Your ballooning adventure begins in the cool pre-dawn darkness with a drive through the desert to a launch site near Alice Springs. Gas burners are used to inflate the balloons just as the sun rises over the MacDonnell Ranges.
Taking in the view from a hot-air balloon is a unique way to appreciate the vast remoteness of the Australian Outback. From above, you can see miles and miles of red dirt, mountain ranges in the distance and red kangaroos darting across the open plains.
You can choose a half hour or full hour balloon flight, after which you'll be taken to a remote bush campsite for a cooked breakfast including champagne and tropical fruit juice cocktails.
The next stop on the itinerary is Ooraminna Homestead, nestled between the MacDonnell Ranges and the Simpson Desert. Ooraminna covers more than 160,000 hectares of red sand hills and weathered rocky outcrops. Despite being so remote, there is still plenty to see and do.
The homestead offers nature walks where you can learn all about the bush. There are overnight camel safaris, bushwalking tours and even a 4WD cattle station tour. During this tour you learn how the cattle are managed, visit the various watering holes and dams and explore some spectacular countryside.
At the end of the day it's time to check into the unique stone accommodation. Originally built as a film set for 'The Drovers Boy', the police station and gaol are perfect for the adventurous outback traveller. The police station has its own bathroom, lounge and fireplace. And the gaol looks exactly like a gaol, so if you've ever wondered what it would be like to spend a night in the lock-up, here's your chance.
For an alternative to themed accommodation, try a luxury outback cabin. Each of the two cabins include private bathroom facilities, a queen size four poster bed, heating or air-conditioning and a private verandah. Both cabins are within walking distance from the main homestead where meals are served.
The facts
A night at Ooraminna Homestead in a luxury cabin or the police station, plus breakfast and dinner, costs $95 per person. This price is a special offer for viewers of The Great Outdoors and is only available to the first 100 callers.
Ooraminna Homestead
Tel: 08 8953 0170
Outback Ballooning are offering a big discount on their half hour breakfast flight. Their price of $99 is valid for sale until 17 October, 2003.
Outback Ballooning
Tel: 1800 809 790
Northern Territory Tourist Commission
Tel: 13 61 10
