Anyone wants me, I'll be "Outback"

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December 10th 2006

Published: January 17th 2007

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Conmeister

Allbino Kangaroo

A rare species of the Eastern Grey

Glad to be leaving Adelaide albeit at stupid o'clock in the morning heading to the small town of Parachilna. On route we stopped for breakfast in the town of Clare where I had a fry up and made the mistake of downing 1/4 of litre of concentrate I mistakenly bought thinking was fresh orange juice.... some sugar rush!
On the first day we also visited the South Flinders Ranges and went on a walk down into Alligator Gorge where the whole group got lost and had to be rescued by our driver/guide Greg.
After viewing some Aboriginal cave paintings at Yourambulla caves we arrived at Parachilna late afternoon. The BBQ dinner that night consisted of Kangaroo meat, Emu burger and Camel sausage.... it all tasted surprisingly good but some veg would have been nice.

On day 2 was a drive through Parachilna Gorge where we saw Kangaroo, Emu and Wallabee in their natural habitat.... you had to feel guilty given the last night's menu.
We then headed to Wilpena Pound where we climbed Mt Ohlssen-Bagge. On summiting the mountain views over the ranges were slightly abscured by haze but still worth the effort.
That night we stayed at Rawnsley Park

Emu

I miss Rod Hull... only English will get this

sheep station and it was relief on arrival to see a swimming pool which I took full advantage off (air conditioning on our bus left a lot to be desired and opening the window was even hotter!).

Day 3 was mainly spent on the bus in cramped uncomfortable conditions on the long journey to Coober Pedy. The town is famous for its Opal mining and due to the climate many people choose to live in dugouts left behind from the mining. The home we visited in the Opal mining museum and the chapel were amazing and the underground dwellings maintain a comfortable constant temperature year round.

Day 4 we left Coober Pedy to head to Uluru (Ayers Rock). We arrived at Uluru for sunset and the rock definately gave me a feeling of awe. That night we camped nearby at Yulara wear we slept in swags. I'd never slept outside a tent before and the night sky was clear with stars everywhere.

Day 5. The next morning we had to packup camp and leave early to make sunrise at Uluru. I chose (as many tourists do) to climb the rock which the Aborigine community does not encourage,

Alligator Gorge

Impressive rock formations but no gators here...

but it is an experience I will never forget and certainly do not regret. The views wear amazing and the rock itself an awesome place.
Later that morning we visited The Olgas (Kata Tjuta) which was an oppresively hot trek and one that was hard going having summited Uluru just hours earlier. We camped again that night near Kings Canyon, but this time I chose the sanctuary of a tent.

Day 6 we hiked into Kings Canyon wear we viewed the breathtaking North and South walls and even I even went for a swim in a waterhole in the Garden of Eden. We then headed for Alice Springs which concluded the Outback tour save everyone having a well deserved night out!

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