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outback that they have become a tourist attraction. Camel safaris operate in wilderness areas and are a rewarding way to experience the outback. The safaris are led by Australian wildlife, cultural and environmental experts to ensure that tourists learn as they ride.

The camel is called the ship of the desert' and this is usually thought to refer to its capacity to carry water in its hump but in fact there is another good reason. The camel is also one of the world's most tireless pack animals, and on the average four day safari, it carries everything its rider needs, such as water, food and sleeping gear. No back up vehicles follow the tour and despoil the pristine desert wilderness, because none are needed. You don't need to be an expert camel rider but you do need to be reasonably physically fit, as many first timers prefer to walk occasionally while they are getting used to the saddle!

Ecologically speaking, Australia has some of the most glorious nature destinations in the world. But it's not all sight seeing and hotel hopping. If you ant something really different, does bush walking, spear throwing and living off the land sound like a plan to you?

Eco Tourism is a big thing right now, and Australian ecotour leaders like Odyssey Tours and Safaris have the ecotour of a lifetime. It's a non-stop adventure through Australia's `top end' These tours are taken at the best time of the year to explore places like Kakadu, in August and October. This is the Australian Spring, and the `top end' is blooming.

These tours also take in the cultural life of Australia's native peoples, the Aborigines, who have lived in this amazing land for 45,000 years. On these tours, you will have the chance to meet the local tribes, an unforgettable experience in itself, and learn ancient arts like spear throwing and basket weaving from the tribal elders.

You'll be living off the land, swimming in natural waterholes called `billabongs', viewing ancient Aboriginal rock art and singing songs around a roaring campfire. So what are you waiting for? Australia has a wealth of once-in-a-lifetime experiences waiting for you!

Oh, and those kangaroos and beaches? Sure, we got those too.

Learn more about this author, Gail Kavanagh.
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