Before you even touch down in Australia, you will be amazed by the incredible view from the air: whether you catch sight of Sydney’s famous Opera House or one of Australia’s other spectacular cityscapes. However, you may not have thought of seeing the Australian outback in the same way. In fact, from the air is the best way to experience the outback – less searing heat, fewer bugs, more amazing views!
It’s impossible for most of us living in Europe to contemplate the scale of the Australian outback. It is so big that you cannot hope to see it all. To really appreciate it in all its glory, you should consider a guided hot air balloon or helicopter ride. Only from above can you drift over the desert and appreciate the enormous scale of this amazing wilderness.
In order to experience the stunning scenery that the outback offers a great place to start is the Northern Territory town of Alice Springs. On a hot air balloon ride in Alice Springs you could take in the Alice Springs desert park, Kings Canyon and the mighty Western MacDonnell Ranges.
Only 300 miles away from Alice Springs (practically next door by Australian standards) is the most famous landmark in the outback, Ayer’s Rock, referred to more often nowadays by its native name, ‘Uluru’. This enormous natural phenomenon juts out from the desert as far as the eye can see. The striking reds of the rock and sands beyond and the sheer scale of the setting will take your breath away. Seeing it from the ground is incredible but from the air, you see it in a completely different light. The memory will stay with you forever!
Or, if you are in Queensland, you could take a hot air balloon ride over the shimmering lakes and cascading waterfalls of the Atherton Tablelands near Cairns. The area is a spectacular mixture of rainforest, savannah and lakelands.
Another way to experience the same amazing bird’s eye view is to take a helicopter tour of the Australian outback. Hovering above it all, you can see Australia’s wildlife, for example wallabies and kangaroos. Other wonders of the great Australian outback worth visiting include old mining towns like Coober Pedy, cattle stations and swimming holes.
So if you really want to get away from it all, why not experience the outback from the air, for the Australian tour holiday of a lifetime.
