The Outback

In Australia the vast desert areas inland are called coloquilly "The Outback" which takes up much of the country with all the major settlements clinging to the coast line in states that were established separately as British colonies until they united into one country in 1901. This inland is sometimes called the dead centre although that is far from true as even the desert areas support a variety of wildlife with birds, marsupials, reptiles and insects who make this most inhospitable area home as water can be found particularly from the condensation on plants at night.

It is home too for many native Aboriginal tribes who developed separately and still use their unique languages who used to trade (or stole) items including women with each other to ensure that inbreeding did not take place. Another outback inhabitant is the camel who though not native to Australia was brouight over from India in the late 1800's together with local handlers known as Afghans. These were used as beasts of burden that could endure the harsh climate until proper roads and railways were built in the 20th century. Many camels still survive and roam free and at Alice Springs the town in the centre of the continent they still have a camel cup carnival where races are held just as in the Middle East.

Image 1 found at www.abc.net.au
Image 2 found at www.thefiscaltimes.com