Experience the Red Centre – an extraordinary landscape of desert plains, weathered mountain ranges, rocky gorges and some of Aboriginal Australia's most sacred sites including Uluru and Kata Tjuṯa.
Here you can hike beneath the towering sandstone walls of Kings Canyon in Watarrka National Park, explore the chasms and craters of the MacDonnell Ranges and visit sacred Aboriginal sites or encounter the expansive Simpson Desert by 4WD. To the west lies Finke Gorge National Park, to the north sits Halls Creek, with Rainbow Valley to the south.
Along the way, look out for some of the more than 415 species of native plants, 21 species of mammals, 178 species of birds, 73 species of reptiles and thousands more species of ants, spiders and insects that live here in the Red Centre.
The town of Alice Springs is often used as a base to explore the Red Centre. Alice, as it's commonly known, offers easy access to waterholes for swimming, world-class biking and hiking trails, historic sites and native wildlife experiences as well as an impressive range of accommodation options.
Must-see sights in the Red Centre, include…
Enjoy the splendour of these stunning 900 million-year-old rock formations either on a leisurely stroll, from atop a camel or on a scenic flight.
Uluru, and the equally impressive Kata Tjuta (the Olgas) and the surrounding area are of deep cultural significance to the traditional owners, the Pitjantjatjara and Yankunytjatjara Aboriginal peoples who refer to themselves as Anangu. The Anangu officially own the national park, which is leased to Parks Australia and jointly administered.
The UNESCO World Heritage listed-site of Uluru and Kata Tjuta, also known as the Olgas, are the two main features of the Uluru-Kata Tjuṯa National Park.
Walk to the Mutitjulu watering hole, see Aboriginal paintings and hear the Tjukurpa (dreamtime) story of Liru and Kunyia. Later watch the sun set over Uluru and discover its beautiful changing colours.
Visit the Uluru-Kata Tjuta Culture Centre to learn more about this fascinating region, including information about activities and an introduction into Anangu culture.
See a diverse range of art including woven baskets, punu (woodwork) and traditional paintings on canvas.
Located only 50km (31mi) from Uluru, the 36 rounded domes of Kata Tjuta (the Olgas) are just as impressive.
Rise early to experience the magic of a sunrise over the ancient sandstone domes of Kata Tjuta, then stroll on a guided walk to Walpa George and learn how nature created this spectacular rocky outcrop.
Also known as Ayers Rock, Uluru is located in the southern part of the Northern Territory in central Australia around 335km (208mi) southwest of Alice Springs.
Soak in the beauty and get up close to Uluru by walking the Uluru Base Walk – the 9.4km walk circumnavigates the base alongside peaceful waterholes and hidden caves.
Join a guided tour to hear stories of the dreamtime passed down by generations, learn about the natural flora and fauna in the area and see ancient rock art sites.
There are more than five viewing areas built specifically for experiencing the landscapes of Uluru. Don’t miss a sunset or sunrise at Uluru when the light turns its massive surface from ochre brown to burnished orange to intense red and all the colours in between.
Take a camel tour through the red sand of Central Australia: sunrise and sunset tours are available both Uluru and Kata Tjuta. Or dine under the stars deep in the desert against the backdrop of Uluru and Kata Tjuta, tucking into outback fare.
Uluru is one of Australia's most recognisable natural landmarks. The sandstone formation stands 348m (1,142 ft) high, rising to 863m (2,831 ft) above sea level, with two-thirds of its bulk lying underground; it has a total perimeter of 9.4km (5.8mi).
Both Uluru and the nearby Kata Tjuta formation have great cultural significance for the Anangu people, the traditional inhabitants of the area, who lead walking tours to inform visitors about the local flora and fauna, bush food and the Aboriginal dreamtime stories of the area.
Uluru is notable for appearing to change colour at different times of the day and year, most notably when it glows red at dawn and sunset.
Note: Uluru is an inselberg – an island mountain – a prominent isolated residual knob or hill that rises abruptly from and is surrounded by extensive and relatively flat erosion lowlands in a hot, dry region.
Kata Tjuta, also called Mount Olga or the Olgas, lie 54km (33mi) west of Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park.
This remarkable group of 36 domed rocks sit shoulder to shoulder, forming deep valleys and steep-sided gorges. Like Uluru, Kata Tjuta is at its glorious, blood-red best at sunset.
The tallest rock, Mt Olga (546m high, and 1066m above sea level) is approximately 200m higher than Uluru.
