Australia: Red in the centre, blue on the outside with a ribbon of gold in between. And enough thrills and spills to turn any experience into a blockbuster. Whether that be trekking through the rugged heart of the Outback or exploring its never-ending coastline.
No adventure to the Red Centre is complete without a self-drive trek to the most famous rock in the world. Known to you and I as Ayers Rock, the legend of Uluru dates back 20,000 years, and what better way to go around it than on a camel? It’s most beautiful at dawn, but dinner at Uluru accompanied by the rock’s spectacular light show is simply awe-inspiring Epic adventures in high definition ; Wet, wild, wonderful ; Show-off croc likes to pig out
Wet, Wild, Wonderful FEAST FOR THE SENSES
Featuring running waterholes , rainforest canopies and exotic wildlife, the second day takes the agents to Australia's largest National Park - Kakadu. As some agents quiz Ted on the meaning of the Aboriginal art enshrined on the passing rock faces, others venture towards the Ubirr lookout to prepare for another glorious sunset. As the day draws to a close at the Gagadju Crocodile Holiday Inn - the only resort in the area - the agents exchange photographs before indulging in another feast of local produce and retiring to their cosy apartments to recharge for a final day of sightseeing in the Katherine Gorge.
As the agents wipe the sleep from their eyes for the early morning start, Ted explains how each Inspiring Journeys adventure is based on the four pillars of discovery, exploration, learning and relaxation. As the coach ploughs across the floodplains en route to our final destination, the agents agree they've explored and learned, and have no doubt the relaxation element is well and truly covered. The discovery element becomes apparent as we arrive at the Edith Falls shortly afterwards. Some agents opt for a short wander among the greenery, while others make the most of a final opportunity to have quick dip before the finale to the trip - a sunset dinner cruise along Katherine Gorge. As the boat gently chugs through crocodile infested waters, past towering sandstone cliffs, agents chuckle among their newfound friends and another delicious meal makes its way to the table. Cradling glasses of chilled wine, they share their experiences of the short journey and the tales they will choose to share with their clients. The general consensus was that the scenery, wildlife and dazzling sunsets were worthy of a mention, along with Ted's tantalising tales and broad grin. All of these, it was agreed, would whet the appetite of their clients.
Whatever the verdict, the agents were convinced Ted's warm character would continue to entertain many more travellers into the future as he leads from the front seat of the Inspiring Journeys bus.
• Inspiring Journeys ; [ NT Holidays: ; The Territory.com.au: ; Tourism Top End: ; Darwin City Council: ; Northern Territory Holidays: ]
• · It has been a cold and frosty start to the day across much of southern Queensland, with the mercury plummeting to almost minus 4 degrees Celsius in Roma and minus 3 degrees in Dalby and Oakey Charleville ; Roma ; Shivers
• · · At a fabulous party at the Aviation Institute last night, Festival Artistic Director Jo Duffy launched a fascinatingly diverse Darwin Festival program 11 – 28 August Festival ; This year’s program sets the scene for a sensational dry season of arts and culture with Jessica Mauboy in her first ever solo show in her hometown, the return of the wonderfully seductive Meow Meow, lively, feel good pop-rockers Little Red, dark, funny, risqué circus treats from Strut & Fret’s Cantina, US funny man Arj Barker, the simply stunning Drags Aloud with the Sistagirls, ultimate organ salesman and showman Barry Morgan, Jason De Santis’ mischievous and inventive pantomime Wulamanayuwi and the Seven Pamanui and auditory delights from ACO2’s Bach and Schubert ; Darwin is arguably Australia's most cosmopolitan city, boasting a population made up of people from more than 60 nationalities and 70 different ethnic backgrounds. Darwin's traditional owners, the Larrakia people, are prominent and active members of the community, and many still adhere closely to their traditional beliefs and customs Visiting Darwin ; On the job compo taken to new level: worker hurt during sex in hotel -An Australian government employee injured while having sex during a work trip has taken her fight for worker's compensation to the Federal CourT. The lawyer representing a woman who was injured while she was having sex in a hotel room during a work trip in rural NSW says his client was undertaking "normal behaviour" akin to bathing or sleeping and is entitled to compensation On the job compo taken to new level: worker hurt during sex in hotel
• · · · Eremita's Great Adventure Mataranka is a one-street town with a population of 400. The biggest attraction is the Mataranka Hot Springs Hot Springs in Mataranka ; Fran of Fran’s Devonshire Teahouse/defunct police station & jail renown (needless to say there was no such listing and all my entreaties to the operator that in a town of two residences and 6 - 8 people – she could not be too hard to locate, unfortunately went unheeded) Fran