In the Outback!
Often when people talk about the Australian Outback, the red centre comes to mind. But beyond that, the country offers many great destinations and experiences across the Australian outback.
I last visited the Queensland outback, Longreach, and Winton. It was a great experience and there is a lot to see and do. Traditionally, the outback is home to large cattle or sheep farms, which can be larger in size than many European countries. And so one of the most popular sites in Longreach is the Stockman’s Hall of Fame, which displays a wide range of settler history and how life in the dry outback was before and now. Life in the hot, dry desert heat has not always been easy.
But perhaps the best-known and most visited destination is the Qantas Founders Museum, which tells the story of the 100-year-old airline. It was here that the airline started its operations and is now known as one of the world’s largest airlines. The museum allows visitors to visit several different aircrafts, and you can even climb aboard a jumbo jet.
To my surprise, we went on a river cruise that evening. Despite the dry inland surroundings, a river full of life flowed through it. Watching the sunset on the river was a truly memorable experience, and it was followed by a stunning view of the starry sky above the inland.
I had the opportunity to spend a night in a glamping tent and it was an amazing experience. It was wonderful to be able to enjoy the sounds of nature while being comfortable in my own bed with all the necessary amenities. The tent even had air conditioning in case I needed it.
Our destination for the following day was Winton, but the journey there was the most fascinating part. In recent years, an increasing number of dinosaur bones have been uncovered in Australia, and we came across one of the sites on our way. We discovered the painstaking process of cleaning ancient bones and were amazed by the size of the huge dinosaurs that once roamed the earth. It was astounding to learn that new species are still being discovered in Australia that were previously unknown.
In the evening, we went for a picnic in the crevices of the area, which offered stunning views of the outback. The location is well-known for being the filming site of the movie “The Proposition”. Moreover, you have the option of staying overnight in safari tents that provide all the necessary amenities.
The small outback towns and cities of Australia have a unique atmosphere and history that distinguishes them from the hustle and bustle of the big cities. When you visit Outback, you’ll feel like you’ve stepped back in time. There’s no rush here, and you’ll have plenty of time to stop, even if it’s just for a moment.
We organise trips to both destinations, please ask more.
A trip to Queensland’s Outback can be conveniently combined with a visit to Brisbane first. From there, you can travel directly to either Magnetic Island or north to Cairns and the Great Barrier Reef. This way, you can experience both the beauty of the Outback and the lushness of the tropics. The best time to visit is during the cooler months of April to October. If you’re interested in adding an inland visit to your itinerary, please feel free to ask us for more details.
Author: Asko Meriläinen, Project Matka
Photos: Project Matka