A number of walking trails ranging from easy strolls to longer, more difficult tracks allow you to access viewing areas to enjoy the magnificent panoramic view of the domes.
Valley of the Winds – This 7.4km (4.6mi) loop trail – the longest of all trails at Kata Tjuta – winds between the domes and through the creek beds.
This moderately difficult track is steep in places but offers breathtaking views making it well worth the effort. It is one of the most rewarding bushwalks in the park taking about two to four hours to complete.
Walpa Gorge Walk – This signposted 2.6km (1.6mi) return rocky track takes you beneath towering rock walls and past rare plants into Walpa Gorge, which is especially beautiful in the afternoon, when sunlight floods the gorge.
Facilities located just off the access road a few kilometres west of the base of Kata Tjuta include a picnic and sunset-viewing area with toilets.
Meaning ‘many heads’, Kata Tjuta is sacred to the local Aboriginal Anangu people, who have inhabited the area for more than 22,000 years.
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Take in the stunning visual treat of towering red rock cliffs of Kings Canyon and the pockets of lush green forest of palms thriving in sheltered gullies below.
The park is best experienced on an easy 6km (3.7mi) loop walk along the creek bed or from the canyon top; don’t miss the cool waterholes at the ‘Garden of Eden’. Later relax in a spa and gaze out onto the magnificent moonlit desert landscape.
Watarrka National Park is only three hours’ drive from Uluru, and is home to the mighty Kings Canyon – a majestic location featuring 300m-high sandstone walls, palm-filled crevices, and views that stretch across the desert.
The park offers a choice of walking trails, 4WD tracks, camel tours and accommodation options ranging from camping to resort-style rooms.
Kings Canyon Rim Walk – This 6km (3.7mi) loop walk descends into the Garden of Eden – a beautiful rockhole surrounded by rare plants – before ascending to the top of Kings Canyon for breathtaking 360 degree panoramic views over the red sand dunes.
This walk is suitable for relatively fit travellers only, with the first 500 steps of the Rim Walk the most challenging and takes three to four hours to complete. It is best tackled at sunrise before the temperature rises.
Note: Be safe and make sure to stay at least five metres away from the edge at all times.
The East MacDonnell Ranges stretch 150km (93mi) east of Alice Springs and boast some of Central Australia’s most famous outback landscapes including gorges, bush walks, Aboriginal art and truly remarkable geological formations.
Join a tour or drive yourself east from Alice Springs to uncover the best of the ‘East Macs’. The road is sealed for the first 75km (46mi) to Trephina Gorge; to access attractions beyond that point requires a 4WD vehicle.
The region offers a range of camping sites, with facilities varying from established camp grounds with gas barbecues, picnic tables, toilets and water to basic but beautiful bush camping with no facilities.
Considered one of the 'jewels' in the East MacDonnell Ranges, Trephina Gorge Nature Park is only 75km (46mi) from Alice.
The interplay between the pale sandy riverbeds, red and purple gorge walls, white tree trunks, eucalyptus-green foliage and blue sky is spectacular.
Depending on the time of year, you'll also find deep swimming holes and abundant wildlife.
Facilities include a rangers station and camp ground with barbecues, water and toilets.
Several short walks allow you to explore the nature park, including…
Trephina Gorge Walk – This 2km (1.2mi) marked trail loops around the gorge's rim, taking roughly one hour return.
You can either walk down into the creekbed or up along the gorge rim. The walk begins at the creek's edge and offers scenic views of the sheer red cliffs rising from the tree-lined creek. En route look out for black-footed rock wallabies.
Ridgetop Walk – This 9km (5.6mi) one-way hike traverses the ridges from Trephina Gorge to John Hayes Rockhole, with spectacular views of the rugged East MacDonnell Ranges.
You can see Alice Springs from Turners Lookout. Along the way, watch out for the yellow-throated miner, dusky grasswren and even budgerigars.
This trail – which you can start at either John Hayes Rockhole or Trephina Gorge – is designed for experienced walkers and takes around five hours.
The John Hayes Rockhole provides three basic camp sites.
Chain of Ponds Walk – This 3.5km (2.17mi) return walk leads past rock pools and up to a lookout above the gorge that provides spectacular views. You need to climb and scramble over rocks to get to the rockhole.
Panorama Walk – This 2.5km (1.5mi) loop walk offers scenic views and interesting rock formations.
