Exotic Australia
Of all the places I have ever had the privilege to visit, perhaps there was nothing quite as interesting or as exotic as Australia, the fabled land down under. In fact, for anyone planning a trip, be you a regular world traveler or a casual vacation-goer seeking an interesting change of pace, a trip to the land down under can be an ideal destination. Australia is not just a nation, but an entire continent unto itself. As the world’s largest island, this fabled English-speaking country contains many wonders, be it the landscape, the history, or the strange animals found throughout the continent.
Australia, in the tranquil waters of the South Pacific is the hub of Oceania, and features some of the world’s most beautiful and picturesque beaches. For those who enjoy waters sports, particularly surfing, you will find Australia a proverbial paradise of earth. However, there is more to this island nation than surfing and sandy beaches and many of the most interesting spectacles on Australia lie inward.
With most of Australia’s population and major cities being found along the costs, the interior of the island – the infamous “Outback” – is home to many of the continent’s wonders and sites of interest. The world famous Ayer’s Rock, also known by its native name of Uluru, is a large sandstone rock formation found in Central Australia’s Northern Territory. Ayer’s Rock is located in the heart of the Uluru – Kata Tjuta National Park, and has been a focal point in aboriginal religion, culture, and folklore for thousands of years.
When I visited Ayer’s Rock, my friends and I hired a native guide – an aborigine – who was both well versed and well traveled in the outback. His name, if I recall was something unpronounceable but asked us to call him Eric. Eric turned out to be a real hoot and his stories and anecdotes – as well as his vast knowledge of the area – made him an invaluable part of our trip and it was more than worth the $100 Australian dollars we paid him.
While you don’t need a guide to enjoy the sites, there is nothing wrong (if you have a couple extra bucks) with letting a knowledgeable local tour you around and, if you can’t afford this little extravagance still be sure to visit the Outback and Ayer’s Rock – truly they are a wonder of Australia and can’t be missed on a trip down under.
