Outback Australia Rambles

Lake Eyre is filling with water

2009-04-25T17:02:00.003+02:00

I noticed this cry of excitement and joy around Australia. Anyone devoted to the Australian Outback, anyone concerned about the recent drought down under, is posting, blogging tweeting about this unusual event.

Following heavy rain in Outback Queensland early 2009, rivers, creeks and channels in the Channel country filled with water that is slowly making its way down to South Australia.

How much water will be finally flowing into Lake Eyre? Nobody knows. Evaporation is high in this part of Australia.

Read more about Lake Eyre

Port Augusta - Outback South Australia

2009-04-13T19:26:00.006+02:00

Port Augusta is a city on top of the Spencer Gulf in South Australia.

It is the gateway to the South Australian Outback. The Flinders Ranges are very close, actually, you see the silhouette of these ancient mountain range from the lookouts along the shoreline.

Port Augusta offers many highlights to visitors, Wadlata Outback Centre and the Arid Land Botanic Garden are just two of them. It is a great city to relax for a few days before you head to the Outback.

Port Augusta's other by-name is crossroads of Australia. The Stuart Hwy to the north leads to Alice Springs and Darwin. To the west, the Eyre Hwy is going on the long and lonely trip across the Nullarbor.

Port Augusta Australia

My recent trip to the Australian Outback - The Flinders Ranges

2008-12-14T12:28:00.005+01:00

I spent November in Australia to do another beautiful trip to the Australian Outback. Now you can expect more frequent posts about my adventures.

Rawnsley Bluff at Rawnsley Park Station

Once again we visited the Flinders Ranges National Park in South Australia. This park is the one of the main attractions. The rugged mountain range is a good destination for bush-walking, exploring wildlife and Australia's stunning nature.

There are many scenic drives around the central Flinders Ranges. Wilpena Pound, Bunyeroo and Brachina Gorge, Parachilna Gorge, and Sacred Canyon are just a few places worth a visit.

Bunyeroo Valley - Flinders Ranges

Crocodile Trophy

2008-10-19T20:16:00.012+02:00

The Australian Outback is a great place for all kinds of adventures. Well, for most of us a 4WD trip into the remote country accompanied by flies and heat is a top adventure. However, this is a Sunday afternoon ride compared what starts in two days.

The Crocodile Trophy

This mountain bike race over 1200 km in the tropical north of Outback Queensland is considered the hardest MTB race in the world. At least it is definitely the hottest.

Participants from all over the world meet in Mareeba in the Atherton Tablelands for a bicycle race for the toughest of the tough.

1. Day
Mareeba - Irvinebank

2. Day
Irvinebank - Koombooloomba

3. Day
Koombooloomba - Gunnawarra

4. Day
Gunnawaara - Chillagoe

5. Day
Chillagoe - Chillagoe

6. Day
Chillagoe - Mt. Mulgrave

7. Day
Mt. Mulgrave - Laura

8. Day
Laura - Cooktown

9. Day
Cooktwon - Ayton

10. Day
Ayton - Cape Triubulation

Do you think it is too hard? Check out more adventurous ideas for an exciting Outback trip.

Coober Pedy - Australia's dustiest capital

2008-07-30T20:46:00.007+02:00

Coober Pedy is Australia's opal capital, yet the little town in Outback South Australia's north is called the opal capital of the world.
Stony molehills seem to replace buildings, danger signs warn about deep shafts. Even if the town looks uninviting and strange (80 % of its residents live underground), Coober Pedy is worth a visit if you happen to travel in this remote part of Australia.
A 14 year old boy discovered the first opal back in 1915. Since then Coober Pedy has become the destination for adventurers and fortune seekers.
Few made a fortune, others just settled in, and some even love love it so much that they never left. Coober Pedy has become a multicultural place where dreams come true, or fade away in the dust.

Clean energy discovery near Cloncurry, Qld.

2008-07-20T10:42:00.005+02:00

Hot geothermal rocks have been discovered in Outback Queensland north-east, about 100km from Cloncurry. Although Queensland has vast coal reserves and a flourishing export industry, this found in the Millungera basin could be the chance to develop renewable and clean energy.

