Australian Traveller draws ever closer to solving one of its greatest myths: are Hoop Snakes real?
Forget the ubiquitous and highly nefarious Drop Bear. The dreaded Hoop Snake is the real scourge of the Australian outback.
The hoop snake began life as an American myth. Native to hilly or mountainous areas, when disturbed it’s said to form a rigid hoop by clasping tail in mouth and pursuing you silently and swiftly, using the slope to gain terrifying speed. Sightings in the US are still reported, with one naturalist offering $10,000 to the first confirmed evidence of a hoop snake. That money remains unclaimed.
Most online blogs or forums advising overseas visitors of the dangers of spiders and reptiles within Australia have at least one reference to hoop snakes and how best to evade attacks (usually something like “jump through the hoop to confuse it, then make your escape"). AT even discovered one lengthy exchange between a potential buyer and seller of a captive hoop snake. As the hapless purchaser drew nearer to making a decision, all kinds of advice from online onlookers poured in: be careful to build a big enclosure so it can hoop properly; make sure one end is higher than the other; perhaps use a small paddock on a hillside. Eventually the penny dropped and the sale aborted.
Three-toed skink.
In terms of the real thing, the nearest AT could find is the three-toed skink (Saiphos equalis) pictured above, a similar shot had been captured by Chris Rehberg who manages the excellent local action and conservation website www.wherelightmeetsdark.com.
Chris came across the rare skink in the southern Sydney suburb of Peakhurst (interestingly, among Chris’ stated missions in life is to “slowly but surely capture all Sydney skink species in photographs.")
Has he stumbled upon the real life Aussie hoop snake? Or at least a possible source of the legend here on our shores? When frightened, this skink shows off its reddened underbelly by curling into a tight hoop, but there’s certainly never been evidence of the tiny creatures (they only measure a few centimetres in length) attacking in full hoop formation. So it would appear the outback remains safe.
For now.
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There’s nothing like the freedom and flexibility of a road trip – made all the better with local knowledge.
From the rugged coast to the spiritual centre of the country, Australians are spoilt for choice when it comes to legendary drives. And hitting the road and meeting locals who can share their favourite spots along the way is one of the best ways to get to a destination’s heart.
These six epic road trips are a good place to start, basing yourself at locally run Quest Apartment Hotels to take advantage of insider travel tips and convenience aplenty.
1. Journey along the Murray: Mildura – Echuca – Wodonga
Explore the Murray. (Image: Visit Victoria)
Australia’s longest river is dotted with charming towns. In Mildura, a brew from Brother Chris will energise you for a day exploring Mungo National Park, featuring 240,000 hectares of lunar-like landscapes, ending with a restful night at Quest Mildura.
A day cruising with Murray River Paddlesteamers is a must-do. And make sure you visit Two Lads Brewing; Quest Echuca business owner Brendan Du Kamp says its crisp lager “has a wonderful reputation for converting even the most devoted traditional beer lovers”. Unwind at the centrally located Quest Echuca.
In Wodonga, Miss Amelie delivers the region’s best gourmet finds, and Mungabareena Reserve and Water Works offers fishing, swimming and picnic spots. End the day on a high note with a night at the spacious Quest Wodonga.
2. Through the heart of Australia: Adelaide – Alice Springs – Darwin
Stay close to Adelaide’s best attractions at Quest on Franklin.
Venturing through Australia’s spiritual heart is an unforgettable experience. Starting in Adelaide, check into Quest on Franklin, a convenient base for discovering the best activities – including Adelaide Central Market and the Waterfall Gully to Mt Lofty summit hike.
Further north, Quest Alice Springs owner Sherry Li recommends you “take the time to explore the galleries and cafes, chat with the locals and venture beyond the town centre”. The culturally significant Angkerle Atwatye (Standley Chasm) and Alice Springs Desert Park beckon to be explored; afterwards, beat the heat with rooftop cocktails at Quest Alice Springs.
Up north, golden sunsets and barramundi await at Darwin Sailing Club, as does the pet-friendly Quest Palmerston, loved for its outdoor swimming pool and proximity to Palmerston Markets.
Greet the day from Castle Hill. (Image: Katie Purling)
Head from the city to the tropics, starting with a Brisbane culture fix at the Queensland Cultural Centre before enjoying drinks overlooking the river at Howard Smith Wharves. Sleep over at one of 11 Quest properties conveniently peppered across the city, including Quest Woolloongabba.
After heading north to Rockhampton, explore the Dreamtime Cultural Centre then marvel at Mt Archer National Park and Fitzroy River views from Quest Rockhampton.
Next, venture to Mackay, where the picturesque coast and sugarcane fields are easily accessible from Quest Mackay on Gordon.Even further north,in Townsville, Alison Rayner, business owner of the perfectly placed Quest Townsville on Eyre, recommends enjoying the sunrise from Castle Hill and the ‘Just Feed Me’ menu from Shorehouse.
4. The Western Way: Fremantle – Rockingham – Bunbury
Quest Bunbury puts you steps from Bunbury’s Koombana Bay, home to over 100 wild bottlenose dolphins. Make sure to also visit the Bunbury Regional Art Gallery (BRAG), found inside a historic former convent.
5. Follow the vines: Griffith – Orange – Singleton
Don’t miss the steak frites at Monty’s.
Immerse yourself in the flavours of the Riverina viticulture. In Griffith, sip montepulciano at Calabria Family Wines and the award-winning Noble One Botrytis Semillon at De Bortoli. It’s all easily accessible from Quest Griffith, where modern rooms are flooded with natural light.
Amy van de Ven, Quest Orange business owner, recommends visiting family-owned ChaLou Wines and Printhie Wines in Orange. “Finish with a long lunch or dinner at Quest Orange’s newest onsite restaurant, Monty’s Restaurant & Bar, where the steak frites are hard to beat, and you’ll find arguably the region’s best tiramisu,” she says. Make life easy by cocooning yourself at Quest Orange.
In the Hunter Valley, bed down at Quest Singleton, where tasteful rooms feature deep soaking baths and you’re well-placed to sip world-class drops at Brokenwood Wines and dine at two-hatted Muse.
6. Goldfields to Great Ocean Road: Geelong – Ballarat – Warrnambool
Taste Geelong’s delights. (Image: Visit Victoria)
This diverse adventure takes you from port city to historic town to rugged coastline. Begin in Geelong, brimming with culinary delights, culture and natural beauty that’s ready to be discovered at Little Malop Street and the rooftop patio at Quest Geelong.
Ballarat’s colourful Gold Rush history can be explored at Sovereign Hill, and the region’s top produce can be sampled at popular spirit and wine bar Roy Hammond. Quest Ballarat Station and its luxe rooms is the perfect place to hole up during your stay.
For an unforgettable Aussie experience, Naomi Slape – owner of Quest Warrnambool – recommends visiting Tower Hill Wildlife Reserve, a dormant volcano where you can spot koalas, emus and wallabies in the wild. Quest Warrnambool is just steps from the idyllic McGennans Beach and across the road from the Warrnambool Art Gallery.
