australia

The 2010s saw an increase in fiery destruction throughout the world, but 2019 was a standout year of disaster. Fires have raged wildly all across the planet, costing billions in property damage and causing hundreds of casualties. While fires are a relatively common occurrence, the terrifying increase of infernos has led to alarm and panic, especially from those living in drier climates. Questions have piled up surrounding this topic: Where are these fires occurring? What is causing these conflagrations? What hazards do they pose to the planet and to our health? How do we prevent them from escalating in the future? California Of the twenty most destructive fires in California, ten have occurred within the last five years. According to the Independent Institute, the most destructive and deadly fire was the Butte County Camp Fire in 2018, which killed 85 people and destroyed 14,000 residences. While 2019 may have been a relatively tame year in comparison to the infernos Californians faced in 2017 and 2018, thousands of residents still felt the effects of the spreading danger. An estimated 800,000 people were left without power for several days as electric companies attempted to tame the electrical arcing from power lines—arcing which could spark even more fires. Two of the most devastating fires acreage-wise were the Walker and Kincade fires, which destroyed 54,612 acres and 77,758 acres respectively. According to the California Government Fire website, the state of California faced over 7,800 wildfires, with 200,000 acres burned, 732 structures destroyed, and three people killed. Australia Unlike California, where most of the wildfires of 2019 could be contained and extinguished by the end of the year, the bush fires in Australia remained hot until early 2020. Millions of acres have been burned, thousands of houses obliterated, and dozens of people injured or killed. Just because the fire is out doesn’t mean that the danger is over. The most devastating fires recorded are fires in New South Wales, where fires burned over 12,000,000 acres, demolished more than 2,000 houses, and killed 25 people. Many of the fires are attributed to dry conditions and lightning strikes, with many territories and counties being put under extreme fire danger warnings; East Gippsland even declared a state of disaster. Ecologists from the University of Sydney said that since September about 480 million animals were lost to the fires. They shared concerns that the fires possibly wiped out entire specifies of both plants and animals. Amazon There are very few people who could (or would) undermine the Amazon rainforest’s importance to the global ecosystem. According to the World Wildlife Fund, the Amazon contains over “half of the planet's remaining tropical rainforests” and is the largest and most biodiverse rainforest on the planet. There are an estimated 390 billion individual trees in the Amazon, and they play a significant role in stabilizing the global climate. Experts have noted a surge of fire activity in the Amazon over the last several years; however, the cataclysmic fires that raged from January to October in 2019 were a turning point. Millions of acres burned, with the most blame placed on slash-and-burn farming as well as unusually dry weather and higher temperatures. Effects of Fires On Humans

When you think of the Australian outback, images of dusty plains and heat-scorched tundra are probably your general expectation. However, the vibrant continent can provide travelers with more than just contrived expectations of crocodile wrestling and kangaroo chasing. Sydney, the capital of New South Wales, Australia, is the perfect stop on a tour of the Southern Hemisphere. Sandra Bradshaw, summertime explorer and adventure seeker, claims that Sydney, Australia, is one of those places where you can get the best of both worlds. “It’s more of an off-the-radar vacation, because people tend to go to Europe,” she says. “You get the city life and the outback here. It’s a two-for-one special.”

