Wednesday 21 December 2011

History of Pearling in Broome



Pearls are exquisite organic gemstones that have been cherished and sought after throughout history. Some of the most dazzling pearls in the world are the South Sea pearls and especially those that emerge from the sparkling, clear turquoise waters around Broome in Western Australia. The history of pearling in Broome really began when the large, pearl containing Pinctada maxima oysters were first found in Roebuck Bay in 1861.  These are very large oysters, with some of them being as big as dinner plates, and back then they were harvested for the mother of pearl lining to their shell rather than the pearls that they contained, and within a very short time Australia was producing around 75% of the world’s mother of pearl.  Any natural pearls that were found were welcomed as an extra bounty from the sea.  The newly founded town of Broome was to become the centre of this emerging pearling industry and South Sea pearls were initially called ‘Broome Pearls’.

Pearl Luggers, Broome


 In the early days of diving for oyster shell and pearls, before there was any specialist diving equipment, young Aboriginal men and women were used to do the diving and they had to dive naked which led to their being known as ‘skindivers’. They dived for the oyster shells in water that was up to 12 metres deep, without any oxygen, masks or snorkels, and with absolutely no protection from dangers like sharks. Many of these young Aboriginal people had been rounded up and forced away from their families and were held in very harsh conditions, and certainly did not receive very much reward for their dangerous labour.  Their brutal treatment and the dangerous diving that they were forced to do, led to the deaths of many of these young Aborigines, and this slavery continued until the oyster beds in the shallower waters had been almost completely denuded due to over harvesting and equipment had to be introduced that allowed diving in deeper waters.

It was the introduction of this specialist diving equipment that really caused the boom of the oyster shell fishing industry.  The invention of diving suits made of vulcanised canvas, with heavy boots weighted with lead, and huge bronze helmets, meant that the divers could go much deeper than before, and could spend more time on the sea bed enabling them to collect more of the precious shells. The pearling boats or ‘pearl luggers’ were mainly owned by white Europeans known as Pearling Masters, but with the advent of diving suits the divers themselves were no longer Aboriginals, but were mainly Japanese men.  Most of these Japanese divers were indentured labour.  They owed a debt, usually the cost of their passage to Western Australia, and dived for shell to pay off that debt and hopefully earn some money to take home to their families.  However, the Japanese divers were paid by how much oyster shell they could collect, and accidents and fatalities were common, so very few of the divers ever did manage to pay off their debt and return home. There are reports that say that as many as 50% of the Japanese divers died, with shark attacks and the bends or decompression illness being major causes of death. Another cause of death and injury for the divers and crew of the pearl luggers was the unpredictable Australian weather, and whole fleets of pearl luggers were destroyed by cyclones while at sea.



The pearling industry in the seas around Broome boomed in the early years of the 20th century, and by 1910 there were approximately 400 pearl luggers and 3500 people involved in fishing for oyster shells in the pearling industry. Broome was a thriving and rowdy frontier town, with a vibrant, multicultural population comprising of Aborigines, Europeans, Malays, Chinese, Filipinos and Japanese.  When the pearl lugger fleets returned to shore after weeks at sea, much of the crew member’s hard earned cash would be spent in the taverns and eating houses that thronged around the docks of Broome.  In 1922 the Australian government became very worried that the new development in Japan of producing cultured pearls was a potential risk to the market for natural pearls, and banned them from being produced in the waters of Western Australia. But by the 1930s there was a severe danger that the Pinctada maxima oysters were going to disappear due to over harvesting of the oyster beds.  Diving for pearls and shell virtually ceased during the two World Wars, and in the 1950’s the development of plastic buttons, cutlery handles and ornaments substantially lowered the demand for mother of pearl, almost destroying the pearling industry in an instant.  The ban on producing cultured pearls in Australia was overturned in 1949 and this was what proved to be the saviour of the pearling industry and the pearling industry was buoyed up by the introduction of cultured pearls in 1956 by a joint Japanese-Australian company called Pearls Proprietary Limited at Kuri Bay some 420 kilometres north of Broome.

