Australian Accommodation

Leaving Barkly Homestead Roadhouse behind, we are heading towards The Three Ways Roadhouse, where the Barkly and Stuart Highways meet in the Northern Territory. It is a drive of 180kms.

It is extremely hot with temperatures soaring to 43 degrees and as our Mazda T3500 bus does not have air-conditioning, we are suffering. The best time to travel in this area is through the winter months from April to September. October to April is hot and wet and creeks and rivers can rise suddenly, causing flash floods.

It would be wise to never attempt to cross through this water unless you are familiar with the depth and flow, and are confident of the road surface being in good condition. Assume nothing to travel safely.

We are travelling in late November as we have a house-sit to get to in Alice Springs. As my hubby and I love travelling and house-sitting, combining the two is great.

Yet another road train is passing us. A prime mover can be 53.5 mtres, carry about 115.5 tonnes of freight, with up to four trailers long. Driving the bus and towing our 18ft caravan means we sit at a steady pace of 80-100kms, but the speed limit is set at 130km/hr on the Barkly and Stuart Highways. Rural roads are designated 110km/hr unless otherwise signposted. As the bitumen roads are fairly wide, it is best to stay on them when passing a truck.

However, travellers should drive at a speed that suits the vehicle, road, weather conditions and their own driving experience. When driving on unsealed roads, sudden rainfall can quickly change the conditions and both sealed and dirt roads can be cut. Be prepared with extra food, water and essential spare parts when travelling in remote areas. We have a mobile phone with a tall antenna mounted on the caravan and a UHF radio in the bus for communications.

We arrive at the intersection and turn right for about 50mtres where The Three Ways Roadhouse sits. You can either head north to Darwin (962kms) or south to Alice Springs (533kms).

Our next stop is Tennant Creek, which is 25kms south. We find the Battery Hill Mining Centre 1.5kms east of town along Peko Road. This underground mine has working machinery, lighting and displays, and authentic sounds which instilled in us the spirit of the early gold miners. Ray, our very informative host, gives us a fantastic tour while being entertaining with all his life long experiences as a hard working miner in an underground gold mine.

Battery Hill is also the Tennant Creek Visitor Information Centre so find out more information on the area by talking to the staff. Be sure to ask directions to the award winning Nyinkka Nyurnyu Aboriginal Cultural Centre. Some of the staff are Aboriginal, so should be able to pronounce it for you.

Here you can meet local Warumungu people and listen to their stories. The gallery features ever changing exhibitions and presents marvellous insights of contempory Aboriginal life, history, cultural activities and art. We see outstanding interpretive displays demonstrating the Warumungu relationship with the land, family, bush resources and bush tucker.

We travel another 130kms south, and call into the icon of the Barkly, Karlu Karlu known as the Devil’s Marbles, which are 10 minutes north of Wycliffe Well Holiday Park. The Devil’s Marbles are amazing and I am happy to take lots of photos. After driving around a short loop, we come back to the Stuart Highway.

Wycliffe Well Holiday Park is very different and unusual with murals everywhere throughout their caravan park. What delights us most is the peaceful bush setting, and the very friendly couple who manage the park.

It is also known as the ‘UFO Capital of Australia’, due to so many sightings of strange lights and crafts. After a Chinese meal in the cafe, cooked by a Chinese couple, we eagerly read the UFO newspaper clippings that cover the walls. Scattered throughout the park are statues of The Hulk, Elvis Presley and The Phantom. Very unusual.

There are about a dozen Aboriginal people congregated outside the store, as their community store was broken into last night and it is shut for repairs. They have driven to Wycliffe Well Holiday Park to buy their supplies. Unfortunately, one of them is very drunk and is politely refused any more alcohol. He retreats outside and revs his car loudly after getting it bogged in heavy sand in the nearby river bed. Not surprisingly, the motor blows up.

A beautiful morning to wake up to and we wander along the train tracks to the recreation lake that is home to several ducks and geese. Train tracks? Yes,the park owner has installed a small train to entertain the visitors with during the tourist season.

