Endless Options of the Outback

15 February, 2007

Endless Options of the Outback

If you’re enjoying the summer heat and reluctant to see the warm weather disappear then a trip to Australia’s Outback during May to September could be just what the doctor ordered.

Australia is the oldest and most stable continent in the world – this is the essence of the Australian Outback. Its mystery and intrigue continues to lure visitors from around the world and still holds the interest of New Zealanders.

The Outback has something for everyone, from adventure and history to relaxing and getting away from it all. An Outback experience can be as rugged or luxurious as you like, making it an ideal holiday destination to suit the whole family.

Vito Anzelmi, Regional Manager for Tourism Australia in New Zealand suggests the Australian Outback as an ideal destination for New Zealanders wanting to experience something completely different that they can not do at home.

“The Australian Outback is impressive and uniquely Australia. More than 80 per cent of Australia’s population live on just one per cent of the countries land, making the Outback a vast, largely untouched and exciting place full of natural wonders.”

“Visitors can go deep into the Outback and experience rural Australia at its best or for a taste of the Outback there are many fascinating sites within short driving distances from Australia’s cities,” says Anzelmi.

For a holiday experience with a difference, why not discover life on a cattle station deep in the heart of the Outback. Australia produces more than 70 per cent of the world’s wool and with 27 million heads of cattle, Australia is the world’s largest exporter of beef, making sheep and cattle stations extremely important in Australia.

For cattle station adventures try Anna Creek Station in South Australia, which is the largest cattle station in the world, covering an area of 24,000 square kilometres, the equivalent size as Belgium.

Bullo River Station, situated in the northwestern corner of the Northern Territory, is another cattle station ideal for immersing yourself in Outback life. The station is encircled by the waters of the Victoria River and surrounded by rugged hills inscribed with Aboriginal rock art.

Activities at Bullo River Station range from river cruises to fish and crocodile spotting right through to cattle mustering and bull-catching. Helicopter tours are a great way to take in the vast property and catch sight of the many local animals wondering among the native Boab trees. Bullo River Station is not only home to over 9,000 brahman-cross cattle but also to wallabies, dingoes, wild buffalo, migratory birds, fish and crocodile.

Cattle mustering and bull-catching are the highlights of a visit to a working cattle station. Being able to get your hands dirty and handling the stock will ensure visitors have an experience to remember that is vastly different to city life in New Zealand.

If cattle mustering and bull-catching sound too adventurous then a trip to Kalgoorlie mining town could be an option. This authentic frontier Outback town is full of distinctive architecture and character. The town is famous for gold mining and is home to the amazing Super Pit, the world’s biggest open cut gold mine.

Alternatively, there is always the option of interpreting aboriginal rock art with a local guide at Uluru, or learning about the hundreds of animals that live in the Outback - you can even try bush tucker first-hand!

Being able to experience and enjoy the wonders of the Outback doesn’t always mean you need to travel deep into the rugged landscape. There are many interesting Outback spots waiting to be discovered on the outskirts of most Australian cities.

Only 220 kilometers out of Adelaide, The Flinders Ranges is within easy reach of the city, but still holds the essence of the Australian Outback. With paved and less rugged roads, The Flinders Ranges is easily accessible by two-wheel-drive vehicles and has many cycling and walking tracks for visitors to explore.

Many tour companies offer riding experiences from cattle drives to camel safaris through the Outback, which offer a different perspective at a slower pace. Riding horseback through the Outback is a great way for Kiwi’s to enjoy the native Australian wildlife.

For a literal taste of the Outback there are a number of culinary spots to enjoy. Kiwi’s are able to sample food and wine from the region, putting Australian wine to the test. Tasting delicacies unique to each region such as gourmet meats and bush food plantations is a highlight of the Outback. Tasting a quandong pie or saltbush lamb at one of the number of bush bakeries is a must for a truly Australian experience!

Another unique Outback experience, which is less than 100 kilometres outside Perth, is a visit to the famous pub at Castle Hotel, in York. Built in 1853 by convicts, this Outback pub looks the same on the outside as it did 150 years ago, adding to its quaint Australian charm. The interior has been refurbished and includes hotel and motel style accommodation and a swimming pool, making this an ideal spot to pop in and enjoy some true Australian Outback hospitality.

The Outback Spectacular dinner show, just outside of Surfers Paradise, is a perfect way to experience the Outback, without having to travel too far. This attraction thunders every night with the sounds of the Outback and the hooves of the horses of the show. Full of drama and action, this dinner show brings the Outback to you and is fantastic entertainment while still enabling visitors to get a feel for the great Outback.

The Australian Outback is easily accessible, and with Australia just a hop over the Tasman from New Zealand, the Outback is an ideal holiday destination for adventure or total relaxation.

ENDS

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