The production of cultured pearls in Australia grew over the following decades and these days 60% of the world’s South Sea cultured pearls come from the pearl farms sited in the seas around North West Australia. These South Sea pearls are renowned for their size, lustre and colour, which can range from pure white through creams, pinks, silver-white and gold. The average size of a South Sea pearl is around 12mm, although there have been pearls produced that are as big as 20mm. Cultured pearls are created by seeding an oyster with a spherical piece of foreign material such as shell.  This bead then acts as an irritant and encourages the oyster to coat the sphere in a thin layer of nacre which builds up slowly over time. The hope is that when the oysters are harvested after a couple of years, the pearl farmers will find an abundance of very high lustre, completely round and flawless pearls, although the reality is that on average only about 20% of the harvested pearls will be flawless. The overall high quality of Australian South Sea pearls, however, is such that they do not have to be tinted, dyed, bleached or skinned.  They are just removed from the oyster, cleansed of salt and accumulated debris and graded for sale; their soft, glowing beauty needing no further embellishment. There are many showrooms in Broome displaying beautiful jewelry made from Australian cultured South Sea pearls, so go and wander around Paspaleys, Linneys or Willi Creek Pearl Farms showrooms to find your perfect pearl necklace, earrings, ring or bracelet.  If you want to find out more about the history of pearl diving in Broome, spend some time at Pearl Luggers or if you want to see where it all happens go on a trip to the Willie Creek Pearl Farm.

Willie Creek Pearl Farm, Broome


So what is the future of the pearling industry in Broome?  Unfortunately, the ongoing global financial crisis has dramatically cut the demand for South Sea pearls, which has led to the pearl growers in Western Australia stopping pearl seeding and production of pearls has fallen by about 40%. To produce a pearl the oyster shell has to be maintained in favourable conditions in the water for about two years, which is an ongoing investment in time and money. The pearl farms have done this to cut costs and survive, but the worry is that if demand for South Sea pearls suddenly goes up due to an improving worldwide financial picture that the pearl farms will not be in a position to produce enough pearls to satisfy the market. But Broome and the pearling industry have survived many catastrophes and unfavourable world events in the past, and will hopefully go on producing these beautiful pearls from the sea for us all to enjoy.

Thursday 17 November 2011

Why Choose to Visit Western Australia?




Why Western Australia?

Australia is a dream holiday destination for many people, but most travellers are drawn to the hugely iconic Australian destinations of Sydney, the Great Barrier Reef, the tropical paradise of the Whitsunday Islands, Uluru, or the majesty of the Great Ocean Road.  However, the often overlooked Western Australia, which is the largest state of Australia and occupies the whole of the Western third of Australia, has much to recommend it as the perfect holiday destination.  Western Australia covers an area of around 2.5 million kilometres, and is bounded by South Australia and the Northern Territory to the east and the Indian Ocean to the north and west.  Western Australia has a vast range of climates, habitats and geographical features.  There are miles of silver sand beaches to be enjoyed in Western Australia, abundant and diverse wildlife to be watched, forests to be hiked through and hot, burning deserts to camp in.

Perth, State Capital of WA


About Western Australia

The state capital of Western Australia is Perth, and of the approximately 2.2 million inhabitants of Western Australia, 85% of them live in Perth and the south western part of the state. The coastal region of the south west has a Mediterranean climate and was originally forested and is the home of the Karri tree, which is one of the tallest trees in the world.  This part of Western Australia is now an important area for agricultural production, and has many different eco-systems and a huge range of native species, many of them now, unfortunately, under threat.  The central parts of Western Australia are arid semi-desert or desert.  These desert regions have very few inhabitants and the major industry is mining. The temperatures in these desert areas can be very extreme, with the hottest temperature recorded in 1998 in the Pilbara being 50.5 degrees centigrade. In the extreme north of Western Australia, lies the ancient region of the Kimberley, which has a tropical climate with a rainy season and a dry season.

Windjana Gorge


Western Australia's First Inhabitants

There is a lot of academic controversy on when the first humans arrived in Western Australia, but estimates vary between 40,000 to 60,000 years ago.  The Kimberley region especially has many ancient Aboriginal rock art sites.  The first European believed to have first set foot in Western Australia is Dirk Hartog, a Dutch adventurer who made landfall in 1616.  The British and French started to explore the coast of Western Australia during the 18th century and settlements were founded at what is now known as Albany and on the Swan River, later becoming known as the towns of Perth and Fremantle.  The growth of Western Australia was given an enormous boost in the 1890s when gold deposits were discovered around Kalgoorlie. Some of the major industries of Western Australia today are agriculture, mining and tourism.

