Aussie Holiday Adventures

How to Feed the Wild Dolphins in the Bay.

2009-08-19T18:17:00.006+09:30

Finding the wild dolphins is the first thing that must be done. I found two such dolphins at a place called Tin Can Bay. You can find Tin Can Bay on the Fraser Coast, north of Brisbane, Qld, by 210klms and south of Maryborough by 77klms. Drive to the boat ramp at Norman Point where there is a seaside cafe and this is where you will find these wild dolphins.

This quaint little town has these magnificent creatures in their beautiful bay. Mystique and his girlfriend, Patch, come into the bay every morning between 7.30am and 8.00am to be fed by the many curious onlookers who flock to Tin Can Bay during the school holidays. There are two more dolphins that do come in too, but not on this day.

For a holiday to leave you with great memories, include Tin Can Bay on your travel itinerary and feed these rare Indo-Pacific humpback dolphins.

Each morning, a few volunteers from Tin Can Bay organise a proper tour of the dolphins. Dolphin feeding is regulated by the Queensland Government. Fish to feed dolphins is to be purchased at the site to minimise potential risks to the dolphins. They have dozens of little buckets, each holding one or two small fish for the excited children and the adults. The quota allowed in total for their daily feed is 3kgs and once that is gone, there is no more for the dolphins until the next day as they do not want the dolphins to rely on these feedings. Spectators are asked for a gold coin donation to replace the fish supply.

Everyone must wash their hands in a specially prepared container of water. Then a small bucket is given to each person who wants to hand feed the dolphins and small groups of 10 are sent down to the water's edge, where these gorgeous creatures are patiently waiting for their feed. They are happily frolicking in the water, and many spectators are clicking away with their cameras.

A man gives an interesting commentary on the dolphins and asks everyone not to touch the animals as it could frighten them away, and to turn off the flash on cameras as they have sensitive eyes.

Each person takes a small fish out of their bucket and walk a few feet into the water where they offer the fish to the dolphin, which takes it politely. A few of the children are wary until they see that these animals are very friendly, and happy at being fed.

While the dolphins are being fed, one or two pelicans are trying to sneak in for a feed, too. A volunteer lures them away with fish to the other side of the small jetty where there are a dozen or so pelicans. Otherwise, she says, a fight will start between the animals and birds, with the dolphins swimming away and maybe not coming back.

These dolphins have been visiting the locals and tourists in Tin Can Bay for over 30 years. Find holiday accommodation and tours here for your next holiday =>> http://www.australia-accommodation.info/tin-can-bay.php

8 Ways Not to Get Eaten by a Saltwater Crocodile!

2009-07-31T12:07:00.002+09:30

Want to see crocodiles in their natural habitat, but do not want to get eaten? Saltwater crocodiles are the world's largest reptile. An average length and weight of the males is five metres(15 feet)and 450 kilos. Females are smaller, about three metres in length and weigh up to 150 kilos. For tips on staying safe from crocodiles, read further.

1. KEEP OUT OF THE WATER.
Staying away from the waterways, lagoons, billabongs and creeks is the best way to ensure that you will never get eaten by a saltwater crocodile. However, this is not really the answer that people want to hear. But if you are in crocodile country stay at least five metres away from the water. Although on land they can produce a sudden burst of speed to catch unwary prey. You will not get away.

2. TAKE HEED OF THE 'BEWARE OF CROCODILE' SIGNS
The National Park Rangers have placed these signs up where there are known crocodile sightings. If there is no sign at a waterhole, it does not mean that there will not be a crocodile. These animals can travel long distances overland and along waterways, especially during the wet season. They can, and sometimes do, move hundreds of kilometres upstream in freshwater to spend their whole lives in freshwater lagoons, waterholes and swamps.

3. TALK TO THE LOCALS
The locals have insight and knowledge of the crocodile habits in the areas. These people are the ones who have seen crocodiles in their local area and have a good idea of their sizes. Unfortunately, some of the locals have become blasé about the 'safe' swimming holes, and a few have come to grief. There has been no culling of crocodiles in the Northern Territory areas since 1971. Saltwater crocodiles are coming into fresh waterways in the wet seasons, often travelling long distances overland, where they have never been before when these adults were children.

4. FISH IN A BIGGER BOAT
Go out fishing in a boat bigger than any known large sized crocodile in the area. Crocodiles have attacked small fishing boats and can easily overturn them, with the fisherman in it.

