Melanie Colwell
January 12, 2022

Imagine a place where you start the day by watching the sun rise over the desert.

One hour later, you’re taking a dip in a secluded waterhole. Or, perhaps, you’re shopping up a storm at a local art gallery. And, the day ends with a bush tucker feast by the campfire and sleeping in a swag under shooting stars.

That place is the Red Centre. For an adventure that’s a world away from your every day, Central Australia is where you need to go.

Here, you’ll discover a desert bursting with life — from the awe-inspiring natural beauty to the rich cultural heritage.

The Red Centre is different. And, after visiting, you will be, too.

Want to start planning your own custom itinerary to the Red Centre? Click the map to launch our trip builder and discover all essential spots to put on your must-visit list.
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        WHEN TO GO

        Spring (August to October) and autumn (March to May) is typically considered the best times of year to visit the Red Centre, when the days are warm and the nights are cool (but not freezing). Temperatures at this time average 12 to 27 degrees — perfect for hiking and swimming.

        GETTING THERE

        You can fly direct to Alice Springs from all state capital cities except Canberra, or to Uluru from Sydney, Brisbane and Melbourne. We recommend flying into one and out the other for the ideal Red Centre road trip.

        SPENDING MONEY

        With an abundance of mindblowing natural beauty and wildlife to discover for free, you can keep your adventure pretty cost-efficient if need be. But, to get the full Red Centre experience, it’s worth setting aside a few extra pennies to partake in the once-in-a-lifetime experiences, too.

        DON’T MISS

        If it’s scenic beauty you seek, make tracks to Tjoritja (West MacDonnell National Park). The expansive region is home to countless hiking tracks, including the 223-kilometre Larapinta Trail, and picturesque watering holes to take a dip in. Our picks? Ormiston Gorge and Ellery Creek Big Hole.

        RED'Y-TO-GO INTERARIES

        I Finally Made the Journey to Central Australia — and It Soars Beyond Expectation
        Rewarding Cultural Experiences to Immerse Yourself in on a Trip to Central Australia
        Unexpected Things You Didn't Know You Could Do (and See) in Central Australia
        Exhilarating Experiences Every Adventure Lover Should Have in Alice Springs and Beyond
        An Outrageously Luxe Itinerary to Follow on That Once-in-a-Lifetime Trip to Central Australia
        A Jam-Packed Itinerary of Essential Desert Experiences in the Red Centre

        Out There Experiences

        Shop the top-notch Red Centre experiences, handpicked by our editors, below.
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        Get out there in the Red Centre. To start booking your adventure, visit the website.

        Top image: Jewels Lynch, Tourism NT
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