The spectacular folding you can see in the rock faces along this walk were created when the softer rocks of the Bitter Springs Formation were twisted and folded by powerful earth movements.
Gorge stroll – This easy 500m return walk takes only 20 minutes. This walk is unmarked. It takes you to the semi-permanent waterhole in the spectacular Trephina Gorge.
Creekbed walk – An easy ramble along the sandy bed of Trephina Creek. Try walking downstream from the gorge to the bluff.
A special feature of this riverine walk is the celery trees. These large river red gums were logged in the mid-1950s to use as railway sleepers for the Ghan train line and have since regrown with many trunks.
Note: You must carry water on these walks as there is no drinking water on any of the trails. You should also tell someone of your plans if you are walking alone.
The old gold-mining ghost town of Arltunga provides a rough insight into what life was like for the miners.
The ruins lie scattered in the surrounding country at the end of a 33km (20.5mi) unsealed road accessible from the Ross Highway.
A gravel road leads beyond the visitor centre to the old police station (about 2km (1.2mi) from the visitor centre) and the eight buildings that make up the government works (2km beyond the police station), which lie in a lovely open valley 200m from the car park.
A leisurely stroll between the old police station and the government works should take 15 minutes one way.
At the unstaffed visitor information centre discover old photographs of the gold-extracting process, plus a slide show on the area's history.
Look out for birdlife, including the mulga parrot – one of the Australia's loveliest parrot species, in the surrounding area.
Arltunga Historical Reserve is located at the eastern end of the MacDonnell Ranges, around 110km (68mi) east of Alice Springs. Facilities include drinking water and toilets.
The MacDonnell Ranges, or Tjoritja in Arrernte, is a 644km (400mi) long series of mountains consisting of parallel ridges running to the east and west of Alice Springs.
The West MacDonnell National Park stretches for around 161km (100mi) west of Alice Springs.
Here, you can explore the scenic beauty of this region on foot, take a dip in the cold waters of one the park's permanent water holes, including those in Ellery Creek Big Hole, Ormiston Gorge, Redbank Gorge and Glen Helen Gorge.
The park is easily explored on a choice of marked walking tracks ranging from leisurely to adventurous.
The 223km (139mi) Larapinta Trail stretches through the park and offers extended and overnight bush walks for fit, experienced and well prepared walkers.
The park contains many spectacular gaps and gorges spread over an ancient landscape sculpted over time by climatic elements.
It is also a refuge for rare and threatened plants as well as wildlife, including the uncommon bird species such as the peregrine falcon.
Features of the landscape are significant to the Arrernte people, including the Ochre Pits that have long been a quarry for ochre pigments.
There are numerous places to camp in the park, with varied access and facilities. Camping fees apply and overnight visitors should bring their own water supplies. Commercial facilities are available at Glen Helen Resort.
Discover one of the most remarkable and prominent gaps in the West MacDonnell Ranges: here red-rock cliffs tower above a riverbed strewn with gums and pools where the canyon narrows.
Spot resident wildlife such as black-footed rock wallabies, especially in the early morning and late afternoon.
Look out also for the painted finch, zebra finch, peregrine falcon, grey-headed honeyeater and the dusky grasswren, which inhabits the steep western slope as you approach the gorge.
The visitor information centre, usually unstaffed, is 1km from Larapinta Drive and provides displays of local wildlife. The walk from the car park to the gorge takes just 15 minutes.
Other walks include the Ghost Gum Walk, a 15-minute-return walk from the visitor centre to one of the oldest ghost gums in the area; Cassia Hill, a signposted, 1.5km, one-hour-return hike up a nearby hill for panoramic views; and the Woodland Trail, a 17km (10.5mi) hike to Bond Gap and back through mulga scrubland.
Simpsons Gap is located just 18km (11mi) from Alice Springs. The Gap can also be reached by cycling one-way along the Simpsons Gap Bike Path.
Simpsons Gap is located on the Larapinta Trail, which winds through the West MacDonnell Ranges. From Simpsons Gap you can walk Sections 1 or 2 of the trail.
Camping is permitted at Simpsons Gap for Larapinta Trail walkers only.
Simpsons Gap Bicycle Path – Experience the scenic beauty of the West MacDonnell Ranges on two wheels by cycling along the Simpsons Gap Bicycle Path.
Extending from Flynns Grave – 7km (4.3mi) from the outskirts of Alice Springs – to Simpsons Gap in the West MacDonnell Ranges, this 17km (10.5mi) cross-country cycle trail is a relaxing and scenic ride for all ages and levels of fitness.