5. FISH WITH AN EXPERIENCED TOUR OPERATOR
Preferably go out fishing with an experienced fishing charter captain. There are always fishing charters available and these boats are large and safe.

6. NEVER TORMENT OR TEASE A CROCODILE
It is extremely dangerous to throw sticks or stones at a crocodile. This will make them angry enough to come after you. The crocodile may look like it is sunning itself quietly on the riverbank, and to be asleep. However, when it moves, it will be surprisingly fast. Keep well away from it.

7. NEVER KEEP VISITING THE SAME SPOT
Crocodiles are a creature of habit and will watch to see if you are, too. They will watch you for a few days or more, biding their time to attack. Camping by the waterside is inviting danger. They have been known to drag a man out of a tent during the night.

8. NEVER LET YOUR DOG SWIM IN THE WATER
Always keep your dog out of the water as crocodiles are quick to move in for the kill. The dog's barking on the riverbank will attract crocodiles very fast. Dogs have as little chance of escape as people do against a hungry or territorial crocodile.

If you abide by these suggestions, and always use commonsense, your holiday visit to Darwin or any other coastal parts of the Northern Territory in Australia will be quite safe and very enjoyable. There are several really good water leisure centres for safe swimming and excellent crocodile farms and parks to view crocodiles.

Patricia Lilly holds a Diploma of Hospitality and has worked in the tourism industry for many years. Patricia is travelling around Australia, and as she is now in the Northern Territory, can pass her knowledge of this area on to you. Make a safe and secure holiday booking with Online Accommodation and Tours-Australia. All bookings and information are Free!

How to tell the Difference Between a Frog and a Toad?

2009-07-31T11:46:00.004+09:30

The Cane Toad is the only species of frog that has been introduced into Australia. There are over 216 frogs native to Australia.

In Darwin and surrounding areas in the Northern Territory, there have been 25 species of frogs found and listed. Many of these resemble toads in colour, as not all frogs are green.

1. CANE TOADS have very wart like skin on their backs and are granular on their stomachs. The skin colour is reddish-brown, or olive-brown, or grey, with rarely any type of marked pattern. Their skin is bumpy and leathery. Their eyes are at the sides of their heads. They prefer dry conditions, but will go in water to lay eggs or find food.

FROGS have soft, smooth skin that hangs in folds. They absorb water through their skin and breathe through their skin. This means they absorb pollutants from the environment, so are good to have around. They range in colours from bright green, dark green, brown, and black. Frogs have three eyelid membranes to protect their eyes underwater. Their eyes are on top of their heads. Frogs prefer wet, moist conditions.

2. THE CANE TOAD is very toxic to most animals that try to devour them. However, research has shown that the crow can kill them by flipping them onto their back, then eating them. Recently, in 2009, it has been found that Meat ants are able to kill the Cane Toad. The Australian native rat will kill them but only eat the legs.

FROGS are not venomous, so unfortunately, any animal or reptile can eat them. They are eaten by snakes, goannas, and large birds.

3. CANE TOAD'S eggs are different to frog's eggs. They are laid in long strings which are continuous and generally over one metre long. The small black eggs are held in with a jelly substance. The eggs are laid in shallow waters and usually amongst sticks and vegetation. They can be pulled out in one long string and disposed of in the sun before they hatch.

FROG'S eggs are laid in a foamy clump in water. Most of our native frogs lay eggs in clumps, others lay individually. None of the native frogs lay in long strings.

4. THE CANE TOAD tadpoles are also poisonous to wildlife that might eat them. The young tadpoles do not develop their full poison until they are about 30mm in length. They place birds and any other animal or fish in danger if eaten. The tadpoles are black and have a thin tail muscle, but their tailfins are clear. The toadpole grows no bigger than 30mm before changing into a toad. The toadpoles prefer to sit in full sun during the hottest part of the day; will flick their tails fast when not swimming, and like to swarm in schools, mainly along the edges of shallow water.

FROG tadpoles are not poisonous, and therefore, are eaten by predators, such as fish, diving beetles and birds. The tadpoles like to hide on the bottom of the water under weeds.

5. CANE TOADS are carnivores and also eat insects and anything small enough for them to swallow. Native ground nesting birds, such as the Rainbow Bee-eaters and their eggs, are in danger from the toads. Toads also love dog food.

FROGS are also carnivores, and may eat other small frogs, lizards and small mammals, but climb up to outside lights to eat insects.

