Journey on the Wild Side! - High Adventure in Central Australia

Life is too short to waste just dreaming about ultimate adventures when there is one of the most diverse and challenging destinations right on your own doorstep. Central Australia offers high adventure opportunities no matter your mode of transport, be it on two legs, four legs, two wheels or four, diesel powered, petrol or Avgas.Thrill seekers will delight at the scope and range of adrenalin pumping action with options for all ages and fitness levels. For a taste of real adventure and excitement there are world class hiking trails, hot air balloon rides over spectacular scenery, heart stopping helicopter rides and awesome self drive quad bike safaris.Take an ultimate test of mind and body with an extended camel safari deep into the ancient red deserts or grab a slice of HOG heaven with a self drive Harley-Davidson ride around Uluru / Ayers Rock or out to the Olgas / Kata Tjuta and Kings Canyon. 4x4 fans will also be more than satisfied at the many and varied challenges of exploring remote outback tracks.Central Australia's newest world class adventure experience is the recently completed 250 km Larapinta Trail which winds through a variety of stunning desert landscapes made famous in the paintings of renowned Aboriginal artist Albert Namatjira. The Trail has been divided into 12 sections, which have their own unique character and challenges beginning at the old Telegraph Station on the outskirts of Alice Springs and finishing at Redbank Gorge at the base of Mt Sonder.Any extended trek along the Larapinta Trail is physically demanding, involving hikes up rugged escarpments offering sweeping views across extensive flood plains and ancient rocky outcrops as well as steep descents into remote canyons following the path of dry river beds. Nature lovers will delight in being able to identify a range of rare fauna and flora and elusive local natives such as the shy Echidna, or Black-footed Rock Wallaby.Dedicated walkers will also relish the opportunity to participate in an extended camel trek through the remote deserts of Central Australia such as the vast Simpson Desert which was first explored by Europeans in 1844 by Charles Sturt's expedition. However, it was only as recent as 1976 that the first commercial camel expedition was undertaken by Rex Ellis from the Outback Camel Company. Today they offer a select few the rare opportunity of following in the footsteps of the early pioneers with a range of expeditions of 6 to 27 days duration.Not for the faint hearted, the camel expeditions across the Simpson Desert involve walking up to 15 km a day with a string of up to 18 camels. Travellers sleep out in swags under the stars at basic campsites where everyone helps out with the campfire cooking and tending the animals. The awe-inspiring beauty of the desert landscape is a powerful and inspiring presence as expeditions slowly meander over the sun drenched dunes and woodlands.For those who prefer their adventures on four wheels there are a range of quad bike safaris and 4x4 expeditions that squarely put you in the driver's seat. Kings Creek Station, a classic working outback property at the foot of the stunning George Gill Range just 35 km from Kings Canyon, not only offers thrill seekers great camping facilities but also self drive quad bike safaris and guided camel treks. Quad bikes allow you to venture into the untamed landscape in search of wild horses and camels as well as a chance to tackle crossings of red sand dunes and exploration of local Desert Oak groves.Central Australia is a haven for 4x4 enthusiasts, with its unique network of off road tracks, some of which follow the legendary pioneering trails of the early explorers, as well as newly opened areas such as the Mereenie Loop Road, which links the West MacDonnell Ranges to the Kings Canyon region. Team up with friends and family and travel in convoy for an adventure of a lifetime as you discover the stunning beauty of a landscape that has remained largely unchanged for centuries.High adventure takes to the skies with spectacular hot air balloon rides at dawn over the majestic central desert plains and escarpments. As the horizon unfolds amid the dramatic backdrop of a fiery desert sunrise, adventure seekers are offered an ultimate birds eye view of some of Australia's most breathtaking scenery. Thrill seekers can also take to the skies with heart pounding helicopter rides over Kings Canyon from nearby Kings Creek Station, which offer unprecedented photo opportunities and spectacular views of the rugged escarpments and gorges.For a slice of HOG heaven, experienced motorbike riders can take a self drive tour around Central Australia's three internationally acclaimed icons, Uluru / Ayers Rock, Kata Tjuta / Mount Olga and Kings Canyon. With Harleys, helmets, gloves and leathers provided, these self drive motor bike rides are every dedicated bikers ultimate adventure.Some would say why would you want to give up home comforts to rough it on overnight walking treks or extended 4x4 expeditions into the outback? Those who have done it say it's the physical and mental rewards that make it all worthwhile. When you shed the trappings of modern life and get back to basics like sleeping in a swag under the stars or walking up to 12 km a day through desert dunes, you grow and strengthen as a person by the daily challenges. You learn the value of teamwork and are rewarded with spectacular scenery and the chance to experience the rhythms of nature first hand without the constraints of clock watching or keeping to tight timetables.While Outback Central Australia may look and feel like another planet with its dramatic and rugged red desert landscape, there are many advantages associated with an adventure trip on your home turf. There are no long haul international air travel concerns as well as no customs, no passport or any money exchange worries. Best of all, Australia is frequently referred to as one of the world's safest destinations in these uncertain times.There has never never been a better time to experience the real outback in Australia's Central Australia.For more information on the outstanding range of adventure holidays options in Central Australia call the Territory Holiday Centre on 13 30 68. (Australia only) Check out the Territory's Drive web site at www.ntexplore.com and for great value adventure travel deals check out www.territorydiscoveries.com