With the world becoming more and more environmentally aware, travelers are also becoming more interested in seeing how other countries tackle the difficult challenges that come with finding ways to be more environmentally sensitive. New South Wales’ second largest city is proudly taking a leadership role in developing ways for their citizens’ to lessen their ecological footprint.
Futureworld Eco-Technology Centre is a pioneer in sustainable technologies. The organization has a six-and-a-half hectare site that houses their Eco-Technology Exhibition Centre. Exhibits focus on renewable energy and greenhouse gas reduction, water conservation, and waste reduction, and exhibits are fully interactive. Highlights include full-scale wind turbine blades and a power generation unit, a water wave tank demonstrating wave energy, a model of a solar powered ferry, a waste minimization and recycling facility and a miniature eco-house demonstrating ways to make your home more environmentally friendly. The exhibits are located both indoors and out.
In addition to being so environmentally progressive, Wollongong has much to offer tourists. While in the area, you might be interested in stopping by the Wollongong Science Centre and Planetarium. Here, families can enjoy star and laser shows in the planetarium and view the sky in the observatory. Popular exhibits focus on archaeology, energy, and Antarctica, and the centre also runs several science themed shows at their theatre.
As would be expected in such an environmentally friendly city, Wollongong is home to many parks. MacCabe Park is located inside the city, and features a playground, war memorial, and amphitheatre. Greenhouse Park was formerly a waste dump, but since 1992 has been under restoration to create a green corridor within the city. Sitting next to the wetlands of Tom Thumb Lagoon, the park is a great example of land reclamation.
Created in 1879, Royal National Park is the world’s second oldest national park. The sixteen thousand hectare park is located just thirty-two kilometers south of Sydney, making it a perfect day trip for those tired of Sydney’s urban excitement.
One of the most popular places in the park is Audley, a remnant of the Victorian era when picnicking and carriage rides in the park were popular. The grassy parklands located on the riverside are full of beautiful willow trees, and are the perfect place to relax and picnic. Different types of boats can be rented and taken out onto the water, a fabulous way to enjoy this area of the park. Also at Audley are the dance hall and the picnic pavilion, both Victorian-era buildings that have been lovingly restored. One of the original carriage tracks, the Lady Carrington Drive is a popular place for walkers and cyclists.
Fishing is another popular activity, with fishing available along the coastline and in the Hacking River estuary. Be sure to obtain a valid fishing license prior to your arrival. Surfing and swimming are also enjoyed in the park, just be sure to check with Harbourwatch to ensure pollution levels are safe. For those looking for a more private, secluded beach, take the Werrong Beach Track to the park’s only nude sunbathing area.
The Dharawal people were the first to inhabit the area now protected as the Royal National Park, and for those wanting to know more about the Dharawal’s history and culture, Discovery tours are available that explore the ways that the Dharawal people survived off the land. Tours of Dharawal rock engravings are also available at Jibbon Point.
Camping is available in many places in the park, and the park service also rents out a unique three bedroom cabin located right on the Hacking River. Day passes are required for park use and cost $11 per vehicle.
Located halfway between Sydney and Brisbane, this spectacular park gives visitors an excellent glimpse into life in Australian rainforests. Once used primarily for logging, the land was set aside in 1927 as a wildlife and flora reserve, and was later rolled into Australia’s chain of Rainforest Parks in 1986. It became a true tourist attraction in 1991 with the opening of the Rainforest Center.
One of the park’s best features is its accessibility. There are several easy trails taken over boardwalks that allow visitors to explore the subtropical rainforest, and most of these are also wheelchair accessible. Walk with the Birds is an elevated boardwalk that brings visitors up into the trees to experience the forest as the birds do, and the Skywalk leads to a platform with fantastic views. Other walks showcase the floor of the rainforest. More challenging hikes are also available to visitors who are so inclined. If a car tour is more your speed, consider taking the ten kilometer scenic drive and end with a picnic in the Never Never day use area. Picnics can also be enjoyed at The Glade, where brush turkeys are frequent visitors, and also at the Rainforest Center. The Rainforest Center is a destination in itself with its interactive displays and simulated rainforest environments. There is also a shop onsite where you can take home rainforest related souvenirs.
There are no accommodations inside the park, but the nearby town of Dorrigo contains many nice hotels and bed and breakfasts, and is worthy of a visit in its own right. Sitting right in the heart of rainforest country, Dorrigo is a great home base when exploring the region’s scenic drives and national parks. The best time to visit the park is in the spring when the climate is mild and dry. Be prepared for higher periods of rainfall in the summer months, and cooler temperatures in the winter.
