Grazing camels, wild dingoes, snakes, spiders and emus can all be spotted in the outback realm of Western Australia. As travelers, all we really want is that “authentic” experience of a distant culture and place.

If you take the Stuart Highway running north from Adelaide to Darwin, then you’re likely to run into most of the tourist attractions in Australia’s outback. At the halfway point of this journey, you will find Alice Springs, which is a good starting point for the weary traveler with limited time. The Alice Springs Desert Park is a one-stop shop for all things outback, such as a botanical garden, a zoo and an Aboriginal culture center.

Nestled at the foot of the MacDonnell Mountain Range, this park will teach you all about the outback, while pleasing the senses with wildflowers and wildlife. The Nature Theater has an excellent “Birds of Prey” show, the Spectator Nocturnal House allows a glimpse of rare endangered animals and “The Changing Heart” documentary takes you through 4.5 billion years of desert evolution.

Kadaku National Park is another unforgettable experience in the Australian outback. Jabiru’s Bowali Visitor Center is a good starting point for your Kadaku trip that’ll provide you with videos, maps and information about the various trails, tours and experiences, since the park is so massive. In the South Alligator Area, you can watch birds in the Red Lily, Bucket and Alligator Billabongs.

See Australian aboriginal rock art in the South Alligator Area at Ubirr Rock. You can find more aboriginal art sites at Gunwarrddehwardde Lookout in the Nourlangie region. The 150-meter spectacular Jim Jim Falls is only accessible via four-wheel drive during the dry season, but it’s an amazing sight nonetheless.

The Yellow Water Wetlands offers a bird watching boat cruise. Kadaku is an interesting area because it shows the diversity housed in the outback, which many perceive to be all brush or all desert. For the ultimate Kadaku experience, Maguk and Gunlom in the southernmost point, both feature waterfalls, clear plunge pools and exhilarating walks.

Kangaroo Island is not technically in the Australian outback region, but it’s the experience most travelers are looking for when they say they want to go to the outback. On this South Australian island, you’ll find national parks and five wilderness protection areas. Isolated from mainland Australia, wildlife abounds, including kangaroos, bandicoots, wallabies, possums, echidnas, fur seals, bats, frogs, dunnarts, koalas, platypuses and the endangered Glossy Black Cockatoo.

Murray Lagoon is a bird watcher’s paradise, while Seal Bay houses a growing population of sea lions. The Little Sahara sand dunes are a point of interest, as is Flinders Chase National Park, with the Remarkable Rocks, Admiral’s Arch, cape light houses and multiple walking trails.
By: Michael Selvon

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This incredible rock formation has become one of Australia’s most iconic symbols. Located right at the Red Centre of the country, it can be reached by air with Qantas or overland from the nearby town of Alice Springs. The rich iron content of the rock makes its colour change throughout the day, so make sure you visit either at sunrise or at sunset when seams of orange, red and pink make Uluru all the more spectacular.

Kakadu

Contrasting greatly with the bleak, desert scenery of Uluru, Kakadu is only two hours drive from Darwin and is as wet as Uluru is dry. If the area seems hauntingly familiar then that is because it was used as the set for the Crocodile Dundee movies: Kakadu abounds with saltwater croc warning signs, and it’s wise to keep your wits about you and visit as part of a guided tour. Other wildlife that can be seen in the Kakadu wetlands include kangaroos and waterfowl, while the park also boasts several examples of beautiful Aboriginal rock art dating back more than 20,000 years.

Shark Bay

If central Australia is a great place to see rock formations and the north of the country offers fabulous wildlife spotting opportunities, then west coast Australia is yet another amazing outback contrast. Located on the far west coast is Shark Bay is home to some of the most incredibly marine life in the world. Here, you can spot dolphins, whale sharks, humpback whales and dugongs, all within approximately one days drive north of Perth.

If you are planning a trip to the Outback, keep safety at the front of your mind. Remember that days can be blindingly hot and nights freezing cold, so it’s necessary to dress appropriately and to judge the timing of your excursions carefully.
By: Arlie Ourth

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Arlie Ourth recommends that you always take out travel insurance. He’s recently opted for single trip insurance from from AA Travel Insurance as he is travelling less these days.

