Central Australia is located in the heart of the Australian continent, and is home of the most significant icons of Australian and Aboriginal culture including Uluru (Ayers Rock) and Kata Tjuta (The Olgas), the outback town of Alice Springs, the Ghan railway, and Aboriginal art centres such as Papunya and Hermannsburg. Central Australia is also home to the true Outback spirit of Australia. Whether you're visiting from elsewhere in Australia or from overseas, Central Australia epitomises the vast and unspoiled wonder of Australia's desert interior.
Nature is overwhelming in Central Australia. Red sand and rock dominates the landscape, and crystal clear skies are alive with a million-star display almost every night of the year. The enormous range of unique flora and fauna found in the Red Centre is proof that, while the climate is arid, the land is rich and bountiful. Kangaroos, wallabies, dingoes, emus, echidnas, perenties, goannas, geckos and huge eagles are just some of the animals found in Central Australia, as well as imported species such as camels.
The unofficial capital of Central Australia is the town of Alice Springs, established by 19th century European and Afghan pioneers who opened up Australia's interior. Today, Alice Springs is a modern outback town with all comforts and none of the hassles of a major capital city, and is the perfect base from which to tour the region, from Uluru and Kata Tjuta in the south to Tennant Creek in the north.
The Aboriginal presence in Central Australia is strong, with living cultural and spiritual traditions connecting indigenous people to the region's landscapes and landmarks. A visit to Central Australia will provide ample opportunities to learn about and understand both traditional and contemporary Aboriginal culture. For anyone interested in authentic Aboriginal dot painting, Alice Springs is home to a large number of Aboriginal art galleries.
To get the best out of a Central Australian tour, visitors should allow at least seven to ten days. While Uluru, Kata Tjuta and Kings Canyon are undoubtedly major Central Australian tour destinations, visitors can appreciate an enormous variety of stunning natural locations all within an hour or two's drive from Alice Springs. Popular destinations in the Eastern and Western MacDonnell Ranges include Trephina Gorge, Arltunga, Simpson's Gap, Standley Chasm, Ormiston Gorge, Glen Helen and Palm Valley.
Attractions right in Alice Springs itself include the Olive Pink Botanical Gardens, the Desert Park, and the Old Telegraph Station where Alice Springs was first established. For visitors who wish to experience the true heart and soul of the Australian continent and its history and cultural diversity, a week in Central Australia is an experience not to be missed!
Tuesday, December 30, 2008
Saturday, December 20, 2008
Central Australia: The Eastern MacDonnell Ranges
The rugged ridges of the Eastern MacDonnell Ranges stretch east from the outback Central Australian town of Alice Springs for some 200 kilometres, and are every bit as picturesque as the better known West MacDonnell Ranges. The ranges are home a spectacular array of natural features and landscapes, all within an easy hour or two from Alice Springs by car.
Access to the Eastern MacDonnell Ranges is via the Ross Highway east from Alice Springs. The road is sealed for the first 75 kilometres, with an unsealed road continuing to the Ross River Homestead and Arltunga. The unsealed road is maintained in good condition and is suitable for two-wheel-drive vehicles and caravans. Many tracks in the region, such as those extending from Arltunga to Ruby Gap Nature Park, and from the Ross River Homestead to Ndhala Gorge, are suitable only for four-wheel-drive vehicles.
In addition to several spectacular natural features such as Emily and Jessie Gaps, Corroboree Rock, Trephina Gorge, Ndhala Gorge and Ruby Gorge, the East MacDonnell Ranges also offer the opportunity to step back into Central Australia and the Northern Territory's history at the Arltunga Historical Reserve, and to fossick for zircon, garnet, beryl, apatite and tourmaline at Gemtree. Eastern Arrernte culture has a long history in this region.
Arltunga is located about 120 kilometres east of Alice Springs, and was the first town to be built in Central Australia. Established in 1887, this historic mining town is today a true ghost town. Preserved by the aridity of the surrounding desert environment, many of Arltunga's original stone buildings remain in excellent condition. Arltunga is named after a subgroup of the indigenous Arrernte people who have lived in the area for over 20,000 years.