Ord River


Travelling Around Western Australia

So how do you get to Western Australia and then travel the huge distances between destinations when you arrive?  International flights into Western Australia mainly arrive into Perth, with a few arriving in Broome.  Perth is a vibrant modern city, with a good public transport system and plenty of hire cars and taxis available.  If you want to travel on from Perth, there are domestic flights available to the other major tourist destinations in Western Australia such as Kalbarri, Broome, Monkey Mia, Kalgoorlie, Albany, Exmouth and Kununurra from Skywest, Virgin Blue and Qantas. For those who prefer to watch the scenery go by, Greyhound Australia runs frequent services between Perth and Darwin that stops at all major centres on the route, though be warned the journey from Perth to Broome takes around 34 hours!  Perth is also where the Indian Pacific Railway starts its long journey across the Nullarbor to Adelaide, Melbourne and Sydney.  The more adventurous can hire a car, a four wheel drive or a motor home.  There are excellent campsites throughout Western Australia, and this is an excellent way of exploring the region.  There are also a wide range of organised tours that you can book on.  These tours generally depart from Perth or Broome, and can range from basic backpacker camping trips through to luxury accommodated tours.

Pinnacles Desert, WA


Tourist Attractions and Things To Do

So where can you holiday in Western Australia and what can you do?  Perth, the state capital, is a beautiful city situated on the Swan River.  Perth offers excellent shopping, dining and night life.  Walk through the beautiful King’s Park, take a boat trip down the river to Fremantle and Rottnest Island, or go and watch a major sporting event.  If wine is your thing, visit the beautiful Margaret River area and visit the wineries and revel in the stunning scenery.  Travel up the coast stopping of at the Pinnacles Desert and at Kalbarri for swimming, fishing and the natural wonders of the Kalbarri National Park.  Marvel at the dolphins at Monkey Mia and go whale watching or snorkelling in the pristine, clear waters of the Ningaloo reef at Exmouth.  Travel inland to explore the Pilbara and Karijini National Park.  Further north, relax in the tropical climate of Broome, the gateway of the Kimberley.  Learn about Broome’s pearling history, ride a camel on Cable Beach or take a trip to Cape Leveque.  Travel through the ancient landscapes of the Kimberley, to visit the Gorges, drive the Gibb River Road, take a boat trip on Lake Argyle or investigate the famous Bungle Bungles.

Cable Beach, Broome


There is truly something for everyone in Western Australia.  There is a huge range of accommodation to choose from, ranging from luxury resorts and hotels, to remote eco resorts, self catering apartments, basic backpackers, to camping and caravan parks. You can see crocodiles, kangaroos, whale sharks, emus, dolphins, whales, turtles and pelicans.  There is excellent hiking, fishing, diving, cycling and surfing.  Eating ranges from sophisticated restaurants with international cuisine in the towns to cooking dinner on a fire under the stars.  Learn about the indigenous aboriginal culture and visit the excellent museum and art gallery in Perth.  Western Australia is so vast that it is unlikely that you will ever be able to see it all, but it is never too soon to start!




Monday 1 August 2011

The Kimberley WA - Holiday In Beautiful El Questro Station

Vacation in the Kimberley


Zebedee Springs, El Questro


The Kimberley is one of those parts of the world that creeps into your soul. It is vast, empty and ancient, awakening the wilder part of ourselves that remembers a time when we lived in closer relationship with the earth and nature. The Kimberley is far away from the noise and bustle of modern life; a part of north western Australia where you can truly be alone, with only the clear blue sky above you and the wind rustling through the branches to keep you company. But, being human, we still need a place to stay and eat when we are on vacation and stock up on necessities such as fuel and groceries. And one of the best places to kick back, relax and drink in the stunning views is at El Questro Station. If you are looking for a wilderness holiday, you will find that El Questro Station is one of the most unique resorts in Australia.  It is a place where you can choose to revel in upmarket luxury at the El Questro homestead or, if you prefer, simply pitch your tent under a shady tree beside the Pentecost River.

Chamberlain Gorge, El Questro Station


How Did El Questro Station Get Started

Although El Questro is in the Kimberley region of Western Australia, it was actually the brainchild of an English aristocrat called Will Burrell and his wife Celia. The couple bought the property, which was then run as a cattle station but was in a very dilapidated condition, in 1991 and then decided that tourism may prove to be more profitable than running cattle, although even today around 8,000 cattle are run on the station. El Questro covers some 10,000 square kilometres to the west of Kununurra and is situated on the famous Gibb River Road. The station is mainly scrub savannah, intersected by red-hued hills and cliffs, dramatic gorges and four important river systems. This abundance of water means that El Questro is a haven for wildlife, including the fearsome salt water crocodiles. The Burrell’s sold El Questro to the Voyages Group in 2005, but it has now been owned and operated by Delaware North Parks and Resorts since 2010.  The first tourist accommodation to be constructed was at Emma Gorge during the wet season of 1992, and the wilderness park had its official opening in May of the same year. The next project was the building of the super-luxurious El Questro Homestead, which was completed in October 1992. This was followed by The Station in May 1993, which, with its stone bungalows and camping areas, is now the focal hub of El Questro.

