Did you take that trip to Tibet we suggested? Read up on your itinerary here. However, if you don’t feel like Tibet is your thing, maybe the Land Down Under is more your speed. Spending summer in the Australian Outback is an adventure unlike any other. The unique wildlife, rich cultural heritage, and breathtaking landscapes offer travelers an exhilarating and enriching experience. Whether you’re a thrill-seeker, a nature lover or a history buff, the Outback has something for everyone. Check out Project Bold Life’s guide to the Australian Outback for inspiration.
Prepping for the Australian Outback
There’s no denying that exploring the Australian Outback is a once-in-a-lifetime adventure, but exploring the area requires caution and preparation. Each destination offers unique glimpses of the region and challenges requiring more preparation. Here are some tips for traveling in the Outback.
Hydration and Sun Protection
The Outback can get extremely hot in summer. Always carry plenty of water and drink regularly. In addition, it’s always best to wear sunscreen, a hat, and sunglasses to protect yourself from the intense sun.
Respect Indigenous Culture and Wildlife
Many sites in the Outback hold significant cultural importance. Always follow guidelines and respect the local traditions. Be cautious of wildlife, especially when driving at dawn or dusk. Kangaroos and other animals often venture onto the roads.
Plan Ahead
Distances between destinations can be vast. Plan your routes and ensure your vehicle is in good condition.
Alice Springs – The Heart of the Outback
Start your journey in Alice Springs, the gateway to the Outback. Alice Springs is a vibrant town full of natural wonders and the locals’ strong cultural connection with the Arrernte people. In addition, it was also the first place Robyn Davidson arrived in before starting her 1700-mile journey across the Australian Outback.
Some notable sights and activities to see and do in Australia’s third largest settlement are Alice Springs Desert Park and the Araluen Cultural Precinct. The Alice Springs Desert Park has the best collection of flora and fauna unique to the region and has a beautiful representation of the local indigenous culture. Araluen Cultural Precinct is where travelers can explore and understand more about the region’s local art and history.
Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park – Iconic Landscapes
One of the most iconic experiences in the Outback is visiting and experiencing the iconic Uluru (Ayers Rock) and Kata Tjuta (the Olgas). The majestic rock formations are a few hours’ drive from Alice Springs. Locals offer guided tours around the base of Uluru, where tourists can learn about its cultural significance to the Anangu people. In addition, visitors to the Uluru-Kata can witness the Field of Light installation, thousands of solar-powered lights that get turned on to illuminate the desert at night.
Kings Canyon – Rugged Beauty
Watarrka National Park in Petermann, Australia, is another iconic destination to add to your Australian Outback itinerary. The park is 450 kilometers away from Alice Springs and is the home of the Kings Canyon.
The Kings Canyon is a magnificent canyon of 300-meter-high sandstone walls and palm-filled crevices. It contains 60 rare plant species, making it a living plant museum. It’s also the home to the Garden of Eden, a sacred waterhole to the local indigenous people.
Coober Pedy – The Underground Town
South of the Australian Outback lies Coober Pedy, the world’s opal capital. Besides opal, the town is also famous for its underground homes, designed to help locals escape the scorching summer heat and keep them cool indoors.
In addition, the town also has fascinating underground churches, museums, and hotels that tourists can explore and enjoy. Tourists can also try “noodling” for opals at the local mines, giving them a unique taste of underground living while appreciating Coober Pedy’s rich history.
Flinders Ranges – Majestic Mountains
The mountain range, Flinders Ranges, is a must-add for tourists who have a taste for adventure and a love of the outdoors. The place offers numerous outdoor activities like hiking to the top of St. Mary Peak or taking a scenic flight to appreciate the range’s rugged beauty from a different view. Tourists can also explore ancient Aboriginal rock art sites to help give a better understanding of the region’s rich cultural history.
Lake Eyre – Australia’s Largest Salt Lake
North of the Australian Outback is Australia’s largest salt lake, Lake Eyre. The lake is often dry during the summer, which creates an otherworldly landscape of shimmering salt flats. Tourists can also catch a rare phenomenon at the salt lake when there’s a recent rain, as it fills the lake with water, attracting numerous birdlife.
Lake Eyre’s salt content is also ten times saltier than seawater and doubles the density of the Dead Sea. But the lake’s most notable characteristic is its extraordinary pink hue, making it a unique attraction for photographers and adventure travelers.
Kakadu National Park – Ancient Wilderness
No Australian Outback adventure is complete without visiting Kakadu National Park, a World Heritage Site due to its incredible biodiversity and collection of Aboriginal rock art at Ubirr and Nourlangie. Kakadu is the country’s largest terrestrial park, holding hundreds of rare and endemic plants and animals.
Travelers can enjoy world-class hikes and nature walks on different trails. In addition, the park offers scenic views of majestic waterfalls, crystal pools, and rock formations. Tourists can also explore Kakadu’s lush wetlands and spot crocodiles on a river cruise.
Don’t forget the book that lays out the principles of goal-achievement and attaining a Bold Life!