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A World Connected
The Internet has brought the entire world together. From the safety and relative comfort of your own home, you can browse online encyclopedias, libraries, visit museums and zoos around the world. You can shop in Paris, read about art in Egypt, and research anything that you desire – if you know how to use the Internet. A man living in Idaho can chat with a woman living in Beijing. People from all walks of life can get together in a virtual room and play games, have heated discussions or even date. The Internet has connected the entire world, and we are the ones who benefit. We can learn about anything, buy anything, talk to almost anyone, and all we need is Internet access.

How Are Things Down Under, Mate?
Australia has taken part in the online shopping boom in a big way. Australian-based and Australian-themed web sites filled with every product imaginable will pop up in any Internet search. Many of these sites, while easy to navigate and attractively laid out, have so much stuff on them that it can get confusing. Australian-based online shopping sites have become increasingly popular recently. Is it possible that Aussies like to shop online as much as the rest of us do?

It’s true that most of the time; you don’t know that you’re visiting a site from another country unless there’s another language (that you can’t read) on the site. It’s easy to tell “oh, this site is Japanese” or “this site much be German” because the language is strange and unfamiliar. But sites based in English-speaking countries, like Canada, England, and Australia are harder to discern from the pack. If everything’s printed in English, how do you know if that site comes from California or the Australian Outback? Most Australian online shopping sites don’t have helpful pictures of kangaroos and wallabes to tell you “hey, we’re from Down Under!” So chances are that you’ve already been exposed to an Australian online shopping site and you didn’t even know it! Australian online shopping sites are all over the place. They pop up in searches and they’re being linked to all over the place. Unless something blatantly tells you “this is Australian,” chances are that you won’t even know the difference.

Shopping With the Aussies
A culture that has been immortalized in film, books, and restaurants, many countries are fascinated with Australia. A wild, rugged, and infinitely interesting land, Australia has a culture, a language, and a style all its own. The recent online shopping boom in Australia has brought more Aussie-made and Aussie-related products into America and other countries. But Australian online shopping isn’t all kangaroo figurines and boomerangs. Australian products are great, and that’s why they’re becoming so popular. Online shopping in Australia is huge right now, and sites for shopping abound.
By: Erwin Pope

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Visit the Types Of Goldfish website to learn about goldfish plant and goldfish reproduction.

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Yes, the Aussie wildlife is indeed endlessly fascinating. Take note though that we’re talking wild creatures here, and many an Outback casualty have something to do with animals.

Snakes in your Tent
Don’t worry, snakes don’t usually wander into peoples’ tents; after all they are every bit afraid of humans as we are of them. It should interest you to know though that Australia is renowned for having the most species of poisonous snakes in the world. And the venomous variety in Australia outnumbers its non-venomous ones.

In case of a snakebite, it is most important that you stay still so the venom doesn’t spread. Apply pressure to the bitten area, preferably with firm bandages, about as tight as you would bind a sprained ankle. Do not apply a tourniquet. Splint the whole area to immobilise. Then have someone drive you to the nearest hospital or doctor as quickly as possible. Remember, in Australia, the number for emergency services is ‘000′.

Crocodiles
Waterholes or ‘billabongs’ that you may come across in your travel might look inviting especially in the sweltering sun, but unless you want to be buddy-buddy with crocodiles, DO NOT GO IN THE WATER. Australia’s Saltwater Crocodile is the largest of its species and yes, they can and do kill humans. On the other hand, freshwater crocs rarely bother humans.

In any case, signboards will warn about the presence of crocodiles in billabongs, lakes, and other bodies of water, but don’t always count on them. It’s best not to go there for even a quick dip. Your travel guide should know about the safest swimming holes to go to.

Furry Animals
Sure, Taz of Looney Tunes, and cartoonized kangaroos, and other furry animals may seem cute and harmless on TV, but beware of them in real life. Kangaroos, for one, can pack a mighty kick with those back feet. And yes, they’re handy with their paws as well. (No wonder they’re often depicted wearing boxing gloves.)

And then, there are the dingoes. They may look sweet, but they’re still untamed, so have second thoughts when you feel tempted to pet them.

Rule of thumb: Don’t touch or feed anything.
By: Ryan Reynolds

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You haven’t even begun yet. Get out of your comfort zone, and travel Australia the no-hassles way.

National Visas. Real solutions for all your Australian visa and Australian immigration concerns.

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The city is Adelaide, capital of South Australia, with a population of over 1 million people. While not being as big and brash as Sydney or Melbourne, Adelaide has its own definite charm and style, a placed to be savoured and enjoyed at your pace.

