Adventure Travel In The Australian Mountains example essay topic

2,191 words
Australia is one of the most beautiful continents on Earth. In fact, "much of this vast continent is untouched by human settlement and offers some unique wilderness experiences" (Freeman 410). For this reason, adventure travel in the Australian mountains makes the perfect get-a-way vacation. "Australia is dotted with ancient mountain ranges whose weathered bones of rock provide a playground for those who seek the thrills and challenges of a vertical environment" (Freeman, 503). Consequently, mountaineering in the Australian peaks is a great way for novice climbers to develop their climbing skills as well as their love for adventure.

As a result, mountain climbing relaxes your mind, improves your health, and most importantly, increases your appreciation for the natural environment around you. All too often as human beings, we lose our admiration for the simplicities of life. As we work hard days and long nights, we mix up our priorities and often associate the wrong activities as being healthy. The only way we can clear our heads and get back on track is to get away from our monotonous lifestyles. Unfortunately, most people spend their vacations doing the same thing they would do at home.

Moreover, if you plan on visiting Australia, you must engage in Australia's adventurous lifestyle. "Australians take their leisure seriously, and sport and open-air recreation play a large part in the Australian way of life" (Freeman, 220). Therefore, it would be a waste of your time and money to spend your vacation touring crowded museums and historical landmarks. Instead, you must challenge your body, spirit, and mind.

"Climbing takes people to some of the most beautiful places on Earth and allows them to see these places from a completely new perspective and with a new sense of appreciation" (Crysdale, 1). Most importantly, this type of adventure travel will make you feel better about yourself as you experience something new and exciting that you have never done before. Everyone needs a break. Unfortunately, "to travel you need both time and money" (Ford, 32). For this reason, a mountain climbing excursion into the peaks of Australia makes the perfect getaway vacation for the budget traveler.

Moreover, this trip would not be a dangerous and exhausting trip which many people fear. An interesting survey was done which showed that "risk-related elements (e.g. challenge, adventure, excitement) are much less frequently mentioned than are other sources of enjoyment such as fun, physical fitness scenery and social atmosphere" (Johnston, 162). This goes to prove that people enjoy the adventure not only for its excitement, but also because it places them in a state of nirvana that only nature can provide. Unfortunately, "wilderness is a rare, nonrenewable resource now found in only a very small part of Australia" (Freeman, 203).

For this reason, the scarcity of the natural environment in Australia makes it so important to witness first hand. "Wilderness is like a rainbow. The closer you approach it by motor car, the further it recedes" (Freeman, 203). Therefore, mountaineering in the most secluded areas is the best way to observe Australia's awesome wilderness. In addition to the natural atmosphere, people can better appreciate the fitness aspect which they usually don't have time for at home.

Exercising is a very important part of life. However, far too many people are overweight in this country. For this reason, the environment and atmosphere that mountain climbing places you in makes it far more breathe taking and motivating than exercising in a gym. "Most climbers are pleased with the changes that take place in their bodies, which include better muscle tone, weight loss, and a general sense of wellness" (Crysdale, 2). Could you imagine looking around you and seeing nothing but trees, plants, and animals as you inhale a deep fresh breath of crisp mountain air?

There couldn't be a better situation to travel in. Besides, exercising in this type of atmosphere "provides the outlet for potential personal rewards" (Hall, 142). You will feel stronger and better about yourself as you tackle life's struggles. "Although technical climbing and overnight backpacking are only for the physically fit and active, don't count yourself out of the pleasure of mountain activities just because you lead a sedentary lifestyle" (Hill, 1). Mountain climbing can be for everyone, and "it is not essential to be super-fit to enjoy a day or two out on the rock" (Freeman, 504). There are many different levels of rock climbing, so there is a place for everyone to start out.

As you improve, your skills will improve as well. In the entry levels, "an easy mountain hike, that is, walking five miles or less on fairly level trails, doesn't take a lot of physical exertion, expertise, or time" (Hill, 1). However, this simple hike through the mountains will give you a good workout and some very beautiful scenic views. The best motivation to keep you going is to park your car at the base of the mountain and bring a picnic along with you.

When you finally reach the top you will have two rewards, food and the beautiful wilderness around you (Hill, 2). If you are worried about expenses, then adventure travel is the perfect way to budget your trip. Instead of spending huge bills on a hotel, camping will provide a cheap and effective way to save money and further enjoy the nature around you. Also, don't go to the campsites.

Smith says, "It's not the expense of campsites that I object to, but having to put up with the others that are crammed in around you. I camp to find peace and solitude to commune with nature" (Smith, 363). Why would you want to spend more time around other people then you have too? The whole point of a get-a-way vacation is to get away from what you would ordinarily do. We all spend too much time around other human beings, and the majority of our stress and conflict is brought on by other people. Therefore, the only way to effectively achieve nirvana in nature is to rough it a little bit.