Communities around the world come together to celebrate animals in these fun festivals. Pied Piper Duch Show Sydney, AustraliaDolled-up ducks waddle down the runway in Sydney during the Pied Piper Duck Show. These ducks, dressed from head to toe in haute couture, are a tribute to the stylish Abigail and Amelia from Disney’s Aristocats. Local farmer Brian Harrington has been working with professional dressmakers to outfit lucky ducks and geese for over 30 years, creating a unique event that parallels New York Fashion Week.www.webarchive.org/ Velas Turtle Festival Maharashtra, IndiaThe most important day of a turtle’s life is the day that it hatches and crawls toward the sea. At the Velas Turtle Festival, spectators gather to watch tiny turtles emerge from their eggs and make their trek to the ocean. The festival is a celebration of the once-endangered olive ridley turtle. Those who wish to attend this festival are advised to spend several days on the beach so they can be sure to witness the hatching process.traveltriangle.com/ Woolly Worm Festival North Carolina, USA Picture of a woolly bear caterpillar (woolly worm). The furry black and orange caterpillar is the larval stage of the Isabella Tiger moth.You might be familiar with Punxsutawney Phil, the weather-forecasting wonder of a groundhog, but have you ever heard about the meteorological abilities of woolly worms? When the woolly worm’s back is mostly brown, the winter will be mild. When the worm’s back is mostly black, the upcoming winter is predicted to be harsh. During the festival, worms participate in races. The owner of the fastest worm wins the honor of their woolly worm predicting the state of the upcoming winter.www.woollyworm.com Alpabfahrt Lucerne, SwitzerlandEach September, Switzerland is flooded with clopping hooves as 380,000 cows descend from the Alps and take to the streets in preparation for winter. Adorned with flower crowns and clanging cowbells, they parade in front of tourists and locals. The cows begin their trek at the top of the mountains at dawn. Along their path, local vendors sell goods and parade-goers celebrate with music and dance. At the end of the day the cows take a well-deserved rest in the local stables.www.swissclubnsw.com/ Monkey Buffet Lopburi, ThailandOnce a year in Thailand, residents throw a feast for an unlikely population: monkeys. In the days leading up to the festival, locals distribute party invitations (complete with a cashew treat) to the monkeys. On the day of the celebration, performers don monkey costumes and lure the macaques out of the forests with a dance. The monkeys are met with several tons of food on banquet tables inside the ruins of a thirteenth-century templewww.ripleys.com/ Festival de Aves Viña del Mar, Chile If you want to see a beautiful array of tropical birds, look no further than the Pacific coast of Chile. Each fall, professional birdwatchers and novices alike gather in Viña del Mar to catch a glimpse of more than 140 breeds of birds in their natural environment. Festival attendees can embark on guided excursions, attend lectures given by ornithologists, or set off on their own to see what birds they can find.festivaldeaves.cl/—Sarah Helzer

Where did China get its first cup of tea? Who invented boomerangs in Australia? How did African leopards get their spots? Though there are plenty of factual answers to these questions, we can often learn more about a country from its bedtime stories than its history books. After all, humans have used stories to explain their surroundings for thousands of years, passing legends down from generation to generation. Through these legends, we learn about the gods our ancestors worshipped, the traditions they held dear, and their relationships with the world and the people around them.

The Great Ocean Road stretches across the southern border of Victoria, Australia, running 151 miles. Cutting across dense forests, along stunning coastlines, and around steep hills, the Great Ocean Road is considered one of the most beautiful roads in the world.

Perth is a crossroads, a meeting place for both true blue descendants of convicts and new immigrants starting again.

People watch animal documentaries because, as human beings, we find animal behavior absolutely fascinating. There’s something about seeing the rawness of nature in wildlife that intrigues us, since people are typically far removed from anything wild. We may take it a step beyond watching a documentary, or maybe we go to the zoo to see these animals up close. However, nothing compares to seeing these majestic, exotic creatures interacting in their natural habitats. To protect both the creatures and their habitats from uncontrolled intrusions, many organizations around the world have created preservation centers and wildlife parks. Touring these protected natural sites can give visitors the best look into the eyes of a truly wild animal.

The moment visitors step into the Outback, they know. The Outback has been described as a feeling, rather than a specific geographic area. Whether through its beautiful outdoors or fascinating history, the Outback brings out the spirit of adventure in even those who least expect it.

Have you ever questioned how Earth and the people on it began? Many cultures’ ideologies and religious beliefs have important, but different, creation stories that teach that the world was created by different deities through various processes. Enrich your travel experiences by paying attention to the footprints that local religions leave on each location. We’ve compiled a list of six creation stories from around the world to help you better understand the cultures you may visit. But don’t stop here! Before you travel, remember to research the local culture and religion to enrich your visit with the locals.

