Posts Tagged “Outback”

Where is Karumba?

Karumba is a small community 70km north from Normanton, Queensland and lies on the Gulf of Carpentaria at the mangrove-fringed mouth of the Norman River. It’s main attraction is fishing for barramundi, prawns and crab-fishing. The Barramundi Discovery Centre is well worth a visit. It breeds barramundi fingerlings through each wet season which are then released to restock Gulf waterways and rivers which is critical if we are to have ‘Fish for a fishing Future’. With fishing tourism being the main attraction there are plenty of opportunities to hire your own boat (boat licence required) or catch a fishing charter.

Karumba is also known for its spectacular sunsets which can be viewed from boat or Karumba Point Beach. These photos below were taken from Travel Tips Plus reader Jane. Jane and her husband are currently on a great adventure trooping around Australia with their gorgeous dog Mac.

Sunset at Karumba

 

Karumba sunset

Map

TravelTipsPlus Google Map of Karumba

Karumba, Australian Travel Video Guide

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As the first chills of winter are beginning to bite our toes, it’s getting difficult for the average folk to leave their beds early in the morning. For kids, winter is synonymous with snowboarding, snowball fights, sledging and Christmas, for adults it’s the perfect time to hibernate. If the thought of hitting a snow-clad peak in the dead of winter leaves you cold, why don’t you fly to Australia? Just follow the sun and explore the top 5 winter-blues busting destinations of Australia.

Why Australia?

Winter activities in AustraliaThe island of Australia, due to its unique climate, offers both cold and warm weather activities for different age groups. Australians experience cold and dry winters in the months of June, July and August.

According to the BBC weather reports, the average temperature of Australia is 46-55 degrees Fahrenheit, during winters. Thus, the mild weather prevailing in the continent makes room for a plethora of wintertime activities.

Top 5 Tourist Attractions

Whitsundays, Queensland

Whitsundays is a group of tropical islands stretching from Bowen to Laguna, over viewing the Great Barrier Reef. Tourists can explore the entire region on a luxury yacht. Book a vessel and let the wild winds inflate your sails. Kick back and relax on the chalky sands of Whitehaven Beach. Snorkel the reef and islands, witness the scenic flight of migratory birds over the islands or simply bask in the heat of winter sun.

Byron Bay, New South Wales

Byron Bay is the hotspot of senior travellers. Here, you can rediscover your inner Zen with spa, mud-baths, Reiki, meditation and yoga. What’ more? You can sign up for surfing lessons, spy humpback whales as they drift towards the northern horizon, kayak with dolphins in a hot-water pool or simply walk around Cape Byron.

Darwin, Northern Territory

While the southern part of the continent experiences chilly winter winds, Darwin enjoys a bright, sunny weather, warm temperatures and cloudless skies. Want to fall in love with Australian lifestyle? Go ahead and survey the Mindil Beach Sunset markets. Browse through 200 stalls and enjoy scrumptious tropical cuisine.

Uluru, Northern Territory

Uluru, in Northern territory is famous for the Lulur-Kata Tujatu National Park, where tourists enjoy camelback riding. Move through the red sand dunes of Uluru and witness breathtaking panorama at the sunset. Dine alfresco under the stars on a rooftop restaurant, enjoy the Sounds of Silence and unfold the mysteries of Anangu Culture.

Broome, Western Australia

A 22km-long camel ride at the sunset tempts vacationers into visiting Cable Beach in Broome. It’s a perfect holiday destination for musicians, artists, families, celebrities, youngsters and backpackers who wish to break from the hectic city life. Watch your favourite movie at the Sun Picture Theatre or dig into the glorious past of Australia at Pearl Luggers.

Things To Do

Tourists enjoy hiking, biking and horseback riding in winters because winter days are quiet, sunny and clear. Just put on your woollen jackets and walk around the park, all the while enjoying the stunning scenery.

Head to the Alpine region of Victoria or visit the lofty, snow-clad peaks in New South Wales. Participate in snowboarding, skiing and mountain climbing activities. If you’ve time, you can visit the Perisher Ski Resort with your family.

