Outdoor Magazine

I'M TRULY THRILLED to introduce you to the very first edition of Outdoor with Places We Go. This inaugural issue marks the coming together of two very like-minded travel communities united by a deep passion for the planet, and a long-standing commitment to sharing great stories and tips with you — our loyal readers. While 2020 has been a year of great challenge for all, it has also been a precious reminder of the importance of connection; with nature, and each other. It feels particularly fitting then, to be ending the year with this special, new collaboration. For the last 15 years, I’ve had the privilege of traversing the planet producing the international travel series Places We Go (PWG). From Svalbard to Antarctica, we’ve combed every continent sharing all the wonders that travel…

THE FEDERAL GOVERNMENT announced a $250 million dollar support package for regional Australia in late September. The 6 October budget will set aside $50 million to assist businesses in regions heavily reliant on international tourism, with $200 injected into the 'building better regions fund' to boost infrastructure in regional communities, $100 million of which will be dedicated to tourism-related infrastructure. Home-grown tourists contribute more than $10 billion annually to Australia’s economy, much of it in regional areas, according to the Caravan Industry Association of Australia (CIAA). A recent report found caravan and camping was the top accommodation provider in regional Australia in 2019. But after a devastating summer of bushfires, followed by the economic freeze caused by COVID-19, many rural areas dependent on tourism have been struggling. This stimulus package is designed to…

AWARD-WINNING Mossman Gorge Centre, the Indigenous eco-tourism development which acts as a gateway to the Mossman Gorge World Heritage site in Far North Queensland, has re-opened to visitors. The decision to close the Centre in March was made following consultation with the Mossman Gorge community, represented by Bamanga Bubu Ngadimunku Aboriginal Corporation (BBNAC), to protect the health and wellbeing of the local Indigenous community and staff at the Centre. The Centre provides visitor information, showcases the art and craft of the local Kuku Yalanji community in the on-site art gallery and retail store, houses the Mayi cafe serving a menu of locally sourced produce with a focus on native ingredients and facilitates shuttle bus transport to the Gorge. Guest are being encouraged to utilise the shuttle facilities to continue to respect and protect…

TRAVELLERS HEADING into Western Australia are being asked to keep an eye out for unwanted plant and animal pests. As part of WA's biosecurity efforts, the Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development (DPIRD) is reminding travellers to take precautions against weed seeds, disease spores and pests that can hide on clothing, RVs and camping gear. Although WA's state borders remain closed, the spike in West Aussie adventurers exploring their own state may inadvertently spread pests from areas they are already present to others that have thus far remained free of them. Some of these pests include: the Mediterranean fruit fly (established in the south of WA meaning fruits and vegetables cannot be taken into the Ord River Irrigation Area near Kununurra); a small hive beetle that has placed restrictions on the movement…

IN THE HOTTER, dryer conditions created by climate change, a secret agent for more sustainable agricultural production could lie in harvesting the diverse beneficial soil microbiome in native bushland settings, scientists say. New research from CSIRO, Flinders University and La Trobe University highlights the importance of soil biological health and further potential to use organic rather than chemical farm inputs for crop production. “We know antibiotics are very useful in pharmaceuticals, and actinobacteria found plentifully and in balance in various natural environments play a vital role in the plant world,” says lead author Dr Ricardo Araujo, a visiting Flinders University researcher from the University of Porto in Portugal. “These actinobacterial communities contribute to global carbon cycling by helping to decompose soil nutrients, increase plant productivity, regulate climate support ecosystems — and are found…

STARTED TO HELP fire-affected communities and business, the not-for-profit Empty Esky has a new website courtesy of Jeep Australia. Founded by Eleanor Baillieu and Erin Boutros, Empty Esky is a tourism movement that encourages Aussie’s to help by filling an empty esky with local produce and goods. The new website aims to build on this by provided an array or pre-planned itineraries that range from Lakes Entrance in Victoria to the Scenic Rim in Queensland. Also available is a user-friendly, interactive map that will allow users to build their own map which will be sent straight to their inboxes. On the support from Jeep, Eleanor Baillieu said, “With Jeep’s support, we were able to completely revamp the website making it much easier for adventurers and local businesses to navigate and develop their own…