Australia's leading adventure and outdoor magazine, Outer Edge, has broken new ground in outdoor publishing by dedicating the majority of its latest edition (on shelves 29 July) to unearthing active Indigenous adventures across Australia and beyond.
"We believe it's a first for any outdoor magazine – to theme nearly an entire edition along Indigenous lines and specifically to focus on Indigenous adventures that go well beyond the stereotypical cultural tour options trotted out time and again as a core Indigenous tourism product," says editor, Patrick Kinsella.
"We knew that there were more action-packed Indigenous experiences for adventurers to enjoy out there, beyond the same-old bush tucker walks, it was just a matter of finding them. And find them we did, from mountain biking, paddling and trekking to snowshoeing, fishing and four-wheel driving. And there are plenty of Indigenous guides and adventurers out there pushing the edge of wilderness experiences, while also pushing the boundaries of Indigenous tourism to a more exciting level." The Outer Edge Indigenous Adventures-themed edition includes articles on trekking Songlines in the Blue Mountains, paddling in Victoria's Lake Tyres region, canoe building and spear fishing in Arnhem Land in the Northern Territory and a list of the Top Ten Indigenous Adventures, as selected by Ian Crawshaw, author of Australia Walkabout, the award-winning Indigenous travel guide.
Tourism Australia has lauded Outer Edge's initiative in highlighting active Indigenous adventures in Australia.
"I am excited that this edition of Outer Edge showcases the broad range and depth of Indigenous adventure experiences available across the country", says Aden Ridgeway, executive chairman of Indigenous Tourism Australia. "This is a fantastic initiative and it will provide readers with an opportunity to learn more about how to experience Aboriginal culture and lifestyle in a contemporary, adventurous and meaningful way."
"Australia's Indigenous culture sets us apart from other countries around the world. Our culture and our relationship with this extraordinary landscape, combines to provide travellers with a truly unique experience. There is no question that such an experience is becoming more and more important to Australians and international visitors planning to explore this vast country." While Australian Indigenous adventures are the core of the edition, Outer Edge also traveled abroad to get a taste of what's happening in Indigenous circles elsewhere. Outer Edge's deputy editor, Chris Ord, joined Vanuatu's first Indigenous adventure racing team to train with them – an experience that included a run up the slopes of a live volcano – as they prepare to compete in Queensland's 100km Hell's Bells adventure race.
Another article takes in the highs of a mountain bike race over the Himalayas, in which the local Nepali porters reign supreme. There's also a fascinating look at porter adventure events around the globe.
"And this special edition is just the beginning," said editor Patrick Kinsella. "Our support for Australia's Indigenous adventuring community will be ongoing and we plan to feature Indigenous adventure articles in as many future editions as possible. We're already looking at an Indigenous kitesurfing story on the Daintree coast and trekking in the footsteps of Jandamarra, an aboriginal freedom fighter in Western Australia." As Australia's leading adventure and outdoor recreational title, Outer Edge covers a range of pursuits including trekking, cycling, paddling, camping, off-road driving, fishing, snow sports, rock climbing, abseiling, adventure tourism, expeditions, and any other activity that involves fresh air, adrenaline and enjoyment. Besides practical adventure ideas and features, the content includes outdoor news, interviews and profiles, how-to, equipment pages and book and DVD reviews.
Outer Edge is sold in over 3000 newsagencies and outdoor stores (Anaconda and Paddy Pallin) around Australia for AUD$7.95 a copy, or AUD$39.95 for a one-year subscription.
For further information www.outer-edge.com.au
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