Traveling to Australia's Outback

The Northern Territory is the third largest state in Australia, the least populated and occupies the northern central part of the country. It is also what many consider to be the “Real Outback”, with dramatic landscapes, abundant wartime heritage, rich aboriginal culture, World Heritage listed Kakadu National park and Uluru (Ayers Rock).

When traveling to the Outback, it is most common to fly into the city of Alice Springs. Flights from Los Angeles or San Francisco fly non-stop to either Sydney or Brisbane, and then connect on to Alice Springs. The entire travel time takes about 20 hours.

The best times of year to travel to this area are March - April or September - October, when the weather is typically warm and dry. The climate in the Outback is semi-arid with little rain usually falling during the hottest months, which are from October to March. Central Australia receives less than 250 mm of rain per year.

The city of Alice Springs is surrounded by dramatic red desert, and is referred to by locals as the Capitol of the Outback. Some of the most popular activities include mountain-bike riding, four-wheel driving, trekking along the Larapinta Trail, bush camping and swimming in lush waterholes. Some of the top attractions in Alice Springs are:

Alice Springs Desert Park offers the opportunity to discover many of the secrets of the Central Australian deserts, you even have the option to experience desert habitats as they are at night, including animals, in their nocturnal tour. Open year round, except for Christmas day.

Alice Springs Reptile Center is not very big, but it features over 30 species of reptiles, including snakes, lizards and crocodiles. You can even get up close and have a chance to feed some of them. Live shows run a few times daily. Open year round, except for major holidays.

Larapinta Trail is a 155 mile trail that begins just outside of Alice Springs, and runs through red desert, high mountains, and a national park. It can also be hiked in shorter, more manageable sections.

Approximately 270 miles southwest of Alice Springs is where the most famous attraction in the Northern Territory can be found. Uluru/Ayers Rock is located in the Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park. This famous sandstone monolith stands over 1100 feet high, and is over 500 million years old. The best ways to see this park are via Aboriginal lead walking tours, helicopter tours or on the back of a camel. Make sure not to miss the spectacular Sounds of Silence gourmet dinner under a clear night sky.

For the ultimate journey right through the heart of Australia, take The Ghan train from Alice Springs to Darwin or Adelaide to experience another Australian city.

Contact an Australia Travel Specialist today to start planning your trip of a lifetime!

The Tiny Little Island of Wilson, Australia

Ever fantasized about being stranded on your own little island paradise? Wilson Island, located just above The Tropic of Capricorn, approximately 72 kilometers off the Queensland Coast in Australia is indeed a little piece of paradise!

Just a tiny coral cay in the Great Barrier Reef, the island can only be accessed by complimentary boat transfer from nearby Heron Island. Those who visit can enjoy the natural beauty and its seclusion and the freedom from modern-day living.

Wilson Island is also a national park, with nesting green turtles and logger head turtles as well as much birdlife playing a key role in the island’s natural calendar. At night time the shearwater birds dominate with their mating calls.

The island features six permanent, luxury tents, for a maximum of 12 guests at one time. Every tent is located about 50 feet from the water, with ocean and reef views.

Contact an Australia Specialist today to book your amazing vacation to Wilson Island!

Go Downunder for some Sun this Winter!

If you're aching to get a break from cold weather this winter, Australia or New Zealand are both great options!

Their warmest months are December, January and February, our winter! In Australian cities such as Sydney or Brisbane, the temperatures typically reach into the mid-upper 70's, and in the Tropical North (Cairns), temperatures often reach the upper 80's in their summer months. While New Zealand tends to be a bit cooler, they're still usually seeing sunny skies with highs in the low-mid 70's, while most U.S. cities are buried in snow.

Why not do something different this winter? Go scuba diving at the stunning Great Barrier Reef, get inspired at Uluru (Ayers Rock) in Australia's great Outback, or drive through peaceful New Zealand in a camper van.

Contact an Australia Specialist today to get started planning your next trip to the Land Downunder!

Sounds of Silence Experience

Set in a lone sand dune in the middle of Ayers Rock Resort/Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park, almost anyone who’s ever experienced the Sounds of Silence calls this a “must-do” in Australia.

The evening begins over sparkling wine and canapés while you watch the beautiful sunset over the Australian Outback. After that, sit down to a candlelit feast of traditional Australian BBQ, including beef, kangaroo, crocodile, emu, freshly baked breads, bush salads, classic desserts and some of Australia’s finest wines, all under the stars.

Following dinner, the resident astronomer takes the stage to guide you through unbeatable star gazing and storytelling with telescopes, while the digeridoo is played in the background.

Planning a Trip to Australia? Make sure to book this once in a lifetime experience! Contact an Australia Specialist for assistance and for other suggestions today!