Where else can you have breakfast with Major Mitchell’s cockatoos and Bourke’s Parrots?

Kilcowera Station is between Thargomindah and Hungerford, about halfway along the Dowling Track. It’s 49,000ha of mulga rangelands adjoining the RAMSAR listed Currawinya National Park. Guests can take the 60 km self drive tour around the property and view Lake Wyara which is the eastern boundary. The lake and its’ associated wetlands are of international significance and are among the most important inland water bird habitats in Australia. The isolated Murderers’ Bore, as featured by Evan McHugh in his soon to be released book “Outback Mysteries” will also be seen on the tour. Visitors are given a detailed map with directions and information to assist them in finding the various lagoons, creeks, waterholes, gorges, caves and wildlife to be seen on the tour of the property.

Accommodation is provided in clean, comfortable and modern shearer’s quarters which can sleep 17. All linen is supplied and beds made up. Bathroom facilities are outside and separate from the main building. The hosts can supply all meals or visitors can bring their own supplies and cook for themselves in the fully equipped kitchen. (microwaves, stove with oven, fridges, fans, TV etc)

Campers and caravanners are in for a treat as the main campground is set among lush green lawns and trees surrounding the quarters. Camp kitchen, BBQ’s, fireplaces and wood are all supplied, power is available and you can even take your pet! For those wanting an even more bush experience there are 2 designated bush camping sites both with water available and long drop toilets. The bush camping areas are at Cardenyabba Lagoon which is about 3 kms from the quarters and offers superb photographic opportunities, birdwatching and walks. The second campground is close to Lake Wyara at Youlaingee Spring and the Rock Water Hole, the stars are truly breathtaking at about two o’clock on a frosty morning out there.

The bird list is extensive with 151 species recorded to date, the tour and walking trails are well presented and signed and the hosts are prepared to share their time with the guests and show them around. An optional extra is going on a water run, checking the stock, windmills, bores and fences. Kilcowera is also well situated for day trips to the local towns Thargo, Hungerford, Eulo, Yowah etc.

Contact Greg & Toni Sherwin on 07 4655 4960, email gtsherwin@bigpond.com or www.kilcowera.com.au

While in Northern Territory terms Uluru is just down the road from Alice Springs, it is actually over 400km away and in a reasonable car the journey will take 4 hours, or 20 minutes by air to the special airport of Yulara.

For further information contact Ayers Rock Resort Visitors and Information Centre telephone : (08) 8956 2240  

For more information contact Western Australian tourism commission telephone : 220 1700  

Kata Tjuta, the Olgas are 50km away from Yulara by excellent paved roads and seemed overshadowed by Uluru.  This is an illusion.  The tallest peak on Kata Tjuta, Mt Olga is more than 20m higher than Uluru.  The distinctive domes are striated, weathered surfaces of Kata Tjuta match Uluru in colour and some visitors prefer its subtleties and hidden pleasures. Whatever view you take both are remarkable.  Well worth the journey and humbling experiences.

The climate in the area is typical Central Australian weather.  The summer has warm to hot days with mild nights.  The winter, warm days with cool to cold nights.  There is an insignificant annual rainfall.   What must be mentioned is the flies.  In the summer they are a serious nuisance. and you see people wearing veils to avoid them.  An industrial strength insect repellant is an absolute essential during the summer.

Viewing areas have been set up for visitors to take advantage of the sunset and sunrise colours which can vary from bright orange/red to the deep brown of the main body of rock to a solid and moody purple

There are camping areas.  Contact Ayers Rock Resort Visitors and information Centre telephone: (08) 8956 2240

Pinnacles, Nambung National Park

Cervantes is the gateway to the Pinnacles, 250km north of Perth.  The town is a major windsurfing centre and the windsurfing carnival held every December brings contestants from interstate.  There is one motel, caravan park and a small shopping centre, which has a supermarket, take away pizza and a newsagent.  But its true importance is the Pinnacles.

This is a true desert with a flat, sandy terrain, but it is punctuated as in a science fiction lunarscape with many limestone pillars, some up to 5m tall.  There is a 3km drive which will take you around the Pinnacles, but it is a magic place to explore, especially at sunrise and sunset, when the angled light throws the pillars into strong relief.

The Pinnacles were created centuries ago when sand, rich in lime, was blown inland to form high dunes, which were unstable and moved from spot to spot.  Then rain came and took the lime from the upper layers, combining it with the sand at the base to make a soft limestone cement.  A hard topping of calcrete form over this limestone - still to be seen as a cap on many of the Pinnacles - while water seeped down plant roots to start sub-surface erosion of some of the limestone.

The Pinnacles you see today are what is left of that limestone layer, which was exposed when the pretty well perennial, strong south westerly winds blew away the surrounding quartz sand.  The process is still going on, and in a strong wind the Pinnacles appear to be wreathed in a mist which is the sand being blown away, as it has been for centuries.

For further information contact the Tourist Information Nambung National Park telephone (096) 52 7145

Horseshoe Bay Caravan Park - Bowen Qld

A great friendly caravan park, opposite the beautiful Horseshoe Bay, known for its great fishing. There's aerobics every morning, a beautiful pool and spa, and the Sunday night BBQ's are great fun by the beach. You can walk up to a scenic lookout, just behind the park, its a bit of a hike but the view is worth it.  Don't forget swimming in the local beach is safe throughout the winter period but not in summer. 

Self Contained Log Cabins - Stewarts Bay Tasmania

A fabulous destination to get away from it all, only about an hour's drive from Hobart.  Spend a romantic weekend or week here and you'll go back home refreshed and rejuvenated. There's a family restaurant and great fishing in the tranquil bay, you might get lucky and catch some atlantic salmon. Just a short walk around the bay and you'll be in historic Port Arthur, with heaps to see and do including the famous "Ghost Tours".

Murray River - Echuca

Step back in time and experience some of Australia's history in Echuca. You can enjoy a cruise down the beautiful Murray River on an old steamboat or dine out on the old Paddle Steamer Restaurant. The Steam Packet Motel has great dinner, bed & breakfast packages and you can have a ride in the horse drawn carriages along the Riverside. The old redgum mill is definitely worth a visit and the penny arcade plus loads of memorabilia at the many museums and wax works. Never boring!