There are many destinations on earth that are photogenic but a serious letdown in real life. Ayers rock and the centre of Australia is not one of them. As one of the most remote tourist destinations on earth, the dedication it takes to travel to The Red Centre in outback Australia is definitely worth the effort once the wondrous rock formations begin to rise from the red earth to create one of the great natural wonders on earth and truly delivers on a unique holiday experience.
Getting to Alice Springs, Ayers Rock (Uluru) and Kata Tjuta puts into perspective just how big and vast Australia really is when flying over the country to the Red Centre. Flying means that in the morning you can be sitting on the steps of the Sydney Opera House drinking a cappuccino and by afternoon be trekking through the desert, and therefore truly feel like you have travelled to a different planet due to the sheer opposite in landscapes within one country.
However, getting to the epicentre of Australia’s historical, cultural and geological monuments can be very much part of the travel experience as The Red Centre is itself. Driving from capital cities is entirely possible yet means adding days onto a trip. Leaving from Sydney or Melbourne will take two to three full days of driving time, for example.
But what you will see is eye-opening scenery that takes your preconceived ideas of what a desert is and then flips it. From mountain ranges to lush forests and dry dirt, the highways into the middle of the country are a journey of almost every aspect of nature on offer.
Going to The Red Centre may very well be a once in a lifetime opportunity. In between busy city life, it is a true definition of “getting away from it all” and experiencing unique sights that will change the definition of what nature can do while learning about a people and history that existed long before modern civilisation.
During my first trip to Australia in 2008, I visited Australia’s Red Centre, including Ayers Rock and Kata Tjuta and I was blown away by the heat, the number of flies, the remoteness and the unique Australian Outback Scenery.
But I loved the Australian outback then, and I still love it now. The uniqueness of it, the lifestyle, the extreme weather… but it’s certainly not for the faint-hearted.
ALICE SPRINGS
The most built-up town in Australia’s Red Centre is Alice Springs. It is where the planes will land and can act as the gateway to the surrounding attractions. It’s important to know that while Alice Springs and Ayres Rock are often grouped in together, they are two completely different places, situated roughly 450 kilometres away from each other, yet the former has plenty to entertain you with before venturing out to the iconic desert.
Alice Spring boasts wildlife parks and art galleries that will both amaze and educate. The Alice Springs Desert Park is over 2.5 kilometres of conserved land where animals natural environments have been recreated while building in access for observing the creatures in their homes. Despite the warm desert weather, this park can be cycled around to truly appreciate the land in a semi-controlled setting.
Meanwhile, the Araluen Arts Centre features four galleries that all focus on artists living in the Central Desert Region. Aboriginal paintings are big in both size and history, showcasing the historical stories that have been passed down through generations for millennia. Understanding the culture of the indigenous people elevates the experience of being in The Red Centre, as it introduces the opportunity to celebrate why it is an area so important to so many people.
I stayed in Alice Springs for 3 nights, while exploring Uluru/Ayers Rock and Kata Tjuta. Personally, I didn’t find Alice Springs particularly interesting. It’s definitely the nature and the parks in the area that makes it worth visiting Alice Springs.
AYERS ROCK (ULURU)
Millions of years ago due to enormous pressure under the earth, mud and stone were pressed together and pushed through the earth due to tectonic movements. And voila… Ayers Rock was born.
The giant red rock is undoubtedly the most iconic attraction at The Red Centre. Unlike any other landmark in the world, Ayers Rock attracts visitors from all around the world to marvel at its size, beauty and the simply amazing sunsets that happen around it every day.
While it has been photographed and seen from afar, nothing prepares a first time viewer for what they will see in real life. Rising to a height of 348 metres, Ayers Rock is both bigger and longer than what any rock is thought to be possible and while the smaller inanimate objects don’t inspire much awe, this will ignite as many emotions as colours.
Sunrise and sunset are arguably the best viewing times, partly because of the cooler temperatures, but also because of the brown, orange and red rainbows that surround the rock when it is in line with the sun.
