Why You Should Visit the Australian Red Centre

When you visit Australia, you cannot miss visiting the Red Centre. Home to Australia’s Aboriginal culture, Australia’s famous Uluru, and unique desert activities and adventures. Experience the abundance of waterholes waiting for you in the red desert, starry nights, and in-depth insight into the culture of the indigenous people of Australia. 

Extending through the desert centre of Australia and incorporating the vibrant town of Alice Springs (Mparntwe) across to Uluru, Kings Canyon & the West Macdonnell Ranges. Here we will list some of the top activities and experiences of why you should visit the Australian Red Centre.

The Experience

While in the Red Centre take the opportunity to explore the unique cultural practices of the local Aboriginal people. Learn about the importance of bush tucker and bush medicine and all its benefits such as spiritual and healing benefits. Get to know the seasonal bush tucker food that is still eaten today by the locals. Witchetty grubs and edible tree seeds are sure to be on the menu. Learn about the famous Aboriginal dot paintings, the wood-made artifacts, and the Australian outback. These are all-authentic indigenous experiences and are suitable for everyone interested in the history and culture of the First Nations people.

Amazing Field of Light Show

To experience the amazing Field of Light is why you should visit the Australian Red Centre. Internationally acclaimed artist Bruce Munro is noted for his immersive site-specific installations that employ light to evoke an emotional response. They are often in an outdoor context and on a monumental scale. His Field of Light, inspired by a trip to Uluru over 27 years ago, is installed in a remote desert area within sight of majestic Uluru. It is his largest installation to date. Munro and his team installed more than 50,000 slender stems crowned with radiant frosted-glass spheres. The Field of Light operates year round and has been extended indefinitely so catch it before it goes forever. It is truly a magical sight to behold. Highlights are Uluru (Ayers Rock), Kata Tjuta (The Olgas). 

Indulge In A Feast For The Soul

Now, this is an experience you do not want to miss. Enjoy a delicious barbeque dinner with a selection of some of Australia’s best wine and beers. Travel in the comfort of your coach around the base of Uluru. Your Driver Guide who will provide details on its incredible history. You’ll be fascinated by the Aboriginal stories that go back many thousands of years. Learn the significance of ancient Aboriginal rock art, about the area’s flora and fauna, and the culture of its traditional owners, the Anangu. Your day concludes with a spectacular sunset at Uluru. This is something not to be missed when visiting the Australian Red Centre.

Guided tour & painting

This tour is perfect for those who are searching for a unique and fun activity or for anyone who has a creative side to them! We invite you to join Maruku’s local Anangu artists for a fun introduction to the unique desert art form – Dot Painting lesson in a 1.5 hour format. Learn about the symbols and painting styles used to create beautiful works of art depicting the Creation time (Tjukurpa) stories.

Visit our Kangaroos!

Kangaroos are one of Australians’ most famous animals. The Red Centre is the ideal place to visit if you’re searching for a personal experience with the Red Kangaroo. Here at Kangaroo Sanctuary, located only 15km from Alice Springs, you will be able to do just that! The sanctuary offers a guided sunset tour around the 188-acre reserve. You will be able to meet many friendly kangaroos, and even famous ones such as the kangaroos from Kangaroo Dundee (Nat Geo Series). This tour can be booked for the late afternoon or just before sunset as the Kangaroos sleep during the day. They also offer private tours for special occasions such as birthdays, work gatherings, or school trips. This tour will offer family, friends, and animal lovers an opportunity to meet the iconic Kangaroos of Australia.

Kings Canyon

You’ll get a sense of the remoteness of outback Australia as you travel to Kings Canyon. Located in the heart of Watarrka National Park, it lies in an ancient Australian landscape that is sacred ground for the Ulpanyali and Lilla people. The Rim Walk is a once-in-a-lifetime experience. The climb up a 100-metre cliff face reveals views of sandstone walls, grottos, chasms and cliffs. Or you can set off on a relaxing two-kilometre stroll along the creek bed that leads to impressive views of the canyon rim.

Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park

The early rise is well worth it as you experience the two major landmarks in Uluru–Kata Tjuta National Park. Start with an amazing sunrise at Talinguru Nyakunytjaku, the Uluru (Ayers Rock) sunrise viewing area. Afterwards, on the 45 kms drive to Kata Tjuta (the Olgas) your Driver Guide will provide you with a historical overview of the National Park. The walk through the sheer walls of Walpa Gorge won’t disappoint as you’re led into a world of rare plant species and lush evergreen shrubs. The traditional landowners of the national park are the Yankunytjatjara and Pitjantjatjara people who refer to themselves as Anangu (pronounced arn-ung-oo). 

Tjoritja West MacDonnell National Park

You can’t come to the outback without visiting a National Park! The Tjoritja West MacDonnell National Park spans 161 kilometres west of Alice Springs. It is home to some of Australia’s best waterholes and gorges. These include Redbank Gorge, Ormiston Gorge, Glen Helen Gorge and Ellery Creek Big Hole. This park is ideal for travellers who are searching for a location packed full of adventure and activities. Experiences such as camping, swimming, exploring, and relaxing.

Other than the large range of waterholes to choose from, the park also offers many different skill levels of trails that travellers can explore, ranging from easy to adventurous. The Larapinta Trail is 223 kilometres and goes throughout the park. It is perfect for people who are looking for a challenge and enjoy hiking the ancient landscape of the park. It is also home to rare plants and uncommon wildlife such as the Peregrine Falcon, so if you love bird watching, this is the place to be. The national park also has value to the Arrernte people, such as the Ochre Pits, making Tjoritja National Park a place full of history and culture. There are lots of areas people can camp making this place a top location to visit while in the Red Centre.

Why should you visit the Australian Red Centre?

The Red Centre is where you will find an abundance of Aboriginal history and knowledge. It is home to some of Australia’s most iconic animals and stunning landscapes offering you a unique and exclusive experience you will cherish forever.

Our tours take the stress out of planning your trip to the red centre. Having to book passes for national parks, as well as vehicle and 4WD accessibility on roads. Book a tour of Central Australia today and experience the best the Red Centre has to offer!