The harsh desert landscapes of the 'red centre' of Australia are as unforgiving and brutal as they are beautiful. Stretching as far as the eye can see are miles and miles of sunbaked earth, seemingly devoid of feature except for resilient shrubbery, large dunes and strange geological features. Yet desert regions are becoming increasingly popular with tourists for different reasons- their stark beauty; their vastness; and perhaps the feeling of complete detachment from modernity they provide.