Climbing Ayers Rock was typically at the top of everyone’s Outback Australia list, but since October 2019, climbing Uluru is not longer possible. This is due to the Anangu people, the traditional landowners, wishing for respect and safety.
But seeing Ayers rock from a distance can be just as impressive. It’s amazing to see that this massive rock formation is just sitting there in the middle of nowhere in the Australian Outback and everything else is just as flat as it can be. It’s funny that from a distance, Ayers Rock/Uluru looks totally different than when you actually under, in between or right in front of it.
Visiting Ayers Rock / Uluru on a daytrip from Alice Springs
Me and my travel buddie where visiting Ayers Rock / Uluru with a very long day trip from Alice Springs. We departed Alice Springs around 6 am, drove 5 hours ( which was an amazing drive through Australia’s Red Centre ) and arrived in the early afternoon when it was smoking hot and a million flies were zooming around.
We walked around in the area and enjoyed an amazing dinner with views of Ayers Rock/ Uluru during sunset and witnessed the colours changing every time the sun was disappearing a bit more.
Unfortunately my camera back in the days wasn’t as good as the one I have these days, but here is a little impression of Ayers Rock / Uluru.
KATA TJUTA
Apart from Ayers Rock, Kata Tjuta is the most visually stunning and well known natural formation in The Red Centre.
These 350 million-year-old rock formations, also known as The Olgas, are a group of large, domed rocks that cluster together and have a wealth of mythology surrounding them.
Located 360 kilometres south-west of Alice Springs and 25 kilometres from Ayers Rock, Kata Tjuta is believed to be the home of the Aboriginal snake king Wanambi, who only comes to ground level during the dry season, and punishes those who have committed evil deeds.
We also visited an aboriginal art centre, that was full of interesting facts and stunning artworks before heading back to Alice Springs.
Regardless of the extreme heat and the millions of flies, it’s definitely worth visiting the Red Centre and a must see on your Australia bucket list!
Staying in the Red Centre
Accommodation for both Ayers Rock and Kata Tjuta can be found in between both places. From classic Aussie pubs to resort-style hotels and rustic camping, there is something for every kind of traveller to experience and stay in the Red Centre of Australia.
Camping in Australia’s red centre
To experience a true Ozzie Camping Experience, we definitely prefer camping out bush or outback rather than staying in a hotel in Alice Springs ( assuming you are visiting in the dry season ) but with the dust and weather conditions, we do understand that you rather plunge into a swimming pool and airconditioned room after your outback adventures 😉
There are many full-service Campings and Campgrounds available in the Red Centre. Have a look here for the best options.
WikiCamps is also a great app to find cheap and free camping spots in the outback and all over Australia. Camping in the outback is way cheaper than staying in an accommodation. Budget around 10 – 15 $ per person per night if you are not free camping but also want to stay away from the big touristy campings.
Accommodation in Australia’s red centre
Is more expensive than camping in and around Alice Springs and Kata Tjuta, but can be more convenient, depending on your wishes and needs. Agoda offers accommodation in Alice Springs for everyone’s needs. Have a look at the best deals here ↓
Airbnb in Alice Springs
Airbnb is becoming more and more popular and we, as Airbnb fans, can see why! Often cheaper than a hotel, more unique and more spacious are a few pros of staying in an Airbnb accommodation.
What do you think of a Desert Yurt or Studio in Alice Springs? 🙂
Here is a special link for a huge discount on your first Airbnb stay! → Airbnb
The Legendary Ghan from Alice Springs to Adelaide
I arrived in Alice Springs by plane from Cairns and left with the Ghan, the legendary train that goes all the way from Darwin to Adelaide.
The train ride from Alice Springs to Adelaide takes around 23 hours, but you will be rewarded with amazing outback scenery along the way.
Regarded as one of the world’s greatest rail journeys, The Ghan delivers much more than an ordinary train ride. You will see remote parts of Australia, that you will see nowhere else in the world. All in the comfort of your seat.