Over the past few years, Adelaide has been quietly shaking off its rather staid, monastic image of “city of churches” as a holiday destination to rival the more popular capitals of the east coast of Australia. It’s undergoing a tourism renaissance, with new state-of-the-art facilities at the international airport, excellent shopping and plenty of unique home grown attractions like Kangaroo Island and picturesque town of Hahndorf in the Adelaide hills.

No convicts here.

Unlike some other Australian cities, Adelaide was founded by free settlers. The site was actually chosen in 1836 by Surveyor-General, Colonel William Light, who created its classic grid-like design. Following tradition, the city was named after British royalty, namely Queen Adelaide, wife of the King William IV.
When early colonists established the city, pale sandstone was used, constructing a solid, dignified cityscape. The solidity goes further than architecture for Adelaide was once regarded as a city of puritanical spoilsports, with an incredibly large number of churches. There is no denying that the city has a superb setting. It’s surrounded by lush green parkland, and the metropolitan area is bound by the hills of the Mt Lofty Ranges and the waters of the Gulf St Vincent.

Where to stay.

If you’re organizing accommodation, Adelaide can offer you every type to match your budget, from glamorous 5 star names to smaller boutique hotels, with plenty in the mid-price range. Check out online sites for ideas, value and instant booking. You can make savings by booking online – giving you more to spend on sight seeing.

Retail buzz.

Today, the churches are outnumbered by pubs, cafes and nightclubs. The city hums with energy from day to night. Being quite a flat city, put on your walking shoes. Start with a touch of retail therapy in Rundle Mall with its heady mix of boutiques and major department stores. Enjoy a stroll around the Art Gallery and Botanical Gardens followed by a leisurely lunch by the River Torrens.

Very Adelaide.

The city itself boasts many interesting and quirky shops. Take O’Connell’s Book Store in Hindley Street, Adelaide’s oldest antiquarian and pre-loved book store. You can browse for hours amongst first editions and unusual collectibles, with prices from just a few dollars. Who knows what rare treasure lost in time you’ll spy on a shelf!

Haigh’s Chocolates is another classic haunt, established in 1915. Just look for Beehive Corner building on the corner of Rundle Mall and King William Street – and follow that sweet smell!

R.M.Williams, the man behind the legendary retail empire, started off crafting leather saddles around a camp fire in The Gammon Ranges, South Australia. Nowadays, his fashionable work gear, jeans, boots and classic Drizabones, are spied on the hip streets of London and boulevards of Paris. You can buy the latest styles to wear back home. What’s more, you can even visit the unique Outback Heritage Museum on the site of the company’s original factory/workshop at 5 Percy Street, Prospect, it’s just a short taxi ride from town.

Opal. A fiery souvenir.

If you’re looking for more than a cuddly toy koala or boomerang souvenirs, consider this. Adelaide is the centre of the world’s opal industry, offering beautifully coloured opals often called “fire in the stone”. The mines can be found in several South Australian outback desert towns including Coober Pedy, Andamooka and Mintabie. If you have time, you can make a short trip outback to explore the mines, the history of the areas and underground houses. Andamooka is 592 km (or 367 miles) by road from Adelaide.

A slice of heaven. Central Market.

The foodies paradise. Like most cosmopolitan cities, there’s a major market. The one in Adelaide is called Central Market and dates back to 1869. It’s a real institution and the largest fresh produce market in the Southern Hemisphere. With over 80 specialist stalls, it’s no wonder it attracts thousands of visitors each week. Alive with colour, noise, aromatic smells and delicious temptation. From Camembert to cray fish, nuts to nachos, it’s a must-see experience. On Friday night, all of Adelaide seems to be here, enjoying dinner in the family-run cafes. The market location couldn’t be better – it’s also right by Chinatown, so you can sample two gourmet destinations in one.

Wine buffs…head for the Hills.

The Barossa, Australia’s famed wine region, is a mere hour from the CBD and another world away. (You can’t visit Adelaide without at least a day or weekend up here, sampling different vintages and taking in the scenery.) More than 20 per cent of Australia’s wine is produced in the Barossa.

If you’re a wine aficionado, you’ll probably know that the Barossa boasts the world’s oldest Shiraz vineyards, some dating back to the 1840s. They produce complex, rich and full bodied wines. Think of the iconic Penfolds Grange, eagerly sought by collectors and cellars around the world. In addition to sampling premium wines, there’s more to see than you imagine. You can visit clusters of villages with fine restaurants, magnificent old churches, country cottages and see traditional crafts you thought long gone. With more than 100 producers and 70 cellar doors spread across the Barossa region, there’s plenty to discover, delight and digest.

