The Outback Way Podcast

In this episode, you get an introduction to The Outback Way, Australia's Longest Shortcut- with Helen Lewis- General Manager Outback Highway Development Council Inc.Helen has driven the Outback Way about 5 times- and drove the entire trip from Cairns to Perth last July with 7 journalists on a media famil. The OHDC Inc- is an avovate for all tourism businesses along the Outback Way and lobby's for sealing the Outback Way- $395million has been secured, once this funding is spent on seal there will only be 900km to seal to complete an east -west link from Coast to Coast.You can find all notes and links on our website, www.outbackway.org.au where you can subscribe to our newsletter, buy our guidebook and download the app if you haven't already. Join us on Facebook and Twitter @OutbackWay1Send your questions, comments and travel stories to info@outbackway.org.au and if you share your story, we may even feature you on this podcast! Thank you for joining us through the heart of Australia, on Australia's longest short cut.

Want to know how the Outback Way came into existence? Listen to Patrick Hill walk us through the history of this project and turning the Outback Way into reality. A 20 year commitment to connect Australia, grow the industries throughout inland Australia (tourism, pastoral, mining and horticulture) leading to opportunities for small remote and isolated towns. The driver is a more economic and social benefit for the people in these areas. Patrick is a true champion of the bush; having grown up on a station east of Laverton and holding various board positions (Regional Development Australia, Goldfields Esperence, Australia Golden Outback tourism body) he is always promoting and maximising the opportunities for inland WA.You can find all notes and links on our website, www.outbackway.org.au where you can subscribe to our newsletter, buy our guidebook and download the app if you haven't already. Join us on Facebook and Twitter @OutbackWay1Send your questions, comments and travel stories to info@outbackway.org.au and if you share your story, we may even feature you on this podcast! Thank you for joining us through the heart of Australia, on Australia's longest short cut.

In this episode, Helen interviews Kate Richards, a.k.a. Adventure Mumma. Kate is a wellknown blogger, family traveler, adventurer and explorer. Last July, Kate joined the Outback Way Media Famil and travelled the Outback Way with her family. She shares her family's experience along the Outback Way.In the first of the regular Events Calendar segments, you'll find out what great events are coming up in the towns along the Outback Way in May and June 2017.You can find all notes and links on our website, www.outbackway.org.au where you can subscribe to our newsletter, buy our guidebook and download the app if you haven't already. Join us on Facebook and Twitter @OutbackWay1Send your questions, comments and travel stories to info@outbackway.org.au and if you share your story, we may even feature you on this podcast! Thank you for joining us through the heart of Australia, on Australia's longest short cut.

In this episode of the Outback Way Podcast, Helen interviews Gavin Baskett, the Mayor of the town of Winton in Queensland. Gavin talks about the attractions in Winton, including the Australian Age of Dinosaurs and the newly rebuilt Waltzing Matilda Centre. Helen and Gavin also discuss why the film industry loves Winton and why the town is the festival capital of the outback.To find out more about visiting Winton and planning your trip, visit http://www.experiencewinton.com.au/You can find all notes and links on our website, www.outbackway.org.au where you can subscribe to our newsletter, buy our guidebook and download the app if you haven't already. Join us on Facebook and Twitter @OutbackWay1Send your questions, comments and travel stories to info@outbackway.org.au and if you share your story, we may even feature you on this podcast! Thank you for joining us through the heart of Australia, on Australia's longest short cut.

In this episode of The Outback Way Podcast, Helen interviews Jeff Close about the Outback Writers Festival. Jeff has been in Winton for 41 years, is Chairman of the Waltzing Matilda Centre Board and is passionate about seeing local history recorded. He tells the story of how the Outback Writers Festival Inc. came to be, the new Waltzing Matilda Centre development, and why the end of June and early July is the best time of year to visit Winton!Jeff also invites travellers of the Outback Way to keep their eyes and ears open on their trip and then put pen to paper to enter a short story in next year’s Writer’s Festival. Find out more at www.outbackwritersfestival.com.au You can find all notes and links on our website, www.outbackway.org.au where you can subscribe to our newsletter, buy our guidebook and download the app if you haven't already. Join us on Facebook and Twitter @OutbackWay1Send your questions, comments and travel stories to info@outbackway.org.au and if you share your story, we may even feature you on this podcast! Thank you for joining us through the heart of Australia, on Australia's longest short cut.

