Long Live the Mancation

Australian Traveller Australian Traveller
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For all that extra stuff we just couldn’t get into, for all that malarky to help you survive Mancation and a post Mancation world, here are a few tips and leads from AT to help you out…

More Mancation ideas…

1. Attend BBQ cooking school // There’s more to it than the odd splash of VB on the griddle. www.bbqschool.com.au, 1300 227 745

 

2. Go on a Victorian High Country Brewery Tours // Wine refugees rejoice! www.scruffybunch.com.au, (03) 9859 4932

 

3. Surfaris // Hang with mates while hanging ten at the same time. www.surfaris.com, 1800 007 873

 

4. Whisky Appreciation Course at the Tasmanian Whisky Appreciation Society // Because let’s face it: whisky ought to be appreciated. www.twas.com.au

 

5. AFL/NRL Grand Finals // Choose your poison for a weekend of unbridled sports passion. www.foxsportstravel.com.au, 1300 300 839

 

6. Go to Nimbo Fork Lodge // Fly-fishing heaven in a secluded valley in Tumut, NSW. www.nimboforklodge.com.au, (02) 6944 9099

 

7. Tee off at Coolum // Sound boring? Not if it’s the day after the Australian PGA, with signage intact and the course in full tournament nick. Priceless. www.coolum.regency.hyatt.com, (07) 5449 3581

 

8. Fire a WWII-era rifle // At several ranges around the country, try the Anzac Rifle Range in Malabar NSW to get you started. www.nswra.org.au, (02) 9399 0999

 

9. Superbike test drives // A bit like the Supercars Club, but with motorbikes. www.superbikeclub.com.au, (02) 9969 7344

 

10. Tarraleah Lodge Fly Fishing & Night Golf // Two passions combined in one brilliant five-star Tasmanian adventure. www.tarraleahlodge.com, (03) 6289 1199

 

11. Stalk a Tiger // See the great Tiger Woods while you can. You don’t know when the Victorian taxpayers will have enough money to lure him back. www.australianmasters.com.au, (03) 9864 1111, Nov 12-15, 2009

 

12. Attend the Boxing Day Test at the MCG // ’Nuff said. www.cricket.com.au

Need tips, more detail or itinerary ideas tailored to you? Ask AT.

AI Prompt

The Mancation make-good…

For being allowed to on your Mancation, here are a few suggestions on what you may have to do the following weekend to make up for it.

 

1. Book into a cooking class with your loved one.

 

2. Go to the theatre/the opera/a musical with your loved one.

 

3. Head off for a romantic weekend away with your loved one.

 

4. Pretty much just do something with your loved one.

 

5. Stay at home and look after the kids while your loved one heads off on a well-deserved Girls’ Weekend Away (see Just for the Girls).

What NOT to pack for your Mancation…

Lonely Planet guide. C’mon. Getting lost and never seeking advice is half the fun of being a man.

 

Mobile phones, portable DVD players or Game Boy.

 

Stubby holders. How else will you remember where you’ve been?

 

Your cordless hairdryer, moisturiser or hair removal cream.

 

Your wife.

Weekly travel news, experiences
insider tips, offers, and more.

What to pack for your Mancation…

Don’t leave home without these essential Mancation items

 

Poker chips & playing cards… but remember, if you can’t spot the sucker at the table in the first half an hour . . . it’s you.

 

Berocca & Nurofen

 

Beer & bottle opener

 

Fresh underwear, deodorant and a toothbrush. You’re not an animal.

 

Hair of the Dog Recipe.

More

Pub-crawls: You have to fly before you can crawl

Houseboating: How’s the serenity?

Demolition Derbies: Become a Duke of destruction

Hunter or Gatherer: Which are you?

Stunt driving: Just like in the movies

Gone fishing: Trout, Barra and the deep sea

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Discover the remote Queensland lodgings bringing luxury to the outback

    Australian Traveller Australian Traveller
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    Adventure and refined Luxury combine at the stunning Rangelands Outback Camp.