6. CANE TOADS are a ground dwelling predacious species and cannot climb anything. They cannot jump high, either. They prefer open areas to hunt and like lots of lights, old rubbish, drains, and man-made stuff. They use their eye sight to detect movement when hunting.

FROGS jump high and climb up walls and trees, using their toe pads for friction. Some frogs are ground dwelling.

7. CANE TOADS have horizontal pupils and have a bony ridge (rostrum) across the eye to the snout.

FROGS have eyes on the top of their heads. They are usually protruding.

8. CANE TOADS have partial webbing between their toes. They cannot hop high, but can run, especially when being chased.

FROGS have full webbed feet which help them to swim and move in the water. Some frogs have suction pads on their toes to help them cling to anything. As they have strong, long back legs, they move about by hopping.When you visit Darwin in the Northern Territory, spend some time at night looking for these frogs. It is best not to handle these creatures, as it can harm their skin. Do not handle the toad without a plastic bag or gloves on your hands, as they do have poisonous skin.

Patricia Lilly holds a Diploma of Hospitality and has worked in the tourism industry over many years. Patricia is travelling around Australia, and is now in the Northern Territory. Darwin is a great place to have your next holiday. It is very tropical and best to visit in the dry season. When you are here, look for the frogs and other great creatures in the Territory. Find holiday accommodation to suit your budget.

Do You Want to Drive Through the Northern Territory?

2009-07-31T11:35:00.003+09:30

Touring across The Northern Territory by bus and caravan is an excellent way to see this interesting part of Australia. Find out about the distances, the climate, and the flood dangers during the wet season. Discover the Aboriginal galleries which feature ever changing exhibitions and present marvellous insights of aboriginal life, history, cultural activities and art. Find out where the ‘UFO Capital of Australia’ is located.

Leaving Barkly Homestead Roadhouse behind, we are heading towards The Three Ways Roadhouse, where the Barkly and Stuart Highways meet in the Northern Territory. It is a drive of 180kms.

It is extremely hot with temperatures soaring to 43 degrees and as our Mazda T3500 bus does not have air-conditioning, we are suffering. The best time to travel in this area is through the winter months from April to September. October to April is hot and wet and creeks and rivers can rise suddenly, causing flash floods.

It would be wise to never attempt to cross through this water unless you are familiar with the depth and flow, and are confident of the road surface being in good condition. Assume nothing to travel safely.

We are travelling in late November as we have a house-sit to get to in Alice Springs. As my hubby and I love travelling and house-sitting, combining the two is great.

Yet another road train is passing us. A prime mover can be 53.5 mtres, carry about 115.5 tonnes of freight, with up to four trailers long. Driving the bus and towing our 18ft caravan means we sit at a steady pace of 80-100kms, but the speed limit is set at 130km/hr on the Barkly and Stuart Highways. Rural roads are designated 110km/hr unless otherwise signposted. As the bitumen roads are fairly wide, it is best to stay on them when passing a truck.

However, travellers should drive at a speed that suits the vehicle, road, weather conditions and their own driving experience. When driving on unsealed roads, sudden rainfall can quickly change the conditions and both sealed and dirt roads can be cut. Be prepared with extra food, water and essential spare parts when travelling in remote areas. We have a mobile phone with a tall antenna mounted on the caravan and a UHF radio in the bus for communications.
We arrive at the intersection and turn right for about 50mtres where The Three Ways Roadhouse sits. You can either head north to Darwin (962kms) or south to Alice Springs (533kms).

Our next stop is Tennant Creek, which is 25kms south. We find the Battery Hill Mining Centre 1.5kms east of town along Peko Road. This underground mine has working machinery, lighting and displays, and authentic sounds which instilled in us the spirit of the early gold miners. Ray, our very informative host, gives us a fantastic tour while being entertaining with all his life long experiences as a hard working miner in an underground gold mine.

Battery Hill is also the Tennant Creek Visitor Information Centre so find out more information on the area by talking to the staff. Be sure to ask directions to the award winning Nyinkka Nyurnyu Aboriginal Cultural Centre. Some of the staff are Aboriginal, so should be able to pronounce it for you.

Here you can meet local Warumungu people and listen to their stories. The gallery features ever changing exhibitions and presents marvellous insights of contempory Aboriginal life, history, cultural activities and art. We see outstanding interpretive displays demonstrating the Warumungu relationship with the land, family, bush resources and bush tucker.

We travel another 130kms south, and call into the icon of the Barkly, Karlu Karlu known as the Devil’s Marbles, which are 10 minutes north of Wycliffe Well Holiday Park. The Devil’s Marbles are amazing and I am happy to take lots of photos. After driving around a short loop, we come back to the Stuart Highway.

