The Red Centre is the ultimate destination for an abundance of sights and things to do, perfect for every member of the family! Whether you’re after some quiet relaxation, an action packed adventure or a cultural journey that satisfies all senses, Central Australia has it all.
Here’s just a few of the top things you can find here.
Without doubt the best way to experience the true nature of the Red Centre is by getting out and about on foot or by peddling. With dozens of tracks and paths of all different difficulty levels, you’re guaranteed to never run out of unique walks. If you’re more interested in taking two wheels, don’t worry, we’ve got you covered with high quality bike rentals for both on-road and off-road cycling - we’ve even got electric bikes! Breathe the fresh desert air and treat your eyes and ears to the awesome natural beauty of this picturesque place.
If you’ve spent the day hiking or cycling in the desert sun, or even if you’re just up for a dip, there are plenty of natural swimming spots and waterholes to cool off and refresh in. Ellery Creek Big Hole, Ormiston Gorge, Redbank Gorge and Glen Helen Gorge all provide stunning natural swimming spots - none of which are inhabited by dangerous friends of the scaly kind (Crocodiles)!
If you’re into a more ‘man-made’ swimming experience, then of course Alice Springs Aquatic and Leisure Centre is a great center of town place for a dip.
If you’re adventure inclined then Central Australia is the place for you. Hot Air Ballooning in Alice Springs, Helicopter flights over Uluru & Kata Tjuta, scenic plane flights and camel rides are all on the menu. But if you want to really up the adventure, make sure you check out gliding with NT Soaring - peaceful exhilaration at its best!
Out in the desert, the number of stars in the sky multiplies and multiplies compared to what you’d see anywhere else. On top of that, with tours available like Uluru Astro Tours, Outback Sky Journeys and the Earth Sanctuary, you’ll not only experience the diamond speckled beauty of an outback night sky, but you’ll also learn all about their and your place in the Universe.
With such deep cultural roots there is an expected huge selection of art, history and food related tours and experiences which everyone in the family will enjoy. If it’s art you want, there are numerous galleries around Central Australia, as well as the Maruku walking tours of Uluru cave art all accompanied by local Anangu who will teach you their rich stories & connections to the land.
If you’re curious about the food, there’s also a few dining experiences which include a particular focus on indigenous ingredients and if you’re up for something fancy, then Tali Wiru is the top spot to experience indigenous inspired bush tucker at its finest!
There are plenty of tours and 4WD expeditions that offer their own brand of isolated camping, but even if you’re only wanting to stick to the tried and tested camping grounds there are plenty to choose from around Uluru and Alice Springs.
Uluru Kata Tjuta National Park is a very sacred location, so you can’t stay too close to the rock. However, there is a grassy campground just 15km away in Yulara.
If you want something a little more ‘rugged’, then give Redbank Gorge in West MacDonnell National Park a go. It’s the perfect base to pitch a tent and spend your days exploring the myriad rock formations and canyons.
There’s no better way to experience what it really means to be outback than on a 4WD track. Palm Valley is one of the most well known and visually stunning tracks to try and you can even camp if you’re game for it.
There’s also Redbank Gorge, Tnorala, Rainbow Valley and the renowned Binns Track. But we would definitely recommend taking on the Binns Track only if you are fully prepared and have had some 4WD experience. If you do take it on, be prepared for some of the most jaw dropping scenery you’ll see in this world!
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