There are plenty of reasons to add the Red Centre to your bucket list. For starters, it’s home to some of Australia’s most iconic landmarks, including Uluru and Kings Canyon. You’ll also find amazing desert landscapes, lush oases, and beautiful gorges. And of course, no trip to the Red Centre would be complete without experiencing a magnificent sunset at Uluru.
Despite its remote location, the Red Centre is surprisingly easy to reach. There are direct flights from all major Australian cities, and once you’re there, there are plenty of tour operators offering everything from day tours to longer itineraries. So there’s really no excuse not to add this amazing place to your bucket list!
My travel companion MJ and I headed to the Red Centre in Australia’s Northern Territory for a 4 day tour from Alice Springs to Uluru, Kata Tjuta, and Kings Canyon, with Mulga’s Adventures. We think that Mulga’s Adventures is one of the best tour companies to see Australia’s Red Centre with. They offer a variety of tours that allow you to see the beauty of the area while also learning about its history and culture. The guides are knowledgeable and passionate about their work, and they make sure that each tour is both educational and fun. They also go above and beyond to make sure that their guests have a safe and memorable experience. So if you’re looking for an unforgettable way to see Australia’s Red Centre, we definitely recommend with Mulga’s Adventures!
The tour packages are quite affordable for an all-inclusive organised tour; we paid $595 for the 4 day tour, which is inclusive of all transport from Alice Springs and back, all meals (vegans were catered for too!), swags and camping under the stars, plus a knowledgable guide with you 24/7. You can use the code MULGA20 for a discount (this isn’t sponsored, they’re just nice to give discounts to people who find them through a recommendation!)
Of course, if you’ve got your own vehicle and want to do the Red Centre yourself, there are plenty of options for you too!
Alice Springs
Alice Springs is a small town in the Australian Outback with a lot to offer visitors. There are plenty of things to see and do, from exploring the local aboriginal culture to going on safari in the nearby national park. Make sure to visit ANZAC Hill for a beautiful view of the sun setting over the town. While you’re in Alice, it’s a good time to stock up on any supplies you might for your trip, then, pack your bags and get ready for an unforgettable experience.
Erlunda Roadhouse
South of Alice Springs, at the junction of the Stuart and Lassetter Highways, is the famous Erldunda Roadhouse. It’s a remote but well-known and much-loved rest stop. At Erldunda you can purchase toiletries, refreshments, and more. Enjoy their fantastic coffee, and take a look at the Emu enclosure, where you can actually feed the Emus! The Roadhouse is a great place to stretch your legs after a long drive, and there are plenty of photo opportunities too. So whether you’re passing through or stopping for a break, make sure you check out Erldunda Roadhouse!
Uluru
The Uluru – Kata Tjuta National Park (UKTNP) is home to one of the most iconic landmarks in Australia – Uluru. Also known as Ayers Rock, Uluru is a sacred site for the Anangu people, who have lived in the area for thousands of years. The Cultural Centre is the perfect place to learn about the history and culture of the Anangu people, and to gain an understanding of the significance of Uluru. Visitors can browse exhibits on traditional life and culture, watch films about the history of Uluru, and learn about the ongoing fight to protect this sacred site. The Cultural Centre is also a great place to pick up souvenirs and gifts, with a range of Aboriginal-themed artwork and crafts on sale. Whether you’re planning a trip to Uluru or simply want to learn more about Aboriginal culture, the Cultural Centre is a must-visit.
While many people come to Uluru to see its stunning red rocks, very few walk around the base of the rock. This is because the walk takes around 10 hours to complete and can be quite arduous. However, those who make the effort are rewarded with some of the most breathtaking views in Australia. The base walk takes you through a range of different landscapes, including woodlands, desert and even an ancient rainforest. Along the way, you’ll also get to see some of Uluru’s ancient cave paintings and learn about its rich cultural history. So if you’re ever in Australia, make sure to add the base walk around Uluru to your list of must-do activities.
Theoti, its original name, means “meeting place” in the local Aboriginal language. For hundreds of years, Uluru has been a sacred site for Aboriginal people and a source of great spiritual power. To them, it is a living being with its own spirit and energy. That’s why you should not walk on Uluru. Not only is it disrespectful to the Aboriginal people who consider it sacred, but you could also be putting yourself in danger. The surface of the rock is very fragile and can easily be eroded by foot traffic. In addition, the heat can be intense, making it easy to become dehydrated or even suffer from heat stroke. So enjoy Uluru from a distance and respect the culture and traditions of the Aboriginal people.
There are also plenty of viewing points to park your car and enjoy Uluru fro a distance. The rock changes colour dramatically at different times of the day, but perhaps the most spectacular sight is the sunset. As the sun dips below the horizon, Uluru glows a deep red, providing a truly unforgettable experience. If you’re planning a trip to Australia, make sure to add Uluru at sunset to your itinerary. You won’t be disappointed!
Watching the sun rise over Uluru is also an unforgettable experience. For one thing, it’s just incredibly beautiful. The way the light slowly creeps over the rock, turning it from a deep red to a soft orange, is simply stunning. But there’s more to it than just the visual beauty. Uluru is a sacred site for the Aboriginal people of Australia, and watching the sun rise over it is a way of connecting with that ancient spirituality. It’s also a chance to appreciate the natural wonder of Uluru itself. This massive sandstone monolith has been around for hundreds of millions of years, and it’s truly awe-inspiring to behold. So if you ever have the chance to watch the sun rise over Uluru, don’t miss it!
Kata Tjuta National Park
Kata Tjuta, also known as the Olgas, is a group of 36 domed rock formations located in Australia’s Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park. The name “Kata Tjuta” comes from the local Aboriginal people, the Anangu, and means “many heads”. The Anangu have a strong spiritual connection to Kata Tjuta, and believe that it is a sacred place. The tallest dome, Mt. Olga, reaches a height of 546m. Kata Tjuta is made up of sedimentary rocks that were deposited over 500 million years ago. The rocks were later uplifted and eroded to form the distinctive domes we see today. Visitors to Kata Tjuta can explore the valleys and walkways between the domes. The most popular walking trail is the Valley of the Winds loop, which takes you through some of the most stunning scenery in the park. This trail is over 7 kilometres long, and includes breathtaking views from two lookout points. Parts of the trail consist of some moderate-level of difficulty for hikers. The Valley of the Winds is typically closed around mid-morning to ensure hikers are not caught out in the heat of the mid day.
Kings Canyon
Kings Canyon is one of the most popular attractions in Watarrka National Park, and for good reason. This magnificent 270m high sandstone canyon is a truly unique landscape, and one that is well worth exploring. The main hike through the canyon, the Kings Canyon Rim Walk, is a moderate to challenging 6km loop trail that takes you past some of the most spectacular scenery in the park. Along the way you will see amazing rock formations, native plants and animals, and stunning views out over the canyon. If you are up for a challenge, you can also add on an optional side trip to the top of Mount Conner, which offers even more amazing views. Whether you are a seasoned hiker or just getting started, Kings Canyon is sure to leave you with lasting memories.
Australia’s Red Centre is one of the most unique and beautiful places on Earth. From the iconic Uluru to the vast national parks, this area is full of natural wonders. And with its Aboriginal heritage and rich history, the Red Centre is a truly fascinating place to explore.