In this episode of The Outback Way Podcast, Helen interviews Damien Ryan about the Tatts Finke Desert Race. Damien is the Mayor of Alice Springs, and he talks about how he grew up in the town, and the wonderful outback events that happen in Alice Springs.He shares some background of how the Tatts Finke Desert Race (www.finkedesertrace.com.au) came to be, and some information about this year's race, coming up on the 7th June 2018. Damien also mentions the Parrtjima Light Festival (www.parrtjimaaustralia.com.au) and the Red Centre NATS in September (www.redcentrenats.com.au), and the Masters Games in October (www.alicespringsmastersgames.com.au).There are many reasons the sealing of the Outback Way is important for Alice Springs and for grey nomads and other tourists in Australia, but it's also especially close to Damien's heart due to his father's involvement in other historical road projects.You can find all notes and links on our website, www.outbackway.org.au where you can subscribe to our newsletter, buy our guidebook and download the app if you haven't already. Join us on Facebook and Twitter @OutbackWay1Send your questions, comments and travel stories to info@outbackway.org.au and if you share your story, we may even feature you on this podcast! Thank you for joining us through the heart of Australia, on Australia's longest short cut.

In this episode of The Outback Way Podcast, Helen interviews Mark Melrose about the Vision Splendid Film Festival in Winton from the 29th June to the 7th July 2018. Mark shares a bit about the background of the Vision Splendid Film Fest and how he came to be involved, as well as what to expect at this year's festival. Mark explains the pillars in the strategy behind the Vision Splendid Film Fest, and how they are working to create a strong festival that can attract industry experts to come and see what Winton and the greater western Queensland region can offer. He also talks about the ultimate long term goals of providing more sustainable economy and various job options for residents of western Queensland, and a platform for even more films to be created in Winton.Remember the Vision Splendid Film Festival follows on from the Outback Writer's Festival (June 26th - 28th 2018) and is one of the reasons why the end of June and early July is the best time of year to visit Winton.Travellers of the Outback Way, use your eyes to put pen to paper and enter a short story in next year’s Writer’s Fest at OutbackWritersFestival.com.auYou can find all notes and links on our website, www.outbackway.org.au where you can subscribe to our newsletter, buy our guidebook and download the app if you haven't already. Join us on Facebook and Twitter @OutbackWay1Send your questions, comments and travel stories to info@outbackway.org.au and if you share your story, we may even feature you on this podcast! Thank you for joining us through the heart of Australia, on Australia's longest short cut.

In this episode of The Outback Way Podcast, Helen interviews Jo Nixon about why Alice Springs is the Beanie capital of the world! They discuss the Alice Springs Beanie Festival, which is held from from the 29th June to the 2nd July 2018, and draws creators and visitors from all over Australia, as well as internationally. Jo shares a bit about the background of the Beanie Fest and how she came to be involved, as well as what to expect at this year's festival. What began 22 years ago as a simple party to try to sell 100 beanies has turned into a weekend full of colour, warmth and joy, with 7000 beanies on display at the Araluen Arts Centre. There’s a beanie competition, live music and a range of textile workshops too. Find out more about the Alice Springs Beanie Festival, including the program, history and story of the festival, at www.beaniefest.org or follow along on Facebook @beaniefestival to get updates and tasters of beanies to come!You can find all notes and links on our website, www.outbackway.org.au where you can subscribe to our newsletter, buy our guidebook and download the app if you haven't already. Join us on Facebook and Twitter @OutbackWay1Send your questions, comments and travel stories to info@outbackway.org.au and if you share your story, we may even feature you on this podcast! Thank you for joining us through the heart of Australia, on Australia's longest short cut.

In this episode of The Outback Way Podcast, Helen interviews Alison Summerville about the beautiful and unique Queensland Boulder Opal. Alison is the secretary of the Queensland Boulder Opal Association in Winton in western Queensland, and comes from an opal mining family. In this episode, Alison shares how she became involved with opal mining and the QBOA, as well as why the Boulder Opal is so unique.Australia’s national gemstone, Queensland opals are in high demand worldwide. Alison and Helen discuss how opals are made, the various different kinds of opals and why the opal mining industry is so important for Winton. Alison also shares a bit about the Opal Festival on the 13th and 14th of July in Winton, which this year is celebrating its 25th Anniversary. As well as the tradeshow, there’s also the Jewellery Design Awards and Alison encourages anyone to put in a piece. Find out more about the festival and the Queensland Boulder Opal Association at QBOA.com.au/tradeshow, call (07) 4657 0082 or email qboa@bigpond.com You can find all notes and links on our website, www.outbackway.org.au where you can subscribe to our newsletter, buy our guidebook and download the app if you haven't already. Join us on Facebook and Twitter @OutbackWay1Send your questions, comments and travel stories to info@outbackway.org.au and if you share your story, we may even feature you on this podcast! Thank you for joining us through the heart of Australia, on Australia's longest short cut.

