coll. - Outback Australia Road Trips

WELCOME TO OUTBACK AUSTRALIA

The outback, the Top End, the Red Centre. Whatever you call it, outback Australia has an elemental feel to it. Its here that so many Aussie landmarks of international repute reside, from Uluru, Kata Tjuta (the Olgas) and Kings Canyon in the centre, Katherine and Darwin to the north, Coober Pedy to the south and Lake Mungo in outback New South Wales.

As youd expect from a predominantly outback region, the roads here can be empty, the distances are immense, and some northern trails may be impassable in the Big Wet (November to March). But the rewards are simply extraordinary, primary among them some of the best opportunities to experience this ancient land alongside its original inhabitants. Stock up on supplies and hit the road.

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OUTBACK AUSTRALIA HIGHLIGHTS

Nothing prepares you for the burnished grandeur of Uluru as it first appears on the outback horizon. With its remote desert location, deep cultural significance and dazzling natural beauty, Uluru is a pilgrimage of sorts. See it on Trip

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Mysterious remote boulders by the roadside. See them on Trip

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Ancient wind-sculpted land in southeast New South Wales. See it on Trip

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CITY GUIDE

Mung bean biscuits,
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The cosmopolitan capital of Darwin is Australias doorway to Asia and celebrates its multicultural mix with delicious fusion cuisine and a relaxed tropical vibe. Darwin feels more like a big town than a city, and the dreamy coastline around its outer reaches rakes at the heart when a blood red sun is dipping over the horizon.

Darwin is relatively compact, but having your own car is particularly useful for visiting the markets in the northern suburbs and the parks on the citys fringe. Central Darwin and the Waterfront Precinct are easily walkable.

Darwins CBD has paid parking meters; the cost ranges between $1.20 and $2.40 per hour, depending on location. There is free overnight parking in the majority of off-street car parks. See the Darwin City website (www.darwin.nt.gov.au) for specifics.

The Darwin Waterfront Precinct is a great spot for a lovely dinner of fresh seafood with a variety of options to suit all budgets. Food at Parap Village Market is also a highlight arrive hungry!

Darwin has a good range of sleeping options, mostly clustered near the CBD. Hostels are generally concentrated in a bar-heavy stretch of Mitchell St. There are a few decent camping/caravan options within 10km of the city. Darwins larger hotels quote inflated rack rates but there are good specials to be found online.

City of Darwin (www.darwin.nt.gov.au)

Tourism NT (www.travelnt.com)

Tourism Top End (www.tourismtopend.com.au)

Road Trip Through Darwin:

Adelaides
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Relax after your epic drive with a few days in gracious, relaxed Adelaide. Capital of the driest state on the driest inhabited continent, Adelaide beats the heat by celebrating lifes finer things: fine landscapes, fine festivals, fine food and (OK, forget the other three) fine wine.

Adelaide is pancake flat perfect for walking or cycling (if its not too hot!). Buses, trains and trams also service the city; Adelaide Metro (www.adelaidemetro.com.au) has information and sells tickets.

Parking is cheap and plentiful throughout the city. Hotel parking sometimes incurs an additional fee.

Those in the know head to West End hotspots such as Gouger St, Chinatown and food-filled Central Market.

Most of Adelaides budget accommodation is in the city centre but in a city this easy to get around, staying outside the CBD is viable. For beachside accommodation, try Glenelg.

South Australian Visitor Information Centre (www.southaustralia.com) Info on Adelaide and South Australia.

Road Trip Through Adelaide:

NEED TO KNOW

MOBILE PHONES

European phones work on Australias network, but most American and Japanese phones wont. Use global roaming or a local SIM card and prepaid account. Telstra has the widest coverage.

INTERNET ACCESS

Wi-fi is widespread in urban areas, less so in remote Australia. For public wi-fi locations, visit www.freewifi.com.au. There are relatively few internet cafes; try public libraries.