AUSTRALIA

Created by Domas Tamulionis

Kings Canyon

Kings Canyon is situated within the Watarrka National Park, and is a huge canyon 270m high. The walk around the rim of the canyon is definitely worth it as the views are spectacular, although it can take 3-4 hours and should only be attempted early in the morning during the summer months. On your way around the rim of the canyon you will pass the tropical pools of the Garden of EEden, and the beehive rock formations called the Lost City. The views from the canyon are also spectacular, overlooking the beautiful landscape.

. lternatively you can take the walk through the canyon gorge looking up to the towering canyon above you. This walk is a slightly more reasonable 1 hour walk. Another way to see the canyon is from helicopter. There are numerous flights leaving from both the Kings Canyon Resort and Kings Creek Station. This shouldn’t be missed, as yyou get to fully appreciate the scale of the canyon.

Kata Tjuta – The Olgas

Kata Tjuta (otherwise known as the Olgas) are set within the Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park.

The name has been aptly given to the Olgas as Kata Tjuta aactually means ‘many heads’ in traditional Aboriginal language.

.The Olgas are about 30km from Uluru and is made up of 36 rounded domes with the tallest (Mt. Olga) being 200m higher than Uluru (that’s 546m).

There are two walks that you can take around the Olgas. The Valley of the Winds Walk is along a 7km track that circles several of the Olgas. If the temperature is due to be 36 degrees or more then this walk is closed from 11am at the Kalpa Lookout, so get there early to avoid disappointment.

It is also best to walk early in the morning as it makes a more comfortable walk. The other walk that is available is the Olga Gorge Walk (Tatintjawiya), which iis a 2km walk into the beautiful gorge.

Uluru – Ayers Rock

The only way to truly experience Uluru (Ayers Rock) is to visit it. No Uluru photo can show the magnificence of the size and colours of the rock (348 metres high). Like the Olgas, Uluru is set within the Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park.

. Uluru holds deep Aboriginal significance to the Anangu people, and many stories are told as you wander around the base. You can also learn about AAyers Rock at the Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park Cultural Centre. Anangu Tours is also based here, and can take you on numerous tours around the base, although they do request that you respect their culture and do not climb the rock.

. There are different walks that you can take around the base of Uluru. The first would be the long 9.4km walk around the whole of the base. The walk is worth it, although as with all of the walks you should start early in the morning before the sun has got too hot.

MacDonnell Ranges

Heading south from Alice Springs you will come across a turning for the Ross Highway. If you head along this you will be driving through the Eastern MacDonnell Ranges and can visit a number of small towns along the way, as well as several nature parks.

. At the far eastern end of the Eastern MacDonnell Ranges you will come across Aritunga, which is the oldest town in central Australia. Aritunga was also a gold mining town, and although mining has now stopped, mining has recommenced a short distance from the town. You can learn about the history of the town at the Visitor CCentre, where you can even pan for gold outside. It is also possible to go down into several of the old mine shafts.

.Heading west from Alice Springs you can drive through the magnificent Western MacDonnell Ranges. There are two routes that you can take. Starting from Larapinta Drive you can either follow this along through Hermannsburg until you reach the Mereenie Loop Road, or turn off onto Namatjira Drive which eventually joins the Mereenie Loop Road. This then leads to Kings Canyon and the Watarrka National Park.

Adelaide River

The stunning Adelaide River snakes its way south from the Van Diemen Gulf at Djukbinj National Park to the Adelaide River Settlement on the Stuart Highway. The river is best known for its exciting ‘jumping crocodile’ cruises. Just an hour’s drive south of Darwin, turn left at Beatrice Hill on the Arnhem Highway and follow the signs to any of several ‘jumping crocodile’ theme cruises. Watch crocodiles being fed and encouraged to jump high in the air.

. The river is also home to a multitude of unique birdlife. The Adelaide River settlement is situated on the banks of the river, 114 kilometres south of Darwin. The scenic village has a rrich history. During World War II the area was the site of a major military headquarters.

. Adelaide River has hot summer temperatures. The summer high temperature for Adelaide River is approximately 34 °c. The summer low temperature is approximately 24 °c.

. Adelaide River (Arnhem Highway) has warm winter temperatures. The winter high temperature for Adelaide River (Arnhem Highway) is approximately 33 °c. The winter low temperature is approximately 16 °c.

Tanami Desert

The Tanami Desert, one of the most isolated and arid areas on earth, wasn’t truly explored until well into the twentieth-Century. It is as far from the beaten track as you’re likely to get and strictly the domain of the adventurous and well equipped four-wheel-driver.

. Located 643 kilometres north-west of Alice Springs is the beginning of the Tanami Track, the most adventurous and direct route through the desert between Alice Springs and the Kimberley region. Tilmouth Roadhouse is the first stop along the Track. You can experience life on a working cattle station at Tilmouth Well. This oasis on the edge of the Tanami Desert offers tours, recreation and accommodation in a serene outback setting.

Beyond Tilmouth, Yuendumu and Rabbit Flat Roadhouse offer

fuel stops and refreshment. One of the Tanami’s newest attractions is the Newhaven Reserve run by Birds Australia. The Reserve covers an area of 650,000 acres and is home to an abundant range of wildlife. Rare night parrots have been sighted several times. Another exciting stop is the ruins of the Old Granite Gold Min, found 60 kilometres south of Rabbit Flat Roadhouse, featuring the original 1930s buildings.