Wycliffe Well Holiday Park is very different and unusual with murals everywhere throughout their caravan park. What delights us most is the peaceful bush setting, and the very friendly couple who manage the park. It is also known as the ‘UFO Capital of Australia’, due to so many sightings of strange lights and crafts. After a Chinese meal in the cafe, cooked by a Chinese couple, we eagerly read the UFO newspaper clippings that cover the walls. Scattered throughout the park are statues of The Hulk, Elvis Presley and The Phantom. Very unusual.

There are about a dozen Aboriginal people congregated outside the store, as their community store was broken into last night and it is shut for repairs. They have driven to Wycliffe Well Holiday Park to buy their supplies. Unfortunately, one of them is very drunk and is politely refused any more alcohol. He retreats outside and revs his car loudly after getting it bogged in heavy sand in the nearby river bed. Not surprisingly, the motor blows up.

A beautiful morning to wake up to and we wander along the train tracks to the recreation lake that is home to several ducks and geese. Train tracks? Yes ,the park owner has installed a small train to entertain the visitors with during the tourist season. We say goodbye to the friendly staff as we must keep on our way to Alice Springs for our next interesting adventure.

About the author
Patricia Lilly holds a Diploma of Hospitality and has worked in the tourism industry for many years. She is travelling around Australia, and as Patricia has travelled across The Northern Territory, can pass her knowledge of these areas on to you. Make a safe and secure holiday booking with Online Accommodation and Tours-Australia. All bookings and information are Free!

10 Things You May Not Know About the Saltwater Crocodile in the NT

2009-07-24T18:14:00.004+09:30

When you holiday in the Northern Territory, it is wise to check with Parks and Wildlife centres to find out where it is safe to get into the water. There are water leisure centres and tours to keep you safe from the saltwater crocodile. Visit a crocodile park or farm; they allow you to hold a baby croc. They are very soft and cold to the touch. Help feed the small and large crocodiles. Get some great photos. Read the following to find out what you may not know about the 'salty'.

1. A saltwater crocodile has 65 teeth.
Their teeth are sharp-pointed, inter-locking and are perpetually replaced. A single croc might grow up to 3,000 teeth in its lifetime. How amazing is that? A small bird hops right into the prehistoric estuarine Crocodile's mouth and cleans its teeth.

2. A saltwater crocodile swallows stones and pebbles
It is believed the purpose of this is to give them ballast when diving, and are often ingested to aid digestion - crushing food by a grinding action within the gizzard of the stomach. 'Kill two birds with one stone!'

3. A saltwater crocodile can and will walk hundreds of kilometres overland.
Because Northern Australia has some small, inoffensive crocodiles restricted to brackish or fresh water, most people think all inland crocodiles are freshwater crocodiles. That is very misleading. It can and has lulled people taking great risks in what are now unsafe places as they know the freshwater crocodile to be usually harmless,unless provoked. The saltwater crocodile starts its life in brackish or fresh water, and only travels out to the ocean when it is almost fully grown to search for new territory.

4. A saltwater crocodile can and will swim in from ocean estuaries hundreds of kilometres
They swim into freshwater tributaries, lagoons, swamps and rivers. Saltwater crocodiles have been known to live there for the rest of their lives. So, do not think that they are only in the ocean.

5. A saltwater crocodile has heavily ossified scales along its back referred to as the armour.
Their scales are the same substance that hooves and nails are made from; keratin. One of the main functions of crocodile scales is for their protection.

6. The saltwater breeding female crocodile will cool her eggs with water carried by her mouth to the nest or spray urine on them.
In the breeding season between September to May, the female builds a nest of a scratched up pile of rotting plant matter and mud or sand. She lays about 30 to 90 eggs and covers them with more of the same material. They are incubated for 3 months. The saltwater crocodile lays in the wet season and many nests are destroyed by floodwaters.

7. The saltwater breeding female crocodile will gather the hatchlings in her mouth.
When she hears the babies chirping, she digs them out of the nest and carefully carries them to the water's edge in her mouth. She will watch over them until they can look after themselves.

8. A saltwater male crocodile is cannibalistic.
Juvenile crocodiles are eaten by the territorial mature males. Even with the mother's care, only about 20% survive to maturity, as goannas, snakes, sharks, birds and turtles will eat them, also.

