Most of the time the residents of the Australian Outback are happy to enjoy life at a slower pace.
Tag: Northern Territory travel
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Unusual Camel Cup is The Race That Stops Outback Australia
But every July the Northern Territory town of Alice Springs comes alive as it celebrates the annual Camel Cup. While horses are obliging animals, camel jockeys are faced with a much tougher task. The beasts live up to their cantankerous reputations, which can result in some interesting antics. They might sit down on the track, or leave it altogether if the whim takes them! They’re also prone to spitting and biting their rivals, which only adds to the fun. But once they get going, camels aren't a bad way to get about. They can maintain a speed of 40 km/h for around an hour, and reach up to 65 kays when sprinting. While the series of camel races are the main event, there's more to lure spectators including market stalls and live entertainment. Some of the biggest crowd pleasers are rickshaw races, belly dancers, live music, and a uniquely central Australian take on "Fashions in the Field." The first Camel Cup was raced in 1970 when two locals raced camels down the dry Todd River as a bet. It drew quite a crowd of curious spectators who enjoyed the race so much it became a regular fixture on the Northern Territory calendar. This year the Camel Cup celebrates its 40th anniversary on July 10. -
Meet Crocs and Snakes in Australia on the Spectacular Jumping Crocodile Cruise
The Northern Territory is a place that’s not for the faint of heart. It’s an Australian stereotype come to life, with scorching sun, the unforgiving deserts of The Outback, and nasties lurking around every corner.
If the snakes don't get you, the crocs just might. If that thought doesn't terrify you, you might be a good candidate for a trip on the Spectacular Jumping Crocodile Cruise. The boat takes a leisurely trip down the Adelaide River, which is home to more than 80, 000 saltwater crocs, or salties as they're known in these parts. These man-eaters can measure up to six meters, and when they jump out of the water you'll be able to take all of that length in. But don't be scared. They're more interested in the raw buffalo meat the tour operators dangle from the long feeding sticks than you. If you're game, the crew will even let you give the crocs their tucker. Spectacular Jumping Crocodile Cruises has two boats: the 8.7 meters Wildcat, and the double-decker Northern Adventurer, which measures a massive 18.2 meters. The cruises' hosts are incredibly knowledgeable about the area's native wildlife, which also includes bats, snakes, and the enormous kites. These birds, with their awe-inspiring wingspans, will happily swoop in on the crocs' buffalo, and often get away with it too. That's one brave bird! [caption id="attachment_3021" align="alignright" width="150" caption="A saltwater crocodile jumping for food in the Northern Territory, Australia"]
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Speaking of those snakes, you can meet some of those too. Spectacular Jumping Crocodile Cruises has a large collection of pythons which they'll happily pass around to any brave guests. If you do hope to handle a snake make sure you're not wearing sunblock, perfume, or insect repellent. These products can offend the snakes' delicate sense of smell, and you really don't want to do that!
Spectacular Jumping Crocodile Cruises cost $35 for adults and $20 for kids, including complimentary tea and coffee. Discounted family, group, and senior passes are also available. The cruises last for one hour and leave at 9 am, 11 am, 1 pm, and 3 pm every day.