Between the beaches of Torquay and the riverbanks of Allansford, the Great Ocean Road teeters on Australia’s edge. This famous highway snakes through 18 diverse cities, all with different adventures to be had. This road offers the best route to see all sides of Australia’s culture. Whether you are exploring the Otways Forest or catching rays at Apollo Bay, the scenic views will take your breath away. The jagged limestone rock formations create a choppy coastline worthy of Shipwreck Coast’s name. (Photo by Jim Hoffman cc)Explore the CoastThe city of Warrnambool is found along Shipwreck Coast. Shipwreck Coast received its name because of the 50 known ships that disappeared under the waves at this rocky coastline. The Twelve Apostles rock formations create dangerous conditions for local ships. Visitors can learn about the haunting history of these ships on the Historic Shipwreck Trail. A map reveals the location of each of the known shipwrecks and the suspected cause of the ship’s demise. For those tourists wanting a closer view, they can scuba dive 250 meters outside of Warrnambool’s breakwater to investigate the haunting underwater ruins of the ship La Bella, which sank in 1905 but is still mostly intact. The helm of La Bella is the ultimate place for high adventurers. Australia’s iconic animals like the kangaroo can be found up and down the coastline and inland of the Great Ocean Road. (Photo by Hadi Zaher cc)Go Back in TimeThe Great Ocean Road is not only about high adventure places. Visitors can appreciate a relaxing atmosphere on the streets of Port Fairy, a fishing village on the west end of the Great Ocean Road. This historic town is populated with boutiques, art galleries, and antique stores at every turn. The nineteenth-century cottages transport every visitor to another time.Visit the Local MarketThere are many markets in the Ballarine Peninsula, but none so expansive and popular as Point Lonsdale Market. On the second Sunday of each month, over 150 stalls are open for business, selling crafts, artwork, jams, produce, and more. Stopping at the market not only is the perfect time to pick up souvenirs, but it is also a great way to be immersed in the Australian culture. The variety found in this market is perfect for travelers of all ages and all personalities.Follow a Guiding LightSplit Point Lighthouse is a stunning attraction for any tourist. Also known as “The White Queen,” Split Point stands proudly on Aireys Inlet’s shores. Although the lighthouse has been guiding ships back to her shores since 1891, Split Point Lighthouse only recently opened to tourists in 2013. Visitors can now take a forty-five-minute tour of this striking monument. The top of the lighthouse reveals a dramatic view of the coastline; it is a must-see on the Great Ocean Road.Soar Through the TreesAustralia is famous for its seaside adventures, but this continent holds just as much beauty inland. The Otway Rainforest is the perfect destination to appreciate a different side of Australia. Visitors can see the rainforest thirty meters above on the Tree Top Walk, a steel walkway that stretches a mile through the forest. This walkway reaches the height of forty-seven meters at the spiral tower, the focal point of the floating trail. For those hoping for a bit more excitement, they can sightsee the forest on a zip line tour with six different flights. Either path you choose, there is no denying the Otway Rainforest is the perfect place to see how exquisitely green Australia can be.Explore the MuseumThe last stop on this Australian road trip is in the small town of Queenscliff. Packed with history, Queenscliff is the best place to get a glimpse of the past. The Queenscliff Historical Museum attracts people from all around the world with a vast number of paintings, newspapers, photographs, and documents that capture the culture of Australia. But Queenscliff isn’t limited to its history on the land; it has a history in the sea as well. Visitors can experience this at the Queenscliff Maritime Museum. This museum is home to shipwreck artifacts, early diving equipment, and various models of the underwater landscapes.These are just some of the ideal city stops to make while riding the Great Ocean Road, but every city has its unique flavor. The entire stretch of the Great Ocean Road is less than a 7-hour road trip, which offers plenty of time for visitors to investigate the cities. Whether you are an adventurous explorer or a down-to-earth sightseer, the Great Ocean Road has a city just for you. Take a trip to see every bit of Australia’s landscape and culture all on one highway.—Cherie Stewart

Want to feel at home in a new culture? Visit the following festivals around the world to learn how to dance, sing, eat, and enjoy like a local. These festivals celebrate traditions passed down through generations and are guaranteed to increase your appreciation and understanding of other cultures.

Photo by Başak Ekinci. cc

If you’re not quite ready for the warm weather to leave as fall creeps in, Undara Volcanic National Park in North Queensland is the perfect place to enjoy Australia’s springtime, avoid crowds, and see something others rarely see when they visit Australia.