Red Centre

Travel Guide

Photo provided by Tourism NT
Red Centre
Red Centre which includes tranquil scenes and a small town or village
Red Centre featuring signage and tranquil scenes as well as an individual male
Photo provided by Tourism NT
Explore an extraordinary land of diverse terrains and deepen your understanding of Aboriginal cultures when you tour Australia's vast Northern Territory.

Australia's arid Red Centre is a vast, rust-colored wilderness of canyons, cliffs, gorges, staggering rock formations and sacred Aboriginal sites. This is the heart of the country’s remote outback, a place where the rocks and earth really are red due to the presence of oxidized iron. Hike canyons and mountains, enjoy wildlife encounters and experience Aboriginal culture.

Set aside several days to explore the spectacular landscape, starting with Uluru (Ayers Rock). The largest monolith in the world is approximately 1,141 feet (348 meters) high and is thought to extend several miles below ground. Although climbing the rock is permitted, it is sacred to indigenous Australians who would rather visitors avoid making an ascent.

Approximately 186 miles (300 kilometers) northeast of Uluru is Watarrka National Park, home to Kings Canyon, another geological marvel. Hike along the rim of the deep gorge and marvel at the massive sandstone walls.

Travel to Alice Springs, which lies close to the geographical center of Australia. Visit the Alice Springs Telegraph Station Historical Reserve to learn about the town's 19th-century European beginnings. Browse Aboriginal artifacts at the Strehlow Research Centre. Go on a four-wheel drive through Simpson Desert, which stretches south from the town.

Drive west from Alice Springs for about 3.8 miles (6 kilometers) to Alice Springs Desert Park. Alternatively, cycle along one of the paths that extend from the town to the park's entrance. Walk around the ancient desert landscape, glean insights into Aboriginal culture from a local guide and spot endangered animals on a nocturnal tour.

After your visit continue your drive west to the West MacDonnell Ranges, part of the MacDonnell Ranges. Swim in Ellery Creek Big Hole inside the West MacDonnell National Park. Go to Standley Chasm and visit Simpsons Gap, a permanent waterhole and a sacred site to local Aboriginal people.

Reach the Red Centre by flying into Alice Springs or Ayers Rock Airport, regional airports served by major Australian cities. Rent a car, motorbike or four-wheel drive to get around to the spectacular natural attractions and historical sites.

Where to stay in Red Centre

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Ross

You'll enjoy the restaurants and sporting events in Ross. You might want to make time for a stop at Frontier Camel Farm or Yeperenye-Emily and Jessie Gaps Nature Park.

Ross
Alice Springs featuring golf and tranquil scenes as well as a small group of people

Desert Springs

Travellers come to Desert Springs for its abundant dining options, and you can see top attractions like Alice Springs Golf Club and Lasseters Casino while you're in town.

Desert Springs
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The Gap

Unique features of The Gap include the restaurants and shopping. Make a stop by Alice Springs Transport Heritage Centre or National Pioneer Women's Hall of Fame while you're exploring the area.

The Gap
School of the Air which includes signage as well as a small group of people

Braitling

The restaurants and shopping are a few reasons travellers visit Braitling. Though there aren't many top sights in the neighbourhood, you can visit Larapinta Trail Trailhead and Alice Springs Telegraph Station, a few notable attractions nearby.

Braitling
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East Side

Travellers come to East Side for its abundant dining options, and you can see top attractions like Alice Springs Telegraph Station Historical Reserve and Joint Geological-Geophysical Reserve while you're in town.

East Side
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Mount Johns

Mount Johns is noteworthy for its restaurants, and you can make a stop at top attractions like Heavitree Gap and Yeperenye-Emily and Jessie Gaps Nature Park.

Mount Johns
DoubleTree by Hilton Alice Springs
DoubleTree by Hilton Alice Springs
4.5 out of 5
82 Barrett Drive, Desert Springs, NT
The price is €92 per night from 15 Mar to 16 Mar
€92
includes taxes & fees
15 Mar - 16 Mar
Book a stay at this golf hotel in Alice Springs. Enjoy free parking, 2 restaurants, and 2 bars/lounges. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. Popular ...
8.2/10 Very Good! (994 reviews)
"Lovely stay - very comfortable"

Reviewed on 3 Mar 2025

DoubleTree by Hilton Alice Springs
Crowne Plaza Alice Springs Lasseters, an IHG Hotel
Crowne Plaza Alice Springs Lasseters, an IHG Hotel
4.5 out of 5
93 Barrett Drive, Desert Springs, NT
The price is €91 per night from 29 Mar to 30 Mar
€91
includes taxes & fees
29 Mar - 30 Mar
Stay at this 4.5-star luxury hotel in Alice Springs. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a full-service spa. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (997 reviews)
"its alice springs so probably the best place too stay"

Reviewed on 28 Feb 2025

Crowne Plaza Alice Springs Lasseters, an IHG Hotel
Desert Gardens Hotel
Desert Gardens Hotel
3 out of 5
1 Yulara Drive, Yulara, NT
The price is €237 per night from 11 Mar to 12 Mar
€237
includes taxes & fees
11 Mar - 12 Mar
Stay at this 3-star hotel in Yulara. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a 24-hour front desk. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms in our ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (248 reviews)
"The manager was very Helpful .. And was very Courteous."

Reviewed on 26 Feb 2025

Desert Gardens Hotel
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Quest Alice Springs
Quest Alice Springs
4.5 out of 5
9-10 South Terrace, The Gap, NT
Stay at this 4.5-star luxury aparthotel in Alice Springs. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a 24-hour front desk. Popular attractions Alice Springs Golf Club ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (360 reviews)
"The hotel receptionist was wonderful and helped me with several things I needed. The room was very clean and quiet. Across the street is a nice walking trail and it's close to a couple of restaurants, within walking distance. I enjoyed my stay."

Reviewed on 17 Nov 2024

Quest Alice Springs
3km from CBD. One-year-old, modern, self-contained unit with a homely touch.
3km from CBD. One-year-old, modern, self-contained unit with a homely touch.
Braitling
Stay at this aparthotel in Alice Springs. Enjoy a garden and air conditioning. Popular attractions Alice Springs Telegraph Station and Larapinta Trail Trailhead ...
3km from CBD. One-year-old, modern, self-contained unit with a homely touch.
4 Bedrooms, 2 Bathrooms
4 Bedrooms, 2 Bathrooms
The Gap
Stay at this vacation home in Alice Springs. Enjoy free WiFi, a garden, and air conditioning. Popular attractions Royal Flying Doctor Service and National Pioneer ...
10/10 Exceptional! (1 review)
Telegraph Terrace, Alice Springs
"Perfect for 3 couples with 3 vehicles for 3 days. Large front garden area for parking all vehicles: 1car+van and 2 Ford Rangers with slide-ons. Very easy access, walking distance to shops, Olive Pink Botanical Gardens, etc. Very comfortable, clean, all facilities we needed. Great stop to consolidate ..."

Reviewed on 11 Jul 2024

4 Bedrooms, 2 Bathrooms
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

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