Emily And Jessie Gaps are two gorges in the Eastern MacDonnell Ranges quite close to Alice Springs. Both sites are of great significance in the Yipirinya Dreamtime story which describes the creation of the Alice Springs landscape, being the location where the Caterpillar ancestors of the indigenous Central and Eastern Arrernte people met. Both sites are popular local picnic spots. The Corroboree Rock Conservation Reserve is a small reserve about 50 kilometres from Alice Springs. It contains a rock formation of special significance to the Eastern Arrernte people, being a site where traditional initiation ceremonies took place.
The Trephina Gorge Nature Park is located about 85 kilometres east of Alice Springs, and is arguably the most attractive of the many natural features in the Eastern MacDonnell Ranges. Its stunning scenery includes huge River Red Gums, sandy creek beds, semi-permanent waterholes and towering red rock-walled gorges. There are five marked walking tracks in the area, taking from 45 minutes to 6.5 hours to complete. Campers often base themselves at Trephina Gorge, venturing out on day trips to explore other attractions such as Arltunga and Ndhala Gorge. Trephina Gorge is noted for its sheer quartzite cliffs and broad, River Red Gum lined sandy watercourses. Many examples of Central Australia's unique flora and fauna are abundant in the area, including majestic Wedge-Tailed Eagles which lend their name to the Valley of the Eagles.
Ndhala Gorge Nature Park is located about 98 kilometres east of Alice Springs. It is a significant Aboriginal art site containing over one thousand ancient rock carvings or petroglyphs, sheltered for thousands of years by the rugged red walls of two rocky gorges. The carvings and varied flora can be viewed on a short walk. A number of indigenous cypress-pine trees unique to the Central Australian ranges grow along the exposed slopes. The dirt road into Ndhala Gorge is accessible to conventional vehicles in good weather, but it can be very rough in places and a four-wheel-drive vehicle is recommended.
The Ruby Gap Nature Park is located about 140 kilometres east of Alice Springs. Ruby Gap was the scene of a rush of activity by miners in 1886 seeking rubies which later proved to be worthless garnets. It is one of the most beautiful gorges along the Hale River which winds through the Park, but accessible by four-wheel-drive vehicle only.
Access to the Eastern MacDonnell Ranges is via the Ross Highway east from Alice Springs. The road is sealed for the first 75 kilometres, with an unsealed road continuing to the Ross River Homestead and Arltunga. The unsealed road is maintained in good condition and is suitable for two-wheel-drive vehicles and caravans. Many tracks in the region, such as those extending from Arltunga to Ruby Gap Nature Park, and from the Ross River Homestead to Ndhala Gorge, are suitable only for four-wheel-drive vehicles.
In addition to several spectacular natural features such as Emily and Jessie Gaps, Corroboree Rock, Trephina Gorge, Ndhala Gorge and Ruby Gorge, the East MacDonnell Ranges also offer the opportunity to step back into Central Australia and the Northern Territory's history at the Arltunga Historical Reserve, and to fossick for zircon, garnet, beryl, apatite and tourmaline at Gemtree. Eastern Arrernte culture has a long history in this region.
Arltunga is located about 120 kilometres east of Alice Springs, and was the first town to be built in Central Australia. Established in 1887, this historic mining town is today a true ghost town. Preserved by the aridity of the surrounding desert environment, many of Arltunga's original stone buildings remain in excellent condition. Arltunga is named after a subgroup of the indigenous Arrernte people who have lived in the area for over 20,000 years.
Emily And Jessie Gaps are two gorges in the Eastern MacDonnell Ranges quite close to Alice Springs. Both sites are of great significance in the Yipirinya Dreamtime story which describes the creation of the Alice Springs landscape, being the location where the Caterpillar ancestors of the indigenous Central and Eastern Arrernte people met. Both sites are popular local picnic spots. The Corroboree Rock Conservation Reserve is a small reserve about 50 kilometres from Alice Springs. It contains a rock formation of special significance to the Eastern Arrernte people, being a site where traditional initiation ceremonies took place.
The Trephina Gorge Nature Park is located about 85 kilometres east of Alice Springs, and is arguably the most attractive of the many natural features in the Eastern MacDonnell Ranges. Its stunning scenery includes huge River Red Gums, sandy creek beds, semi-permanent waterholes and towering red rock-walled gorges. There are five marked walking tracks in the area, taking from 45 minutes to 6.5 hours to complete. Campers often base themselves at Trephina Gorge, venturing out on day trips to explore other attractions such as Arltunga and Ndhala Gorge. Trephina Gorge is noted for its sheer quartzite cliffs and broad, River Red Gum lined sandy watercourses. Many examples of Central Australia's unique flora and fauna are abundant in the area, including majestic Wedge-Tailed Eagles which lend their name to the Valley of the Eagles.