In this episode of The Outback Way Podcast, Helen interviews Mayor Rick Britton about the town of Boulia in far western Queensland. Rick’s family has been in the area for 5 generations—so he considers himself almost a local!—and in this episode he shares a bit about the history of Boulia and why he loves being Mayor.Helen and Rick also discuss the various attractions in Boulia. You can visit the Min Min Encounter and find out more about the mystery of the Min Min Lights, or the Stonehouse Museum, which covers outback history from dinosaur days through to what life was like for pioneering families in Boulia.The two main events in Boulia each year are the Rodeo, Campdraft and Horse Races on the Easter Weekend, and the Camel Races, from the 20th - 22nd of July 2018. To find out more, visit bouliacamelraces.com.au or call 4746 3386.You can find all notes and links on our website, www.outbackway.org.au where you can subscribe to our newsletter, buy our guidebook and download the app if you haven't already. Join us on Facebook and Twitter @OutbackWay1Send your questions, comments and travel stories to info@outbackway.org.au and if you share your story, we may even feature you on this podcast! Thank you for joining us through the heart of Australia, on Australia's longest short cut.

In this episode of The Outback Way Podcast, Helen speaks with secretary of the Harts Range Amateur Racing Club, Jo Fogarty. Jo shares a bit about her family ties to the region, as well as the story of how the NT Picnic Day Public Holiday came to be. This year the Harts Range Races are from the 3rd to the 6th of August 2018, and they're expected between 2- and 3000 people to attend. Jo and Helen discuss some of the challenges and benefits of putting on the event in such an isolated place, as well as what to expect at this year's event. As well as the races, there is whip cracking, steer riding, a yard building competition, the famous lizard race, a family sports event, a talent quest and a dance. There's also a Camp Draft and Rodeo held the same weekend. At $40 entry fee, it's an affordable weekend and a great, family-friendly event.Find out more at www.hartsrangeraces.org.au or email contact.hrarc1@gmail.com for more details.You can find all notes and links on our website, www.outbackway.org.au where you can subscribe to our newsletter, buy our guidebook and download the app if you haven't already. Join us on Facebook and Twitter @OutbackWay1Send your questions, comments and travel stories to info@outbackway.org.au and if you share your story, we may even feature you on this podcast! Thank you for joining us through the heart of Australia, on Australia's longest short cut.

Helen speaks with Lyndee Severin and Amee Porter about Curtin Springs, the 1 million acre station along the Lasseter Highway. They share the history of the station, and how they have added other businesses to capture the tourism market too. From the fascinating story of how Dawn and Peter Severin arrived on the station and why they were instrumental in the establishment of tourist facilities at Uluru, to the unusual way they muster cattle now, this episode doesn’t disappoint.Not only is Curtin Springs a working station and a tourist hub with beautiful landscapes, accommodation, camping, guided walking tours, a restaurant, a store, a bar and fuel, but it’s also making its mark on the art trail of the Outback Way. Making paper from native grasses that are found on the property has expanded into jewellery made from the paper, and now also an artist in resident program.To find out more or book your trip, visit the website www.curtinsprings.com or phone 08 8956 2906. You can also find Curtin Springs on Facebook and Instagram @curtinsprings and @ampaperartYou can find all notes and links on our website, www.outbackway.org.au where you can subscribe to our newsletter, buy our guidebook and download the app if you haven't already. Join us on Facebook and Twitter @OutbackWay1Send your questions, comments and travel stories to info@outbackway.org.au and if you share your story, we may even feature you on this podcast! Thank you for joining us through the heart of Australia, on Australia's longest short cut.