Everyone has the capabilities to get a little dirty. Our society gets too caught up in the fashion image, and we don't give ourselves enough time to explore our ancestral roots. To be one with nature, you must lose your weak mind and be able to survive on your own. Luckily, Australia is one of the best places on Earth for a beginner to find independence in a foreign land.

This is due to the fact that the language, social atmosphere, and climate are practically identical to the United States. The natives of Australia speak English so you can easily communicate with whomever you come across. In addition, the culture and heritage of Australians is very similar to culture and heritage of Americans. Most importantly the climate provides excellent conditions for the year round mountain climber. In other words, due to the different hemisphere, a climber can practice during the summer in the United States and travel over to Australia in the winter to continue climbing in the same comfortable weather. However, it is advised not to travel to Australia during its winter months.

"Winter in [southern Australia] could deter all but the most avid climbers and force them to seek their thrills elsewhere" (Freeman, 505). In addition, the northerly regions get very hot during the summer months. Otherwise, "rock climbing can be enjoyed for most of the year" (Freeman, 505). In addition to climbing the Australian mountains, you will also find much solace in the nature around you. Nature travel is "tourism which is based on the enjoyment of natural areas with the specific objective of studying, admiring and enjoying the scenery and its wild plants and animals, as well as any existing cultural manifestations" (Valentine, 108). Getting a realistic education is very important while journeying to foreign lands.

When you go to museums and examine things that are trivial to modern society, you are wasting your time and money. While you are home, you can pick up a book and read about historical pasts, but when you travel it is essential that you experience everything first hand. "Escaping from city pressures - be it for a day or a week - while experiencing the joys of the bush is a relaxing and stimulating pastime that is gaining in popularity" (Freeman, 410). The Australian wilderness is so magical because of "its abundant wildlife, sparkling rivers, rolling hills, secluded forests and vast flat landscapes" (Freeman, 203). For this reason, the combination of bushwalking and mountaineering in the Australian peaks makes the perfect getaway vacation. Life is short.

Therefore, you need adventure. When adrenaline and fear unite, they exhilarate the human soul making it feel free and alive. If you are older, there are obvious benefits of feeling rejuvenated. In addition, if you are a teenager, you will become excited and curious about adventure. No matter how old you are, you have to explore the world around you. Death is inevitable, but the worst thing you can say to yourself on your deathbed is that you regret living a safe life.

"There's a point to fear. But there's an immobility to it, too. Fear can make you avoid risk and adventure, and hide behind a mask of security. Fear can save our lives, but it can also shrivel us up, make us play things safe and sometimes deny us our greatest joys" (Gauthier, 107). Moomaw's description of the duality of fear verifies that adventure travel may be dangerous, but it is worth the risk. There are so many beautiful locations in Australia that it is hard to choose the best spot in which to travel.

For this reason, it is essential that you look at the vast amount of options before heading off to the Australian mountains. Also, it is strongly suggested that you choose an adventure package if you are an inexperience mountain climber on your first trip to Australia. Therefore, The Bartle Frere Wilderness Walk is a great travel option for a novice mountain climber who wants to get a feel of what this popular and exciting sport is all about. "This 4 day trip in the Bartle Frere Wilderness takes you into the rainforest to explore its majestic sites.

Along the way you " ll see Lake Each am, swim in clear mountain lakes, see animals and follow ancient Aboriginal Trails" ("Hike / Walk/Climb"). Moreover, this package includes meals, guides, and equipment all neatly packaged into a four day excursion. Best of all, the price is only $369.00. Another great travel package for the more experienced mountain climber is the East Gippsland Expedition. On this tour you will "hike through an area of rugged mountain ranges, deep and pure rivers surrounded by dense rain forest, long ocean beaches and unspoiled wilderness that contains the greatest density of national parks on the Australian continent. Naturalist guides will provide a comprehensive ecological overview / interpretation of many aspects of the environment and of Aboriginal cultural traditions of the areas you " ll travel through" ("Hike / Walk/Climb").

However, this five day trip is a little more expensive starting at $651.00. Even though travel packages are very convenient, every traveler needs to journey off on his own once he becomes experienced enough. You will not find the solitude on an adventure package that you will find if you travel alone. Nevertheless, having a guide and the proper equipment is essential if you are new to the sport and want to learn more. Any type of adventure travel is beneficial, but hiking through the mountains of Australia is the cheapest, the easiest, and the most relaxing form of adventure travel out there.

"Climbing is almost meditative in that it forces people to forget about everything else going on in their lives and focus completely on the task at hand" (Crysdale, 1). For this reason, anyone can take part in this exciting sport. So find some free time and grab your hiking boots. Mountain climbing is an activity that can be done all across the globe in any type of atmosphere. Mix up your locations and you will be amazed at how much easier your life will become as your problems and worries vanish into the atmosphere above. Instead of drinking you troubles away, try climbing them away.

You will get much more out of the experience and feel better about yourself in the end. It is never too late to start. So get climbing!

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