News

Yes, the cities are vibrant and the beaches are stunning, but the raw beauty of the Aussie bush is hard to resist. To get a taste of the Outback – and the landscapes from the film Australia – here are some starting points. EL QUESTRO One of the most exclusive destinations in the country, this wilderness park in the Kimberley region of Western Australia is a true frontier of gorges, rain forest, waterfalls and wildlife. But no one has to rough it: Both the homestead and camping accommodations here are five-star – think outdoor baths and champagne picnics. Located 110 kilometres west of Kununurra. Rooms at El Questro start at $290, or try a deluxe tent from $240. Open from April to October. For more information, visit www.elquestro.com.au. JACKAROO SCHOOL We don't have cowboys and cowgirls. We have jackaroos and jillaroos – and tourists can learn the tricks of their bushie trade at schools across the country. One good option: the Leconfield, near the country music capital of Tamworth in New South Wales. A working cattle station, it offers 11-day tutorials on shearing sheep, milking cows and even holding calves while they're branded, castrated (yes, you read that right) and tagged. The Leaconfield is located in the town of Kootingal. Trips start at $895, including food and accommodation. For more information, visit www.leconfieldjackaroo.com.COUNTRY PUBBING Pubs are the heart of country towns. In fact, some towns are so small the pub is the town. Which means no bush visit is complete without chatting with the locals in one of them. Or if you're too shy, saddle up with Bullock Mountain Homestead. Their tours include a four-night bushranger ride through the New England tableland of New South Wales – with stays at country pubs along the way. Bullock Mountain Homestead is located near Glen Innes, NSW. Rates for four-night trips start at $1,480 including food and accommodation. For more information, visit www.bullockmountainhomestead.com.

ON THE RAILS There are two iconic train rides in Australia: The Indian Pacific takes passengers more than 4,000 kilometres from Sydney to Perth; the Ghan runs from Darwin to Adelaide through Australia's red centre. This fall, Great Southern Rail has even launched a limited “platinum class” service on these routes – complete with double beds, full-sized showers and extra-large windows – making this the most luxurious way to explore the Outback. Sydney to Perth in Premium Class is $2,663 one way. Adelaide to Darwin in Premium Class is $2,425 one way. For more information, visit www.gsr.com.au.OUTBACK SPECTACULAR If you can't bear to leave “civilization,” the Australia Outback Spectacular on Queensland's Gold Coast turns bush living into a rambunctious dinner theatre show, full of whip-cracking jackaroos, horse-riding displays, mustering and more. Tickets include dinner and drinks for $99. For more information, call +61 7 5573 3999 or visit outbackspectacular.myfun.com.au.