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About the Outback
You can’t come to Australia and not head out bush and experience
the outback. Cairns is a great starting point for outback exploration,
especially during the June- November dry season, when temperatures
are comfortable and rainfall is rare in the outback regions.
You can get a taste of the outback in just a day, but if you have
the time take longer, and get a better sense of the place. The wildlife
is unique and even abundant if you know where and how to look. The
people that make their lives here are as close to pioneers as you
can find anywhere.
Keep in mind that the norther half of Australia is subject to a
rainy season from January to April, which can make outback travel
by vehicle difficult during those months.
How to get there.
From Cairns just head West or North, and in less than an hour’s
drive, the country becomes increasingly drier and more empty. Thick
rainforests give way to eucalypt forests, savannahs, and grasslands
crossed by meandering rivers. Baseball caps give way to wide felt
Akubra hats, and bitumen roads give way to dirt tracks.
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Some ways to head out bush:
Guided one-day trips.
There are small number of trips that take you out into the dry country
and back. It's a long day, but worth it that's all the time your
have.
Staying at cattle stations
If you have a couple of days, and want to get a feel for rural Australian
lifestyles this is an excellent way to get outback. There are several
cattle stations that take vistiors, one Mt. Mulligan Station, even
runs a 4WD shuttle between Cairns and the station, making visits
simple.
Multi-day outback safaris
These range from 3-60 days in length, and are an outstanding way
to get out bush. The transportation, food, and itinerary are taken
care of, and the guides will both explain what you are seeing, and
make sure you stay safe. Cairns is one of Australia's safari centers,
with lots of choices. Check out this index of outback
adventures to see what's available.
 Rent
or buy a 4wd
If you ready to make your own adventure you mght consider
hiring or buying a four wheel drive vehicle and making your own
adventure. Be sure to plan your trip well, you don't want to end
up as a "lost out bush" news story or worse. That said,
if you stick to the more well travelled tracks, stock your vehicle
well, and drive carefully you should have a great time.
Four Wheel Drive Hire Service
rents four wheel drives of all kinds, some including full camping
gear.
You can also buy a used four wheel drive vehicle from local car
dealiers in town, and we also see them for sale by their owners
along the Esplanade in Carins.
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