9. The saltwater crocodile has a strong muscular tail that it uses to propel itself forward
All the propulsion and steering comes from the paddling of the flattened tail.

10. Crocodile culling was last done in 1971 in the Northern Territory.
Saltwater crocodiles are now, unfortunately, becoming a public menace as their numbers increase. They have increased in the Northern Territory from about 5,000 to 80,000 in 38 years, and they are moving closer to residential areas.

Is it up to us to stay out of their way? After all, these animals held unchallenged dominion over equatorial wetlands and waterways for 65 million years after dinosaurs had gone.
It is the larger crocodile that breeds and it would be these big ones that the crocodile hunter would target. The Parks and Wildlife have taken many large dangerous saltwater crocodiles away from areas that humans also frequent. They have been known to return within a few weeks, unless they are taken to a crocodile farm. It has been said, by interested parties, that even if dozens of crocodiles were culled, how can it be guaranteed that just one crocodile will not come into a proclaimed safe area. It only takes one reptile to kill one person.
To cull or not to cull? This is the question.

Patricia Lilly holds a Diploma of Hospitality and has worked in the tourism industry for many years. Patricia is travelling around Australia, and as she is now in the Northern Territory, can pass her knowledge of this area on to you. Find out where you can visit a crocodile farm in Darwin. Hold a baby crocodile and help feed the big ones. Find Darwin holiday accommodation to suit your budget.

How to Keep Your Kids Happy at Dreamworld!

2009-07-24T10:22:00.003+09:30

Dreamworld, Gold Coast, Queensland, Australia -

What a wonderful place to take your family and keep your kids happy. However, having been there with my husband,and our 6yr old and 8yr old nephews, I learnt quite a lot that I wished I had known beforehand and during our visit.

We chose a day when it was extremely hot and humid, knew nothing much about what we would find there or how to attack it.

Here are some tips on making your day run smoother than ours did.

Seven Control Procedures to put in place to make cranky kids happy again.

No 1. Make sure that you tell the small child that the Wiggles group will not be there at Dreamworld, unless you know for sure that they will be. Our 6 yr old nephew spent all of his time looking for them and not really enjoying the entertainment, except his ride in the Wiggles Big Red Car. Even then, he was sure that the Wiggles would pop out of a door at any moment.

No 2.
Take big hats, sunglasses, face wipes, sunscreen, cold water (purchase on your entry),a large carry bag and camera.If you have a partner, consider taking two mobile phones. If you have children who are old enough to wander off, place your phone number and name in your kids' pockets, so they can give it to a Dreamworld staff member. Maybe you should place your phone number on your sun glasses,too. I left mine in the ladies rest room, but after a hot and frustrating walk to the information centre, which was right back at the entrance, I was fortunate to have had them handed in. Lucky for me, as they were on loan from my sister.

No 3.
If there are two adults and different aged children, the adventurous adult should take the older children straight to the fast rides. After all, you will have to get on with them unless you have an older teenager, who is willing. The other adult can take the small child or children to The Wiggles World. This area is fantastic. Don't forget to take your camera to collect great memories for your family.

No 4.
Introduce your small children gently to the Wiggles friends - Wags the Dog, Dorothy the Dinosaur, Henry the Optopus and Captain Feathersword, as they can be a bit daunting seeing them in the real world and not on TV. My nephew would only approach Wags the Dog, but not the others. I still haven't worked out why. He is enraptured with them at home and sings all the Wiggles songs and watches their movies. He was terrified that Captain Feathersword would approach our table, but I was laughing most of the time at the Captain's antics.

No 5.
Give each other about 2 hours or more with each child or children and meet back at Wiggle World in front of the 'Yummy Yummy'shop, or an agreed venue, where you can buy lunch, icecream and drinks. Perhaps have lunch a little earlier so as to miss the long, long queues. Believe me, littlies will not like this wait. Or one partner could take the children on the train while the other lines up in the queue for food. All of the food venues are close to the railway station. It takes about 15 - 30 minutes to complete a train ride. It depends how busy Dreamworld is at the time.

No 6.
It could be a good idea to give the kids icecream or cold drinks before departing on the train, as it can be a little boring for the older kids. It is a great train ride, but continually stops at stations, letting Dreamworld visitors jump off at other entertainment areas or the restaurant, which you might choose to do, too.