Getting To El Questro

El Questro is open during from the middle of April to the end of October every year, which is the dry season in the Kimberley. Most people who visit El Questro arrive by road, and the wilderness park is 110 kilometres away from Kununurra on the Gibb River Road. Kununurra has a small airport that is serviced by flights from Perth, Darwin, Broome and Argyle, and El Questro does run a transfer service to pick up visitors who arrive by air or bus in the town. If you only want to visit El Questro for the day, you can also book a day trip in the Kununurra Visitor Centre. Of course, if you are very rich and planning your stay at the El Questro Homestead, you can pop in on your helicopter or private plane!

Emma Gorge

Emma Gorge offers a stunning hike through the rocky gorge and along the creek. The scenery is spectacular, and there is a huge variety of plants, insects, butterflies and reptiles to be seen as you walk. Your hike is rewarded at the end of the gorge by a beautiful turquoise waterhole fringed by a waterfall that tumbles down the red sandstone of the rock face.  This waterhole is the perfect place to swim and relax, and let your cares be soothed away by the hot Kimberley sun. The hike back along the gorge brings you to the resort, which consists of comfortable safari-style tented cabins, set in swaying green palms and lush gardens. To make sure that you don’t go hungry after your exertions, there is a restaurant and a bar, and there is also a general store and a laundry room. If you still have any energy left, you can splash around in the swimming pool or walk through the gardens.

El Questro Station, The Kimberley


Zebedee Thermal Springs

Have you ever been anywhere that reminds you of a land before time, a real Garden of Eden? Well one of those very special places is Zebedee Thermal Springs at El Questro Station.  Zebedee Thermal Springs is a series of small pools and waterfalls, set in the rocks and surrounded by green palm trees and lush vegetation. The water that bubbles up from deep beneath the ground is warm and comforting, and all you have to do is find a pool to yourself and stretch out to feel that you have truly entered paradise. There is a parking area at Zebedee Thermal Springs and a visit is included in many of the tours.

The Station

The Station is now the heart of El Questro, and is built along the banks of the beautiful Pentecost River. There are different types of tourist accommodation to choose from at The Station, and you can opt to stay in a comfortable stone bungalow or pitch your tent on one of the 25 campsites, all of which are very private and secluded. There is an excellent swimming hole to cool off in and the Steakhouse restaurant to grab a hearty feed in. The Station is also the hub from where many of the many activities start.

El Questro Homestead

El Questro Homestead is situated high above the Chamberlain Gorge, and offers excellent views down the gorge and of the abundant wildlife. The Homestead retains its air of exclusivity by being well away from the other accommodation at El Questro, and only guests and staff are allowed in its grounds. Only twelve guests at a time can enjoy the privacy and luxury of the El Questro Homestead, and all of the rooms are en-suite with a terrace. The most prestigious accommodation at the Homestead is the superlative Chamberlain Suite which offers spectacular views from all of the windows as the building is extended so that it makes it seem that the Chamberlain Suite hangs over the very edge of the Chamberlain Gorge. The El Questro Homestead is set in very beautiful and very private tropical gardens, containing a swimming pool and tennis courts. If you book into the El Questro Homestead you are guaranteed to receive superb, personal service from the staff, gourmet dining under the stars and a choice of tours and activities tailored to your needs.



Activities at El Questro Station

Of course you could come to El Questro, find yourself a shady tree and just snooze your afternoon away.  But if you feel a bit more active there are many different activities to take part in. One of the most popular is taking a cruise down the stunning Chamberlain Gorge.  As you go for a gentle cruise between the rugged, red sandstone cliffs, you will be given an informative commentary on the geology and formation of the gorge, the wildlife and plants in the gorge, and the history of the Aboriginal people who were first people to live in the area going back thousands of years. If you are really lucky you may see a large saltwater crocodile poke their head above the surface of the water, so don’t trail your fingers over the side of the boat! If you are keen on fishing you can join in one of the 4WD fishing tours and catch yourself some barramundi to fry for supper, or if you are a twitcher join one of the fascinating bird watching tours. To really get the feel for what it would be like to work on an Australian cattle station, you can go horse riding on a two hour guided trail around the property. Of course, one of the very best places to fully appreciate how spectacular the stunning Kimberley scenery really is, is to take to the air and see it from above. At El Questro you can choose from a variety of scenic flights or tours by helicopter that take you to some spectacular sites that cannot be easily accessed on foot or by road.

