In the July 2009 edition of CW, we invited readers to reveal what’s so special about their favourite natural attraction in 30 words or less, for a chance to win one of six copies of Gregory’s 4WD Australia 50 short getaways by Linda Lee Rathbun and Steven David Miller, valued at $39.95.
4WD Australia 50 short getaways is filled with route notes, tips, attractions and activity suggestions, to help you make the most of your weekends away. It features detailed maps as well as localised tourism advice, emergency procedures, GPS coordinates, information on choosing and outfitting your vehicle and more.
Download one of the guides 50 recommended short getaways, WA’s Pemberton Forest Drive, here.
…CW was inundated with hundreds of inspiring entries, and deliberated long and hard to select the winners. Find the judges’ “six” below.
There are many, many natural attractions in Australia to be seen, says Margaret Cox, but the one that springs to her mind most readily is The Pinnacles in WA.
“The shapes and sizes of the pillars are fascinating. The nearby Lake Thetis is also interesting and photogenic. The lake is home to one cell organisms, which are pretty unique.”
Monica Scurlock, Traralgon Vic, recommends you catch this attraction while you can…
“It’s disappearing! The Twelve Apostles, Vic, take my breath away every time I see them. They should be viewed by everyone in Australia!”
Kerry Lawrence, Leumeah NSW, shares a typical day on the Tumut River, Tumut.
“We wake to a mist covered morning, can walk or cycle along the banks of the beautiful Tumut River, NSW, and laze around a crackling campfire on a crisp cold evening.”
Marlene Pratt’s, Crafers SA, favourite natural attraction is close to her heart.
“We love the Coorong in SA, can get away from it all by bush camping, rugged sand dunes, beautiful birds and great fishing… all just two hours from home.”
…and Brian Loughton’s, Falcon WA, favourite attraction is easy to reach.
“Ningaloo Reef, WA, is my favourite natural attraction because it is so accessible. Your RV can be parked behind the sandhills and snorkel over the reef and fish just 50m offshore.”
Carol Eaton, Eumundi Qld, enjoys the many facets of this mighty attraction:
“The Murray River (NSW, Vic, SA) has such differing faces to it, from the narrow stretches upstream with rocky fiords to the slow looking, but deceiving, expanses downstream.”
And finally, Ros Mayes (shown), also of Eumundi Qld, heeds his favourite attraction’s call…
“Colours are stunning, beauty unique; It challenges drivers to reach its peak; Wind carves patterns, flowers gaily bloom; BIG RED [Qld] is one amazing sand dune!!!”
- Congratulations to all of our prize winners and thank you to everyone who participated.