Helen speaks with Brendan Batty, the editor of Roam Magazine. They discuss the coverage of the Outback Way in Issue 31 2018, after Brendan’s wife Angela joined the media famil last year, much to his chagrin at being left behind! In this episode Brendan shares a number of tips about taking caravans on the Outback Way, as well as getting organised, key equipment and getting the most out of your van. He also shares a bit of the history of caravanning in Australia, and why he is so looking forward to visiting the Outback Way soon.Connect with Roam and get a subscription or back issues at timetoroam.com.au/subscribe or find it in many Newsagents around the country.You can find all notes and links on our website, www.outbackway.org.au where you can subscribe to our newsletter, buy our guidebook and download the app if you haven't already. Join us on Facebook and Twitter @OutbackWay1Send your questions, comments and travel stories to info@outbackway.org.au and if you share your story, we may even feature you on this podcast! Thank you for joining us through the heart of Australia, on Australia's longest short cut.

Helen speaks with Jane Menzies about the Warakurna Artists. Jane is the manager of the Warakurna Arts Centre, based at Warakurna, on the Outback Way. It’s an isolated area in Western Australia, but a significant art area and one with lots of talent.In this episode, Jane shares a bit about how she came to be working in Warakurna, and the important projects the Arts Centre and Artists facilitate within the community. A fully owned and operated Aboriginal organisation, the centre is for the people by the people. With exhibitions in Perth, Sydney, Germany and Singapore, Warakurna artists are nationally and internationally renowned. Through a range of programs, the centre works with people aged 3 to 93 in Warakurna and surrounding areas, like Wanarn, which is 100 km away. Jane and Helen discuss the importance of community ownership of projects like Warakurna Arts and the Outback Way, and what you absolutely must look for if you’re wanting to purchase Aboriginal Artwork.Find out more at the Warakurna Artists website warakurnaartists.com.au or follow them on Facebook @warakurnaartists1 and Instagram @warakura_artistsYou can find all notes and links on our website, www.outbackway.org.au where you can subscribe to our newsletter, buy our guidebook and download the app if you haven't already. Join us on Facebook and Twitter @OutbackWay1Send your questions, comments and travel stories to info@outbackway.org.au and if you share your story, we may even feature you on this podcast! Thank you for joining us through the heart of Australia, on Australia's longest short cut.

In this episode, Helen shares some essential travel tips and advice for travelling along the Outback Way. These include some tips about road conditions, safety gear you need, where to get fuel and mobile coverage, as well as how and where to get permits for sections of the Outback Way.Did you know that The Outback Way is also the world’s longest Geocaching trail and treasure hunt? Helen also shares a bit about what geocaching is, how it works and how you can take part during your trip along Australia’s longest shortcut.We’re halfway through the tourism season and the podcast has already covered a plethora of the great attractions and wonderful people who live and work along the Outback Way. In this episode Helen shares the Calendar of Events for August and September 2018 on the Outback Way.You can find all notes and links on our website, www.outbackway.org.au where you can subscribe to our newsletter, buy our guidebook and download the app if you haven't already. Join us on Facebook and Twitter @OutbackWay1Send your questions, comments and travel stories to info@outbackway.org.au and if you share your story, we may even feature you on this podcast! Thank you for joining us through the heart of Australia, on Australia's longest short cut.

Helen speaks with Laurinda Hill, the Coordinator of the Great Beyond Visitor Information Centre in Laverton, Western Australia. Laverton is the start and the finish of the Outback Way, depending which direction you’re travelling, and in this episode Helen and Laurinda discuss the impact the Outback Way has had on the town.Laurinda shares a little of her family history in the area, as well as a bit about Dr. Laver and how the town came to be named after him. Also covered in this episode are the numerous attractions in Laverton, including the Explorer’s Hall of Fame, the old police station and jail, the Laverton Outback Gallery and the best coffee shop on the Outback Way!There are a range of accomodation options in the town and also a number of events each year. The Annual Laver Festival is held in May, the Annual Race Day is in October (this year Saturday October 27 2018) and coming up soon, on the 18th of August, the town is having a fundraiser for Queensland farmers.Contact Laurinda and find out more about Laverton at the Great Beyond Visitor Information Centre. Open 7 days, you can call (08) 90311 361 for more information, or find them on Facebook or Trip Advisor.You can find all notes and links on our website, www.outbackway.org.au where you can subscribe to our newsletter, buy our guidebook and download the app if you haven't already. Join us on Facebook and Twitter @OutbackWay1Send your questions, comments and travel stories to info@outbackway.org.au and if you share your story, we may even feature you on this podcast! Thank you for joining us through the heart of Australia, on Australia's longest short cut.

