Australian Attractions Beyond the Big Cities

Taking a trip to Australia should create memories never to be forgotten. But Australia is such a huge place it can be difficult to decide exactly where you should explore. There are so many unusual and diverse destinations to see in the country and some of these are so unique it would be a shame to miss them.

Alice Springs is one of the most popular places visited, although in reality a simple country town in the outback it offers plenty of things to see and do. You will need at least a few days in this charming landscape. The Arrernte aboriginal tribe lived here for over 20,000 years before pioneers and missionaries arrived in the area and the scenery is something else with waterholes, gum trees, clashing colours and unique wildlife. For a genuine Australian outback visit Alice Springs, there are plenty of cheap hotels to be found.

One of the main reasons people come to Alice Springs is to see the massive Uluru, otherwise known as Ayers Rock. A short bus journey will bring you to the wonder that is ‘the rock’ as there are no hotels in the near vicinity. You will see one of the most beautiful sunsets ever experienced at Uluru and the area itself is a World Heritage Area and stands nearly 350m high with a circumference of over 9km.

Alice Springs Desert Park is a real outback attraction where the secrets of the Central Australian deserts can be explored. Discover the Central Australian deserts and its unique varieties of plants and animals. You can also observe nighttime desert habitats by venturing on a walking track.

Within Alice Springs itself is the National Pioneer Women’s Hall of Fame dedicated to conserving women’s role in history and celebrating their involvement in the heritage of Australia. Based at the Old Alice Springs Gaol, an interesting location in itself, visitors can meet the local Aboriginal women and share their cultures, stories and skills. Cheap hotels in Australia are easy to find, just reserve online for ease and to assure a room.

The display at the Museum of Central Australia demonstrates how the regions developed from the days of the 'Big Bang' to how it is today, check out the mammals, reptiles and fossils on show, in particular watch out for the giant freshwater crocodile, and Dromornis Stirtoni which dates back 8 million years.

For a cultural experience then head to The Aralauen Centre whose objective is to interest the local population in arts, crafts and theatre. There are exhibitions, an art gallery, a sculpture garden, and an art-craft studio. Local Aboriginal art is on display as well as paintings from Albert Namatjira and his mentor Rex Batterbee.

The Old Stuart Town Goal was built in 1907 by well known stone mason Jack Williams and is the oldest surviving building of the town. Used as a jail until 1938, in the ‘20s due to a lack of space and it being the coolest place in town it was also at times used as a school room.

Uluru Kata Tjuta National Park is situated on Aboriginal land on the outskirts of Alice Springs and offers everyone who is interested an insight into the Aboriginal people and their culture. Watarrka National Park contains the western end of the George Gill Range and is comprised of a picturesque landscape of craggy ranges, rock holes and ravines. In the park you will find plenty of curious animals and plants, the park is a major conservation area. Kings Canyon features ancient sandstone walls that have been formed by the elements, rising up 100m to a plateau of rocky domes. You need to spend at least a few days in this area to appreciate its whole beauty and vastness.

Cheap Australian hotels can be booked online before you travel guaranteeing you accommodation when you arrive at your destination. Rydges Hotels is a rapidly expanding Australian-owned hotel chain with hotels in Australia and New Zealand offering accommodation at affordable rates. Go online to find cheap hotels in Melbourne City, accommodation in Sydney, New York and Las Vegas hotels or accommodation anywhere else in the world.