The Adelaide Festival of Arts, one of the world’s great arts Festivals.

Every two years, the cultural curtain goes up on Adelaide. The Adelaide Festival showcases a lavish, diverse programme, covering music, theatre and performing arts, featuring the best of Australian and international talent. Established in 1960, it’s known for being innovative and sometimes, controversial. Held every “even” year in autumn (that’s fall – around March – this is the southern hemisphere remember) it’s one large scale arts event that attracts audiences right across Australia and the region. If you’re planning a trip, the next Adelaide Festival runs from 29 February to 16 March 2008.

The natural beauty of Kangaroo Island.

A hop, skip and a ferry trip from Adelaide. Just110 kilometres south of Adelaide (68 miles or so) and 16 kilometres (10 miles) from the coast, you’ll find one of Australia’s best kept nature secrets, Kangaroo Island. Half the native bushland is still as it was back in 1802, when British navigator Matthew Flinders named the wilderness. Today, over one-third of Kangaroo Island remains National or Conservation Park.

It’s unspoilt, unhurried, and unbelievably beautiful. Surrounded by pristine beaches, white sand and sapphire blue waters, you’ll find fauna and flora seldom found elsewhere – all doing what comes naturally.

The koalas aren’t being cuddled for some contrived photo opportunity – they’re relaxing in native trees. The seals aren’t performing through hoops – they’re lazing on the beach. Get the picture? You’ll see echidnas, platypi, goannas, wallabies and kangaroos. All mesmerising. All for you.

Adelaide. Offering you a brilliant blend of experiences and excitement. It may not have a Harbour Bridge, but it has plenty going for it.
By: Matthew Lawson

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Matthew Lawson heads up Hotel.com.au and is an avid traveller. Find rates and great specials for Adelaide hotels here.

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1. The ocean

A honeymoon by the beach is really what most of us want. Access to clear warm water, exciting snorkelling possibilities, and a beach to lounge on, completely de-stressing from normal life, are absolute essentials. Australia can offer all that and more. All of its major cities and towns are located on the edge of the country near the water, so you’ll never be far from the ocean. There is a fantastic surfing culture throughout the seaside towns and even if you don’t own the proper equipment, you can rent it at a very low price. Who could ask for more than discovering the underwater kingdom on their honeymoon with the person they love most in the world?

2. City lifestyle

Australian cities offer a pseudo-European culture with pure outback charm. Your top city destination will of course be Sydney, Australia’s capital. The city is full of culture, with a number of fashionable restaurants and a lively nightlife. Shopping is a must here; you can even hire a stylist to accompany you to the hottest designer shops. If you have a bit more money, you can arrange to climb the Sydney Harbour Bridge with a professional or take a luxurious cruise around the harbour.

3. Frontier fun

Australia has a wonderful amount of untouched wilderness; much of its interior retains that frontier feel from the mid-nineteenth to early twentieth century. This is your best chance to spot some of Australia’s most exciting wildlife and you can even stay in an old-fashioned hotel. They will of course have all the luxury you might want, just in a rustic environment. If you want to enjoy the proper Australian Outback lifestyle on your honeymoon, you can stay on a cattle ranch, eating free-range beef and freshly caught fish cooked over an open flame.

4. Nature

Australia’s natural landscape is both beautiful and varied. You can explore so many different places, from the desert-like Outback to the rainforest to the beautiful undersea kingdom. There are many tour companies eager for your business with planned tours galore, so if you’re a bit nervous about venturing into a desert they will be able to ease all of your worries. You may even get the chance to see a kangaroo or a platypus in its natural habitat, especially if you head to Kangaroo Island.

5. Accommodation

On your honeymoon, your accommodation is of primary importance, for very obvious reasons. Australia has so many fantastic resorts that I can’t possibly single out just one. Accommodation ranges from the most expensive and exclusive hotels in Australia’s biggest cities to luxury tents in the middle of the Outback. You can go with a beach villa or an intimate room at a bigger resort. It’s really up to you and what you want to get out of your honeymoon.
By: Meghan Burton

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Meghan Burton is a professional copywriter. She recommends Turquoise Holidays for all of your honeymoon needs.

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