No 7.
When you and your partner have had enough of the walking, riding, waiting in queues, or tired complaining children, jump on Captain Sturt's paddle wheel boat for a wonderfully refreshing 30 minute cruise. Sit back and listen to the happy Australian songs and rest your aching feet. Your kids will probably sing along as my nephew and I did. This can be a calming end to your day or just a rest before hitting all the other entertainment areas, such as Nickelodeon Central, Tiger Island, The Australian Wildlife Experience, Big Brother and The FlowRider and lots more.So, you may have to schedule another visit to Dreamworld. It's a great incentive to get better behaviour from the kids, isn't it.

Patricia Lilly has developed Online Accommodation and Tours-Australia, and has years experience in Hospitality. You will find information on her site about many interesting places in Queensland. At the Gold Coast, prepare for an adventure for the whole family at Australia's favourite theme park, Dreamworld. And Dreamworld has a neighbour ... introducing Australia's brand new water park WhiteWater World, which has thrills for all ages!

EasyPublish™ this article - publishers click here

How to Have Fun in a Hot Air Balloon

2009-05-05T11:54:00.003+09:30

Rising at 2.45am is not what I usually like to do, but this is for a special reason. I am taking my husband on a surprise tour in a hot air balloon based in Alice Springs in the Northern Territory. We are travelling around Australia and this is one of the tours that my husband will love.

I have kept it a secret until arriving at our pick up point in town. We drive to the Alice Springs hotel to be collected by the tour bus, and with the logo on its side, our adventure is no longer a surprise. My husband is blown away with it all. The bus driver is also the balloon operator and he is taking us out of town about 10kms. Once past the airport, he negotiates a dirt track to reach the take off point.

Another operator is driving the 4wd vehicle that tows the folded up balloon and basket in a trailer. We alight from the bus in early morning darkness, and by using the bus headlights, the operators unload the trailer and proceed to set up the balloon. They start up a motor driven fan to partially fill the balloon before firing up the butane gas burner. One of the operators calls us to the basket and gives us a safety lesson before we get going.

He explains how to crouch down in the basket and hold onto a strap when we land. He also asks us to volunteer to help fold the balloon up after landing, so they can pack it away. As there is a larger balloon going with us, we watch their proceedings with interest and I am taking heaps of photographs.

There are 25 people going on that one, and only 6 people in our smaller basket. I must admit, I feel some trepidation when I check out the size of the basket. But it is almost 110cms high and we have to clamber over it using toe holds. With a push and a shove from my husband, I am in, warily waiting for liftoff. Even standing on a ladder scares me.

I think it strange that the person who took my booking did not ask us our weights beforehand. It is alright for the younger and fitter. After all, anyone who is very overweight would not be able to climb in. Would they get a refund, I wonder. Probably not, but they would get embarassed!

There is no moon shining, but millions of twinkling stars are still on display. The operator gives the gas burners a boost, and the noise and heat frightens me enough to make me want to jump out before take-off. I think about the situation for a minute, then I swap places with my husband. I can still hear the loud noise, but I am away from the heat.

All good. We are lifting off and it is a strange feeling of floating with no engine sound. Just the occasional loud burst of flame into the balloon. The operator is kept quite busy adjusting gadgets, but is still able to answer our endless questions. Some come from the other three people, too. High high are we? How fast are we going? Are those lights over there Alice Springs? Do you do this every day? Will we see kangaroos or any other animals?

I laugh to myself. Well, we want our money's worth. I take some great photos of the larger balloon following behind. It looks quite spectacular against the dark sky with the flames shooting up randomly into the balloon. But now, the sun is starting to rise through a light dust haze. What a shame, as we do not have a clear view of the ranges. I quickly take a photo of the bright ball of sun that is fighting its way through the haze.

We can see the 4wd keeping up with us along the dirt tracks. Mostly, we see a very wide brown land with green and brown clumps of grass and a few white gum trees. Here and there are black gnarled shrubby trees. I wonder, have they been through a bush fire or is that their natural colour? I want to ask the operator, but the man is busy trying to land us safely. So I let him. I am waiting with abated breath for the touch down. Maybe the basket will fall over? But we land with a very gentle bump and I have had rougher landings in jets, so feel quite relieved.

That was fun. I know my husband thinks so, as I can see the look of pleasure on his face. He is like a dog with two tails. Our adventure does not end here, as we are now going back into Alice Springs to have a champagne breakfast. Well, better hurry, as the sooner we pack this balloon away, the sooner we have brekky and bubbly. You don't have that every day!

To find great holiday accommodation and have these type of adventures, check out my site =>http://www.australia-accommodation.info/alice-springs.php