    Iconic Australian red dirt, ancient rocky landscapes and bursts of greenery and wildflowers all make the small town of Winton, and its surrounds, a sight to behold. Escape the ordinary and unwind in the Queensland outback, where ancient landscapes and off-grid luxury await at Rangelands Outback Camp.

    cosy seats in Rangelands Outback Camp
    Unwind in the ancient outback.

    About Rangelands Outback Camp

    Unforgettable 360-degree views of this 95-million-year-old land await at Rangelands; bathed in style and positioned on top of a jump-up (or mesa), your tented camp seamlessly blends into its outback setting.

    Set on the 53,935-square-kilometre Rangelands Station – a working cattle property – the abundant wildlife are your only neighbours; kangaroos, echidnas, eagles and other birdlife all call Rangelands home.

    Bathed in style, your tented camp seamlessly blends into its outback setting. Indulge with carefully curated menus, personalised service and supersized luxury tents that guarantee a private experience. This exclusive camp only has a maximum of 12 guests at a time.

    Here, the aim is pampering. From tasty menus to supersized tents with all the creature comforts, to a range of guided tours around the property and beyond.

    Guests are transferred from Winton or Longreach by a dedicated Rangelands driver.

    aerial shot of Rangelands Outback Camp tent
    Soak in 360-degree views.

    Rangelands Outback Camp tours

    Join small-group tours and enjoy exclusive access to the ancient Rangelands Rifts with your Rangelands hosts. These incredible rock formations were formed by millions of years of erosion, leaving dramatic channels through the rock. Or explore the surrounds with Rangeland’s touring partner, Red Dirt Tours.

    Get sunset birds-eye views over dramatic mesa country in a helicopter, from Queensland’s own Three Sisters to Corey’s Range, stopping at the best lookouts along the way.

    Get up close and personal with this rugged land on four wheels, with expert drivers and guides leading guests through famous Bladensburg National Park, visiting Gondwana Stars Observatory and more.

    The Winton area is famous for its boulder opals (the second-rarest opal in the world, after black opals), and a stop at the mining community of Opalton sheds a fascinating light on the unique fossicking method used to find them.

    A trip to dinosaur country is a must, as this is the place that ramped up Australia’s dino contribution after a fossilised footprint was found in 1962; after more exploration, the discovery of 3300 footprints made it clear this was the world’s only evidence of a dinosaur stampede. Those same footprints are still on display today at Lark Quarry Conservation Park, a 90-minute drive from Winton. Also check out Australia’s largest collection of Australian Dinosaur fossils Australian Age of Dinosaurs, just 30 minutes from Winton. Here, join a tour through a working laboratory, dinosaur canyon and more.

    A twice-daily transfer into downtown Winton is offered to guests, where they can explore the Royal Outdoor Theatre, opal shops, Waltzing Matilda Centre and more.

    tour being led through Rangeland rifts
    Have an exclusive adventure through the Rangeland Rifts. (Image: TEQ)

    Sleeping in luxury

    After a day of exploring, return to your tranquil tent for a blissful open shower and uninterrupted views from your private deck.

    Designed to integrate guests into the surrounding nature, each tent feels like its own private haven. While being off-grid in the outback (in fact, each tent is powered by its own solar panels, with the added support of a backup generator), guests can also luxuriate in comfortable amenities like air conditioning, a supremely comfortable king-size bed and stylish designer touches.

    Guests can stroll to the open-air Sunset Deck for breathtaking panoramic views, or to the main lounge and dining tent, where books, on-demand coffee and drinks make it the perfect place to relax after a day in the outback.

    inside Rangelands Outback Camp bedroom
    Enjoy plenty of space inside, and stunning views outside.

    Rangelands Outback Camp dining

    As the sun starts to dip below the horizon, gather for drinks and canapés on the expansive Sunset Deck, watching the sun drench the landscape in pinks and oranges as it sinks below the horizon.

    Later, head to The Mahal lounge area and dining tent where mealtime magic happens. Savour a gourmet meal made fresh by Rangeland’s onsite chef. The meals use local produce to elevate classic outback dishes, and don’t worry, dietary requirements are happily accommodated.

    Enjoy an open bar filled with an expansive hand-selected list of wines and premium beers, with wine pairings offered by Rangelands hosts come dinner time.

    Discover more and book your luxurious stay at rangelandscamp.com.