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Tamworth, north of
Sydney, has a thriving
live music scene
TOURISM NORTHERN TERRITORY
The Ghan traverses the THE OUTBACK
vast interior in comfort When you consider the vast majority of Australia
and style is outback, there will always be a new region for
returning visitors to explore.
TOURISM AUSTRALIA Most backpackers will have probably visited the
Red Centre to see the spectacular rock formations
SYDNEY TO CAIRNS of Uluru (formerly known as Ayers Rock), the
Travelling up the Pacific coast is probably Olgas and Kings Canyon. If clients want to return
Australia’s most popular route with Brits as it here, then suggest staying in one of the luxury
features iconic attractions such as Surfers resorts such as the tented Longitude 131.
Paradise, Fraser Island and the Great Barrier Reef. Most backpackers would also have had some
There are also plenty of other lesser-known experience of travelling along the Stuart Highway,
attractions along this epic 1,700-mile route which stretches from Adelaide in South Australia
including numerous gorgeous islands – many now through to Alice Springs and then north to
featuring luxury resorts such as the Voyages group Darwin. But instead of driving or squeezing into a
which has properties on islands along the coast minibus, suggest viewing the outback from the
such as Dunk, Wilson, Heron, Lizard, Bedarra and comfort of The Ghan train, which runs alongside
Brampton. the highway.
One of the major areas for luxury resorts is Another iconic outback journey is across the
the Whitsundays chain of islands, where new south of the country from Sydney to Perth on the
properties include Qualia on Hamilton Island. west coast. The Indian Pacific train service takes
Staying at these swanky hotels will seem a world three days, stopping at Adelaide,
away from the days of sharing cramped dorms before heading across the
with other backpackers. wilderness of the Nullarbor Plain.
An alternative to the frenetic party atmosphere There are numerous other
of the Gold Coast is the more laid-back Sunshine outback tours across Australia,
Coast, just north of Brisbane, where visitors can particularly around the Top End
chill in surfer resorts such as Noosa. with trips from Darwin to
Of course, visitors don’t have to restrict them- Broome on the Indian Ocean
selves to the coastal road, known as the Bruce coast, which take in natural
Highway, as there are several reasons to head attractions such as the remote
inland at various points along the journey. Kimberley region and Bungle
These can include getting a taste of outback life
TOURISM AUSTRALIA
Bungle mountains, as well
by visiting a cattle station or checking out some as being a great place to experience Aboriginal
Aussie-style country and western music in culture.
Tamworth, north of Sydney – the town’s musical The Bungle Bungles in Visitors can learn about more recent history
heritage is celebrated with a massive golden Purnululu national park, by heading to the Longreach area in central
guitar statue (pictured). a Unesco World Heritage Queensland, where there are museums celebrating
Another minor detour worth taking after leaving site in Western Australia Aussie icons such as the airline Qantas, the song
Sydney is into the Hunter Valley, which is one of Waltzing Matilda and cowboy life Down Under.
Australia’s leading wine-making regions. Most
tours feature stops or stays in the region. Sample: A Best of Kimberley 11-day
Sample: Kuoni offers a 13-night self-drive escorted tour with AAT Kings runs from
tour from Sydney to Cairns from £1,022 Broome to Darwin, from £1,995 including
including accommodation and car hire but accommodation and some meals
not international flights. www.kuoni.co.uk (flights not included). www.aatkings.com
21
go to www.ttglive.com
TTG Knowledge AUSTRALASIA December 2008
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