Star in your own 'Australia' adventure
Check out these ideas for Australia trips tied to Baz Luhrmann's big screen epic
"Australia" cast and crew based themselves in Kununurra, the eastern gateway to the Outback's Kimberley region. Nicole Kidman credited the swimming holes of Kununurra, which means "big water" to the Aborigines, with helping her and six other women on the film get pregnant. Kununurra is home to the World Heritage listed Purnululu National Park, a remote wilderness experience famous for the Bungle Bungles Range. Travel further into the range to find a hidden world of gorges and pools. Stay overnight at one of the permanent tented accommodations; www.kimberleywilderness.com.au
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The adventure touring company Intrepid Travel has put together a new 10-day trip from Broome to Darwin that hits some of the off-the-beaten path locations featured in the movie. You'll explore the region's natural wonders, from the Kimberley to Kakadu National Park. The $3,490 price includes lodging (hotels and camping), most meals and land transportation. Airfare is extra; http://intrepidtravel.com/ trips/paa
Some scenes for "Australia" were shot at El Questro, a Western Australia working cattle station spread across more than 1 million acres. Visit El Questro Homestead, an exclusive six-suite retreat cantilevered over the Chamberlain Gorge. Dine under a canopy of stars and spend the days touring the bush and relaxing in the thermal springs; www.elquestrohomestead.com/au
Orion Expedition Cruises has several seven- to 11-day cruises running from April through August, taking passengers around the wild and remote Kimberley coast. The trips take place aboard the MV Orion, a 53-cabin luxury expedition vessel. The 10-night Kimberley "Expedition" voyage, priced around $5,750, sails between Darwin and Broome. Guests visit sites steeped in aboriginal culture, and the August departures include opera performances at the new Cable Beach Amphitheater; www.orionexpeditions.com
For more "Australia"-inspired travel ideas, go to www.australia.com.
Lori Rackl