The Society organised a day-long travel event on 17 October 2009 which presented the views and experiences of a range of expert and enthusiast travellers, covering all aspects of travel to Australia’s Northern Territory.

Those attending included seasoned travellers to the Outback, individuals planning a trip or about to go and those who simply wanted to learn more about the people and places of this extraordinary landscape.

For those that were unable to attend on the day, below you will find the talks from the day, Q & A with the experts, as well as photographic displays and maps.

View and listen to the talks:

Live welcome to the Outback (45mins, audio slideshow)
Via satellite link, Simon Calder, Senior Travel Editor of The Independent interviews Sab Lord, live from Darwin. Sab will share his unique experiences and recommendations for the best of travel experiences at the Top End, leaving plenty of time for questions from the audience. View transcript (PDF)

Let's Get Practical (32mins, audio only)
Personal responses from seasoned travellers, a panel discussion with speakers including broadcaster and writer Sandy Gall, including his recent experience of the ‘Ghan’ train journey, Sunday Times travel writer Stephen Bleach and independent travel expert Alex Bentley. View transcript (PDF)

Outback Experience: 14,000 km on foot through the Outback (55mins, audio slideshow)
Swiss traveller and writer Sarah Marquis takes us on her personal journey through the Outback: a solo journey of inspiration and adventure. View transcript (PDF)

Action and Adventure: Top 20 Recomendations (32mins, audio only)
Whether you want to canoe the Katherine River, follow the Jatbula Trail or plan to trek, this session is for you. Sarah Marquis, solo traveller through the Outback, walking expert Christopher Somerville and adventure traveller Amar Grover lead the way with their personal recommendations and advice. View transcript (PDF)

Dream Traces - Contemporary Aboriginal Art and Culture (53mins, audio only)
Curator, writer and traveller Rebecca Hossack introduces the people, art and culture of the Northern Territory. View transcript (PDF)

Wildlife Photography (37mins, audio only)
World renowned wildlife photographer Andy Rouse has long since had a passion for wild things.  He has built his reputation on getting close, in fact very close to some of the world’s largest and most dangerous animals; in doing so, capturing some of the most exciting and evocative photographic images of wildlife found today. View transcript (PDF)

What they didn't tell me about the Outback (19mins, audio only)
Actor and adventurer, Charley Boorman shares his take on travelling through the Northern Territory during his most recent adventure, ‘By Any Means’ from Ireland to Australia using over 100 different forms of transport. View Transcript (PDF)