We say goodbye to the friendly staff as we must keep on our way to Alice Springs for our next interesting adventure.

By: Patricia Lilly

About the Author:

One of the most beautiful countries of the world. The name Australia was derived from the Latin word that means “Southern”; it is an apt name for this country that lies in the southern hemisphere. People around the world also refer to it as Aussie which is pronounced as Oz. The first signs of habitation in the country date back to 42,000 to 48,000 years ago and were hunter gatherers who have been known to arrive through land bridges from South-East Asia. The Dutch navigator Willem Janszoon was the first European who had sighted the Cape York Peninsula near Australia in 1606.

Modern day Australia or the Commonwealth is constituted of the six states of Queensland, New South Wales, Tasmania, South, Western, Victoria and the two major mainland territories Australian Capital Territory, Northern Territory. The total area of is 2,941,300 sq mi, of which it has a coastline of 21,262 mi and an exclusive economic zone of 3,146,060 sq mi. It is the flattest continent of the world with the least fertile and oldest soils, it is also the driest inhabited continent. They also have the world’s largest monolith Mount Augustus in Western Australia that lies 1105 m above sea level and stretches over an area of 47.95 km². The world’s largest coral reef The Great Barrier Reef that comprises of over 2,900 individual reefs and 900 islands stretches for 2,600 kms and covers a total area of 133,000 sq mi.

Australia is a multicultural country with a total population of 21,370,800 people. Every year thousands of people migrate there. The people of speak English, it is the national language. It is a country that has a sign language called Auslan which is used by about 6,500 deaf people residing in the country. The most common religion in is Christianity with 64% people following it, 26% of the people are Roman Catholics and 19% are Anglican and 5% of the population is Non Christian. The largest and most populous city is Sydney with a population of 4,336,374 and an area of 4,689.1 sq mi; it is also the capital. The other big cities in are Melbourne with a population of 3,806,092 and an area of 3,400.0 sq mi, Brisbane with a population of 1,867,594 people and an area of 2,279.9 sq mi.

The most popular sports played in are field hockey, cricket, rugby, soccer, horse racing and motor racing. They have international teams in sports such as field hockey, cricket, rugby, netball and football. The Australian cricket team led by Captain Kevin Petersen is one of the strongest cricket team in the world. They have always participated in every Commonwealth Games and summer Olympic Games. The people of Australia love theatre, ballet and music. There have been many international rock bands from here such as Silverchair, INXS and AC/DC and international singers like Kylie Minogue and Olivia Newton-John. There have been many famous movie actors like Hugh Jackman, Judith Anderson, Geoffrey Rush, Russell Crowe, Errol Flynn, Naomi Watts, Heath Ledger, Nicole Kidman, and Toni Collette who have called it their home.

By: Gary Leonard

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The names that come across one’s mind while speaking about Australia tourist attractions are Sydney, Melbourne, the Great Barrier Reef and many more. Visiting the different cities of Australia is a great experience in itself. Vacation at one of the top ten Australia tourist attractions literally means experiencing great shopping, great food and exciting entertainment. Nevertheless the scenic natural surroundings that these Australia attractions offer are mind blowing. Ten most desired tourist attractions include Fraser Island, Sydney Harbor Bridge, Great Barrier Reef, Scenic World, Jamison Valley, Kakadu National Park, Sydney Opera House, Port Arthur, Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park, Amp Tower Centrepoint, National Gallery of Australia etc.

Fraser Island:

Fraser Island has become the UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1992. The tourists would be enthralled to see the lush rain forests, fresh water lakes, eye catching sand cliffs and many more at the Fraser Island. Dingo population is one of the factors that draws the tourists towards it. Moreover the vast stretch of white sandy beaches add to the beauty of the place and increase its credibility as a major tourist attraction in Australia.