So as you have seen, El Questro Station encompasses all of the romance and beauty of the Australian Outback and then some! As you watch the sun slip down behind the magnificent Cockburn Ranges, with a cold beer or wine in your hand, you will be so happy that you are enjoying time in one of the most beautiful and unspoiled places left on our planet.


Emma Gorge, El Questro, The Kimberley








Wednesday 16 February 2011

Visit Alice Springs in Australia’s Red Centre



About Alice Springs

Have you ever dreamed of spending your vacation in Alice Springs in Australia’s Northern Territory? Do you want to visit the town that is at the very heart of the country of Australia and enjoy great trips to Uluru, Kings Canyon, and Kata Tjuta? Alice Springs or ‘The Alice’ has something to offer for every traveller however discerning; great hotels and resorts, an interesting history, great shopping and markets, aboriginal culture and art and, of course, access to the amazing natural beauty that is the Australian Outback.  This is a region that offers remote desert landscapes to explore, deep and mysterious gorges to hike through and fascinating Aboriginal communities.  Alice Spring’s is the second largest town in the Northern Territory, after Darwin, and has a population of around 27,800.  Alice Springs is almost equidistant between Darwin and Adelaide, and is situated in the region called Central Australia or the Red Centre of Australia.  This part of Australia is called the Red Centre because of the amazing rich, red colour of the soil, which creates a wonderful colour contrast between the bright blue of the sky and the green of the vegetation. The region is mainly semi-arid desert, with very little rainfall and huge fluctuations in temperature. The temperatures in Alice Springs can vary by as much as 28 °C (50 °F) during the year, with the summer being very hot with a maximum average temperature of 36.6  °C (97.9 °F) and the winter months being considerably cooler with an average minimum temperature of 7.5 °C (45.5 °F).

Alice Springs, NT


History of Alice Springs

Alice Springs is situated alongside the MacDonnell Ranges and has been built up along the Todd River, which unusually for a river is normally dry.  The area around Alice Springs is the traditional homeland of the Arrernte, who have inhabited this region for around 50,000 years, and the Aboriginal name for Alice Springs is Mpamtwe. When the European settlers arrived in Australia, the first expedition to find an overland route from the south to the north was led by John McDouall Stuart in 1861-62. Ten years later a settlement was built on the site that was to become Alice Springs, in order to build the repeater station for the Overland Telegraph Line that allowed communication between Adelaide and Darwin.  The Overland Telegraph Line was finished in 1872 and the region started to be settled by Europeans when gold was discovered just east of the Alice in 1872. The opening up of this remote and inhospitable area was greatly facilitated by the Afghan Cameleers who delivered vital supplies to Alice Springs by driving their camel trains overland for 600 km from the Oodnadatta rail terminal.  The rail link from Adelaide to Alice Springs was not completed until 1929, and in 2004 it was extended on to Darwin.  What is generally not known is that Alice Springs was originally known as Stuart, and the name was not changed to Alice Springs until the early 1930’s. Alice Springs was the name that had been given to the waterhole that was discovered in 1871 and was named after Alice Todd who was the wife of the Superintendent of Telegraphs.

Alice Springs Cultural Centre


Getting to Alice Springs



Australia is a huge country and the distances between towns can be huge.  Alice Springs, being situated in the very centre of the country, is a long way from everywhere!  You can hire a vehicle and drive to the Alice from Darwin, Adelaide, Sydney or Melbourne, but be prepared for your journey taking at least several days.  If you are planning to drive, you also need to be well prepared, as there are long distances between fuel stops, so you will need to ensure that you are carrying enough petrol, water and fuel for your journey. As most travellers are short of time, the best way to get to Alice Springs is to fly. There is an airport just outside Alice Springs which has daily flights from most of the major Australian cities. Qantas and Virgin Blue are the biggest airlines that service Alice Springs, but check the schedules for direct flights, as connections only increase your flying time.  Alice Springs is also serviced by the famous ‘Ghan’ railway service which runs between Adelaide and Darwin via Alice Springs. The full rail journey takes two nights, but many passengers break their journey at Alice Springs, so that they can explore and enjoy this unique Australian destination.  Alice Springs also features in many overland tours, and these can range from very basic backpacker camping trips to luxury camping trips or accommodated trips.