Helen speaks with Dale McIver, the Chair of Tourism Central Australia, and also the Marketing Coordinator for Henley on Todd, the sailing boat race on the Todd River in Alice Springs. They discuss the growth in international and domestic tourism in Central Australia, as well as some of the attractions in the area such as the Field of Light installation at Uluru, the Olive Pink Botanical Gardens and the return of the Hop-on-hop-off bus tour in Alice Springs.Helen and Dale also talk about why the Rotary Henley on Todd is the most fun you can have without water at a boating regatta! Dale shares a bit about the history of the event, how it works and how you can participate. This year’s Henley On Todd Regatta is on Saturday the 18th August 2018. You can find out more by visiting the website henleyontodd.com.au, find them on Facebook, or call 0417 864 085.You can find all notes and links on our website, www.outbackway.org.au where you can subscribe to our newsletter, buy our guidebook and download the app if you haven't already. Join us on Facebook and Twitter @OutbackWay1Send your questions, comments and travel stories to info@outbackway.org.au and if you share your story, we may even feature you on this podcast! Thank you for joining us through the heart of Australia, on Australia's longest short cut.

Helen speaks with avid traveller and geocacher, David Moignard. David has travelled 150,000 km since December 2010. An avid Geocacher, he has been instrumental in adding to the Outback Way Geocaches. There are a total of 43 caches planted along the Outback Way at the time of recording.In this episode, Helen and David explain what geocaching is, how to get started using the app at geocaching.com They discuss some of the different types of caches that can be found, including interactive panels along the way, and why it’s a great activity for families. Also go to https://montemlife.com/ultimate-guide-to-geocaching/ also shares a bit about his experience planting geocaches on the Outback Way, and some of his other travel experiences.Helen also shares a few upcoming events that you can check out if you are travelling the Outback Way in August or September 2018.You can find all notes and links on our website, www.outbackway.org.au where you can subscribe to our newsletter, buy our guidebook and download the app if you haven't already. Join us on Facebook and Twitter @OutbackWay1Send your questions, comments and travel stories to info@outbackway.org.au and if you share your story, we may even feature you on this podcast! Thank you for joining us through the heart of Australia, on Australia's longest short cut.

Helen speaks with Cy Starkman, the General Manager of Red Hot Art and the Coordinator of the Desert Festival, which is happening in Alice Springs from the 31st August to the 30th Oct 2018.In this episode, Cy shares a bit about the background and history of the Desert Festival, and why it’s an incredible time to be in Central Australia. Besides Desert Festival there are 11 other festivals and events happening between September and October.There is a diverse range of events, and something for everyone, from culture to cars, as well as engaging and interactive activities for kids. Most of the events are between free and $20, and it’s an eclectic mix of things to do.The program includes Red Centre Nats, The Desert Song Festival, Unbroken Land, Her Sound Her Story, the Burlesque Festival and the Masters Games, among many other great events.For more information about all the events and to book tickets, head to RedHotArt.com.auYou can find all notes and links on our website, www.outbackway.org.au where you can subscribe to our newsletter, buy our guidebook and download the app if you haven't already. Join us on Facebook and Twitter @OutbackWay1Send your questions, comments and travel stories to info@outbackway.org.au and if you share your story, we may even feature you on this podcast! Thank you for joining us through the heart of Australia, on Australia's longest short cut.

Helen speaks with Gary Proctor, the Coordinator of the Warburton Arts Project and Curator of the Warburton Collection and Tjulyuru Regional Gallery. He shares an insight into the history of the Warburton Arts Project and how he came to be involved. Gary explains how the Warburton Collection came to be, the one painting that began it all 3 decades ago and how it's now grown to over 900 paintings. Helen and Gary then discuss the plans to expand the Tjulyuru Regional Gallery to create a exhibition centre on the Great Central Road at Warburton and build cultural tourism in the region.Find out more at www.warburtonarts.com or https://ngaanyatjarraku.wa.gov.auYou can find all notes and links on our website, www.outbackway.org.au where you can subscribe to our newsletter, buy our guidebook and download the app if you haven't already. Join us on Facebook and Twitter @OutbackWay1Send your questions, comments and travel stories to info@outbackway.org.au and if you share your story, we may even feature you on this podcast! Thank you for joining us through the heart of Australia, on Australia's longest short cut.