by guestcontributor on September 22, 2011
Heading into the wild unknown of the Australian outback may come with a mixed bag of emotions. While it can certainly provide for an exciting adventure, it could also mean tangling with extreme weather conditions, annoying (and potentially life-threatening) insects, and of course, the abundant wildlife that the land down under is famous for (not to mention some crazy terrain). However, it could also be the trip of a lifetime, full of vistas untouched by man and unspoiled by the creations of man. So if you’re looking for adventure in the outback, here are just a few things you may want to consider before you jump in your Jeep and head out into the open.
- Map it. Knowing where you’re going isn’t always that adventurous, but without a fixed destination on the map you could easily get lost in the outback. And that far away from civilization, you may have a tough time powering up your GPS (or getting a signal). So go old-school with paper maps, a compass, and a list of landmarks to help you out. Even better, go with a guide.
- Dress appropriately. Anyone who saw the second Sex in the City movie (which admittedly, probably wasn’t too many of you) no doubt scoffed at the crazy outfits the fab four of New York City wore on their camel ride. Don’t find yourself stuck in the same boat when your tour the outback. Bring clothing that is appropriate for the weather, which could be by turns sweltering hot or pouring rain. In either case, you’ll want clothing that covers and protects your skin from the elements. And for sunny days, make sure you have plenty of broad spectrum (UVA/UVB) sunblock.
- Bring plenty of food and water.You should always pack ample water when heading out into a desert environment. Although not all of the outback is dusty and dry, you don’t necessarily know when you’ll be able to find drinkable water. So always make sure you have extra. You’ll be especially happy if you get detained for some reason, and of course, if you get lost. The same goes for food. Unless you’re on a hunting expedition or you happen to know your way around edible plants of the outback, you need to ensure that you have the food needed to see you through your trip.
- Pack a first aid kit. You should always plan for the worst when you’re beyond the reach of immediate help. This means having everything from bandages and tourniquets to aspirin and EpiPens. This is a necessity when you’re out of touch with the rest of the world, including the services of first responders and medical professionals.
- Contract with a travel agency. Instead of risking your neck by bouncing over sand dunes until you drop your Grand Cherokee transfer case, why not go out with a tour group (and more importantly, a guide)? Whether you’re visiting the outback for the first time or going on your ump-teenth outing, a tour guide can likely take you to a few spots you’ve never seen before, or at least ensure that you reach your destinations safely and expediently.
by guestcontributor on September 19, 2011
Palazzo Versace Gold Coast
Australia may be best known by tourists for the antics of movie and TV stars like Paul Hogan (you probably know him better as Crocodile Dundee) and nature-loving croc hunter Steve Irwin, but there’s a lot more to this southern nation than untamed outback. While you can certainly tour the less habitable parts of the country to get your fix of kangaroos and koala bears, you might not be too interested in sleeping out in the open where any number of deadly beasts could get at you. Luckily, the country that many consider to be somewhat wild is positively teeming with luxury resorts at some of their most popular travel destinations. So if you’re looking for a laid-back vacation complete with luxurious accommodations, here are just a few resorts you might want to visit.
- Quay Grand Suites – Sydney, NSW. This hotel overlooking Sydney Harbor was named the South Pacific’s Best Luxury Hotel last year by TripAdvisor, and it isn’t hard to see why. Rooms are poshly appointed (many with large decks), the dining room is right on the water, and the indoor pool is a spectacular space you’ll have to see to believe. Plus, proximity to the opera house and other attractions means you’ll never be bored.
- Palazzo Versace – Gold Coast. This incredible hotel is brought to you by none other than Versace magnate Donatella herself. If the magnificent, Italian-inspired guest rooms aren’t to your liking, you could always stay in one of the property’s 72 condominiums. And if you love the water but the white-sand beaches just aren’t doing it for you, don’t hesitate to take a boat from their private marina out into the Gold Coast’s famous waterways.
- Cradle Mountain Lodge – Tasmania. If you’re tired of touring the Australian mainland and you’d like to get a little closer to nature, you can do it in comfort and ease at this “rustic” lodge in the middle of the Cradle Mountain-Lake St. Clair National Park. The main lodge boasts incredible views, amazing local food and wine, and of course, a roaring fire. But you’ll retire at night to your own timber cabin (complete with high ceilings). And after a day of hiking, you can relax and rejuvenate at the gorgeous spa facility overlooking the surrounding wilderness.
- Thorngrove Manor Hotel – Adelaide, South Australia. This extensive manor house set amidst the greenery of Adelaide provides a stunning rendering of European architecture and gardening that looks like it came straight from a fairy tale. Towers and turrets adorn the exterior of the building while guest rooms are spacious (many with domed ceilings). And if you’re looking for the added luxury of complete privacy, this is the place to find it.
- Longitude 131˚. This eco-friendly resort is no villa in Paphos, but that doesn’t mean you won’t enjoy a spectacular view and luxury accommodations (with an eye on sustainability, no less). Their signature “tents” are built on stilts so as to cause fewer disturbances to the desert atmosphere (although it serves the dual purpose of keeping the creepy-crawlies out of your room) and each of the 15 bungalows has a view of nearby Uluru. Everything runs on solar power and guests will enjoy locally-provided food and wine, not to mention a clear conscience to go with their luxury experience.
Heading into the wild unknown of the Australian outback may come with a mixed bag of emotions. While it can certainly provide for an exciting adventure, it could also mean tangling with extreme weather conditions, annoying (and potentially life-threatening) insects, and of course, the abundant wildlife that the land down under is famous for (not to mention some crazy terrain). However, it could also be the trip of a lifetime, full of vistas untouched by man and unspoiled by the creations of man. So if you’re looking for adventure in the outback, here are just a few things you may want to consider before you jump in your Jeep and head out into the open.