March 01, 2009
Australian Bushfires in Victoria
G'day,
First of all, thank you for subscribing to my newsletter, and welcome to all new subscribers.
The Bush Telegraph is the newsletter of Rita's Outback Guide that'll inform you about
- updates on Rita's Outback Guide
- festivals and events in the Outback. If you're planning a trip, don't miss this great opportunity to include an unique Outback event to your itinerary!
- breaking news from the Outback and Australia
- Every now and then I will add a personal story from my numerous Outback trips.
I am afraid to say, that the breaking news from Australia in this issue of the Bush Telegraph are really sad. However, I thought adding a brief summary of the tragedy would be essential for you who are interested in Australia and the Australian Outback.
On February 7, 2009, Australia experienced the worst bushfire disaster in its history. Following a period of draught, and days of scorching heat, several wildfires blazed in Victoria, Australia's southern-most state on the mainland.
210 people died on what is now called "Black Saturday", 37 people are still being missed. The towns of Kinglake and Marysville were almost entirely destroyed. More than 2000 houses were lost in the fires, many more were badly damaged.
Nobody knows how many animals, both farm animals and wildlife perished in the flames. Koalas, kangaroos and other injured wildlife were brought to animal shelters. There's an article on Wikipedia that gives you more information on the 2009 Victorian bushfires.
I truly believe that not only my thoughts, but yours as well are with all the people who suffered in the disaster.
* New pages on Rita's Outback Guide. *
- Bushfires in Australia - General facts about bushfires and updates about the 2009 Victorian bushfire tragedy.
On this page you find links to the Australian Red Cross and the Victorian RSPCA if you consider a small donation for humans and wildlife. - Kilcowera Station - Toni Sherwin of Kilcowera Station in Outback Queensland contacted me and sent me a few beautiful photos. I couldn't help, I had to include them on a page in the Outback Guide. If you travel in south-east Queensland, don't miss to stop at the station, or perhaps stay a few days and enjoy true country hospitality.
Station stays are a popular way to experience life in the Australian Outback while you are on holidays. - Parachilna Gorge - Driving through Parachilna Gorge in the Flinders Ranges is one of the most scenic drives I ever did.
- Travel West Outback Tours - Do you want to visit the most beautiful and remote areas in the Australian Outback, but you don't want to go on your own?
Booking with a small tour company that offers personalised tours is the way to go. Travel West runs tours in Outback Queensland and Outback South Australia. - Australian cities and towns - Got lost with all the info about cities, towns and Outback regions? Don't know from which city or town explore a certain highlight? This page should help you to plan your trip. It'll be updated frequently as I add new pages to the Outback Guide.
The following additions to the Outback Guide are not so much related to the Australian Outback. However, overseas travellers need some info about Australian cities when they arrive down under. After all, it is a good idea to relax from the jet lag before you head off to the Outback!
- Sydney Travel Guide Part 1 and Sydney Travel Guide Part 2 are two pages to explore the highlights of Sydney along the route of Sydney's Explorer Bus. It is the easiest way to see all attractions of Sydney. The second part of the guide includes some info about famous beaches like Bondi beach and Manly.
- Luxury Hotels in Sydney Luxury hotels in a travel guide about the Australian Outback you ask? Why not spoil yourself a little before you go to the Outback?
Too expensive you think? You'll be surprised. The hotel search tool on this page always returns the best deals, still expensive, but affordable for a night or two. Check it out!
*Outback Events*
Coober Pedy Opal Festival - The opal festival, held on Easter 2009 in Coober Pedy, is an annual event. Miners and opal dealers from all around Australia meet to trade the precious stones. The festival is a big event for locals and visitors alike.
Watch a Community Parade, join the Opal Walk which encourages you to see opalised fossils. Other activities include live music, fireworks, and local foot stalls.
Don't forget to book your Coober Pedy accommodation in advance as the town will burst with visitors.
If you want to know more about Outback events, or probably want your favourite Outback event listed, please contact me at the The Bush Telegraph
* Newsletter Outlook*
Don't miss the next edition of the Bush Telegraph with more news from Australia and my Outback Guide.Exploring the Gawler Ranges in Outback South Australia is the next chapter I will cover in the guide.
If you like the Bush Telegraph, please pass it on to your friends, they might like it, too.
If this newsletter was forwarded to you, I would be happy to see you subscribe to the Bush Telegraph here
Until next time.
See ya, Rita
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