Mother and Joey

Some of the nicest things pop up when you least expect them. On a recent tour, we happened across this female Yellow Footed Rock Wallaby when all of a sudden her little joey decided to make an appearance. It was pretty slow moving (must have just woken up...) but it had a good look around before mum decided to hop to another location...
The tour guests loved it.
for more check out Bookabee Tours Australia
bye for now...
Haydyn

On top of the hump...

Gee we had a great ride... I tagged along on a recent camel ride at Pichi Richi Camel Tours with two of my tour guests from the USA. We walked through picturesque bush land and soaked up a tour with a difference. Bookabee Tours Australia can incorporate camel rides, mountain bike rides and all manner of experiences within our personalised outback tours. just give us a call and we'll see what we can do.
cheers
Haydyn...
For more info on what we are up to click the link above.

On the camel train...

Hi All
Recently guests had a great camel ride at Pichi Richi Camel Tours in Quorn. Moving along atop a camel in the Flinders Ranges is definitely an experience that must be had. Our host and owner Graham Cannard treated our tour guests (and myself) to a very enjoyable and thoroughly entertaining 1 & 1/2 hour camel ride around their scenic property.
the guests loved it... I loved it... I recommend you give it a try... (PS. I can even get you there, just give me a call).
For more check out www.bookabee.com.au or Pichi Richi Camel tours
PS... if you want to see the photo in its true perspective, tilt your head to the left. :-)
Cheers
Haydyn...

soaking up the sun...

Hi All
Here's just another photo of a small dragon that we were able to get a great photo of on the last tour. These colourful little lizards adorn the rock along walking paths around the central Flinders Ranges. Take a step to close and they dart off into the bush or under a rock.
For more check out www.bookabee.com.au
cheers
Haydyn...

Bookabee meets Getaway's Jules Lund

Bookabee Tours

Hi All
Check out the great time that we had when we spent a little time with Jules Lund and the Getaway crew from Channel 9's Getaway travel program...
If you want to find out more, check the facts sheet on the Getaway site of ninemsn.
cheers
Haydyn

Bookabee wins Best Aboriginal Tourism Award

Bookabee Tours Australia awarded Best Indigenous Tourism Operator at 2007 South Australian Tourism Awards
Bookabee Tours Australia’s devotion to providing the right blend of Indigenous luxury and outback touring was rewarded with a recent win at the 2007 South Australian Tourism Awards.
Amid the glitz and glamour of the black tie gala event, Director Ms Lele Sanderson joined Bookabee’s Chris Clark on stage to accept the award for Best Indigenous Tourism Operator.

Watch the kids...

Hi All
One of the nicest treats whist touring is when you come across a family of emu with dad escorting the little ones over the road. Unfortunately dad wasn't interested in rushing the experience and things could have ended in disaster had it not been for some quick braking.
In the bush, the male emu sits on the eggs and plays the key role of raising the young.
Unlike for most of us, this is one case where the female gets it easy...
For more check out www.bookabee.com.au
Cheers
Haydyn...

Soaking up the Sun

Hi All
Here is a female Painted Dragon caught soaking up the sun on a rock in the Flinders Ranges. Note her tail is missing its end.
For more info check out www.bookabee.com.au
Cheers
Haydyn

Gecko on my shoulder.

Hi All,
Found this little Gecko on the way to my room in Leigh Creek. When i put him on my shoulder he tried to eat my wallaby... It took him a few goes to realise that it wasn't his dinner...
Cheers

Haydyn...

One Big Lizard...

Hi
Here is a shot of a goanna taken in the Flinders Ranges National Park.
He's got nice long claws, just what you don't want sinking into you legs... Good thing they are just as afraid of us as we are of them...
for more info check out www.bookabee.com.au
cheers
Haydyn...

Who Me???

Hi All
Here is another pic from a recent tour of a Sleepy Lizard. We took this photo up north.
He doesn't seem to impressed...
For more info check www.bookabee.com.au
cheers
Haydyn...

Yellow Footed Rock Wallaby

Hi All
Here is a shot of a Yellow Footed Rock Wallaby we took on a recent tour.
Enjoy

For more info go to www.bookabee.com.au
Cheers
Haydyn...

Echidna in the Flinders Ranges

Hi all
On a recent Bookabee Adventure to the Central Flinders Ranges, we we treated to a rare sight when we happened across an Echidna wandering over the track.
We were able to get a few photos and even some really bad video footage of this strange mammal before it burrowed in under a fallen tree for safety.
The Echidna is a monotreme (egg laying mammal). Like the platypus, they share the honor of being the only mammals who lay eggs.
As shown in the picture, this one was light brown as is the custom for those found in warmer climates. As you head south, they get darker with the ones found in Tasmania being almost black.
Join me on a Bookabee Adventure. for more go to www.bookabee.com.au
cheers
Haydyn

One perfect day (in the central flinders).

Looking west to the Picturesque Wilpena pound is just one of the breathtaking sites you can experience on your personalised Bookabee Tours Australia, tour. From this lookout, we can see the yacca trees in the foreground, the road cutting through the centre of the photo, and the eastern rim of Wilpena Pound featuring Saint Mary's Peak in the centre of the photo.
It was a great tour and a perfect day for traveling.
Come koin me some time. For more info, check out our website www.bookabee.com.au
Cheers
Haydyn.

