We sandgropers will all stand by the claim that Western Australia has it all when it comes to outback adventure. From the rugged gorges of the Kimberley in the north to the white sandy beaches of the southern coast, from majestic jarrah forests in the south west to the deserts in the east; you could spend a lifetime exploring our great state and still not experience it all.
But what if you are looking to cross the border and head a little further? Let’s take a look at a couple of bucket-list places you can visit in our neighboring states – let’s head north to the Territory, or across the Nullabor to South Australia.
The Northern Territory offers so many remote areas to visit that you’ll truly feel you’re on an outback Australian adventure when you’re travelling in the top end.
Tourism Northern Territory suggests one of the must-do driving tours in the top end is to follow the 735-kilometre Nature’s Way loop from Darwin through World Heritage-listed Kakadu National Park and Nitmiluk National Park, before returning via Litchfield National Park.
Start your journey in Darwin, the Territory’s multicultural capital, and take the Arnhem Highway to reach stunning, World Heritage-listed Kakadu. Cruise the park’s waterways, spotting crocs and birdlife along the way and wonder at ancient Aboriginal rock art galleries.
Be enveloped by nature at every turn on a scenic journey through Kakadu and Nitmiluk National Parks. Photographic, wildlife and birdwatching enthusiasts will delight in this comfortable 550km drive past wetlands and gorges, waterfalls and waterholes.
Take a drive to nearby Nitmiluk National Park (Katherine Gorge) and explore its staggering network of gorges, carved through ancient sandstone by the Katherine River. Enjoy the magnificent views from above via helicopter, from the water or on foot.
Stop off for a refreshing dip in pandanus-fringed plunge pool Leliyn (Edith Falls) en route to Litchfield National Park. Marvel at the park’s unspoiled wilderness of monsoon rainforests and waterfalls before visiting its waterholes for a cooling swim. Wrap up your wildlife journey with a visit to the Territory Wildlife Park, with its treetop aviaries and croc-spotting opportunities, before heading back to Darwin.
But if you’re not sure the wilderness of the Northern Territory is for you, a camping and 4WDriving adventure is waiting for you across the Nullabor in South Australia!
An easy three and a half hours’ drive from Adelaide is the Bendleby Ranges – an adventure tourism destination located on a working station in the Flinders Ranges. An unspoilt natural environment with breathtaking views awaits, and you can make the most of the remote campsites nestled amongst gum-lined creeks and set into the hills of the Bendleby Ranges. Or if you’d rather more creature comforts, a range of accommodation options are available too.
While you’re visiting the Bendleby Ranges, you’ll want to take in some of the bush walking tracks, perhaps do some mountain biking or bird watching. Here it’s all about nature; panoramic views from the two rugged mountain ranges will delight your senses, with views towards Lake Frome, Wilpena Pound and the surrounding country side.
However if you’re out for some 4Wdriving, there are many 4WD tracks to keep you busy for more than a couple of days, ranging from beginner tracks to very challenging. Terrain varies from hills to plains with excellent views towards Lake Frome and Wilpena Pound. And of course, there’s the infamous Ridge Top and Billy Goat Ridge tracks which are only for the serious 4WDrivers with non-stop rock ledges, stone steps, holes after holes, and a decent climb.
The trip to Bendleby Ranges is one for the bucket-list, and you’ll definitely want to take a camera to record the ambience of this South Aussie destination.
Of course this is just touching on the many, many destinations you could look into when you want to venture out of Western Australia. For more information on the Northern territory, visit https://northernterritory.com/ and for the Bendleby Ranges, see https://www.bendlebyranges.com.au/
*Northern Territory content sourced from northernterritory.com