Ndhala Gorge Nature Park is located about 98 kilometres east of Alice Springs. It is a significant Aboriginal art site containing over one thousand ancient rock carvings or petroglyphs, sheltered for thousands of years by the rugged red walls of two rocky gorges. The carvings and varied flora can be viewed on a short walk. A number of indigenous cypress-pine trees unique to the Central Australian ranges grow along the exposed slopes. The dirt road into Ndhala Gorge is accessible to conventional vehicles in good weather, but it can be very rough in places and a four-wheel-drive vehicle is recommended.
The Ruby Gap Nature Park is located about 140 kilometres east of Alice Springs. Ruby Gap was the scene of a rush of activity by miners in 1886 seeking rubies which later proved to be worthless garnets. It is one of the most beautiful gorges along the Hale River which winds through the Park, but accessible by four-wheel-drive vehicle only.
Wednesday, December 10, 2008
Broome - The Pearl Capital of Australia
Broome is a remote outback town situated on the Indian Ocean in northwest Australia. It is the largest town in the vast Kimberley region to the north of Western Australia, and has become a very popular travel destination in recent years. This popularity is due to Broome's unique history, unique blend of cultural influences, it's magnificent beaches and landscapes and it's fantastic tropical climate.
Broome is situated between the vast Great Sandy Desert and the azure blue Indian Ocean, along the pure white sands of Cable Beach. Often referred to as the gateway to the Kimberley, Broome owes its existence to the discovery in Roebuck Bay in 1861 of the Pinctada Maxima, largest pearl oyster shell in the world. News of the giant oyster shells spread rapidly and pearl divers of all nationalities flocked to Broome to make their fortune, including Malays, Japanese and Chinese, who joined local Aboriginal pearl divers in the sometimes dangerous but rewarding quest for high quality pearls. Broome's pearling industry still produces the worlds finest pearls today.
Broome has a tropical climate with hot summers and warm winters. Like other tropical areas of Australia, Broome's year has two distinct seasons, the Wet and the Dry. Broome's wet season officially commences in October but rain is rare before before December. Most of Broome's annual rainfall occurs from January to March and is sometimes accompanied by thunderstorms and tropical lows or cyclones. Daytime temperatures during the Wet average 33 C with the overnight temperatures averaging 25 C. Being located on a peninsula, Broome's tropical climate is moderated by reliable afternoon sea breezes during the warmer months. The Dry commences in April, when temperatures in Broome average 25 C to 30 C with overnight temperatures of around 12C. Rainfall is rare in Broome at this time of the year.
Broome provides enjoyable outdoor activities for all ages and tastes. Start exploring with a leisurely stroll along Cable Beach, a 22 kilometre stretch of pristine white sand overlooking the Indian Ocean. While there, you may have a chance to witness Broome's large tidal movement, often over 10 metres. At the end of the day, relax with a cool drink on Cable Beach and witness a spectacular Indian Ocean sunset.
The more adventurous can experience the adventure of a lifetime with an extended cruise along the rugged and spectacular Kimberley Coast north of Broome, or with a 4WD Safari inland into the rugged and majestic Kimberley Gorges. Broome also offers excellent fishing, so take boat and go catch yourself a tasty meal off the shores of Roebuck Bay or Cable Beach, or from the Deep Water Jetty in the Port of Broome.
Enjoy the quiet serenity of Buddha's Sanctuary, where you can reflect, meditate and enjoy the ornamental gardens and visit the pavilion which is home to a magnificent 4 metre crystal Buddha. At the Japanese Cemetery, final resting-place for more than 900 pearl divers, you can learn more about Broome's fascinating history and the dangers of the early days of pearl diving.
