Arrival gate five-minute Q&A: Interviewing Cindy and Jeremy Gough
WHO // Greg Mortimer
WHY // Mortimer has climbed, among others, Mt Everest, K2 andAnnapurna. He also started Aurora Expeditions in Sydney as a small company dedicated to taking small groups of people to wild regions of the world.
Experience every Australian MUST have? Mawson’s Hut in Commonwealth Bay, on the coast of East Antarctica, roughly due south of Adelaide. Here you can get a sense of the power of real wilderness and the noble efforts of man, and feel the fragility of your own body and get a humbling sense of nature.
Best travel tip you’ve ever heard? Mike McDowell, who is a very good mate and mentor, said to me: “Go and hire an icebreaker and start taking people to Antarctica."
Worst person ever dealt with on a cruise? Easy one: Mr Kobacker. Standing on the helicopter deck of an icebreaker, I have a frightful memory of him sending cigar-stained globs of saliva in my face as he threatened to sue me for not letting him get on the helicopter. He was standing a few inches from me as the snow dumped onto the heli-deck and the wind increased to gale force, but he was still blue with anger at not being allowed to fly. I guess he didn’t understand flying would be suicidal, but he did make my life hell for about 18 days thereafter. I have very great faith in the fundamental good in human nature, but he was a shocker.
Person you wish you could invite on a cruise? John Howard. I’d like to take him to Antarctica(maybe a one-way ticket) and show him what we risk losing if we don’t act soon on climate change.
From pink salt landscapes to oases fringed by forests of red gums, the lakes of this rural region are astounding.
You’re going to find peace and quiet when you take a road trip through the lakes of the Wimmera Mallee region. Whether it’s mirror-like pink salt lakes that look like an inland sea, or lakes fringed by forests of red gums that showcase Victoria’s arid beauty, there’s a lake for you out here somewhere.
1. Lake Tyrrell
The colours of Lake Tyrrell blend into the sky. (Image: Visit Victoria/Anne Morely)
Located in the dead heart of the Mallee, Victoria’s largest salt lake, Lake Tyrrell , is a landscape photographer’s dream – especially at sunrise and sunset when the pink salt flats look like a gigantic mirror. It’s easy to camp or park a caravan nearby, too, though the tiny town of Sea Lake is just south (with accommodation). In winter, shallow water covers the salt, creating surreal reflections of the sky.
2. Nhill Lake
There’s a permanent water source here, so there’s always plenty of water for water skiing, swimming and fishing (the trout and redfin fishing here is legendary). Located beside the pretty heritage town of Nhill with its main street of historic buildings, there’s options for eating and drinking right next door. There’s also a barbecue area with plenty of shady picnic spots and a boardwalk for walking around the lake.
3. Lake Bringalbert
Lake Bringalert is a great spot for aquatic adventures.
Located south-west of the pretty Mallee town of Kaniva, Lake Bringalbert epitomises the best of ‘outback’ Victoria. It’s ringed by red gums and red mallee and feels completely hidden from the world – you’ll barely ever see another person. There’s basic camping on its foreshore and Kaniva offers more accommodation options. It’s the perfect lake for swimming, kayaking and skiing, and the stars at night come without even a hint of city glow.
4. Lake Hindmarsh
If you’re a bird fan, you’ll love Lake Hindmarsh . Located north of Dimboola, Victoria’s largest natural freshwater lake is like an inland sea full of pelicans, swans and numerous species of ducks – but it also teems with everything from spoonbills to parrots. Sunsets here will blow your mind – the lake is a mirror for the pinks and golds you’ll see on the horizon. There’s free camping spots along the foreshore if you’d like to really contemplate the magic of the lake.
5. Pink Lake
The Pink Lake is most vivid after rain. (Image: Visit Victoria/Anne Morely)
Also known as Loch Lel , the summer months offer up some seriously vivid pink water colour at this lake north of Dimboola. The pink varies throughout the year, but is best after rain (hence why summer is the time to visit).
Pink Lake, also known as Loch Lel, is located near Dimboola in the Grampians. (Image: Tourism Australia)
There’s plenty of birds, including wedge-tailed eagles, but you’re as likely to spot big lace monitors, kangaroos and echidnas. Nearby, check out the uber-cute heritage town of Dimboola and its eclectic shops, and Little Desert National Park, full of walking trails through mallee heathland.
6. Lake Lascelles
You can camp at Lake Lascelles.
On a hot summer’s day, there’s nowhere better for a cooling dip, kayak or boat ride. You can camp by the lake , or at powered caravan sites – or the pretty town of Hopetoun offers numerous accommodation options a short walk away. At night you’ll see the lights of Hopetoun reflect off the lake. Fish for yellow belly, redfin or catfish, or try water-skiing. There’s also a great walking trail around the lake, where there’s more birds than you can count.
