Australia’s red centre is one of the most extraordinary landscapes in the world – and with that title comes a lot of discoveries to be had. There are stunning pristine swimholes like Ormiston Gorge to dip your feet in (if you dare), mixed with vast red desert landscapes throughout the West Macdonnell Ranges. This region is the perfect weekend trip for those from the major cities like Melbourne and Sydney, as there are loads of little discoveries to tick off and it’s only a three four flight from the east coast. Ever seen a 348 metre tall sandstone rock that towers above the Eiffel Tower? I hadn’t either until exploring here!
When looking at a map, Australia’s red centre covers the Southern desert region of the Northern Territory in Australia and is most famously home to Uluru and Kata Tjuta. With generations of ancient Indigenous cultures built on this land, The Red Centre is a fantastic place to learn about the deeply spiritual culture of the traditional owners of the land.
A visit to the Red Centre is a once in a lifetime experience, offering remarkable landscapes of desert plains, weathered mountain ranges and some of Aboriginal Australia’s most sacred sites. Stargazing under the clearest skies in the world, witnessing vibrant outback sunsets and floating in an outback waterhole are just some of the bucket list experiences to be had in the Red Centre. Here are my top 10 bucket list experiences in the Red Centre!
1. Uluru Base Walk
In the heart of Australia’s Red Centre, the magnificent monolith known as Uluru is one of the most stunning nature wonders of the world. This UNESCO World Heritage site has been a secret site of the local Aboriginal people since the dreaming and ceremonies are still held in the sacred caves lining the base. Follow the tracks of the ancestral beings by taking the 10.6km walk around the circumference of the rock and uncover lush woodlands and tranquil waterholes along the way.
2. Kings Canyon Rim Walk
Truly an iconic site, Kings Canyon is the ultimate destination for any keen explorer, adventurer or nature lover. The impressive Kings Canyon lies between Alice Springs and Yulara and rises 100 metres above the desert landscape and features a total of 572 different plant species dating back to ancient times. There are many tours and walking tracks to choose from in Kings Canyon but the most iconic is the 6km Kings Canyon Rim Walk which guides you though Priscilla’s Crack, the Lost City and incredible Garden of Eden.
3. Kaarke Aboriginal Cultural Experience
Booking an authentic aboriginal tour in the part of Australia will give you an insight in one of the oldest living cultures on Earth and a real connection to the land. Situated on the southeastern periphery of the Watarrka National Park, Kaarke’s 1 hour cultural tour is a short walk and talk teaching visitors the spiritual significance of the region as well as how to forage for food, make weapons and survive this rugged climate.
4. Outback Ballooning
What better way to see the majestic semi-arid landscape than to relax in the luxury of a hot air balloon as you float silently alongside the rugged West MacDonnell Ranges near Alice Springs. This is such a unique experience in Australia as it’s the best way to appreciate the vast remoteness and spectacular dawn colours of the Australian outback. Keep you eyes out for kangaroos as the balloon crosses above spinifex grasses, mulga scrub & cattle stations.
5. Field of Lights
What is the Field of Lights? We thought the exact same thing when we heard of it, but it turns out it’s a large open-air art installation created by international artist Bruce Munro. The experience begins with a convenient hotel pick-up and short transfer to the remote desert location with majestic views of Uluru. As the sunsets, a fantasy garden of 50,000 steps light up the desert landscape in a sea of ochre, deep violet and gentle white. This is truly a sight to behold and a must-do experience in the Red Centre.
6. Sunset Helicopter Flight over Uluru
If you thought Uluru was impressive from the surface, then you must check it out from above. Get a unique perspective of some of the most spectacular natural wonders of the world by booking a sunset tour with Professional Helicopter Services. From the comfort of your chopper, experience the breathtaking beauty of Uluru and Kata-Tjuta and learn about the significance of these stunning natural wonders. Watch as these vast monoliths turn a vibrant red hue as the sun sets over the western horizon.
7. Walpa Gorge Walk
Drive 30 minutes West of Yulara, past the spinifex and low shrubs of Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park and the 36 steep-sided domes of Kata Tjuta emerges out of the desert haze. Formally known as the Olgas, Kata Tjuta translates to ‘many heads’ and is a sacred place to the Anangu people, who have inhabited the area for more than 22,000 years. The 2.6km Walpa Gorge walk takes visitors through Kata Tjuta’s two tallest domes, passing by rich scenery and stunning viewpoints along the way.
8. Kangaroo Sanctuary
Head 15km from Alice Springs by car to reach Kangaroo Sanctuary, the home of the Kangaroo Dundee Chris Brolga Barns! This huge 188-acre kangaroo sanctuary was set up back in 2011 with the purpose of raising orphaned baby kangaroos and adult kangaroos. Today you can book a sunset tour with Brolga to learn about, experience and enjoy kangaroos up close in natural bushland. You might even have the opportunity to hold a joey as well!
9. Swim at Ormiston Gorge
Located approximately two hours from Alice Springs within the stunning West Macdonnell Ranges, Ormiston Gorge is one of the best natural swimming holes in Australia’s Red Centre. This incredible gorge showcases the spectacular geology of the MacDonnell Ranges and the towering red walls of the make you feel tiny! Part of the iconic 230km Larapinta trail that runs through Central Australia, this pool is a great place for a cool dip.
10. Standley Chasm
The dramatic rocky walls and striking formations of Ormiston Gorge, less than 2 hours from Alice Springs, is a must-see destination in the Red Centre. Sacred to the Arrernte Aboriginal people who have lived in this area for tens of thousands of years, Standley Chasm is a significant cultural icon of Central Australia. Take the 2.4km return walk to “the Gap of Water” to be dwarfed by the dramatic 80m sheer rockface.
Leave a Reply