Now this is a BIG Truck...

This is me standing in front of one of the e coal dump trucks used at the Leigh Creek Coal Fields in Leigh Creek in the Flinders Ranges. These things are gigantic... I though I was tall, but standing in front of this I look like a dwarf. I'm 6 foot tall and even the wheels tower over me.
To get to the cabin you need to climb up almost 18 feet of steps. These beasts are diesel electric jobs and they can carry a heap of coal. Anyhow, If this is your thing, we can even organise a tour of the coal mine as part of your personalized Flinders Ranges outback experience.
Cheers for now... For more check out the website...
Haydyn.

Andu the Yellow footed rock Wallaby

Hi All
this is Andu the Yellow Footed Rock Wallaby. He;s pretty special and you can find him in the Flinders Ranges. On a Bookabee Tours Australia tour, we visit places where you can see this special wallaby in its home environment. A few years ago the Yellow Footed Rock Wallaby was threatened and almost found itself on the endangered species list. With some commitment from a lot of people the species is fighting back..
cheers
Haydyn

You never know where we'll go on a Bookabee Tour

One of the greatest features of a Bookabee Tours Australia tour is that we could end up anywhere. From Open plains to mountain ranges, ochre pits to outback waterholes. It all happens on a Bookabee Tour. Come join us and we'll make your next outback vacation a real holiday experience to remember. For more check out www.bookabee.com.au bye now...
Haydyn.

The mighty wedgetail eagle

On tour we see a lot of wildlife in out travels. most of the time, usually, by the time you get your camera out, they have flown off. On this occasion though, there were 7 eagles feeding and they weren't going to let an approaching vehicle scare them off. We sat for a few minutes and collected some great photos of these magnificent eagles feeding and jockeying for the best parts of the animal. this photo was taken as this eagle was trying to intimidate another into moving over. It would have worked for me... they are pretty fierce when they want to be...
for more check out the website on www.bookabee.com.au
cheers
Haydyn

True art in unlikely places...

Hi Again...
Another fascinating etching is this one of a Urtlu (Kangaroo). Along side of t is an etching of hand prints, a snake, some paw pints and an Waartyi (emu) foot print.
'It's all good' hope to see you on tour one day.
Cheers
Haydyn...

Stepping back in time

Hi All
One of the special treats about touring with Bookabee Tours Australia is the ability to travel to places generally considered closed to Tourism. As an Adnyamathanha (pron. Ud-nah-mut-an-ah) person, I can visit many places around the Flinders Ranges where my grand father took me to when i was younger. The best part is I can also share many of his stories.
This place is among many others like it, where the spiritual significance just exudes from the surroundings. The picture depicts an etching of an owl along side other etchings. The site has long been known as a place where Adnyamathanha allowed members of other groups to pass through our land. It contains many etching believed to be from right across Australia. It's a great place to visit to re-energize and recharge the batteries.
Anyhow, for more check the website.
Cheers
Haydyn...

My little friends...

On a Bookabee Tours Australia tour you never know who you'll meet when you travel the roads in the outback... This little friend was spared a nasty end when I saved him from being squashed. Despite him not being too pleased (about being moved off the road) he did prove to be a great photo opportunity for the guests. They also got to feel his back and tiny feet.
I placed him back on the side of the road and the last time we saw him he was moving in the right direction... For more, go to www.bookabee.com.au
cheers
Haydyn...

Bookabee at goes to National Aboriginal Tourism Conference

Bookabee Tours Australia invests time in a range of broader tourism related issues such as participation in National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Tourism Conferences. These conferences are held annually and in 2006 it took place in Cairns Qld. Here, Lele Sanderson (Bookabee Australia Director) and Uncle Brenton (Sharpie) are found standing in front of the Expo stand with the Bookabee table to the right of picture.
These are great opportunities for Bookabee to meet up and network with other like tourism operations from across the country.
Check out more at www.bookabee.com.au
Cheers
Haydyn

Bookabee Achieves National Tourism Accreditation Status

Hi, One of the other things that Bookabee Tours Australia is involved in is that provides a benefit to our tour guests is Aboriginal Tourism Australia. Aboriginal Tourism Australia is a national association with a distinct tourism focus that has established protocols for conducting business (essentially tourism) within Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Communities. This regime is call Respecting Our Culture (ROC) and many Aboriginal and Non-Aboriginal Tourism based organisations are becoming accredited and adopting this culturally appropriate manner of conducting their businesses. At the beginning of July 2007, Bookabee Tours Australia had our ROC accreditation endorsed. Along with this accreditation, completing it also got our tour company the National yellow tick accreditation for Tourism Australia Accreditation Limited (TAAL).
Its All Good...
Oh Yeah!!!
Cheers
Haydyn...