Both Perth and Melbourne host international film festival in the honour of Australian Cinema. Visit these cities to get a glimpse of famous celebrities.

If you’re bored of your boring lifestyle, simply catch a flight from UK and land in Australia. Get more information on UK flight arrivals from local tourism companies and book your flights accordingly!

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Travel Photo of the Week: Kakadu National Park, Northern Territory, Australia

I visited Kakadu National Park back in 2000. It was early June and the wet season was only just finishing up but there was plenty to mark the wet season had been! Many roads were still under water and a good portion of the Yellow Water Billabong car park remained submerged. So much water laying about together with ‘Beware of Crocodiles’ signs, you couldn’t help but feel a little apprehensive. During the Yellow Water Billabong tour by boat, these water lilies were captured. Photos of the crocs will come another time! Stay tuned!

Water lillies found at Yellow Waters, Kakadu National Park

 

Water lillies found at Yellow Waters, Kakadu National Park

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When we’re planning our summer road trips, it’s tempting to flick through touristy guidebooks and travel down roads which have been travelled many times before.

But we believe the best journeys are sometimes those which are slightly more off the beaten track. Here are three driving route suggestions for those of us who want to see Australia in a completely new way.

Freemantle to Newman

1,200km, 13 hours

This epic trek up the Great Northern Highway will take you past sights and landmarks barely seen by many other human eyes. Flat, red, dusty planes stretch for as far as the eye can see, scattered nature reserves form a stark contrast against the arid land, and tiny towns that barely show up on Google maps sprinkle the landscape.

Checklist:

  • Visit the RAAF Base Pearce in Bullsbrook, constructed in 1935.
  • Visit the Bullsbrook Nature reserve
  • Stop off at Lake Chittering and Lake Needonga
  • Overnight in the small town of Dalwallinu
  • See what’s left of salt water Lake Austin and Lake Anneen
  • If you’re brave, visit the old abandoned ghost town Nannine
  • Visit Collier Range National Park

Once you get to Newman, be sure to stop for a swim at the Ophthalmia Dam. The closest thing you’ll find to an oasis in the middle of the desert, it’s a popular swimming and recreation spot amongst the locals.

Esperance, WA to Alice Springs, NT

3,136 km, 1 day 10 hours


The true journey through the red centre of Australia, this trek will take you from Esperance through every kind of landscape Australia has to offer – coast, bush and desert. Stay overnight in Ceduna and Port Augusta West to break up the trip in to thirds, as it is a whopping 25 hour drive from start to finish. There are plenty of huge nature parks and reserves along this trip, including Nullarbor National Park, Wahgunyah Conservation Reserve, Yumburra Conservation Park, Yellabinna Regional Reserve, Pureba Conservation Park, Koolgera Conservation Reserve, Pinkawillinie Conservation Park and Lake Gilles Conservation Park.

Checklist:

  • See the Australian Arid Land Botanic Garden in Port Augusta West
  • Visit Monalena Lagoon and Lake Hart
  • Stop over at Coober Pedy, the famous Opal Capital of the world

Broome, WA to Darwin, NT

1,945km, 1 day 1 hour

If you prefer to drive between two locations you’ve more than likely heard of. Perfect for those who love big, long stretches of road, this drive from Broome to Darwin will take you all the way through the north end of Australia. Overnight in Fitzroy Crossing and Katherine to break up the trip, and tick of our checklist of suggestions along the way.

Checklist:

  • Bungle Bungle National Park at Halls Creek (Australia’s version of the rocky landscapes of Arizona)
  • Keep River National Park
  • Manton Dam Recreation Area
  • Museum and Art Gallery of the Northern Territory, Darwin

Remember, when you’re travelling such long distances, it’s important to have the right vehicle. Your tiny little car that you use to zip around the city just won’t survive on the wide open road and rugged terrain of the Australian outback. Consider browsing used car websites to find dealers or private sellers where you can pick up an affordable and reliable 4WD or van for your trip.

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