The path winds past creeks and river red gum woodlands, through mulga and witchetty bush groves, to exposed rocky hills. Signs along the way explain the area's natural and scenic features, and are a great place to take a momentary rest-break.
Along the way watch out for local wildlife, particularly lizards and birds, early or late in the day. The cooler months from April to October are the more pleasant for cycling.
Wallaby Gap – Shaded by walls of red rock, this sandy creek bed provides a good place to watch bird life – a temporary pool inside the gap commonly attracts white-plumed honeyeaters, zebra finches, pied butcherbirds and crested pigeons.
The deep, narrow passage was created by a small watercourse carving through the tough gneiss before draining into Roe Creek.
Wallaby Gap is named after its population of black-footed rock-wallabies. It is located along Section 1 of the Larapinta Trail.
The camp ground lies about 300m south of Wallaby Gap, but camping is permitted for walkers on the Larapinta Trail only. Vehicle access is also for Larapinta Trail walkers only – a key is available for the locked gate from the Visitor Information Centre on Gregory Terrace in Alice Springs.
Ranked as one of the world's top 20 treks, the Larapinta Trail is a 223km (139mi) walk that follows the rocky spine of the West MacDonnell Ranges from Alice Springs Telegraph Station to Mount Sonder.
You have the choice of hiking the complete trail or one or more of its 12 sections, all of which vary in difficulty and length. Each section can be reached by 4WD, so you may join or leave the trail at any of the trailheads. Fully guided tours are also available.
The trail ranges across some of the key attractions of the ranges including Simpsons Gap, and the permanent waterholes at Ellery Creek Big Hole, Ormiston Gorge and Glen Helen.
It meanders past some of the world's most ancient metamorphic and igneous rock and nearly 600 species of flora.
The trail also links in with other walking tracks within the West MacDonnell National Park, allowing side trips to explore more of the Park.
All trailheads have a water supply and some have free gas barbecues. Camp sites provide picnic tables and tent sites.
Protected by its remoteness and difficult access, Gosse Bluff Conservation Reserve is a place of great cultural significance to the Western Arrernte Aboriginal people, as well as a site of international scientific interest.
Gosse Bluff – or Tnorala as it's known to the Western Arrernte people – is a registered sacred site and traditional owners welcome visitors to experience Tnorala's magic, but you should respect the area and obey signs where access is not allowed.
The original crater had a diameter of 22km (13.6mi), but only the core, 5km (3mi) in diameter, remains, encircled by nearly 200m-high rock walls. Scientists believe that the crater was formed by a meteorite impact around 142.5 million years ago.
Marked trails head south from the car park where there is a shade shelter and picnic area.
Gosse Bluff is located around 190km (118mi) west of Alice Springs along the sealed Larapinta Drive, and about 212km (132mi) to the northeast of Uluru (Ayers Rock).
Regarded as one of the prettiest spots in the West MacDonnell Ranges, Ormiston Gorge is a great place for a cool dip, to admire the towering red walls of the gorge and pound, and view native fauna and flora.
The near-permanent waterhole is ideal for swimming, especially in the warmer months. Situated just 500m from the visitor centre, it is estimated to be up to 14m deep at its southern end.
The gorge is a haven for wildlife including dingo, red kangaroo, euro and fat-tailed false antechinus. Various birds such as the western bowerbird, rufous-crowned emu-wren and spinifex pigeon among others can often be seen.
Ormiston Pound Walk – Explore the area on this 7.5km (4.6mi) loop walk from the visitor centre across rocky slopes and flat floor of the pound and along the gorge via the main waterhole, taking around three hours to complete. Or follow the marked trail to the Ghost Gum Lookout, which provides good views down the gorge.
The park is an important fauna refuge of the long-tailed dunnart and the central rock rat.
Facilities include a visitor centre, kiosk (open 10am to 4pm) and designated camping site (fees apply), situated 8km (5mi) off Namatjira Drive.
Ormiston Gorge is located around 135km (83mi) west of Alice Springs in the West MacDonnell National Park. It is accessible via sealed roads and is the trailhead for sections 9 and 10 of the Larapinta Trail walk.
Discover one of the most popular and picturesque camping, walking, swimming and picnic spots in the West MacDonnell National Park.
