From the desert hub of Alice Springs to iconic Ayers Rock (or Uluru to locals), the Australian Outback is experiencing a banner early winter (our summer). Sure, June has always been an underappreciated time to head Down Under. But this year, you're missing out on more than the usual sights. After a severe monsoon season, the area has shed its reputation as a bone-dry, red-rock desert. The devastating floods have yielded the most vibrant wildflower bloom since the 1950s. Crimson Sturt's desert pea, pink mulla mulla, lovely (but smelly) "stink" lilies, and more are popping up like, well, kangaroos. 'Roos are in abundance too, joining emu families and flocks of birds at the newly minted swimming holes. "If you're ever going to visit the Outback," says Jo Sheppard, mayor of Paroo Shire, in Queensland, "come now. It's magical at the moment!"
Average High/Low Temperatures
May 2010: 73/47
June 2010: 68/41
July 2010: 67/39
Average Rainfall (in inches)
May 2010: .75
June 2010: .55
July 2010: .60
Average Number of International Visitors
May 2010: 376,400
June 2010: 405,400
July 2010: 514,800
Drop in Airfare
From high season: 20 percent (Flights from U.S. gateways to Alice Springs, Jan. vs. June)
Fun stories about food, relationships, the great outdoors and more.