Als eerst natuurlijk de immense reis. Ik vertrek woensdagmiddag en arriveer vrijdagmiddag in Cairns. Dat ligt in het noordoosten en heeft dus tropische temperaturen. Da's mooi, want het is winter in Australië. De eerste Europeanen die voet aan land zetten op dit continent, waren de Nederlanders. Erg onder de indruk waren ze niet, want ze gingen er weer snel vandoor. Dat ben ik niet van plan. Vanaf het vliegveld van Cairns neem ik een taxi naar een vrijwilligersorganisatie. Deze biedt goedkope kost en inwoning en de eerste week zal ik het strand restaureren, tropisch woud bijhouden en boompjes planten. Waar ik slaap, dat hoor ik pas als ik aankom. Dat kan een vrijwilligershuis, hostel of caravan (...) zijn. Ik slaap tussen andere vrijwilligers en het is allemaal vrij low-budget.
Cairns ligt aan de Stille Oceaan, bij het Great Barrier Reef (het enige leven dat vanuit de ruimte te zien is) en ziet er zo uit:
Ook heb ik een plaatsje geboekt voor een regenwoud- en watervallentour. De Engelse beschrijving van de tour:
"Departing Cairns we travel south passing Walsh’s pyramid, a 922 metre high mountain which locals race up once a year for fame and glory. We then head down the Gillies Highway with views of the Mulgrave and Goldsborough Valleys until we come across the enchanting Lake Barrine. Once a volcanic crater this tranquil freshwater lake provides an opportunity for a quick dip (seasonal). Join your guide for an interpretive walk through the rainforest to the 1000 year old Twin Kauri Pines. A short distance away is the famous Curtain Fig Tree, estimated to be 800 years old and standing 50 metres tall. Admire the magnificent branching system that gives this tree the sprawling effect of a massive theatre curtain. Have your camera ready, as we continue on past Malanda Falls to stop at the picturesque Millaa Millaa Falls. We make our way to Woodleigh Cattle Station passing Windy Hill turbine wind farm on the way, see the green energy being harnessed before your eyes! Upon arrival to the homestead we are welcomed by the family of its original settlers and given a guided tour of the property before enjoy a tasty outback lunch. At Halloran’s Hill Lookout you can enjoy panoramic views from the highest point in Atherton and view the Tablelands from far and wide. Our last stop is at the Mount Uncle Distillery, established at the turn of the century it produces award winning premium liqueurs and spirits. Set in landscaped gardens on a banana, avocado and macadamia plantation it is pleasing to the eye and taste buds! Sample a wide range of local produce including teas, chocolates and liqueurs. We arrive back into Cairns at your accommodation early evening."
Na mijn paar daagjes Cairns is het afgelopen met het easy-does-it rooster van de tweede week en pak ik het vliegtuig naar Alice Springs. Dit ligt in het centrum van Australië. Daar heb ik een kamer geregeld in het Aurora-hotel.
Na een kort nachtje slapen in dit hotel ga ik op een kampeertrip met een organisatie. Dit reisje duurt drie dagen en brengt mij langs alle hoogtepunten in de omgeving van Alice Springs.
