In 1862, John McDouall Stuart became the first man to successfully walk across Australia from south to north and make it back alive. Today -- 150 years later -- driving along the Stuart Highway is still a journey through spectacular nothing, with bleak and rugged landscapes punctuated by fuel stops that masquerade as towns. Before hitting the Stuart Highway at Port Augusta, on Australia’s southern coast, it is worth detouring to the stark hills of Flinders Ranges National Park, a 114km drive north east. Its rugged desert-meets-mountains scenery is never better than at the top of the Stokes Hill Lookout, with the natural mountain amphitheatre of Wilpena Pound rising like a crown in the distance. (David Whitley)
An Australian Outback road trip
In 1862, John McDouall Stuart became the first man to successfully walk across Australia from south to north and make it back alive. Today -- 150 years later -- driving along the Stuart Highway is still a journey through spectacular nothing, with bleak and rugged landscapes punctuated by fuel stops that masquerade as towns. Before hitting the Stuart Highway at Port Augusta, on Australia’s southern coast, it is worth detouring to the stark hills of Flinders Ranges National Park, a 114km drive north east. Its rugged desert-meets-mountains scenery is never better than at the top of the Stokes Hill Lookout, with the natural mountain amphitheatre of Wilpena Pound rising like a crown in the distance. (David Whitley)
2012 around the BBC
Disabled people divided over Paralympics effect
Some disabled people are concerned that the Paralympic Games create an image which is far removed from the lives most lead and could consequently do more harm than good, as Peter White reports.
Paralympics under way in London
The Paralympics gets down to business as the sport gets under way, following Wednesday's night spectacular opening ceremony.
Media reaction to Games opener
Newspapers and commentators give their reaction to the opening ceremony of the London 2012 Paralympic Games.
View more slideshows
-
Summer pastimes in the Outer Banks
A quintessential summer island destination
-
The walled cities of Spain
Fortified strongholds of the Iberian Peninsula
-
The world’s beautiful waterfalls
Five mighty cascades in dramatic locations
-
Off-the-radar French experiences
Less-known wonders that should not be missed