Your Shot: Big Red sand dune, Simpson Desert

By Editor
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This issue’s winning ‘Your Shot’  image was taken by Vic Widman, Elanora Heights NSW

“This photo was taken on top of Big Red, the largest sand dune in the Simpson Desert, approximately 70 kilometres west of Birdsville.

I was leading a group of adventurous 4WD travellers crossing the Simpson Desert. As a result of the summer closure (the desert is closed from 1 December to 15 March for safety reasons) we were the first to reach Big Red for some time.

We found the sand dune in this beautiful state of untouched ripples. I particularly liked the way the sand ripples matched the water ripples in the lake, both formed by the wind. The lake at the base of the sand dune was the result of three years of good rain over Central Australia.

At the time we were the only people in the desert. Being surrounded by this giant red sand dune in such an undisturbed state was simply magical.

The photo was taken on a Canon EOS7D with a 18-200 lens at F10, Aperture 1/250, at 18mm focal length. ISO was 100 and there was no exposure compensation. The camera was hand held (no tripod) and the time of the photo was 6:00pm."

 

Calling all Australian Travellers!
Think you’ve got a winning photo? Send us the best Australian travel image you’ve ever captured for your chance to win a great prize. In the first instance, email a low-res pic to: photo@australiantraveller.com

For this incredible winning image
AT reader Robert McRobbie has won a Tamron SP AF70-200mm f/2.8 Di LD (IF) macro lens (model number A001), valued at $1249. This wide-aperture lens features low-dispersion glass for reduced chromatic aberration, and internal focusing.
tamron.com.au

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There’s a new trail in Outback Queensland, and it’s for camel racing

    By Kassia Byrnes
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    Follow the camels as they race through outback Queensland.

    What is it about camels? Hardy, lumpy and notorious for spitting when they’re grumpy. Yet they’re still so damn adorable and just a little thrilling to be around. Now imagine red dirt flying, camels charging and crowds cheering throughout outback Queensland towns in one giant, month-long race. Enter Desert Champions Way: Outback Camel Trail.

    This all-new outback Queensland experience started in the tiny town of Jundah, made its way to the iconic town of Birdsville for a brand new event, the Birdsville Camel Carnival. And now the race will continue through four other towns until July 26 (with plenty of time to rest in between, of course). But how can you get involved?

    Desert Champions Way: Outback Camel Trail

    Catch the camels after their fast start in Jundah. (Image: Danielle O’Brien)

    July 12: Bedourie

    Race over to the Bedourie Camel and Pig Races this weekend to see the races, of course, but also browse market stalls, enjoy a tasty lunch and experience the unique performance that is the Crack Up Sisters. From aerial circus stunts, knockabout clown acts, impressive whip cracking (no really, the sisters have won awards) to a whole lot of gags, a performance by The Crack Up Sisters goes big or goes home.

    Amanda Lynn of The Crack Up Sisters cracks a whip on a flower held by audience member

    Watch the fun Aussie performance group, The Crack Up Sisters. (Image: Kassia Byrnes)

    July 18 – Aug 2: Boulia

    The Boulia Camel Races is a three-day event of camel racing, live music, performances and even a race for humans who don’t mind running in jocks and socks. It’s a true and quirky taste of the Queensland outback. Outside the festivities, you may even spot the famous Min Min Light: an unexplained phenomenon reported in the Australian outback, where a floating, fast-moving ball of light appears to follow cars.

    July 26: Winton

    Yet another reason to visit Winton, the camel racing will culminate in a vibrant arts and music celebration in a nod to the town’s famous ties to outback storytelling (Banjo Patterson first performed Waltzing Matilda in a local pub here).

    saddles along the main street of winton 150

    Saddle up to Winton. (Image: TEQ)

    A good reason to stock the esky and hit the highway.