Explore Oz Outback

Australia's Outback tourism promoters see New Zealanders as wanting to feed the mind and interact with other cultures while on holiday, rather than work-weary travellers who just want to flop in deck chairs by the pool.

The Northern Territory Tourist Commission reports its research shows New Zealanders over the age of 45 would probably be interested in Australia's Outback, where they can go on 4WD camping safaris, camel treks to sunrise champagne breakfasts at Uluru/Ayers Rock and stay in wilderness lodges or five-star resorts in the desert.

The New Zealand marketing manager for the commission, Samantha Cameron, says Northern Territory has seen a steady growth in the number of New Zealand visitors during the past five years, and an increase is expected, especially with greater tourism promotion.

Twice the size of Texas, the Northern Territory is home to fewer than 1 per cent of Australia's population (180,000 people), and is the heart of Aboriginal culture, dating back 40,000 years.

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