Surrounded by tall red cliffs, the sandy Ellery Creek and the large permanent waterhole, Ellery Creek Big Hole is a popular place for a swim on a hot day – although the water is usually freezing.
The area is easily explored along the 3km (1.8mi) return Dolomite Walk, which takes you through the surrounding spinifex country with good views en route.
Along the way look out for the rufous-crowned emu-wren as well as honeyeaters (pied, black, grey-headed and white-fronted), white-winged fairy wren and little button-quail.
Ellery Creek Big Hole is also the trailhead for Sections 6 and 7 of the Larapinta Trail walk. Camping is permitted (fees apply).
Ellery Creek Big Hole is located around 90km (56mi) from Alice Springs. The car park is 2km (1.2mi) off Namatjira Drive down a dirt track that should be accessible in a 2WD vehicle, except after heavy rains.
Discover the ancient landscapes and Aboriginal cultural sites of Finke Gorge National Park on foot or on a 4WD tour from Alice Springs.
The Finke Gorge National Park is an important wilderness reserve that protects The Finke River, which dates back 350 million years and is believed to be one of the oldest rivers in the world.
The main gorge features high red cliffs, stately river red gums, cool waterholes and a number of walks, where you’ll see a diverse range of plant species, including tall palms and cycads, many of which are unique to the area.
Access to the park is via rocky tracks that follow the sandy bed of the Finke River, terrain that should only be driven in a high-clearance 4WD.
For experienced four-wheel drivers, the popular Finke four-wheel drive route is an adventurous drive down the Finke River to Illamurta Springs Conservation Reserve and on to Watarrka National Park (Kings Canyon).
Climb the sandstone staircase to Kalarranga Lookout for a magnificent panorama of the remarkable sculptured sandstone hills that encircle part of the old bed of Palm Creek.
A network of trails allow to explore the park on foot.
Mpaara Walk – The Mpaara Walk introduces the mythology of the Western Arrernte Aboriginal culture: walk in a clockwise direction to follow the Mpaara dreaming story and take in the beautiful views of the surrounding sandstone formations on the way.
Palm Valley – The park is best known for Palm Valley, which shelters groves of rare red cabbage palms – botanic remnants from millions of years ago, when Central Australia was lush with tropical forests.
Enjoy a stroll through a desert oasis full of palms: Palm Valley is the only place in the world you’ll find the red cabbage palm.
Afterwards, follow one of the bushwalking trails to lookouts with spectacular views of the rock amphitheatre circled by rugged cliffs.
Located around 140km (87mi) from Alice Springs, Finke Gorge National Park is accessible only by 4WD.
The Simpson Desert, located southeast of Alice Springs, is one of Australia's great wilderness areas containing giant, red sand dunes and interesting rock formations such as Chambers Pillar and Rainbow Valley.
Here you can examine brilliant wildflowers, rare pine trees and unique wildlife that thrive in the deep red sands and rolling dunes of the Simpson Desert.
This vast desert covers the southeast corner of the Northern Territory, and extends over the South Australia and Queensland borders.
A 4WD vehicle is required to navigate the sandy terrain. There are organised tours into the Simpson Desert from Alice Springs.
The Simpson Desert offers some of the best four-wheel driving in Australia. Rolling sand dunes and challenging terrain make this a challenging driving experience through this desert territory normally seen by few people.
The Binns Track runs parallel to the Stuart Highway from South Australia to Timber Creek, NT where it connects with routes into WA. Old Andado Track follows the Desert’s western edge to the town of Finke.
This 50m high column of pebbly sandstone – all that remains after 350 million years of wind and rain erosion – towers above the surrounding plain and is carved with the names and visit dates of early explorers.
Chambers Pillar is an important Dreaming site for the Indigenous Southern Arrernte people. To them, Itirkawara was a knob-tailed gecko ancestor with great strength and a violent temper.
In one incident, he killed a number of other ancestors with his stone knife, then flouted the law by taking a girl of the wrong skin group to be his wife. The pair were banished to the desert where both turned to stone – Itirkawara became the pillar and his wife became Castle Rock, around 500m away.
Chambers Pillar is located southwest of Maryvale Station around 160km (99mi) from Alice Springs. A 4WD is required for the last 44km (27mi) from the turn-off at Maryvale Station.
Rainbow Valley is renowned for its sandstone bluffs and cliffs that are streaked with bands of different coloured rock.