Read more about this exciting story.

BTW, sorry that I don't post any photos right now. I've got some computer probs and can't use my own computer, so no pictures available.

The world's oldest blogger passed away

2008-07-15T21:03:00.005+02:00

Mrs Olive Riley, known as the world's oldest blogger, passed away on July 12th. With a little help of her friend Mike Rubbo, Olive Riley began blogging at the age of 107. Amazing, isn't it?

Mrs Riley was born in 1899 in Broken Hill, an Outback town in the far west of New South Wales. Even if she left the town in 1920, she had been always proud of her home town.
Queen Victoria still reigned over Great Britain, and Australia was not a nation she she was born. Can you imagine how many wonderful stories this old lady had to tell the world? She had a brilliant memory until her last days. One of her friends said her memory was like a hard drive.

Mrs. Riley's blog was well received around the world. She became famous at the age of 107. Everyone loved her, and she'll be missed a lot. Rest in peace Olive Riley.

Due to the overwhelming demand Olive's blog is mostly down at the moment.

Aborigines in Queensland celebrate 100th birthday of national parks

2008-07-11T22:10:00.002+02:00

Indigenous people in Outback Queensland celebrate 100 years of national parks. For Australian Aborigines national parks are a source for jobs. And these are jobs they like because they can maintain a connection with their land.

The celebrations take place in Bladensburg National Park, south east of Winton.

Drought causes troubles for Anna Creek station

2008-07-10T11:51:00.008+02:00

The largest cattle station in the world faces serious problems in the worst drought in the last 100 years.

The Outback in "good" years

Anna creek station is located near William Creek in Outback South Australia, in the driest state of the driest inhabited continent. In normal times, the station supports 16,000 cattle. Now half of the animals were sold for slaughter, and the rest moved to other properties of the Kidman & Co empire. Only about 2,000 cattle remain on the station. Read the full story.

3,700 km bike ride in the Outback

2008-07-06T17:30:00.003+02:00

A group of cyclists have begun a journey from Broken Hill to Darwin to raise money for the Royal Flying Doctor Service. Read more about the brave cyclists.

Cycling in the Australian Outback is truly a challenge, and a real travel adventure. Do you think these people are nuts? Certainly not. I, too, would do a bicycle tour in the Outback, if only I were a bit younger. I met quite a few cyclists in Australia, and they all enjoyed the experience. There was a couple we saw at the Olgas in central Australia for the first time. We all had the same destination, Coober Pedy in South Australia. I was surprised to see them every second day again along our way.

BTW, if you want to read about really thrilling bicycle tours, you must see Peter's bicycle adventures site. He's a true expert, he cycled all the way from Holland to China. And yes, I know... Peter keeps saying that cycling is not only for young people ;).

Money makes the world go round...

2008-07-03T22:16:00.004+02:00

...even in the Outback.

Australia was the first country in the world to have a complete
system of bank notes made from plastic (polymer). These notes give
greater security against counterfeiting and last four times longer
than conventional paper ones. Read more about Australian currency.

Dingoes in Australia

2008-06-30T21:01:00.004+02:00

In the 1880s, Australians built the world's longest fence,
stretching 3,400 miles, to stop dingoes attacking sheep in the
country's southeast.

This is a photo of the dingo fence that crosses the Birdsville Track in Outback South Australia. Rather unimpressive isn't it?

Dingoes have always been a thorn in the flesh of Australian sheep breeder, but in some places it seems the dingo has become a problem to humans, or vice versa? Read this story.

Aboriginal culture

2008-06-28T13:41:00.007+02:00

Aboriginal culture in Australia is colourful and fascinating. It is probably the oldest surviving culture in the world. Aboriginal culture varies throughout Australia. People from different regions have their own art, language and ancestral beings. Until the arrival of Europeans in 1788 they lived isolated from the rest of the world for about 60,000 years.

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Australian Aborigines have great skills to survive in the harsh bushland. They have never exploited the natural resources. Caring for their environment, the mother earth, has always been very important for the indigenous people.

Read some stories about the Aborigines of the Flinders Ranges and the sacred places in this area.

