Australia: Adventurous Outback Getaways

The Australian Outback is one of those unique places that everyone should explore at least once in their lifetime.

The Outback refers to the large dry inland area of Australia, and the sheer size of it means that you could spend weeks immersed in touring the small towns, breathtaking natural attractions, beautiful scenery, and unusual stops along the way. Having a car gives you the freedom to see more during your trip, and also gives you the flexibility to partake in spontaneous adventures whenever they strike your fancy.  Check out some of the incredible attractions on offer for your adventure into the Australian Outback.

Ride a Camel in Alice Springs

One of the most popular destinations in the Outback is the town of Alice Springs. Located almost exactly in the centre of Australia, the town is known for its pioneers and Aboriginal communities. While there are a variety of interesting activities and attractions in Alice Springs, one thing you should definitely not miss out on is the chance to ride a camel. Companies like Pyndan Camel Tracks organise a range of tours on camels that explore the incredible landscape around Alice Springs. You can ride through the Ilparpa Valley and admire the stunning peaks of the MacDonnell Mountains all around you. If you happen to be in the area during July, be sure to attend the Camel Cup, a race that draws thousands of visitors from all over Australia.

Go Fossicking in Yowah

Fossicking, which simply means prospecting, is an interesting activity that is one of the major attractions in the remote town of Yowah in South Western Queensland. If you are travelling anywhere in the area, it can be an incredible way to spend a few days. Just $8.70AUD from the Yowah general store will get you a license for one month of mining, and you can head to the nearby fields to try your luck at mining for opals. Even if you don’t find anything, you can still venture on an underground opal mining tour or scoop up surprisingly affordable opals from the handful of stores and galleries in the town. Just outside of town is a slightly elevated area known as The Bluff, and the incredible views from this point give perspective on just how flat the entire region truly is.

Trace the Golden Quest Discovery Trail

This incredible 965-kilometre trail in Western Australia winds through some of the most important landmarks in the region. Over the course of the journey, you will pass through Lake Ballard, which is a remote and fascinating salt lake, historic mining towns, and charming villages with lively pubs. Many of the destinations are included because of their connection to gold mining, but others are simply included because of their historical or cultural significance. The sculptures by Antony Gormley, for example, are a bizarre collection of casts made from the bodies of nearby residents, all of which stand isolated on a salt lake.

Go Fishing on the Victoria River

The Australian Outback is primarily thought of as a completely dry and barren landscape. While much of the area certainly fits that description, there is also plenty of lush wildlife and greenery closer to the region’s life source, the Victoria River. Located in the Northern Territory, the Victoria River is one of the best places to go fishing in all of Australia. You can stand on the shoreline and catch a Barramundi cod, or you can join a guided fishing tour to take you to some popular local spots. Even those who aren’t interested in fishing will love the boat trips that help you spot crocodiles living nearby.

Bushwalk the Jatbula Trail

For those who are feeling truly adventurous, the Jatbula Trail is an excellent opportunity to get up close and personal with the Outback. Start by driving to Katherine in the Northern Territory, and then set off on this 58-kilometre journey on foot that will pass through the breathtaking Nitmiluk National Park, and end at Edith Falls.

Despite its unwarranted reputation as a dry, barren and arid landscape, the Australian Outback is an interesting and diverse tourist destination. From river tours to salt lakes to mining towns, travellers will have the adventure of a lifetime when exploring the region.

 About the Author: Stephen Frazer writes at www.slowrollerabroad.com about the ramblings of an Irishman abroad.