Memory Lane: Open your eyes to the wonders of the Australian Outback
A story from our customers, Terry & Faye Sloggett
We’ve always enjoyed travelling. We had done some overseas trips which were wonderful - but our first Langley’s Outback tour was just something else.
We’d always wanted to see more of Australia, and we were drawn to the Outback Tour because of Phil’s passion for it. So, we went ahead and booked it, expecting a nice trip with some nice people and a lot of red dirt!
Well - it went above and beyond our expectations, right from the get go.
The whole ‘feel’ of a Langley’s tour is just different. On day one, we pulled up for morning tea - and everyone got out and helped set up and get things organised. We were all chatting away, preparing the food and I thought to myself, wow - what a lovely group.
Throughout the trip I came to realise - the relaxed, friendly nature of Langley’s and it’s staff is reflected in their customers. Lovely people are drawn to their tours, because warmth attracts warmth and their company values resonate with like minded people.
And what a time we had! The Australian outback holds so many interesting things - the sights, the history - and the people that live in the communities. Boy, did we meet some characters! It really is a whole different kind of beautiful - a whole different life you could never imagine, until you’ve seen it.
Take Birdsville, for example - we’d always wanted to go there, I mean you hear about the famous races - and the Big Bash concert! And you think they are the main attractions - but it just has so much more to experience.
The pub atmosphere, the landscape, all the different colours - it’s completely out of this world. And Langley’s does things that you wouldn’t think to do yourself. Like when were driving along and we passed a gorgeous dry creek bed - I’d never seen anything like it. Then we pulled over, stopped and had a delicious BBQ lunch right there on the creek bed! It was such a unique experience.
I’ll always remember when we went to Cameron’s Corner - the locals are just the funniest people. I was cracking up all day. There was also a mice plague at the time. Now I know some people would find this difficult to deal with (and rightfully so) and I myself am not a fan of mice - but honestly, it is one of my stand out memories, strangely enough! Again, it goes back to experiencing things you’re not used to. I just remember all these hats hanging from the walls and the mice were nesting in them. Which led to some hilarious surprises!
It wasn’t altogether pleasant - but to me, travel isn't’ just about experiencing ‘pleasant’ things - it’s about getting out of your comfort zone and experiencing different things. It’s about learning about life outside your own. And meeting new people, hearing their stories and perspectives. And coming home with some laughs!
And that is exactly what you get on these Outback tours with Langley’s - because they have been doing it so long, they know where all the great people are, they know the hidden secrets.
I will always remember, we were in the middle of nowhere - and I mean, hours from any other towns - and we stopped at what looked like a very random restaurant. This was years ago and I can tell you now - I am yet to have a hamburger as good as the one I had that day. It was the best hamburger of my life and I can’t even tell you where I had it!
We have made lifelong friends from our Langley’s tours - there is even a group of us that meet once a month and go out for dinner.
Langley’s makes everything so easy for you - you pay upfront and don’t have to worry about anything else. They are so thoughtful, they really do put you first. No problem is a problem to them! Nothing seems to be an issue - if challenges have popped up, they calmly and happily fix the problem and always have a fantastic alternative up their sleeve.
Phil and the drivers are just so full of knowledge, there’s not much he doesn't know!
We just can’t fault them. Wherever we’ve been, we’ve enjoyed it.
We can’t wait for our next trip - we’re thinking Proud Mary and Adelaide!