Other attractions include Gantheaume Point, where vibrant red sandstone cliffs spill into the sea and 130 million year old dinosaur footprints are visible at low tide. Chinatown, which was once a busy hub of pearl shell dealers, billiard saloons, entertainment houses and Chinese eateries, remains a colourful and fascinating quarter of Broome where the finest pearl showrooms, shops, restaurants and cafes can be found. There are plenty of opportunities to learn about the often dramatic history of pearling in Broome, including a visit to a working pearl farm.
If your goal is relaxation, Broome is an ideal holiday desination offering unique experiences like no other. But be careful ... the colours, moods and enchanting tropical ambience of Broome may captivate you so much that you'll never want to leave!
Broome is situated between the vast Great Sandy Desert and the azure blue Indian Ocean, along the pure white sands of Cable Beach. Often referred to as the gateway to the Kimberley, Broome owes its existence to the discovery in Roebuck Bay in 1861 of the Pinctada Maxima, largest pearl oyster shell in the world. News of the giant oyster shells spread rapidly and pearl divers of all nationalities flocked to Broome to make their fortune, including Malays, Japanese and Chinese, who joined local Aboriginal pearl divers in the sometimes dangerous but rewarding quest for high quality pearls. Broome's pearling industry still produces the worlds finest pearls today.
Broome has a tropical climate with hot summers and warm winters. Like other tropical areas of Australia, Broome's year has two distinct seasons, the Wet and the Dry. Broome's wet season officially commences in October but rain is rare before before December. Most of Broome's annual rainfall occurs from January to March and is sometimes accompanied by thunderstorms and tropical lows or cyclones. Daytime temperatures during the Wet average 33 C with the overnight temperatures averaging 25 C. Being located on a peninsula, Broome's tropical climate is moderated by reliable afternoon sea breezes during the warmer months. The Dry commences in April, when temperatures in Broome average 25 C to 30 C with overnight temperatures of around 12C. Rainfall is rare in Broome at this time of the year.
Broome provides enjoyable outdoor activities for all ages and tastes. Start exploring with a leisurely stroll along Cable Beach, a 22 kilometre stretch of pristine white sand overlooking the Indian Ocean. While there, you may have a chance to witness Broome's large tidal movement, often over 10 metres. At the end of the day, relax with a cool drink on Cable Beach and witness a spectacular Indian Ocean sunset.
The more adventurous can experience the adventure of a lifetime with an extended cruise along the rugged and spectacular Kimberley Coast north of Broome, or with a 4WD Safari inland into the rugged and majestic Kimberley Gorges. Broome also offers excellent fishing, so take boat and go catch yourself a tasty meal off the shores of Roebuck Bay or Cable Beach, or from the Deep Water Jetty in the Port of Broome.
Enjoy the quiet serenity of Buddha's Sanctuary, where you can reflect, meditate and enjoy the ornamental gardens and visit the pavilion which is home to a magnificent 4 metre crystal Buddha. At the Japanese Cemetery, final resting-place for more than 900 pearl divers, you can learn more about Broome's fascinating history and the dangers of the early days of pearl diving.
Other attractions include Gantheaume Point, where vibrant red sandstone cliffs spill into the sea and 130 million year old dinosaur footprints are visible at low tide. Chinatown, which was once a busy hub of pearl shell dealers, billiard saloons, entertainment houses and Chinese eateries, remains a colourful and fascinating quarter of Broome where the finest pearl showrooms, shops, restaurants and cafes can be found. There are plenty of opportunities to learn about the often dramatic history of pearling in Broome, including a visit to a working pearl farm.
If your goal is relaxation, Broome is an ideal holiday desination offering unique experiences like no other. But be careful ... the colours, moods and enchanting tropical ambience of Broome may captivate you so much that you'll never want to leave!
Sunday, December 7, 2008
Accommodation Styles For Australia Travel
When tourists plan for vacations in Australia, a great deal of thought will be given as to the types of lodging that will be available in the places that they want to visit. For those travelers who are there for an extended stay and choose to stay on the Coral Coast of Australia, the Western Australia styles of lodging could be apartments that are conveniently located near the beach or a caravan park that gives travelers the chance to play with dolphins in the crystal waters of the Indian Ocean.
Some lodging choices would be more beneficial than others because of the natural beauty the traveler is exposed to on a daily basis.. Any traveler to Australia would find waking up in a villa that is on the waterfront to be a bargain at any price, especially if they have a first hand view each day of the ocean and are able to view sunsets that make the sun appear to fall into the sea. Once people experience this type of heaven in Australia they generally want to stay as long as it is humanly possible.
