The summer of late 2019 and early 2020 has been catastrophic for Australia. The Land Down Under has suffered unprecedented bushfires that have wreaked complete havoc across the countryside, destroying homes, businesses, and natural habitat for thousands of native animals. Aside from donating, we can help by choosing to visit Australia and some of its most affected regions. Read on to find out where you should go on your next Aussie vacation.

See The Wildlife On Kangaroo Island, South Australia

Kangaroo Island was hit hard by the bushfires that devastated Australia in late 2019 and 2020. It’s been estimated that almost half of the island was charred by fire, with nearly 60 homes lost and around 25,000 koalas now dead. But several of the local businesses are still open on Kangaroo Island and now they need the support of tourists more than ever before. The east of the island was unaffected by the fires and is still a stunning place to relax and rejuvenate. There are still attractions, eateries, and lodgings open for business and ready to welcome back travelers. The Kangaroo Island Wildlife Park is one of the island’s top attractions as it allows visitors to get up close and personal with beautiful native species. The park has also been playing their part to help the animals that have been left injured and homeless following the fires, so now is a particularly good time to visit and support them. Some of the animals that you’ll see (and may even get up close and personal with!) a the park include koalas, dingoes, wombats, and penguins. RELATED: 10 Safest Cities In Australia

Drop Into Blackwood, Clunes, And Metung, Victoria

The state of Victoria has suffered extensively during the latest bushfire season, with the government even declaring a state of emergency. While several townships and areas within the Victorian countryside are still recovering, many have also reopened their doors to travelers. Around an hour outside the city of Melbourne is Blackwood, a small town that boasts a nursery and restaurant serving up the freshest locally sourced ingredients. Located close to Blackwood is Clunes, which is a preserved town dating back to the gold rush era. This is also where parts of the original Mad Max was filmed. Located in the Gippsland region, Metung is one small town that has seen its tourism levels drop. But there are lots of reasons to visit, including the fresh seafood on offer and the opportunity to enjoy many watersports. It is also a great place to learn about Indigenous Australian culture. RELATED: 10 Free Things To Do In Australia

The Country’s Capital Needs A Boost In Tourism

Although Canberra hasn’t been affected by the fires in the same way that other areas have, the capital city could still use a boost in tourism as numbers have dropped following the international coverage of the disaster. Canberra is a haven for history buffs as it’s home to some of the most popular museums in the country. Here you’ll find the prestigious National Museum of Australia, the Australian War Memorial, the Canberra Museum and Gallery, and the National Science and Technology Center. Visitors to Canberra also typically enjoy seeing Parliament House and the Australian National Botanic Gardens, which host countless species of indigenous and exotic plants. RELATED: 20 Sad Photos Of Australia's Great Barrier Reef

The Blue Mountains Are Now Safe For Travelers Again

Tourists are being encouraged to return to the Blue Mountains in New South Wales, an area that was previously affected by the fires. The region is famous for its dramatic scenery, where you’ll find forests of eucalyptus, charming villages, and gushing waterfalls.

Many travelers visit the Blue Mountains National Park to take advantage of its network of bushwalking trails. The park also offers views of the famous sandstone rock formation known as the Three Sisters. Many sections of the park have now been reopened and visitors are once again free to enjoy the lookouts and picnic areas.

Local businesses have been left struggling as thousands of tourists have avoided the Blue Mountains over the usually busy Christmas break, so the tourism board is determined to boost their numbers of tourists in 2020.

Support Local Businesses In The Adelaide Hills

Usually known as a flourishing region offering the finest produce, the Adelaide Hills has lost a third of its vineyards in the bushfires. Wineries and other local businesses have suffered as a result of fires that have scorched homes across the region, so the Adelaide Hills are also in need of visitors to support the local economy. Located to the east of the city of Adelaide, the Adelaide Hills house countless attractions and local treasures that are worth visiting. Among them is the historic township of Hahndorf, the nearby Beerenberg farm, and a collection of wineries, breweries, and distilleries. Aside from the iconic wineries and cellar doors, you’ll also find a collection of premium-quality restaurants that foodies will love. NEXT: 10 Best Places To Surf In Australia