Sydney Harbor Bridge:

Sydney Harbor Bridge has been one of the major tourist attraction in Australia through ages. It is a very rare phenomenon that a tourist visiting Australia has not visited the famous bridge. At the foot of the bridge one can see “The Rocks” placed which are considered as the birthplace of Sydney. A brave tourist can also take a walk up to the top of the bridge with an escort.

Great Barrier Reef:

One of the most visited tourist spots in Australia is the Great Barrier Reef which is also considered as the most well protected marine site in the whole world. The Reef stretches along 86 million acres along the North East Australian Coast. A tourist can enjoy the superb natural beauty offered by this marine site. The place bears a mark of historical significance because of the 30 shipwrecks that have been found here.

Jamison Valley:

Famous for the steepest cable car journey of the entire Southern Hemisphere, through a picturesque locale, the Jamison Valley attracts a number of tourists from across the world. One can enjoy a memorable ride in a glass floored cable car through the picturesque valley and enjoy the beauty of the Katoomba Falls, Three Sisters Rock formation etc.

Kakadu National Park:

Kakadu National Park is also a World Heritage site and a most visited tourist attraction in Australia. Covering about five million acres in the Australia’s Northern Territory, this site is the home of about 300 Aboriginals. One can find the Aboriginals residing among the Savannah Woodlands and Tidal Wetlands.

Sydney Opera House:

Constructed by the famous Danish architect John Utzon in the twentieth century, this Opera House is a world famous tourist attraction drawing a number of tourists from across the world. A tourist can take a tour of the backstage and the front of the house.

Port Arthur:

This a prison that happens to be a tourist attraction where visitors can take a guided tour. The doors of the prison are passable through both ways and this unique feature adds to the attraction of this prison. This prison house is one of the extremely notorious penal colonies in Australia housing as young as nine year old prisoners.

Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park:

Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park is a famous tourist attraction in Australia noted for being the largest rock monolith in the world. According to the Aboriginal people this rock was created at the time of the creation of the Universe. Uluru was previously known as the Ayres Rock.

Amp Tower Centrepoint:

Amp Tower Centrepoint is situated at the height of 1000 feet and is the tallest building in the city which gives awesome views from the observation deck and from the revolving restaurant situated at the top of the building.

National Gallery of Australia:

National Gallery of Australia is the house of some of Australia’s finest art collections which are more than 10000. Here one can see glimpses of the international works and exhibitions of photography.

Visit these ten most desired tourist attractions while touring Australia and enjoy the uniqueness and individuality that each of these tourist spots offer.

By: Rohan Arora

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Known for majestic Katherine Gorge, Katherine can be found in central Northern Territory and is the third largest city in the state. Tourists come to see the region surrounding the town for its unbelievable beauty, and it is a great base for travel to the attractions further out especially by car. You can travel up north to the Adelaide River and on to Darwin, or down to Mataranka, with miles of sunburnt country in between.

One of the most entrancing aspects of the gorge, which is located in the Nitmiluk National Park, are its majestic cliffs that soar to the sky as you glide along in the river below. Depending on what time of year you visit, you can take between two to five hours to cross the gorges. In the dryer seasons the main gorge takes about two hours. The more extreme adventurers carry their canoes between gorges as the water drops so there is only a rock crevice in between.

Another option is to jump on one of the helicopter flights which is more expensive but the views are hard to describe and you are guaranteed to see the gorge from a completely different perspective.

The Gorge is where you will find most tourists in the area, attracted by the spectacular scenery and scenery. Try to avoid visiting between November and March as the waters rise rapidly. Bring your togs as swimming is permitted at the gorge, and it you will enjoy a chance to cool off surrounded by some of Australia’s most captivating scenery.

During my trip to Katherine I was stunned by the vastness of the entire gorge system. It is an oasis that remains relatively untouched by civilisation. The boat cruise is worth taking especially since you have made such an effort to get this far, just don’t forget your camera to capture the views.

There are also a number of walking trails which stretch through the park. Some take five days to complete, and there are also camping sites along the trails for those who want to take their time.

