Australië roept onmiddellijk beelden op van het Sydney Opera House, het Great Barrier Reef, big-wave surfen, kilometers Outback en een nogal vreemd, en verteerbaar, assortiment van dieren. De belangrijkste steden van het land bieden charme, glamour, unieke festivals, een goed bewaard gebleven historisch erfgoed, prachtige stranden en leuke evenementen, maar het is ook een land van immens contrast en boeiende natuur. De natie biedt voor zowat iedereen iets — van waterliefhebbers, woestijnzwervers en bergbeklimmers tot kunst- en cultuurliefhebbers, historici en fijnproevers. De enorme omvang van het land maakt het bijna onmogelijk om het allemaal in te nemen tijdens een enkel bezoek, maar u kunt kiezen en kiezen voor een perfecte vakantie op basis van uw persoonlijke voorkeuren.
This hardy and remote desert town, initially named Stuart, started out as a telegraph station in the 1870s. Renamed Alice Springs in 1993, it’s the capital of the Australian Outback and the best place to start your exploration of the breathtaking Red Centre – the country’s interior desert region – as well as to experience the vibrant art and culture of the Aboriginal people. Venture out to Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park, and explore Kings Canyon, the West MacDonnell Ranges, Simpson Desert, and the Devil’s Marbles Conservation Reserve – home to an iconic pair of round granite boulders. While you’re in town, make sure to visit the Alice Springs Telegraph Station Historical Reserve to get a feel of the town’s unique pioneering history.
Located in Australia’s Northern Territory, West MacDonnell National Park, also known as Tjoritja, is renowned for its ancient landscapes and awe-inspiring scenes. The park features an array of natural waterholes, steep gorges, and picturesque camping spots. Visitors can also enjoy exploring the Larapinta Trail, a popular 223-kilometre hike that traces the soaring West MacDonnell Ranges; seeing the Ochre Pits, a sacred Aboriginal site; and climbing Mount Zeil, the Northern Territory’s highest peak. Some other highlights include Simpsons Gap, Ellery Creek Big Hole, Serpentine Gorge, and Roma Gorge.
Australia’s Watarrka National Park contains the western end of the George Gill Mountain Range, the home of Kings Canyon. The scenic landscape of rugged ranges, rock holes, and gorges is a refuge for many plants and animals, making the park an important conservation area and major attraction. The canyon features ancient sandstone walls sculptured by the elements, rising 100 metres up to a plateau of rocky domes. History enthusiasts can enjoy discovering the heritage of the Luritja Aboriginal people, who lived in the area for more than 20 000 years, in one of the many guided tours. Don’t miss the opportunity to catch the sunrise from the top of the canyon, dine under the stars at the resort, or take a helicopter ride over Watarrka National Park.
Located in the south of Australia’s Northern Territory, the remote town of Yulara lies only 18 short kilometres from the sacred world heritage site, Uluru, also known as Ayers Rock. This isolated town serves as a service hub for the Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park and offers some welcome comfort in the harsh Outback landscape. Visitors use it as a base when exploring the park and viewing the main attraction in the area, Uluru. This epic sandstone formation stands almost 350 metres high and measures 10 kilometres in circumference featuring hidden caves, ancient rock art and otherworldly fiery hues at sunset. Other popular attractions and activities include: the Field of Light Uluru, the Desert Awakenings Tour and the Wintjiri Arts & Museum.