An easy day trip from Alice Springs, Rainbow Valley is at its most spectacular in the early morning light or late afternoon sun when it changes from ochre red to orange and purple, or after heavy rainfall, when the whole scene is reflected in the claypans.
The road to Rainbow Valley is lined with stands of majestic Desert Oak. You can explore the valley by walking along the base of the cliffs. Here you can see large chunks of fallen rock, some of them weathered and pockmarked like coral.
Take the short walk that skirts the claypan and winds around the foot of the bluff to Mushroom Rock – an unusual formation with a natural tunnel formed by millions of years of wind and rain erosion.
Part of the James Range, the Rainbow Valley Conservation Reserve is an important site to the southern Arrernte people. The large rock formation known as Ewerre is a registered sacred site.
The park is rich in Aboriginal history especially around the hills and ridges where petroglyphs, (rock carvings) paintings, grinding stones and stone chip tools have been discovered.
Rainbow Valley Conservation Reserve is located about 75km (46mi) south of Alice Springs and is best accessed by 4WD. If you don't have your own 4WD several tours depart from Alice Springs.
There are basic camping facilities at Rainbow Valley with toilets, gas barbecues, fire pits and a picnic area. You’ll need to bring your own food, firewood and water.
Commonly known as The Alice or simply Alice, Alice Springs is the third-largest town in the Northern Territory of Australia and sits roughly in Australia's geographic centre – nearly equidistant from Adelaide and Darwin.
The town straddles the usually dry Todd River on the northern side of the MacDonnell Ranges. The surrounding region is known as Central Australia, or the Red Centre, an arid environment consisting of several different deserts.
Nestled between the East and West MacDonnell Ranges, Alice is famous for its beautiful desert landscapes, colourful outback characters, opportunities for adventure and a strong Aboriginal culture.
Watch the sunrise from a hot-air balloon, meet Aboriginal artists in one of the town’s excellent art galleries, join a four-wheel-drive and camping tour or hike through the nearby ranges.
From Alice it's easy take a 4WD trek into the red sand desert of the Red Centre, cool off in the clear deep waters of Ellery Creek Big Hole, hike the stunning Standley Chasm in the MacDonnell National Park for some great views, or for a different viewpoint experience the desert from a hot-air balloon and watch the sun rise over the MacDonnell Ranges.
Or hire a bike and ride out to Simpsons Gap, a sacred waterhole surrounded by cliffs. You could also take a tour to Standley Chasm, another spectacular red rock gorge that’s an easy day trip from town.
Back in Alice, discover the town's fascinating past at the historic Telegraph Station. Drop in to the Royal Flying Doctor Service, which supports an area of more than seven million square kilometres.
The Araluen Arts Centre has a great collection of Aboriginal art and you can buy a handmade souvenir at one of the many Aboriginal art galleries, such as Mbantua.
Learn about Alice Springs’ plants, animals and landscapes at the Alice Springs Desert Park or the Reptile Centre.
At Alice Springs Desert Park discover the outback’s best wildlife park, where the creatures of central Australia are all on display in one place.
The predominantly open-air exhibits faithfully re-create the animals' natural environments in a series of habitats: inland river, sand country and woodland.
It's an easy 2.5km (1.5mi) cycle to the park. Pick up a free audio guide (available in various languages) or join one of the free ranger-led talks throughout the day.
Try to time your visit to coincide with the birds of prey show, featuring free-flying Australian kestrels, kites and wedge-tailed eagles.
To catch some of the park's rare and elusive animals, such as the bilby, visit the excellent nocturnal house. If you like what you see, come back at night and spotlight endangered species on the guided nocturnal tour (bookings essential).
Inside the Reptile Centre you can check out snakes, lizards, thorny devils and even a saltwater crocodile.
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You can find a wide range of accommodation options in the Red Centre to suit all budgets from backpacker hostels to luxury resorts.
Longitude 131°, Outback Pioneer Hotel & Lodge, Ayers Rock Resort and Desert Gardens Hotel are some of the most popular hotels for travellers wanting to stay near Uluru.
Visit the Red Centre anytime. The desert climate makes travel possible all year round, though you need to be prepared for spikes and dips in temperature.
However if you’re sensitive to extreme temperatures, the best time to visit the Red Centre is during spring (September to November) and autumn (March to May) – both seasons provide a nice balance between the hot and the cold extremes of summer and winter.
The moderate temperatures in spring and autumn mean you can stay outdoors longer. Evenings are mild and perfect for enjoying Alice’s lively dining and entertainment scene.
