Guide to the Red Centre
Experience Aboriginal culture, desert adventures and the changing colours of Uluru in Australia's Red Centre.
The Red Centre is an extraordinary landscape of desert plains, weathered mountain ranges, rocky gorges and some of Aboriginal Australia's most sacred sites, including Uluru and Kata Tjuṯa. Floating in an outback waterhole, dining under a starry sky while being serenaded by didgeridoo, and watching the world's most famous rock change colours at dawn and dusk are just some of the Red Centre's only-in-Australia experiences.
Things to do in the Red Centre
Explore the culture of Kings Canyon
Immerse yourself in the local culture on a one-hour guided Aboriginal tour. Learn about the significance of bush tucker, medicines, dot painting and traditional wood artefacts made by the local Luritja and Pertame (Southern Aranda) people.
Wander through Field of Light
Lower your gaze to the base of Uluru and you’ll discover the Field of Light – an award-winning exhibition of over 50,000 glowing solar-powered stems. Visit at sunrise or sunset; it’ll be hard to forget such a beautiful sight.
Wake up with the desert
Begin your day under the stars in the heart of the Red Centre. Learn about the region's culture from an expert guide and watch the world wake up around you as the desert light exposes the spectacular natural landscape of Uluru and Kata Tjuta.
Dine under the outback stars
The Red Centre isn’t just phenomenal in daylight; come nightfall, the outback sky reveals the wonders of the galaxy. Soak up the stars over a bush tucker dinner complete with Dreamtime stories and a breathtaking backdrop of Uluru.
Connect with Aboriginal art
Learn about the powerful connection between art, culture and the land through a guided painting session with an Anangu guide. You’ll leave with a whole new appreciation for this fascinating region and the traditional Anangu culture.
Marvel at icons from the air
For a real showstopper sight, take to the air on a scenic flight and marvel at Uluru and its ancient surroundings from above. It’s not every day you get to soar above one of Australia’s most famous natural landmarks.
Meet kangaroos and their joeys
If you’ve ever wanted to get up-close to adorable kangaroos, you’ll love The Kangaroo Sanctuary. Meet the outback’s cutest orphaned roos while learning about these iconic Aussie animals from a real wildlife hero, Chris ‘Brolga’ Barns.
Walk across the ranges
If you’re looking for a challenge – one with outstanding views and life-long memories – look no further than the Larapinta Trail. Spanning 72 kilometres (45 miles) across the West MacDonnell Ranges, this is one adventure you’ll never forget.
Take in the views from a balloon
Start your day drifting above the spectacular rugged landscape of the Red Centre while the sun emerges, floating in a balloon as the natural beauty beneath you is revealed. Mornings in the outback don’t get any better.
Explore Tjoritja gorges
The Red Centre isn’t just desert; head to Tjoritja West MacDonnell National Park, just outside of Alice Springs, and you’ll find a plethora of picture-perfect waterholes. The best part is, you’ll most likely get them all to yourself.
Spot nocturnal wildlife
Watch the Red Centre come to life at night at the Alice Springs Desert Park. The park’s nocturnal tour will show you the abundance of wildlife that lives here as you spot desert animals including bilbies, echidnas and malas.