Murray-Darling river system is going to die

2008-06-19T22:25:00.004+02:00

Australia's largest river system, the Murray-Darling rivers are threatened to die. There have been always droughts and floods, but in recent decades, floods have been very rare. The continuing use for irrigation along the rivers seem to be the death knell. Ironically, the driest continent on earth is growing cotton. Water rights sold to the cotton industry finally seems to wear the rivers out. It is a tragedy.

This photo was taken 2004. It shows the Darling River near Tilpa in New South Wales. Hard to believe that paddle steamers were once running up and down what is now merely a trickle

My secret

2008-06-18T19:05:00.002+02:00

Have you ever thought about building your own website? It is not as difficult as you probably think.

I always wanted to share my love with the Australian Outback with the whole world. When I discovered Site Build It, I knew this my chance to start a website. Click the link to read more about the Outback Guide secret.

For a short period Site Build It's summer special is available. Purchase one SBI package, and get a second one for 1/3 of the price. It's a bargain.

Facts about Australia

2008-06-18T18:03:00.004+02:00

Are you looking for some basic Australian facts? It's size and times zones? What's the weather like? Click on the link to find out more.

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Australia has six states and two main territories on its mainland, plus the island Tasmania which is a state itself. Other minor territories are a few small islands and a part of Antarctica. For more infor on the Australian states click the facts about Australia link.

Longreach Australia

2008-06-01T21:10:00.010+02:00

Do you want to know about my favourite towns and places in the Outback? I am going to introduce you to charming little towns and wonderful nature spots.

This week's spot is on Outback Queensland.

Longreach can be easily reached along the Matilda Highway. It's a top spot to catch up with the spirit of the Outback and Australian history.

You still see old hotels, stores and buildings when you stroll along Longreach's main street.

Top things to explore

Qantas Founders Outback Museum at Longreach airport. Learn how the second oldest international airline was born.

The Stockman's Hall of Fame truly tell about the Australian spirit. It's about the struggles of early settlers, the inventions to make life in the bush easier. It's a tribute to the Outback folks that never give up.

Have a bbq at Thomson river and watch a beautiful Outback sunset.

Longreach is a typical Outback town with a great charm. It's a must see place when you travel along the Matilda Highway.

Dangerous Australian Animals - How to avoid to get in trouble

2008-04-15T21:38:00.006+02:00

Most of my friends envy me when I go to Australia. Others would never go because of the dangerous Australian animals . Do you fear them, too?

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Well, there are a few nasties you should avoid along the tropical coast line in the north. Crocodiles and the box jelly fish can really bring you in trouble. Look out for signs on the beaches and on coastal rivers. Don't act like Crocodile Dundee.

Australian snakes and spiders can be found all around Australia. I don't know why, but most people seem to worry about them more than about crocs. Snakes are usually shy and go away from you. Spiders don't attack. Know a few rules, and you'll be fine.

Don't put your hands into hollow logs, be careful when collecting firewood

Always wear boots when walking in grassy areas where you don't see the ground

Don't provoke snakes, don't try to catch or kill them.

Always check your shoes for spiders in the morning. You won't want to walk with the company of a redback all day?

Scientist in Australia have done a good job to develop anti venom for redback and funnel web spiders, as well as for most snakes. Relax, use your common sense, and you'll be fine.

There are other creepy crawlies that can bite, but hey, you certainly have such critters at home, too.

Six reasons why you should visit Birdsville, Australia

2008-04-01T20:43:00.004+02:00

You don't know where Birdsville is?

Birdsville is a tiny bush town in the south west corner of Queensland, Australia. Among Outback travellers it is a must see place. Whatever route you take, it is a long way to get there. And every kilometre is an adventure.

Coming from South Australia, take the Birdsville Track. This historic Outback route is an Australian icon, a must do Outback Track.
Birdsville has typical Outback flair, great country hospitality offered by friendly people.
Visit the Blue Pole Gallery, you wouldn't expect an art gallery in the middle of nowhere. But exactly this remote Outback area inspires painters for excellent art work.
See the biggest sand dune of the Simpson Desert only some 30 km outside Birdsville.
Watch a town go crazy on the annual race weekend - or avoid it, if huge crowds are not your cup of tea. The Birdsville races are on the first weekend in September.
Experience an awesome sunset at the Birdsville billabong. It is such a lovely place, an oasis in the desert. Except for the mozzies that drives you nuts.