When I travelled from Alice Springs to Adelaide with the Ghan I sat in one of those recliner chairs, which were perfect, but if you want to travel in style you can also book a Platinum or Gold private cabin, which is super comfy and food and drinks are inclusive.
Book your tickets for the Ghan here
Tips on Visiting the Australian Red Centre
We lived in the remote Outback of Australia for over 3.5 years, not in the Red Centre, but in Kununurra, Western Australia.
Travelling to the Australian Outback is not like your usual getaway or organised trip. The outback is beautiful, and unique, but can put you into big trouble if you are not familiar with the scenery, the harsh conditions and preparations.
After living in those conditions you get familiar with them, you know how to prepare yourself and take precautions to stay safe. But if you are just visiting, we can’t tell you enough how important it is to listen to the locals, read and listen to the instructions from your rental car company ( I worked at a Car Rental Company in Kununurra for a while and can assure you that people not always understand that 4wheel driving and off-road in the outback is a little different than driving a tincan Nissan Micra in the city 😉 ) check the weather conditions, the road conditions…
Travelling Outback Australia takes way more preparations than going city sightseeing in Sydney, going to the beach in Noosa or do a bushwalk in the Atherton Tablelands in Queensland.
Here are a few questions we regularly get from people about visiting outback Australia.
2WD or 4WD in and around Alice Springs?
Transport wise we definitely recommend visiting the Red Centre with a 4WD. You can book your cheap and quality 4WD vehicle right here
There are roads that would suit a 2WD or backpacker van, but often are those roads not included in your car rental insurance and when shit hits the van, which can easily happen with wildlife, breakdowns or bumpy road, you are not in the best place.
Also, you won’t be sitting very comfortable in your car or van when you shake it like a Polaroid picture when driving on one of many corrugated roads.
The main attractions like Ayers Rock / Uluru and Kata Tjuta are accessible by normal 2WD, but if you really want to discover true Ozzie Outback life and you want to see more than the tourist hotspots around Alice Springs, defo go with a 4WD.
Compare car rental prices from all the major rental companies quick and easy here
Is it expensive in Outback Australia?
Simple Answer: Yes it is! Everything is more expensive in the outback. Fuel, Accommodation, Car Rental, Food… Everything.
Also, don’t forget your National Park passes. They are very reasonably priced compared with what you get and some parks are even FREE. Head over to the visitor’s centre in Alice Springs for actual prices and to buy your passes.
How is the weather in the Australian outback?
Depends on when you go. There is no such thing as the four seasons or Winter and Summer really… It’s always hot ( apart from some nights in the dry season when the temperature can even go close to or even under 0 )
There is a Wet and a Dry Season and as a visitor, you want to come in the Dry season, generally from April – October and stay far away from the Wet Season and build up as rain can bucket down like rivers and the heat is unbearable. We are talking temperatures around 45 – 50 degrees.
Obviously, the dry season is also tourist season and most busy and expensive, but the weather is lovely in those few months a year.
But, however always check the forecast before you go on a day trip in the outback, as conditions can change rapidly. You can leave with clear blue skies and then all of a sudden a thunderstorms rocks up out of nowhere. Sudden rain can also cause flash flooding, and wind can cause dust storms.
In those few days I was in Alice Springs I heard the loudest thunder I’d ever experienced in my life ( explosion loud ) and a dust storm ( unique to witness, but not really convenient 😉 )
How to be prepared for a safe stay in the outback?
Above all: Use your common sense.
Check the weather, have your gear in place, stock up on food and lots of water ( always take lots of extra water in case your car breaks down or you’re stuck somewhere ) take extra fuel if you are not sure your tank is going to survive. Fuel is spare and you might come across stretches of up to hundreds of km without seeing anything or anyone.
Be prepared and ALWAYS let someone know about your plans. And ALWAYS check back in with them when you are back. This can save your life.
It might sound a bit like we are over reacting, but when you never visited the outback or you have no clues about the conditions, silly little things like this can make your outback trip a hell of a lot easier 🙂
Happy Travels!
