Driving holiday along Australia Way
Wednesday, 10 Dec 2008 00:00
4X4 driving in the Australian Outback
A breathtaking new journey through the heart of Australia’s majestic outback has been launched; showcasing the very best the country has to offer.
Based on Baz Luhrmann’s much anticipated epic drama, Australia – which premiers in the UK today - the new touring route enables visitors to experience at first hand the dramatic scenery and characters that so inspired the Australian film director.
Opening to the pubic across on Boxing Day, 'Australia' tells the story of an English aristocrat, Lady Sarah Ashley (Nicole Kidman), and a rough-hewn cattle drover (Hugh Jackman) who drive a 1,500 herd of cattle across northern Australia.
Follow in the footsteps of the stars
Taking a recommended 11 days, the 1,875km route will allow visitors to see the landscapes which provided the breathtaking natural backdrops and set for the film; as well as meet local stockmen and cattle drovers who are the 'real' cast of the movie.
Extending across the north-western corner of Australia, the route starts in the vibrant and tropical harbour city of
Darwin, then winds its way through red escarpments, lush waterholes and remote cattle stations before ending up in the exotic pearling town of
Broome.
During the journey, visitors can spend two nights in Darwin; two nights in
Kakadu National Park and a night in the beauty of
Katherine before crossing the border into Western Australia to stay one night in
Kununurra, two nights at
El Questro Wildnerness Park or
Home Valley Station and overnight at Halls Creek, culminating in Broome.
Drive Australia highlights
One of the highlights of the tour is sure to be the stunning naturally scenery which will accompany those on a driving holiday for the length of the trip.
The journey takes in endless natural wonders of red desert landscapes and spectacular gorges. Think soaring rock escarpments and vast floodplains of dual World Heritage Listed Kakadu National Park east of Darwin, or the famous beehive-like mounds of the Bungle Bungles in
Purnululu National Park.
There will also be a chance to learn to be a real cattle drover.
Saddle up in the Outback community of Katherine for some whip cracking action on a cattle station at the
Outback Jackaroo and Jillaroo School. Mix with the real cowboys and learn the basics of property maintenance, quad biking, horse riding and cattle mustering.
Or, if this is not your thing, try your hand at a real 'mini' muster at Home Valley Station where you can 'turn on' a cattle muster and allow visitors to enjoy the thrill and excitement of controlling cattle in a safe and educating environment.
For the more adventurous, there will be a chance to gain a new perspective on stunning natural attractions such as the Bungle Bungles or Kakadu on a scenic flight, canoe down the breathtaking Katherine River, or for those who want to get off the beaten track, opt for the rugged unsealed Gibb River Road – a 660km 'bush track' that connects the remote Kimberly cattle stations and Kununurra.
It’s a true outback 4WD adventure.
If guests want to feel like a star and visit the locations frequented by the cast and crew during filming of Australia, there will be ample chance. For example, dine at the celebrated
Hanuman Restaurant or
Roma Bar in Darwin where Nicole and Hugh could be found when the cameras stopped rolling.
In Kununurra head to the
Kununurra Hotel, a popular watering hole for the cast and crew, and make sure to find your way to
Kimberley Fine Diamonds, where Nicole Kidman picked-up some sparkling gifts for her friends and family.
For history buffs, Darwin forms the backdrop for the final scenes of the movie at a tense point in the city’s history – February 19th, 1942.
The city's involvement in World War II is evident at the many preserved sites in and around the city including the East Point Military Museum and the
World War Two Oil Storage tunnels. Explore the beauty of Darwin Harbour aboard the restored pearling lugger - Anniki - as featured in the film, before dining at historic
Stokes Hill Wharf where Kidman arrives in a Catalina plane.
Guests will also have a chance to immerse themselves in ancient Aboriginal culture and some of the best Indigenous rock art in the country.
Along the way you holidaymakers will witness exceptional displays of Northern Territory rock art in Nitmiluk Gorge (near Katherine) Manning Gorge and Kakadu National Park.
Across the border they can experience Western Australia’s world-famous Bradshaw (Gwion Gwion) paintings or visit the community-run art centres that offer authentic artworks for you to purchase.
So reach for the popcorn and then the passport, and then plan a personal Nicole and Hugh inspired Australian adventure.
The set is incredible – an untouched wilderness waiting to be explored right now.
Here we take a quick look at the
Australia Way with a short video: