january-2010

wallabies, freshwater and loggerhead turtles,
as well as more than 200 species of birds. To
spy dolphins and rays, drive north along 75
Mile Beach. Between August and October,
see humpback whales playing on their way to
Hervey Bay.
You’ll need three days to taste the island’s
4WD trails. But beware — the soft sands can
be diffi cult to cross. Always follow someone
else’s tracks; don’t forge your own.
Many hire companies specifi cally state
Fraser Island is a no-go zone for their
vehicles. The Adventure Centre at Rainbow
Beach is an exception. Stay at the luxurious
Kingfi sher Bay Resort, which sports
swimming pools, a spa retreat and hotel
rooms or self-contained options.
Nearest airport: Sunshine Coast.
Litchfi eld National Park,
Northern Territory
Litchfi eld National Park is
the Northern Territory’s
hidden secret, only 100km
south-west of Darwin. It’s
best driven as a loop from
the town of Batchelor.
Soon after entering the
park, turn off to the bizarre
magnetic termite mounds,
then climb up a sandstone
plateau. Numerous turnoffs
lead to waterfalls and
unusually crocodile-free
swimming holes. The Lost
City trail is a highlight,
with its sandstone blocks and
pillars resembling the ruins of an
ancient metropolis.
The trip takes two or three days, assuming
moderate weather conditions. The best
time to go is during the dry season (May to
November), as many of the 4WD trails are
impassable and closed during the wet.
Sleep in cabins at the unique Batchelor
Butterfl y Farm and Tropical Retreat, an
organic farm and butterfl y sanctuary.
Nearest airport: Darwin.
Photo: Tourism NT
FLY/DRIVE
FOUR-WHEEL DRIVING
JANUARY 2010 57
Photo: Tourism Queensland