If you’re more interested in swimming in the region's natural waterholes, then summer is the best time to visit.
The town of Alice Springs experiences a subtropical, hot desert climate characterised by extremely hot, dry summers and short, mild winters.
Alice is prone to temperature spikes in summer and dips in winter. Temperatures in Alice may vary with an average maximum in summer of 35°C (96°F) and an average minimum in winter of 5°C (41°F).
The region receives an average rainfall of around 286mm (11in) per year.
Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park has a desert climate of clear skies, low average rainfall, high temperatures in summer and cool nights in winter.
The average summer peak in January is 38°C (100°F), with extreme temperatures occasionally reaching 46°C (115°F) during summer and −5°C (23°F) in winter.
UV levels are extreme between October and March, averaging between 11 and 15 on the UV index.
Typically, the Red Centre region experiences four distinct seasons: summer, autumn, winter and spring.
Summer – December to February – Average temperatures range between 20°C and 35°C (68°F and 95°F). January is the wettest month with around 40mm of rainfall, however the climate is considered dry and arid for most of the year.
Autumn – March to May – Is considered one of the best times to visit Alice Springs, with warm days and cool nights. Average temperatures range from 12°C to 27°C (54°F to 81°F).
Winter – June to August – The average temperature range is 3°C to 20°C (37°F to 68°F). Temperatures can drop below freezing overnight in winter, sometimes leaving a thick frost on the ground like a carpet of snow.
Spring – September to November – Spring starts to defrost and warm things up again with average temperatures between 13°C to 31°C (57°F to 87°F). Spring can also bring spectacular thunderstorms and cool evenings.
Note: When you venture outdoors, ensure you have appropriate clothing and carry enough water. If you’re spending the night under the stars in the cooler months, make sure you have warm clothes (thick jackets and beanies) and adequate camping equipment.
Alice Springs – considered the gateway to the Red Centre – is located around 1500km (930mi) north of Adelaide in South Australia, and about the same distance south from Darwin in the Northern Territory.
The most convenient route to Alice Springs and the Red Centre is by air to Alice Springs Airport (ASP) located around 13km (8mi) south of Alice Springs.
Alternatively, you can fly into Ayers Rock Airport (AYQ) located near Yulara, around 463km (288mi) from Alice Springs – a five hour's drive; but only 20 minutes drive from Uluru (Ayers Rock) itself.
From most international destinations this may require first flying into a major Australian city first followed by a connecting flight to Alice Springs Airport (ASP) or Ayers Rock Airport (AYQ).
There are daily flights between Alice Springs Airport (ASP), Ayers Rock Airport, Adelaide, Cairns, Darwin, Melbourne, Perth and Sydney. There are also nonstop flights a few times a week to Brisbane. Both Qantas and Virgin Australia serve Ayers Rock.
Alternatively, you can get to Alice by road or train. For a self-drive experience, hire vehicles are available in Darwin, Uluru and Alice Springs. There are also daily express coach services between Adelaide, Darwin and Alice Springs.
The Stuart Highway, runs north from Adelaide to Darwin via Alice Springs. The distance from Adelaide to Alice Springs is 1530km (950mi) and from Darwin is 1498km (931 mi).
You can also drive west from Queensland: the most easily accessible route is the fully sealed Barkly Highway from Mt Isa. Alternatively you can drive the unsealed portion of the Victoria Highway from Cairns.
By train, the Ghan, operated by Great Southern Rail, travels between Darwin and Adelaide over the course of four days, stopping in Katherine, Alice Springs and Coober Pedy. The rail journey takes around 21 hours to from Adelaide to Alice Springs. The train arrives twice weekly in each direction.
Note: Peak season for air travel to the Northern Territory is June to August; it’s advisable to book well ahead during these months.
Local transport options include hire cars, 4WDs, bicycles and motorhomes.
Locally run car-hire businesses with expert regional knowledge operate out of Darwin, Alice Springs and other regional centres.
Hire companies offer a broad range of vehicles including automatic and manual cars, 4WDs, campervans, motorhomes and minibuses – some even include camping equipment.
Vehicles can be booked in advance or on arrival, and pick-up from airports, train stations and accommodation can be arranged.
Road and mountain bikes are available for hire at outlets in Alice Springs and at selected attractions and accommodation. Hire usually includes helmets and maps.
Latest update: The Red Centre | Uluru Kata Tjuta National Park: 31 May, 2024
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