Alice Springs Telegraph Station


Alice Springs Hotels and Accommodation

If you decide to stay in Alice Springs there is a huge selection of accommodation to choose from. If you are lucky enough to be on a luxury vacation there are some great 5* resorts for you to enjoy in Alice Springs, such as the Crowne Plaza Alice Springs which offers an award winning restaurant, great swimming pools, a spa and comfortable rooms or the Chifley Alice Springs Resort. For the rest of us there is a great range of mid-priced hotels, self-catering apartments and also some great basic backpacker accommodation if you are on a budget or just want to relax into the party vibe! When you are choosing your Alice Springs hotel have a look at where it is situated on the map, as the town is pretty spread out and some hotels and resorts are a fair distance from the CBD and shops. There is a local bus service and some resorts offer a shuttle bus service, but if you like walking and being close to the action be sure to book your accommodation close to the action.

Alice Springs Baby Kangaroo Centre


Things To See In Alice Springs

There is a lot to do and see in Alice Springs and the surrounding areas.  If you are short of time, you can book some excellent city tours that are either ½ day or full day tours that take in all the major tourist attractions.  So what does Alice Springs have to offer?

Alice Springs Desert Park
If you are interested in the wildlife and plants of the Australian deserts, you will be fascinated by the Alice Springs Desert Park.  You can see some of the amazing creatures that live in this arid region and learn about the trees and plants that make up the sparse desert vegetation and how they all survive in such a harsh environment.
Aboriginal Art and Culture Centre
If you want to experience and learn more about the ancient culture of the Arrernte people, than a visit to the Aboriginal Art and Culture Centre is a must. Learn about Aboriginal art, culture, religion, food and society.
The Royal Flying Doctor Service
As Outback Australia is so vast, medical services are delivered to remote communities and cattle stations by the iconic Royal Flying Doctor Service. Visit the RFDS in Alice Springs to find out how the service is run and the history of these unique flying doctors.
School of the Air
Many children in this region simply live too far away to attend school every day, so they are taught by the School of the Air.  Visit the School of the Air to see how the lessons are carried out and learn more about the history of this fascinating educational service.
Alice Springs Reptile Centre
The Red Centre of Australia is home to many fascinating reptiles. Visit them at the Alice Springs Reptile Centre, where you can see and learn about many different species of reptile. Marvel at the Gecko Cave and be careful around the crocodile!
Alice Springs Telegraph Station Historical Reserve
See where it all began by visiting the Alice Springs Telegraph Historical Reserve, where you can explore the restored stone buildings and learn about the history of the Telegraph Station
Old Ghan Heritage Railway and Museum
If you enjoy the romance of the railways, visit the Old Ghan Heritage Railway and Museum. You can explore an old train and carriages, take a train ride on Sunday mornings or get a group of friends together and book dinner on the Old Ghan train.

Uluru


Uluru and Kata Tjuta

 Uluru truly is the iconic heart of Australia’s Red Centre, and along with Kata Tjuta, is a sacred place for the Aboriginal people.  Uluru is a quite a distance from Alice Springs, but can be done in a day trip – just be prepared for a very early start and returning in the early hours of the morning.  Many people, however, go for a couple of days so that they can enjoy the spectacle of the sun rising and setting over the huge red rock formation, and to have longer to enjoy walking around the base of Uluru, enjoying the Visitor’s Centre and exploring Kata Tjuta.  There is a range of accommodation at Uluru to suit all budgets and there is also an airport, so that you can fly directly in.

Sports and Activities in Alice Springs

Alice Springs is a magnet for hikers and bushwalkers, and there is also an 18 hole golf course to enjoy if you cannot leave your clubs at home.  Alice Springs must be the only town that holds a regatta on a dry river, but you can join in the fun at the annual Henley-on-Todd Regatta every August, where most of the boats are made from beer cans!  If camels are more your thing, July hosts The Camel Cup featuring camel races and camel polo.
So as you can see, Alice Springs offers everything that you could need for a great vacation.  Include Alice Springs in your Australian holiday plans, and experience amazing landscapes, fabulous wildlife, fascinating Aboriginal culture and art, and a truly relaxing, enjoyable vacation.