Outback Australia: The Red Centre

Wild national parks where red rocks meet green palm trees, the unique culture and history of the indigenous people, adventurous activities, and exciting pioneer stories await in the Red Centre around Alice Springs. Read here everything you need to know about the red heart of Australia.

A journey into the Outback is an absolute must for any trip to Australia! Nowhere else can you experience wilderness so intensely, get so close to the indigenous culture, and feel the incredible vastness of Australia as you do in the Red Centre. I will show you that there is much more hidden here than just deserts and small towns: Huge national parks, deep red gorges with refreshing rock pools, adventurous activities, and unique attractions await you!

The Red Centre refers to the heart of Australia, the typically red semi-desert in the Northern Territory around Alice Springs. The city is your gateway to the Outback and, with 27,000 residents, the largest city within a 1,500-kilometer radius. Thanks to the airport, which is serviced multiple times daily from all major Australian cities, you can be there in just two to three hours. For most travelers, the journey itself is definitely the destination: Grab a van and start a road trip on the Red Centre Way through incredible landscapes. The Ghan train, which traverses Australia from north to south, also comfortably takes you through the Outback. It is considered one of the greatest train journeys in the world! Whichever route you choose - it is definitely worth it and will guarantee an unforgettable trip!

Upon arriving in the Outback, adventures await you everywhere. Depending on your interests and budget, there is something suitable for each of you. I will introduce you to some of the most beautiful activities waiting for you in the Outback that you will remember forever.

The kangaroo is one of the most popular and typical animals in Australia, which is why it even features on the Australian coat of arms.

The Kangaroo Sanctuary:

Location: Alice Springs

Prices: $85, children (3-17 years) $45

Opening hours: Tue - Fri, you will be picked up at your accommodation at the agreed time.

Due to collisions with careless drivers, unfortunate accidents involving kangaroos, which can often be fatal for the marsupials, occur regularly. The sanctuary in Alice Springs is dedicated to raising orphaned baby kangaroos that have been affected by such accidents. It also cares for fully grown animals. Another part of the sanctuary's work is to educate visitors about the protection of these animals. Here you can hold the little marsupials in your arms and feed them with a bottle while learning everything you want to know about kangaroos. An unforgettable experience and the perfect subject for your new profile picture.

The unique landscape in the Outback invites you to extensive hiking tours, where you can wander through stunning nature.

One of the most beautiful hiking trails in the world

The 223-kilometer Larapinta Trail, for example, leads you from Alice Springs to Redbank Gorge and has been named one of the Top 20 hiking trails worldwide by National Geographic. There are also guided hikes available, including real adventure camping for multi-day tours. Of course, you should always research your planned route beforehand and always pack enough water, provisions, and sun protection!

In the Red Centre, the spirituality and ancient culture of Australia is at home, which is why you can get very close to the Aborigines and their way of life here. In Alice Springs, you will find wonderful museums and galleries that showcase the unique history and art of the indigenous people. You learn even better about them on tours led by Aborigines themselves and at encounter places, where you can even try your hand at traditional painting in workshops. Ancient paintings can still be admired on sandstone and rock walls, documenting the beliefs of the locals.

The most beautiful nature often lies in untouched national parks, of which you will find several in the Red Centre. Here a lot of outdoor action and wilderness awaits you.

For the Aborigines, it is a sacred place, and for many travelers, it is the most typical image of Australia. And yet, it is much quieter at Uluru, also known as Ayers Rock, than at other attractions, as only a few take the effort to travel here.

A sacred and magical place

It is worth it! The journey here is beautiful and leads you through unique, impressive landscapes. You can even fly directly to Uluru at the nearby Ayers Rock Airport, which is only 30 kilometers away. Once at the Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park, you can either join guided tours or explore the area on your own. However, an entry fee of around $25 will be charged for everyone, which grants you access for three days. The magical backdrop and the beautiful colors at this unique site are something you will probably never forget!

The 36 rock formations known as Kata Tjuta, also called the Olgas, are also very worth seeing here. The best way to explore the 'many heads,' meaning Kata Tjuta in German, is to take a short hike.

The largest and most impressive gorge in all of Australia can be found in Watarrka National Park. Kings Canyon and the Kings Creek that winds through the gorge are a feast for the eyes; the lush green vegetation beautifully contrasts with the red rocks that characterize the Red Centre. From Kings Canyon, you enjoy an unparalleled view of the endless expanse of the Outback - this is something you should not miss!

In this adventurous national park, you can hike through impressive gorges such as Ormiston Gorge, which guides you along a seven-kilometer circular route. To cool off, an idyllic waterhole awaits where you can swim and relax. Here you can also observe the extraordinary birdlife of the Outback and simply enjoy the tranquility. If you like it so much that you want to stay longer and don't want to miss a starry night without any light pollution, a campground is available. The viewpoint also offers a worthwhile view of the gorge with its tall, rugged red rock walls.

Tip: In my travel magazine, you can find an article about the most beautiful national parks in the Northern Territory.

As you already know, Alice Springs is by far the largest city in the Red Centre and the perfect starting point for your adventures and excursions. But the city is also worth seeing! I will now reveal to you which attractions await you in the city itself or in the surrounding Red Centre.

In the north of the city, you will find Anzac Hill, a small hill that offers you a great view of the city and the surrounding mountains. Here you will also learn about Australia's history, as you find a monument for Australian war casualties and some information boards in the middle. Especially in the evenings, it is also simply a beautiful place to see the city lights come on and to observe romantic sunsets that illuminate the mountains.

Especially if you are interested in communication and Australian history, a visit to the approximately 100-year-old Telegraph Station is just right for you.

Telegraph Station:

Location: 4 km north of Alice Springs

Prices: $15 including tour

Opening hours: 9 AM - 5 PM, tour starts every 2 hours from 9:30 AM - 3:30 PM

Here, the first communication routes over the vast continent were born and developed, which is very exciting to see today. But I can recommend the visit for another reason: on a guided tour, you will learn not only about the development of communication but also about the Stolen Generation, a dark chapter of Australian history, as some children of the Australian indigenous people were housed here. After your visit, you can stop by a café or enjoy a cozy barbecue at the adjacent grill area.

Guru Tip: A mountain bike tour to the Telegraph Station is also very cool. In Alice Springs, you can rent a suitable bike for $30 AUD (about €18) for half a day or join a guided tour. Alternatively, you can rent an electric mountain bike for $99 AUD per day (about €60). More information can be found here.

Did you know that Alice Springs is known for Aboriginal art? In the city, there are several galleries where you can admire the colorful works of the indigenous people. The typical patterns and styles displayed in the artworks vividly reflect the long tradition and history of the craft. Definitely worth a visit is the Araluen Art Centre, where you will find some of Australia's most significant artworks, or the Tangentyere Artists Aboriginal Art Centre, where around 400 artists come together to showcase their creations.

For night owls among you, Alice Springs also offers plenty to experience. At Monte's Lounge, The Rock Bar, or Annie's Place Bar, you will meet other travelers, share stories from your journey, and celebrate with some drinks - provided you're not already tucked in bed at the end of an eventful day. Be sure to ask around - cool festivals regularly take place in the Outback. I can already give you a festival tip: At the annual Parrtjima Festival held in April, the city and the West MacDonnell Ranges are impressively illuminated with thousands of lights, creating a special atmosphere. The free Aboriginal festival also features impressive art exhibitions and performances. The next Parrtjima Festival will take place from April 3-12, 2020.

These were some highlights waiting for you in the Red Centre of Australia. Of course, there is much more to discover, but you will definitely notice that on your trip.

Post image: Photo: Tourism NT