FROM THE GREAT BARRIER REEF TO THE DAINTREE RAINFOREST AND THE TWELVE APOSTLES, AUSTRALIA HAS AN ABUNDANCE OF WORLD-FAMOUS NATURAL LANDMARKS.
Sadly, these well-known sites often overshadow some of the lesser-known spots, many of which deserve some time in the spotlight.
One of these forgotten spots is the Gunbower Island Wetlands.
Home to a diverse range of waterbirds, wildlife and aquatic plants, the wetland is a nature lover’s dream.
Birds such as sea eagles, ibis, spoonbills and herons frequent the wetland, as do kingfishers, parrots and swallows.
On a hot summer day, freshwater turtles can be seen sunbathing on logs, and kangaroos, emus and wallabies feed along the banks of the lagoon.
For those who like to spend their summer days keeping active, the wetland also features numerous cycling trails — the 8km Gum Lagoon Cockatoo Trail being a popular choice.
There is also a 5km canoe trail. The course is marked by yellow buoys and takes about two hours to complete.
Camping spots are available for free nearby for those wishing to spend a bit longer than a day trip, with fireplaces also available.
This culturally significant wetland is a definite must-do this summer.
The Gunbower Island Wetlands is located inside the Gunbower Island State Forest