The path along the east coast of Australia is well worn, but there is more to Australia then Sydney and it’s bridge. Cross into central and Western Australia and experience something most backpackers miss.
Kakadu National Park
Located in Arnhem Land, Kakadu National Park is a mix of ancient culture and ancient land. Home to more then 2,000 plants, 68 mammals and more then a 100 reptiles and crocodiles, the park is jointly managed between the Bininj and Mungguy people.
As different parts of the park come to life with the change of seasons, Kakadu can be visited at any time however visitor are warned about flooding during the wet season (November to March).
The majestic park is 4050 kilometers from Sydney, it is easiest to fly into Darwin and whilst car is available most travelers take tours which can be booked in advance or on arrival to Darwin but be warned, during the busy dry season (July to September) tours often book up early.
Image courtesy of territorydiscoveries.com
Shark Cage Diving
Located on the stunning Eyre Peninsula and just 650 kilometers from Adelaide, Port Lincoln is home to the world famous shark cage diving experience.
Thanks to the Great Australia Bight, the waters off Port Lincoln are the natural habitat of the Great White Shark and during the whale migration season, Southern humpback Whales can be seen from the bluffs. Not only that, but the water around Neptune Island – the location of the cage dives- is crystal clear allowing you to take fantastic photographs.
As the cage stays at the surface, a diving license isn’t needed so the experience can be enjoyed by anyone.
Image courtesy of sharkcagediving.com.au
Darwin
Ah, Darwin. Home of the hippie, natural habitat of the backpacker. Best visited in the dry season (July to September), Darwin may not be the cheapest or easiest city to get around but it is one of the most beautiful. Enjoy sunsets on the beach while snacking on fruit kababs from the Mindil Markets, night walks along the Nightcliff Jetty. Should the wether turn sour, head to Mitchell street for great food and great nightlife.
Looking for a day trip? Then why not head to Litchfield National Park, just an hour out of the city. Tours are available although they are expensive and it is just as easy- and a lot more cost affective- to hire a car and drive.
Looking for a great feed with beautiful views? Head to the Skycity Casino where for under $15 you can get a buffet breakfast (think pancakes, fresh fruit, bacon, eggs, pastries, toasted muesli) and admire the stunning views.
Image courtesy of territorydiscoveries.com
Drive across the Nullabor
Commonly refereed to as ‘crossing the Nullabor’, the drive between Adelaide and Perth is long, dry and different. Australians dream of crossing the land once described by Eyre as “a hideous anomaly, a blot on the dace of Nature, the sort of place one gets into in bad dreams”. Cross during the whale migration season (June and October) and not only will witness beautiful sunsets but also see majestic Southern Right Wales.
With almost 3,000 kilometers between Adelaide and Perth you can also play the worlds largest golf course, stop off in Streaky Bay for world famous Oysters or simply pull over at any number of pubs for a real outback experience.
Image courtesy of ceduna.net
Visit Uluru
Formally known as Ayres Rock, Uluru is the heart of the Red Centre. 450 kilometers from Alice Springs, Uluru is spiritually significant to the the Pitjantjatjara and Yankunytjatjara people due to its role in many Dreamtime stories.
Thanks to the five seasons, Uluru’s scenery changes throughout the year and many consider it to be at its best when in the rainy season when the rocks surroundings come to life with springs and waterholes.
Take a walk around Uluru to explore its natural beauty and see some of the oldest rock paintings in the world. Just remember to be respectful of the Indigenous owners and obey all signs, particularly the ones regarding photography.
Although visitors can climb Uluru, the traditional owners asks visitors not to. The climb crosses an important Dreaming path, temperatures regularly exceed 40 degrees celsius and the climb is unsafe with no steps only a chain to help climbers on the steep assent and descent.
Image courtesy of territorydiscoveries.com
This article also appears on CheapOair. CheapOair (offering cheap plane tickets) reached out to me and asked if I could guest blog for them. This article will also be found here: cheapoair.typepad.com
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Really interesting…your list is pretty much exactly what I’m recommending people from the states to do. Kakadu rocks.
From Lachy