may look a bit different this year with the continued closure of Biscuit Basin, but it's still going to be worth it. There are so many other geysers, canyons, and wildlife to see that it would be a huge mistake to miss out on it this summer just because the path to Old Faithful is still under construction. Here's everything you need to know when entering Yellowstone this summer, and how to make the most of it according to the National Park Service.
Making the most of Yellowstone this Summer

While Biscuit Basin faces reconstruction efforts after the hydraulic explosion that happened last year, you'll still be able to enjoy wildlife hotspots like the Lamar Valley, which is nicknamed "America's Serengeti" for all of the animals you can see. Yellowstone Lake will also be open for boating or fishing excursions. The Yellowstone Lake hotel and the Mammoth Hot Springs Hotel is open this summer if you don't want to camp, and a lot of the trails around Mammoth Hot Springs will be open too. You can also see Norris Geyser Basin, which is park's hottest and oldest.
No need to worry about timed entry
One of the best parts about Yellowstone National Park is that they don't require timed entry reservations like Yosemite National Park or Glacier National Park. Summer is still pretty busy, so be prepared for crowds, but the park is 2.2 million acres in total, so there's a fair amount of space to spread out. Still, you will need a park entrance pass to get through the gate.
Make your reservations in advance
Campgrounds do require reservations in advance, so make sure that you book dates before you go. If you plan to do any fishing or boating in the area, make sure that you also snag yourself a fishing or boating permit. You will also need to submit your boat for an inspection.
Expect terrible cell service
Personally, I don't know why you'd want to be on your phone with Yellowstone out your window, but keep in mind that cell service is limited here. I recommend downloading maps and the NPS app beforehand, as well as any road closure information. These closures can be sudden due to the unpredictability of Yellowstone's weather, so prepare in advance by packing a warm jacket, rain gear, and layers when you go.
Be responsible, especially around wildlife
While driving, be sure to observe posted speed limits and use the pullouts to watch wildlife, making sure that all four of your tires are fully to the right of the white line. This will allow other cars to pass easily. Seeing wildlife up close is amazing, but remember to stay a minimum of 25 yards away from all wildlife, and 100 yards away from bears, wolves, and cougars. Elks are also dangerous, so don't even think about holding your baby near one.

Travel

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Outdoors

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