How to stay safe in the Outback?

2008-03-23T22:06:00.003+01:00

The short answer, from my own experience: "Don't stop in a bush town to buy lunch!"

It happened on my last trip to the Australian Outback. My husband and I had planned another camping tour. The Birdsville Track in South Australia and Outback Queensland were on the agenda.

As always, we were well prepared. I love to gather all information I can get before a trip, and write a detailed itinerary. That's always my job. That doesn't mean we're inflexible, far from it. Planning is just part of the fun, and of course, we take Outback safety serious.

Anyway, it was the first day of the trip, lunchtime. We were hungry, and stopped in a tiny town to buy a snack. Suddenly, I stumbled, and fell with speed on the street. Ouch! I felt thick with pain. I knew immediately that something was very wrong with my left arm. My first aid kit checklist and the items we carried were useless!

The tiny town had a health centre, and the doc wanted a x-ray. That meant 50 km back to the next bigger town, and then back to this friendly doc. He looked at the photos of my arm and shoulder - bad news. I had a fracture in the upper arm, close to the shoulder joint.
He asked for our plans, and allowed me to continue the trip.

We did the entire trip as planned. though the pain somewhat spoilt the fun. It was a very special experience. People at all our destinations where so helpful and friendly. I don't want to miss that part.

So next time I am hungry on a trip, I send my husband to buy the lunch.

Outback Facts

2008-03-20T14:12:00.006+01:00

The Outback covers several climate zones. The tropic north, desert climate in the centre, and more distinctive seasons in the south. This classification might be a bit rough, but you get the idea.

The Outback is all about colours. The diversity of the landscapes is amazing. Rugged mountain ranges, stony deserts, red sand dunes, and above all the endless horizons and a deep blue sky. The sheer beauty is awe-inspiring.
Famous tracks cross this vast inland. Each route has a history of hardship, loss of life, but also victory. It was not easy to open up this harsh land for the early explorers. I often imagine what it was like in the early days, without the roadhouses and small settlements that cover the Outback today.

Did you know that in some regions of the Australian Outback

mail is delivered by plane

classrooms are as huge as the Outback itself - children are taught by radio and satellite TV

the doctor comes by plane as well - you heard about the flying doctors, did you?

More Outback facts

The Oodnadatta Track - Outback South Australia

2008-03-17T12:54:00.015+01:00

The Oodnadatta Track in the north east of Outback South Australia is my favourite track.

It crosses about 620 km of dry desert country south of the vast
Lake Eyre and the notorious Simpson desert.
The Oodnadatta Track is steeped in history. The track follows a string of mound springs that provide water from the immense artesian basin, that lies under the eastern parts of Australia.

Facilities along the way include old-style hotel accommodation in Marree and Oodnadatta. Both towns have campgrounds, as well as Coward Springs and William Creek.
Apart from Coward Springs, you can get fuel and basic supplies in the towns mentioned.

Read more about this exciting track.

Outback Australia - it is a special place

2008-03-16T20:07:00.016+01:00

The Australian Outback is a mystery to many people. What is so special about the Outback?

For me, the Outback means tranquillity, natural beauty. It is far away from the hype of our hectic world.

The Outback is huge. It covers about 2/3 of the Australian continent. Distances are immense, population next to nothing. At least between the small settlements. You can drive for hours, even days, without seeing another car.

The Outback is also a feeling. I guess some people get it, some not. I don't blame anyone who doesn't like dust and heat and flies. But I feel happy when I am out there.
The grandeur of the nature, the unique animals, the wide open sky, and the sheer beauty of stars and the milky way at night make up for that little dust and heat.

Welcome to Outback Australia Tips

2008-03-16T16:31:00.006+01:00

Will this little blog made an impact in the blogging world? Who knows!

I invite you to stop by and listen to my babbles about the Australian Outback.

Leave your footprints, share your experience. Let me know what you want to read, or share your Outback experiences.