The Northern Territory’s Red Centre is often referred to as the spiritual heart of Australia, a living landscape of breathtaking beauty that encompasses the World Heritage-listed Uluru and Kata Tjuṯa National Park, the bustling town of Alice Springs, the ancient West MacDonnell Ranges and dramatic Kings Canyon in Watarrka National Park.
The Red Centre holds stories of powerful significance to the Traditional Custodians of the land, the Anangu and the Central Arrernte people. Their descendants have protected these sacred lands for thousands of generations since. To journey through this part of Australia is to experience the essence of Australia — a place where Indigenous spiritual significance, vibrant landscapes and deep cultural heritage all come together.
Things to do in the Red Centre
The Red Centre is prime road trip territory for driving, camping and caravanning. Take in the best of the region on The Red Centre Way that runs between Alice Springs and Uluru. You can also drive down on The Explorer’s Way an epic trans-continental drive from Adelaide to Darwin. Not down for a cross-continental drive? Don’t worry we think the section from Alice Springs to the Devils Marbles is one of the best bits.
Up for an adventure? The Larapinta Trail is regarded as one of the greatest long distance walks in the country. The 223-kilometre trail follows the high ridge lines of Tjoritja/West MacDonnell, a landscape of deep gorges, dry creek beds and spinifex-covered plains dotted with termite mounds.
For more things to do in the Red Centre, continue reading below, or see our round up of things to do in Alice Springs and Uluru.
Best things to see in the Red Centre
There’s more to the Red Centre than just Uluṟu. However, Uluṟu is indeed unmissable. It’s one of the world’s most recognisable natural forms – a towering sentinel rising proudly from the red earth. No matter how many photographs you’ve seen, nothing does it rock justice. We’ve put together a separate guide for staying, playing and visiting Uluṟu. To the north-east, the mighty Kings Canyon cleaves deep into the earth, Australia’s very own Grand Canyon.
Alice Springs is the quintessential outback town, full of art galleries, creative community spirit and plenty of outback festivals. It’s also the gateway to some great landmarks like Simpsons Gap and Standley Chasm. In our guide to Alice Springs, we’ve rounded up the best things to do in this iconic outpost.
Another mistake many people make is assuming the Red Centre is flat and featureless. Tjoritja/The MacDonnell Ranges that stretches out of Alice Springs is home to some of Central Australia’s most spectacular scenery, including some truly amazing waterholes and hidden gorges. The East MacDonnell Ranges are far less travelled, but have equally appealing scenery, and even mining ghost towns scattered about.
Popular Places to Stay
From outback luxury at Longitude 131°, which has unparallelled views of both Uluru and Kata Tjuta, to campsites that deliver true ‘thousand-star’ experience under the desert sky, there’s accommodation to suit every budget and travel style.
For those who want to embrace the great outdoors without compromising on comfort, there is a new wave of glampsites popping up in Australia’s Red Centre, including the Squeaky Windmill on the edge of the iconic West MacDonnell Ranges.
For our recommendations on where to stay, check our Alice Springs accommodation guide and Uluru accommodation guide here.
Best Dining Experiences
Dining out atop a desert dune beneath a blanket of stars at Ayers Rock Resort’s Sounds of Silence is one of Australia’s most memorable culinary experiences. We’ve written all about Uluru’s incredible dining experiences here. And despite its remoteness, there are plenty of great food options in Alice Springs as well.
Things to do in the Red Centre
The Red Centre is prime road trip territory for driving, camping and caravanning. Take in the best of the region on The Red Centre Way that runs between Alice Springs and Uluru. You can also drive down on The Explorer’s Way an epic trans-continental drive from Adelaide to Darwin. Not down for a cross-continental drive? Don’t worry we think the section from Alice Springs to the Devils Marbles is one of the best bits.
Up for an adventure? The Larapinta Trail is regarded as one of the greatest long distance walks in the country. The 223-kilometre trail follows the high ridge lines of Tjoritja/West MacDonnell, a landscape of deep gorges, dry creek beds and spinifex-covered plains dotted with termite mounds.
For more things to do in the Red Centre, continue reading below, or see our round up of things to do in Alice Springs and Uluru.
Best things to see in the Red Centre
There’s more to the Red Centre than just Uluṟu. However, Uluṟu is indeed unmissable. It’s one of the world’s most recognisable natural forms – a towering sentinel rising proudly from the red earth. No matter how many photographs you’ve seen, nothing does it rock justice. We’ve put together a separate guide for staying, playing and visiting Uluṟu. To the north-east, the mighty Kings Canyon cleaves deep into the earth, Australia’s very own Grand Canyon.
Alice Springs is the quintessential outback town, full of art galleries, creative community spirit and plenty of outback festivals. It’s also the gateway to some great landmarks like Simpsons Gap and Standley Chasm. In our guide to Alice Springs, we’ve rounded up the best things to do in this iconic outpost.
Another mistake many people make is assuming the Red Centre is flat and featureless. Tjoritja/The MacDonnell Ranges that stretches out of Alice Springs is home to some of Central Australia’s most spectacular scenery, including some truly amazing waterholes and hidden gorges. The East MacDonnell Ranges are far less travelled, but have equally appealing scenery, and even mining ghost towns scattered about.
Popular Places to Stay
From outback luxury at Longitude 131°, which has unparallelled views of both Uluru and Kata Tjuta, to campsites that deliver true ‘thousand-star’ experience under the desert sky, there’s accommodation to suit every budget and travel style.
For those who want to embrace the great outdoors without compromising on comfort, there is a new wave of glampsites popping up in Australia’s Red Centre, including the Squeaky Windmill on the edge of the iconic West MacDonnell Ranges.
For our recommendations on where to stay, check our Alice Springs accommodation guide and Uluru accommodation guide here.
Best Dining Experiences
Dining out atop a desert dune beneath a blanket of stars at Ayers Rock Resort’s Sounds of Silence is one of Australia’s most memorable culinary experiences. We’ve written all about Uluru’s incredible dining experiences here. And despite its remoteness, there are plenty of great food options in Alice Springs as well.
