A magical continent
A large portion of the Australian continent is hot, dry and sparsely populated, but it holds a certain magic for those who love the wide open spaces and expansive skies of this stunning region. The Australian outback, the interior of this vast continent, can be one of the most inhospitable environments on earth. Less than 10% of Australians live in non-coastal areas.
The outback’s history
Exploration into the outback by early pioneers to Australia was limited, with most settlements being established around the coastal regions. However, by the 1860s several expeditions had been made – to varying degrees of success. The most accomplished expedition was led by John McDouall Stuart who managed to traverse the continent from Adelaide to the north coast and back again. This expedition laid the groundwork for the Overland Telegraph route, which ultimately helped connect all of Australia's far-flung corners.
The outback has long been inhabited by Australian Aborigine, an ancient people deeply connected to the earth and the wildlife. Nowadays the outback is still the home of many indigenous people who inhabit large allocated communities such as Pitjantjatjara and Warlpiri in Central Australia.
Uluru and other attractions
Australia's outback is home to some remarkable natural sights, which have contributed to creating its profitable tourist industry. Uluru, or Ayers Rock as it is jointly named, is probably the most commonly recognised Outback icon and is seen by many visitors to Australia. Listed as a World Heritage Site, Uluru is a sandstone formation that towers out of the flat red outback floor to stand 348m high. It is sacred to two Aboriginal tribes and is decorated with many ancient cave paintings around its base. Uluru takes on a glowing, magical beauty in the light of dawn and dusk.
Uluru is not the only outback tourist highlight. In fact, along with mining and farming, tourism is now the outback's most viable economic venture. Other popular sights include Katherine Gorge, Alice Springs, the Nullabor, the
Kimberleys, Kakadu, Arnhem Land and the Olgas.
Hidden and hardy life
Despite it's harsh climate – in places reaching 45 degrees with very little rain – the outback is home to many and varied wildlife including kangaroos, dingoes, camels, brumbies (wild horses), snakes, geckos, an assortment of birds and a wide variety of hardy plant life.
Although a formidably big, hot and empty space, within the outback of Australia lies a hidden beauty and ancient life force.