Why I’m visiting Australia now- despite the bushfires!
If you’ve been watching the news, scrolling social media or generally just existing in this world – I’m sure you’ve heard of the bush fires ravaging Australia at the moment. Australia is literally ON FIRE so we definitely shouldn’t travel there right now, right? Wrong.
Australia is massive country with large parts unaffected in the areas that are especially popular for travelers like Cairns and the Great Barrier Reef.
Keep in mind, Australia is roughly the size of the United States. So if there was an earthquake in Los Angeles would you cancel your trip to New York? Of course not. While a horrible percentage of wildlife, homes, lives and land have been destroyed by the fire- we can continue to support Australia by visiting.
While the fires have taken a horrible toll on this beautiful country, they have not destroyed the wonderful spirit of the Aussie people who are still very keen to show you how much the country still has to offer at the present moment despite the fires.
Only two days in the country and I have had countless people reach out- eager to show us their (still) beautiful country!
I repeat: Australia is not off limits.
Australia is the 6th largest country in the world and incredibly diverse. Despite the bushfires, there is so much to see and do.
Why you shouldn’t cancel a trip to Australia right now:
Sadly Australian tourism is suffering from a cascade of cancelled bookings resulting in incalculable amounts of tourism dollars lost. Dollars that can be used to be rebuild and continue to fund a country currently in need. Throughout history, tourism has played an important role in recovery when a country suffers at the hands of a natural disaster.
So can a travel blogger sharing pretty pictures actually be of any value to countries in need?
Yes. Absolutely. While there needs to be a focus on rebuilding in countries like Australia and the Bahamas, people looking to vacation or honeymoon have the spending power to bring that money back into the country’s economy.
People must still see that tourism is alive and well. That while a fire or hurricane is terrible ordeal, it’s not the end of the country as we know it. Only if we let it be.
How You Can Help
Of course, monetary donations are immensely helpful. (See next section!) But did you know reducing the amount of beef you eat can majorly reduce greenhouse gas emissions? While bushfires are an annual occurrence in Australia, the fires of 2019/2020 were made much worse by climate change. A meat heavy diet is unfortunately a massive contributor.
Sadly, the livestock sector — raising chickens, pig and cows — generates as much greenhouse gas emissions as all cars, trucks and automobiles COMBINED.
So eating less meat will help- what about flights?
I’ve committed to taking fewer flights this year by extending my travels. So instead of multiple short trips, I’ve chosen to spend longer amounts of time in each country. For the month I’m spending in Australia, we are renting a camper van and driving up the coast. More road trips and less flights!
Read: VAN LIFE IN AUSTRALIA: DON’T FORGET TO PACK THESE 8 THINGS!
Where I’ve Personally Donated
In addition to donating to the Australian Red Cross and local firefighting chapters, I chose to donate to a cause that was dear to my heart. Sadly, nearly half a BILLION animals have perished in the blaze of wildfires. Almost 1/3 of the koala population. In New South Whales alone, 8,000 koalas died in the fire.
All over Australia, wildlife hospitals or sanctuary exist. But during the bushfires, they have been receiving an overwhelming amount of furry patients so donations are critical to accommodate the influx of animals being treated. I selected the Koala + Wildlife Hospital in Adelaide to donate to because I really believe in their mission!
Adelaide Koala + Wildlife Hospital
You can even adopt a specific patient here.
My Visit To The Australia Zoo Wildlife Hospital
On my second day in Australia, we visited the wildlife hospital founded by Steve and Terri Irwin in 2002 with a mission to involve people in the caring of injured, endangered, or threatened wildlife. With nearly 100 koalas in the hospital at one time, this facility is equipped to look after large numbers of animals.
From reptiles to birds and mammals, the Irwins and their team of vets look after every type of animal that comes through their doors. The hospital receives approximately 100 calls a day from people who have spotted an animal in distress and needing care.
Donate to the Wildlife Warriors here.
Safety: Track the bushfires with apps like Fires Near Me.
The fires have lessened thanks to some much needed rain. But you can still track any nearby fires on a variety of apps or websites like Fires Near Me.
So please, still consider booking a trip to Australia. And certainly don’t cancel your plans to come here! In fact, I’d encourage you to stay a little longer than you originally planned
