Sunday, May 22, 2011

Australia's Outback: 7 Things You Need to Know

By Amanda Drummond


Have you heard that visiting the Outback is really hard?

Have you heard about snakes and spiders? Or that it's just too expensive?

Or none of those things?

Below, you'll find seven vital facts that you need to know before you commit to a holiday in the outback.

First, is it dangerous or scary?

O.K.I can understand your position, and yes, that may be a valid observation.

But take a look at it from this perspective, very few people actually die of thirst in the Outback.

Those that do die, do so because they have ignored the most basic facts about Outback travel, like stay with your car if it breaks down, carry at least 20 liters of water with you and tell someone reliable where you're going and when you expect to be back.

Spiders are common in Australia, but there's only one spider that's caused human fatalities: the Sydney Funnel Web. The good news is, Funnel Webs don't live in the Outback.

Whilst spiders are more common, there is only one spider that you need to worry about: the Sydney Funnel Web spider. And guess what? They DON'T live in the Outback!

Likewise, dingos are shy and very wary of humans. Adults don't get attacked by dingos in the Outback unless they are feeding dingos - which you're not supposed to do.

Dingoes are wild creatures and can attack (although this is rare in the Outback!).

It's Expensive

Flights to Australia can be expensive unless you're flying in from Asia, but there are plenty of ways to save money once you're here.

Prepare your own meals (with fabulous fresh Australian food) and don't stay in Five Star hotels. For a real outback experience , try camping or hire a campervan.

3. You'll Need at Least a Week

The Outback is HUGE! Set aside at least 5 days, even if you're just going to Ayers Rock and Alice Springs.

Fly to Alice Springs and Join an Ayers Rock Tour

Whatever you do, don't miss out on seeing Alice Springs! Alice Springs is full of things like the Desert Park, the Telegraph Station, the MacDonnell Ranges, and many more. Taking an Uluru tour from Alice Springs will allow you to see some of the many sights in the town and give you a real sense of what the outback is like.

Fifth, Don't carry too much luggage.

Take a tip from us: anything you need to buy can be bought in Alice Springs. And another tip: bring a pair of runners or cross trainers to walk around. You definitely don't need heavy hiking boots!

6. Visit in Summer

If you want to save money (and don't mind heat or flies), then you can save big bucks by visiting the Outback in the summer time. You can pick up some amazing hotel discounts if you visit between November and March (summertime in Australia).

7. Ditch the Cliches!

You won't find crocodile hunters or cowboys in the Outback. They're movie cliches! You will find some of the most spectacular natural scenery, real down to earth people, and a relaxed, friendly way of life that might just leave you wanting more!




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