ALICE SPRINGS
There ain’t no better place to experience the Australian Outback in true blue Aussie style! This truly is the Red Centre. The vastness of the place and deep red earth colours and the gorgeous sunsets with the landscape’s ever changing colours leave alasting impression. The natural wonder of it is still ingrained in my memory.
To truly experience the Outback, I totally recommend camping out in the open! And I’m talking camping luxury style! Our German tour guide, Uwe (pronounced Oo-Vay) saw to our every need and want. Did I say German? Yes, but don’t be fooled! He knows his stuff– flora, fauna, history, you name it! And did I mention that he was a pastry chef? Meaning we ate extremely well. We even had the good ‘ole Aussie damper cooked over the campfire. Absolutely delicious!
We went in the dead of winter which I am convinced is the best time to go as the temp is too cold for any insects, bugs and any other wild animals roaming around (especially if you don’t want those pesky mozzies buzzing around or having snakes sneak up on you).
Dead of Winter you ask? Yes it can get a tad bit cold but whose worried about the cold when you got a campfire going every night. Not to mention you tucked into your sleeping bag within a super thick, cosy swag to keep you warmer than if you were using a sleeping blanket. (And aside from having to go to the loo in the bush in the dead of night (torches are handy), Uwe arranged for us to go by a resthouse each morning to freshen up).
To top it off, sleeping out in the open in your Swag ooking up at a million stars with a warm campfire burning beside you is an experience like none other. Not to mention the aboriginal stories that Uwe has to tell regarding the constellations… totallyamazed at the emu we saw in the sky! This is one experience I’ll never forget and will gladly do yet again!
Highlights of the trip other than the above included seeing The Olgas, Ayers Rock (unfortunately it was too windy for us to climb), Rainbow Valley and going up King’s Canyon where my boyfriend back then proposed to me. And to think that both him and the Tour Guide were in on it the whole time! So for those who are thinking on tying the knot, there’s a certain kind of magic at the Red Centre!
A special mention must go to our Tour Guide who gave us an experience to remember – he was great company, made great touring and has got to be one of the best tour guides I’ve had to date! Sonext time you’re down there, look him up! Uwe, from P.A.T.H
Tours./www.pathtoursadventure.com/engl/index1.html
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