Page 35 - (DK Eyewitness) Travel Guide - Australia

A POR TR AIT OF A USTR ALIA  33

The film industry has long
been a fan of the Outback’s
vast open spaces and
dramatic colours. Films such
as the 1994 comedy The
Adventures of Priscilla, Queen
of the D
of the D
of the Desert made esert made esert
spectacular use of the
Red Centre’s sparse and
dusty landscape.
Australian “hotels” in Outback
areas often operate only as
public houses, re-named hotels
to counteract Australia’s once
strict licensing laws.
Pioneers and Explorers
Many European explorers, such as
Edward Eyre and John Stuart,
ventured into the Outback
during the 19th century.
The most infamous
expedition was Robert
O’Hara Burke’s from
Victoria to the Gulf of
Carpentaria (see p57).
Ironically, it was the
rescue missions due
to his inexperience
which brought about
the pioneers’ most
significant investigations Robert O’Hara Burke
of Australia’s interior. 1820–61

A solitary building set against vast areas of
open desert landscape can be an evocative
landmark in the Outback.

The Birdsville Races in Queensland are the biggest
and best of the many horse races held in the
Outback, where locals gather to bet and socialize.

Opal mining in towns such as Coober Pedy (see p372)
is one source of the Outback’s wealth. Tourists need
a miner’s permit, available from state tourist offices,
to hunt for gems.