Not far from the entrance to Katherine Gorge is a road which takes you to Edith Falls. Make sure you visit here to experience the pool surrounded by pandanus plants which will be a refreshing end or beginning to your experience at the gorge. There are a number of walking trails in the park which are for all levels of fitness with some beautiful views.

South of Katherine you will find the Cutta Cutta caves. Put this attraction on your ‘must see’ list as they are not only close enough to visit but feature a ‘Tropical Wonderland’ walk. These limestone caves are incredible, with the unique Orange Horseshoe Bats an added bonus.

Another well known natural attraction are the Katherine Hot Springs. You will more than likely arrive hot and sweaty, park your car looking for anything that resembles an oasis, or any type of pool but all you see is dirt tracks and thick tropical vegetation. After a walk that winds through the palms, all of a sudden you see the crystal clear steaming pools, which stretch long enough to give you some room to yourself to enjoy the wonderful therapeutic waters.

My experience of these springs was heavenly. It is a place everyone should visit at least once in their lifetime to indulge in the ultimate spa, sauna and pool in one. Make sure you visit this unique part of the territory even if it to dip your feet in the pools and enjoy the steam.

Closer to town, there is plenty to do. Head to the Katherine Museum to learn more about the aviation and war history of the region, especially since it is housed in the old aerodrome buildings. Spend an afternoon at the Springvale Homestead which is owns the title of the most ancient original homestead in the Territory. There is a café and barbeque facilities, plus a photo gallery covering the history of the area.

Katherine is remarkably untouched and is an enjoyable town to visit. There is still great diversity here, with present and past mixing to bring a richer cultural insight into the area. Plan to stay a while to enjoy the freedom your rental car brings you and prepare for long stretches of outback landscape without a glimpse of humanity. The perfect escape holiday.

By: Jenny Brewer

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Darwin is the capital city of the northern territory of Australia. The city is located on the Timor Sea. It is one of the smallest cities of Australia, but a popular tourist destination across the world. Every year, large numbers of travelers come to Darwin to enjoy their vacation in peace and comfort. The Darwin hotels offer some of the most luxurious and comfortable accommodation options to the tourists. The hotels and resorts in Darwin are known for their homely and friendly ambiance. All the hotels in Darwin are well equipped with all kinds of modern amenities which are designed to make your stay comfortable. The hotels in Darwin can be classified into luxury and budget hotels.

Speaking about the deluxe or luxury hotels at Darwin, you will find various kinds of spacious and comfortable lodging centers in the various corners of the city. All the rooms at the luxury hotels in Darwin are fully air-conditioned. You will find the guestrooms beautifully decorated and well furnished. The rooms at these opulent Darwin hotels offer an excellent view of the surrounding areas from the large windows. The interiors of the hotels are elegantly done and offer a cozy ambiance. The room facilities provided in these hotels are of international standards. Travelers will also get all kinds of modern facilities and services to enjoy their stay in these Darwin hotels.

The business facilities provided in the hotels in Darwin are excellent. The business hotels are nicely equipped with a business center and come with an array of meeting and business facilities. You will be able to carry out your meetings or seminars quite comfortably at the various Darwin business hotels. Dining at Darwin hotels is an altogether different experience for all the travelers. You can pamper your taste buds with a variety of local and international dishes in its warm settings. The bars and the cafes at the hotels are the best place to try out a wide variety of drinks and cocktails.

The budget or the low cost hotels in Darwin are best for those travelers who are looking for comfort and luxury at reasonable prices. Budget hotels in Darwin are located in all the popular points of the city. Depending on your budget and requirement, you can choose to stay in any one of the cheap hotels in Darwin. Accommodation options at the budget hotels in Darwin are simply great. The rooms and interiors of these Darwin budget hotels are done nicely. Travelers will get various kinds of room and hotel amenities to stay in comfort and luxury. You will find the budget hotels or low cost hotels in Darwin a truly remarkable place to stay in comfort and luxury.

By: Ritu Raj Mishra

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