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Oz Trek Series…The Great Central RoadCutting a way through the heart of the country, the Great Central Road leads from Laverton in Western Australia to the amazing scenery of the Red Centre at Yulara, as a part of Australia's 'longest shortcut'. Places to go…Outback exploringThis 4WD trail takes travellers through some of the most spectacular country in the Pilbara area of Western Australia in a search for gorges, waterholes and more.
Playtime at YangaNot far from Balranald in NSW is Yanga, a relatively new national park that has some ideal riverside camping.
Up the Birdsville TrackThere's a lot to see on this iconic drive when you take the time to 'smell the roses'.
Beyond the DreamtimeHead south from Bourke to explore Gundabooka National Park.. Around the WorldCharters Towers is known as 'The World', with an incredible history built on gold.. Things to do…Kalgoorlie’s Super PitTake a tour of this famous gold mine that's a hole in the ground so big, Uluru could fit into it!.
Birdsville and beyondThis trip, that goes fro Windorah to Birdsville to Bedourie, really shows travellers what the outback's all about.. The versatile mulletMullet are found in a range of habitats, and can be caught using a number of techniques..
Making tracksRon Moon reminds four-wheel-drivers to be aware of the possible dangers when performing recovery operations..
The raw prawnOur fishing columnist Rick Huckstepp offers some clues on how to catch a feed of delectable prawns.
Making tracksAutumn’s an excellent time of the year to head for the hills.
Puzzles!Try our crossword and Sudoku puzzles. |
Caravans, MotorHomes & more...Goldstream 17' 6" off roaderThere’s plenty of room in this off-road camper, and it’s built to tackle bush roads with ease.
Track Trailer Tvan MurranjiThe all-new Tvan Murranji retains its incredible long-travel MC-2 independent suspension, and now includes more comfort and practicality.
Toyota KlugerToyota has sharpened its Kluger with an update that brings fresh styling, additional equipment and mild refinement tweaks.
Campsites...Each month, On The Road contributors report on bush campsites or caravan parks around the country. In April 2011 issue our reports include: Johanna Beach campsite, Great Otway National Park, Vic Fossickers Rest Tourist Park, Inverell, NSW Woodgate Beach Caravan Park, Woodgate, Qld Hawker Big4 Caravan Park, Hawker, SA Nature…In the bushWhite cedar, or Melia azedarach var. australasica, is a native Australian tree with an aristocratic appearance. Cooking…Indian feastWe’re up for an Indian feast this issue, with a choice of spicy treats that include Rogan josh, steamed Tibetan momos and yoghurt fish with lemongrass rice. Just for readers...My Favourite PlaceA search for gold on a cattle property in Queensland’s Gulf Savannah region has won for a reader a fabulous prize from Snowgum.
Readers' lettersEach month, the best reader's letter wins a rugged, 12-volt Panther Versa-Lite. |
I've travelled through the outback when it wears its most inhospitable face, when searing winds suck the last dregs of moisture from a dying landscape, and when whirly winds grumble across desolate plains where water is merely a distant mirage.
But it was the rejuvenated face of the outback that greeted me when, after rain of Niagara proportions had drenched the landscape, I headed to Gundabooka National Park, some 50km south of the NSW town of Bourke.
"On top of the world" and "good as gold" are traditional responses to the usual "Howyergoin?" greeting.
Nowhere are the responses more apt than in Charters Towers in Queensland, "The World" built on gold.
By the time travellers reach north Queensland, some are "historied out". But the history of Charters Towers is incredible . For starters, it holds more National Trust properties than any other town in the state. Its economy has moved from its golden origins to the beef industry, to WWII activities and it’s now a major country music centre and a bonanza for gold panning, photography and wildlife enthusiasts. And modern technology has revived gold mining activities. .
Edged by the Simpson Desert to the west, and the Sturt Stony Desert to the south, Birdsville is much more than its famous annual races and its iconic pub.
This outback town is over 1500km west of Brisbane and just 12km from the South Australian border, and it’s a destination that deserves consideration.
From the east, the last town before the final 385km stretch to Birdsville is Windorah, which is Aboriginal for “big fish”. Many travellers choose to camp at Cooper Creek, just east of town, where council has installed toilets for campers. The Cooper is a popular spot to try for an elusive big yellowbelly catch, or to capture bird life in photos. We camped one night on the western bank where it was easier to get our kayaks in for a long upstream paddle.
