When We Can Roam Again - Part One, Outback Australia
We know it’s difficult to plan a holiday right now, with all the uncertainty around travel and restrictions.
But just because we can’t plan - doesn’t mean we can’t dream.
At Langley’s, we have been in nostalgia mode in the office, thinking about the good old days. When we could gather in small groups and move between states and territories without having to self quarantine.
But what gets us through is the knowledge that - we will be back there again, soon.
The Government is keen to get businesses back to normal and are beginning to ease restrictions. Domestic travel will not be too far away - and our Prime Minister is having chats with his New Zealand counterpart to work out a travel deal with them.
Lucky New Zealand is one of our favourite places!
So - we decided, we want to get people excited about travel again.
Where do you want to go when this is all over?
While you have been stuck at home in isolation, where have you been wishing you were instead?
We’ve got some ideas, to get you thinking.
The Great Aussie Outback
Now, we understand this is an incredibly broad term.
The outback you’ll experience in the Northern Territory is very different from the long, straight stretches across the Nullarbor Plain - and the sunsets in Western Australia.
But the feeling, the absolute serenity and wonder you’ll experience is present wherever you go in outback Australia.
We wanted to chat about some of our favourites.
Kakadu National Park
Don’t go chasing waterfalls, they said…
Well we, respectfully - disagree.
Kakadu National Park is full of spectacular natural beauty. Just a short trip from Darwin, you cannot visit up north and skip past this World Heritage-listed site.
This place will completely open your eyes to the talents of Mother Nature. Untouched waterholes, historic aboriginal rock art and pristine wilderness, all at your fingertips.
And you can’t just ‘view’ the rock art, created over 20,000 years ago by the world’s oldest living culture. You really have to experience it - and we can hook you up with a local expert, who can share the stories.
They really do come alive once you understand more about the meanings behind them.
Coober Pedy
A real favourite of mine, primarily because there is just nowhere else like it.
An old opal mining town nine hours from Adelaide, many of the locals actually live underground, in a bid to escape the summer heat.
Believe it or not, you can visit houses, cafes and churches - all carved into the earth. You can even opt to sleep underground! It’s likely to be the best night sleep you’ll ever have. (It’s pretty dark down there.)
The Desert Cave Hotel is a special establishment, dug into the sandstone hillside in the main street. Grab a feed or book a room - either way, you’ll have a great time.
But really, travelling is all about learning new things. All you have to do is spend the night chatting to the locals - and you’re guaranteed to come away with some great (and potentially inappropriate!) stories.
Nambung National Park
If you’re looking for things to tick off your bucket list, the Pinnacles Desert is one to add.
Just two hours north of Perth, Nambung National Park is one of Western Australia's most unique natural attractions.
Hundreds of huge limestone pillars, rising from the shifting yellow sands, looking like a gathering of followers waiting for the chosen one to arrive. It really does look like something from a science fiction movie.
Get up close with a scenic drive and the walking trail that includes a fantastic lookout over the park.
It's believed the Pinnacles were created millions of years ago as seashells were broken down into sand and then eroded by water and wind.
But they aren’t the only attraction Nambung National Park has to offer.
The secluded white sandy beaches are perfect for swimming, snorkelling and picnics - as well as windsurfing and dolphin watching!
Don’t stop dreaming
We know you can’t travel to these places just this minute - and most of the attractions are closed.
But, they will open again! And if there is one thing this bloody virus has taught me, it’s that life can change in an instant.
Don’t wait for a better time. Don’t put it off.
When this is over - if you want to go somewhere - make it happen. If you want to see something - see it.
If it’s difficult, we can help. We make it our business to really be there for our customers - to overcome any challenges they may have, to help make their dreams come true.