When travelers consider lodging on the Sunshine Coast of Australia, they have many lodging choices that will give them access to Queensland and the magnificent ocean views of this coastal area. For travelers that seek lodging in an area that is a country retreat, they will be assured of finding peace and tranquility in a gorgeous cottage. Some travelers might prefer holiday accommodations that place them in the center of the Sunshine Coast with miles of beach that is unspoiled and beautiful.
The East Coast region of Australia features luxurious accommodations that are perfect for travelers that want to be immersed in the oceanic atmosphere of Australia. Holiday accommodations are styled with self-contained bungalows that are nestled on the waterfront. This lodging style allows guests to go boating, crabbing, and fishing each day. Guests will also like the stylish features that surround this setting like tennis courts, swimming pools, and pit barbeques.
In the Victoria region of Australia, vacationers can select lodging styles in well-known cities such as Melbourne that are perfect for families. There are 4-star retreats nestled in parks near the airport that are surprisingly beautiful and will allow guests to stretch out and explore over 5 acres of land. Some bed and breakfast lodging choices have landscaped gardens and room service around the clock. The international hotels feature boutiques for shopping while remaining in the suburbia.
Travelers will have many lodging selections to choose from while in Australia. Boutique styles are perfect lodging choices for travelers who wish to stay close to the business centers of Australia and still enjoy the marvelous shopping opportunities. For travelers that desire 3, 4, and 5-rooms, there are luxury apartments available that are situated directly on the waterfront, some near sporting events and others near bars and cafes that would be perfect for meeting friends.
There are caravan parks for extended stays, and backpacker's hostels that give travelers the opportunity to visit the rugged regions of Australia. Some hotel lodging choices are 4-star accommodations that are arranged in apartment styles that will allow for private entertaining. Every city in Australia has styled lodging opportunities and travelers can plan vacations that are centered on relaxing and enjoy tremendous luxuries.
Some lodging choices would be more beneficial than others because of the natural beauty the traveler is exposed to on a daily basis.. Any traveler to Australia would find waking up in a villa that is on the waterfront to be a bargain at any price, especially if they have a first hand view each day of the ocean and are able to view sunsets that make the sun appear to fall into the sea. Once people experience this type of heaven in Australia they generally want to stay as long as it is humanly possible.
When travelers consider lodging on the Sunshine Coast of Australia, they have many lodging choices that will give them access to Queensland and the magnificent ocean views of this coastal area. For travelers that seek lodging in an area that is a country retreat, they will be assured of finding peace and tranquility in a gorgeous cottage. Some travelers might prefer holiday accommodations that place them in the center of the Sunshine Coast with miles of beach that is unspoiled and beautiful.
The East Coast region of Australia features luxurious accommodations that are perfect for travelers that want to be immersed in the oceanic atmosphere of Australia. Holiday accommodations are styled with self-contained bungalows that are nestled on the waterfront. This lodging style allows guests to go boating, crabbing, and fishing each day. Guests will also like the stylish features that surround this setting like tennis courts, swimming pools, and pit barbeques.
In the Victoria region of Australia, vacationers can select lodging styles in well-known cities such as Melbourne that are perfect for families. There are 4-star retreats nestled in parks near the airport that are surprisingly beautiful and will allow guests to stretch out and explore over 5 acres of land. Some bed and breakfast lodging choices have landscaped gardens and room service around the clock. The international hotels feature boutiques for shopping while remaining in the suburbia.
Travelers will have many lodging selections to choose from while in Australia. Boutique styles are perfect lodging choices for travelers who wish to stay close to the business centers of Australia and still enjoy the marvelous shopping opportunities. For travelers that desire 3, 4, and 5-rooms, there are luxury apartments available that are situated directly on the waterfront, some near sporting events and others near bars and cafes that would be perfect for meeting friends.
There are caravan parks for extended stays, and backpacker's hostels that give travelers the opportunity to visit the rugged regions of Australia. Some hotel lodging choices are 4-star accommodations that are arranged in apartment styles that will allow for private entertaining. Every city in Australia has styled lodging opportunities and travelers can plan vacations that are centered on relaxing and enjoy tremendous luxuries.
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