Water Sports on the Birdsville Track

On a charter tour to Birdsville in May we came across a lot of water and "Road Closed" signs on our way back along the Birdsville Track.
This photo was taken from another vehicle and shows the headlights on the Tour Vehicle which were submerged moments before, and popped up as the photo was taken.
The tour guests loved it.
Check out the full story at www.bookabee.com.au
cheers
Haydyn

Bookabee Tours Australia: Aboriginal Scar Tree

This tree, like many others could be located anywhere in the bush, but unlike most other trees, it serves as a reminder of one of the common practices associated with Traditional Aboriginal life. In this photo you can see me pointing out the scar that was left when the bark was removed to make a traditional implement. The implement was most likely either a shield or a some form of implement used to assist in food gathering.
This tree and many like it remind us of a time when Aboriginal people roamed the country going about their traditional practices and life styles.
For more info feel free to drop me an email or check out the website: www.bookabee.com.au
Cheers
Haydyn
tours@bookabee.com.au

Bookabee Bush Food Tastings...

One of the nice touches that tour guests receive when on a Bookabee Tour is the opportunity of enjoy a range of bush foods. As part of every outback extended tour, each morning tea features a Bush Food theme.
The first generally is organic Scones with a selection of bush jams and fresh cream, the morning teas include bush delights like smoked kangaroo and emu, a selection of bush food chutneys and relishes and a choice of two bush food dukkahs (dipping spices).
It's all good...
On our local tours, we offer a spread where guests can taste the range of what we offer (see the photo above). If you are interested in trying any of the bush foods we offer, drop us a line and we can organize a tour for you.
For more info or to browse our website go to www.bookabee.com.au
cheers...
more later...
Haydyn :-)

The clouds did it...

Some of the places are simply breath-taking... Take this spot here on the Birdsville track... Just across the way was a couple of Brolga, but It was the reflection of the clouds on the river that captured my eye. Feel free to send me your thoughts, to check out more go to www.bookabee.com.au
Bye for now...
Haydyn

Bookabee Online Article

Hey All
Things are getting better all the time...
I opened up my email yesterday morning to find a compliment from another tour operator. The compliment was for a great writeup in Selling Down Under (which has now also gone online).
The writeup was terrific and I really want to thank Selling Down Under http://www.sellingdownunder.com.au/ for this great article.
If you get the time, check out the article online at the address above.
You can even go direct if you follow this link... http://edition2a.intellimag.com/?id=sdujuly07
Bye for now...
Cheers
Haydyn
Photo courtesy South Australian Tourism Commission.

Aboriginal Art, Etchings and Engravings.

There are some sites in the Flinders Ranges that are so special, you have to see them to appreciate their significance. On my tours, we visit many of these special sites and see places that are extremely powerful, both spitirually and culturally to my people, the Adnyamathanha. Adnyamathanha means "Rock - People" and as it is with most Aboriginal groups across the world, we share a special affiliation with the land. which, in most cases can't be quantified in dollar terms.
On the tours, I speak of this important connection to the land and also why it is so important that there is and will always be custodians who are charged with the duty of protecting and looking after the land.
I'd love to share my stories with you all, take the time to check my website and if you like the feel, send me an email.
cheers for now...
Haydyn...
www.bookabee.com.au

The Friends You Meet...

You never know who you might meet on a tour. In February, we were traveling along and met this little lizard. He was sitting in the middle of the road sunning himself.
Given that it was a reasonably busy track, i moved him to the side and placed him on a rock. He thanked us by showing us his teethy smile.
Then he shot off into the bush.
For more go to www.bookabee.com.au
bye...
Haydyn :-)

Who needs a holiday???

One of the greatest benefits of my job is that I get to go to places others dream about... and someone enjoys the fact that I have taken them there. Last year (and earlier this year) I was fortunate enough to conduct a tour to Birdsville in south west Queensland. It was GREAT!!! On the way, as we traveled up the Birdsville Track, we saw Brolgas nesting near the track.
It was pretty inspiring. We got a great picture of the male Brolga dancing for the affections of his female partner.
For more check it out at www.bookabee.com.au ...
More later... bye...

Sun Rise to Sun Set... It's an experience!!!

One of the Things I love about the Flinders Ranges is the great sunrises and sun sets. On tour, there are plenty of opportunities to take fantastic photos of either when you are out. Sometime we head out before sunrise and go to some of the best locations for photos. I boil the billy and we wait for that perfect moment.
Come along some time and I'll show you what i mean...
For more great photos visit the website www.bookabee.com.au
More later...
cheers
Haydyn

Come on a holiday vacation with us for a genuine outback experience

BOOKABEE TOURS AUSTRALIA
www.bookabee.com.au

Travel in Australia on your Holiday or vacation with us to experience a real authentic Australian Aboriginal Outback Adventure. We not only give what the others offer, we do it with style.
Bookabee Tours Australia has been around since the start of 2005. We offer quality outback experiences departing from Adelaide in South Australia.
We've run tours all over South Australia as well as through the Northern Territory and Queensland. Anyway enough about us, you'll pick up who we are and what we're on about soon enough.
I'd really like to share my experiences and some of the great photos I capture whilst travelling through the bush in the great Australian outdoors.
We take visitors to some great places... Check out our website to see a comprehensive image gallery. we can be found at www.bookabee.com.au

Photo courtesy South Australian Tourism Commission