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The vast and sparsely inhabited Northern Territory is home to just one per cent of the country’s population and protects a wealth of natural beauty and a rich cultural heritage. The region is dotted with cosy cattle stations, atmospheric outback pubs and quaint country towns reminiscent of the rugged outback image of the 'real' Australia. It is also home to thousands of Aboriginal people who hold a deep spiritual connection with the land that dates back tens of thousands of years.

Areas of Uluru and the Red Centre

The Red Centre: As its name suggests, the Red Centre is characterised by the ochre-red scorched earth of rugged outback Australia. Its sparse desert scrubland is punctuated by natural wonders, including Kata Tjuta (the Olgas), the immense Kings Canyon and the iconic pinnacle of Uluru. The friendly outback town of Alice Springs at the foot of the MacDonnell Ranges is the gateway to this intriguing area.

Uluru (Ayers Rock) The incredible natural monument of Uluru that dominates the heart of the Australian outback for miles in all directions is perhaps Australia’s most iconic image, and one of the world’s greatest natural wonders. The looming ochre formation holds great cultural and historical significance for the Anangu people who have inhabited the area for more than 10,000 years, and a visit to Uluru promises to be a fascinating lesson in ancient Aboriginal culture as well as a visual spectacle.

A walk around the base of Uluru (approximately nine kilometres) is the ideal way to get a real feel for the Rock – explore the various caves and niches that thousands of years have eroded into its walls, creating unique shapes and natural sculptures that are a wonder to behold. Some of these caves hold huge spiritual significance for the Aboriginal people and are used for gender-linked rituals and ceremonies, with parts of the rock to be viewed only by male or female members of the tribe. As such visitors are forbidden from photographing these sacred parts of the rock to protect against tribe members of the opposite sex accidentally encountering photographs of these taboo sites.

Alice Springs The delightful Outback town of Alice Springs is an excellent base for exploring the Red Centre and its surrounds, and is easily accessible both by air and by rail, on the legendary Ghan train that runs from Adelaide to Darwin. Surrounded by the picturesque MacDonnell Ranges, the town has plenty of accommodation options to suit all budgets and the town itself offers a charming afternoon’s distraction, with many art galleries displaying unique Aboriginal art, numerous restaurants and bars to try and great curio shops from which to pick up souvenirs before your journey home.

Sightseeing Ideas

Take a hot air balloon flight Take to the dawn skies over Alice Springs and glide over the silent landscape as you watch the sun emerge and bathe the terrain in a blaze of colour. A delicious bush breakfast will complete this romantic experience in style.

Day trip to Palm Valley Less than two hours from Alice Springs, Palm Valley is a unique tropical oasis, home to a diverse range of plant species and a place of historical significance both for its Aboriginal history and for the early European settlement town of Hermannsburg. A trip to the valley is a wonderful optional add on when visiting Alice Springs.

Top tips

Uluru - Arrive before dawn to witness the rising sun painting the rock face a hundred different shades – with the sun low in the sky the light illuminates the immense rock face with colours ranging from dusky blue to fiery orange – a truly magical event.

When to go

All year round: Dry season (May – Sep), wet season (Oct – Mar)