Michaela Mills, the Tigers Abroad marketing intern, writes:

I am a relatively active person who loves the outdoors, but when I was told that I would be camping in the Outback of Australia, worries filled my head. Would we have to set up our own tent? What about snakes and spiders? And what about food?! Well when I arrived to Tyrconell, our Outback campsite, my fears soon disappeared.

A sweet and adorable family greeted us and informed us that they would do everything they could to make us comfortable. They led us to our campsite (we also did not have to carry luggage, as they took it via truck, which was a bonus) with huge tents already set up with mattresses inside of them – yes, mattresses! Locker room-style bathrooms were available beside the tents with hot showers and running toilets. To the right of the bathrooms was a gorgeous tiny stream that I loved to walk down to during our free time; a great place to think. Camping?? This is what I call luxury camping.

Andy cooking brekkie

As for food, the host family at Tyrconnell cooked breakfast, lunch and dinner for our group the entire duration of our stay. Cate and Andy, the co-operators of Tyrconnell, make the most amazing pavlova and grilled brekkie, respectively.

Tyrconnell wallaby; photo by Tyler Bibbins

Did I mention that the family also has a pet wallaby? They found her abandoned and have raised her until she’s old enough to return to the wild. She was starting to venture out into the wild on her own while we were there. But, future students, you never know, she might come and visit during your stay.

The property also contained a man-made damn and pond, in which we went swimming, and a hiking trail up to a bluff providing some of the best sunsets we saw in Australia. Plus, every night we would sit around a campfire telling stories, singing songs and laughing the night away. Which takes me to the only complaint I have of the place; the temperature at night dropped below zero. The first night without blankets or a sleeping bag I felt as if I was going to freeze to death. The next morning I learned that you could rent a sleeping bag for ten dollars. The best ten dollars I spent over there. So learn from my mistake and rent a sleeping bag the first night, so that way your trip will have zero complaints.

Much to my disbelief, camping in the Outback was filled with fun times. If you’re worried about Outback camping like I was, then don’t be. Like everything else, Tyrconell was just another great memory from studying abroad in Australia.