Day 1 : Alice Springs or Yulara (Ayers Rock Resort) to Kata Tjuta and Uluru
Ex Alice Springs:Kick off your adventure on top of a camel! Our first stop is the Outback Camel Farm where you can choose to ride atop one of these desert giants (at own expense). From here it’s off to Uluru (Ayers Rock) for lunch. Kata Tjuta will fascinate you, and you will get up close to the majestic features of this ancient geological formation during the Valley of the Winds hike. You’ll be mesmerised as the desert sun sets over Uluru, and as the night grows darker, curl up in your swag (Aussie bedroll) under millions of stars. (LD)
Day 2 : Uluru to Kings Canyon
It's an early start this morning, but you'll be rewarded with a glorious Uluru sunrise. While the morning's fresh (and your legs are too!) enjoy an unguided walk around the base of Uluru. You will then deepen your understanding of the land and the Mala people as you take a cultural interpretive walk with an Aboriginal guide (and interpreter). Explore the many caves of the Mala people, learning how they lived and prepared for ceremonies. Your Aboriginal guide will also share the sensitive story of the Mala people who lived at Uluru with their friend the Itjaritjari (marsupial mole). There is also a visit to sacred Kantju Gorge, a quiet water hole at the base of a dramatic rock face. Afterwards, you will have the opportunity to purchase Aboriginal arts and crafts at the Cultural Centre before we travel to our exclusive campsite within the Watarrka National Park (Kings Canyon) where we sleep for the night. (BLD)Day 3 : Kings Canyon to Alice Springs
Get your hiking shoes on today as we head out to explore the impressive formations which make up Kings Canyon. You’ll be left breathless by the sheer beauty of the canyon as we trek through the Amphitheatre, the Lost City, the lush and ancient Garden of Eden and the North and South Walls. After lunch, take a well earned rest as we travel back to Alice Springs. (BL)
Day 1 : Alice Springs to Banka Banka
We pass by the Tropic of Capricorn then stop at the Barrow Creek Pub, home to a telegraph station – catch a glimpse of what outback telecommunication used to be like! Precariously balanced on their rocky perch are the Devils Marbles, a site sacred to its traditional owners. Last stop for today is our private campsite near Tennant Creek. (LD)Day 2 : Tennant Creek to Katherine Gorge
No visit to the Top End would be complete without a visit to the famed Daly Waters pub, a quintessential outback roadhouse and ‘watering hole’ for travellers from far and wide. Mataranka lies in the heart of the ‘never-never’, and you’ll feel a million miles from anywhere as you soak in the steamy thermal springs. As the day draws to a close, we reach our overnight camp at stunning Katherine Gorge. (BLD)Day 3 : Katherine Gorge to Darwin
The gorge is all yours this morning, with a half day to spend canoeing or cruising (at own expense and seasonal) the spectacular waters. Want to see more? Jump aboard a helicopter flight (at own expense) which will take you high above the vast gorge system. We’ll head to Darwin after a stop at idyllic Edith Falls. (BL) Overnight dorm accommodation in Darwin is included.Day 4 : Darwin to Mary River
A refreshing start to your day checking out the waterfalls of Litchfield National Park. Travel west into Woolna Country and receive a Cul Cul or unique ‘Welcome to Country’ by the traditional owners of the land, the Limilngan – Wulna people. Experience the local Aboriginal culture including cooking bush tucker, playing the didgeridoo, basket weaving and spear throwing. To finish the day we head to the spectacular Mary River Wetlands, where birds aren’t the only wildlife abundant; keep a watch for lurking crocodiles on our private river cruise! A secluded campsite at Point Stuart Wilderness Lodge is where we’ll stay tonight. (LD)Day 5 : Mary River to Kakadu
Discover ancient Aboriginal rock art at Ubirr and clamber to the top of a rocky lookout for fabulous views over the Nardab floodplain. Next it’s on to Maguk (Barramundi Gorge) where a hike is rewarded with a reviving swim in the plunge pools. Tonight we stay at our permanent camp within Kakadu National Park. (BLD)Day 6 : Kakadu to Darwin
Get ready for some 4WD action today on our way to Jim Jim Falls! Once we get there, we’ll hike to the base of the falls before continuing on to Twin Falls. Feel the beauty of the stunning gorge and powerful falls from the National Park operated boat and boardwalk experience. The impressive scenery will continue to amaze you as we journey back to Darwin in the afternoon. (BL)
Dezelfde avond dat ik (weer) aankom in Darwin, vertrekt ook mijn vliegtuig terug naar Sydney, Londen, Amsterdam.
En dan ben ik, ruim vier weken later, weer terug in The Netherlands.
Maar iets anders als ik vertrok. Dag, Trouwe Lezer, houd de site in de gaten!
Cheers.