Red Centre

The Red Centre is the colloquial name given to the southern desert region of the Northern Territory in Australia.

Towns

• 1 Alice Springs — heart of Australia and hub of the region.
• 2 Yulara — the town that provides accommodation and services to Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park.

Other destinations

• 1 Chambers Pillar Historical Reserve — a spectacular solitary column towering 40 metres above the Simpson Desert plain.
• 2 Charlotte Waters
• 3 MacDonnell Ranges — following Ross Highway to the east, you will find awesome gorges, gaps and rock formations.
• 4 Ewaninga Conservation Reserve — gain insight into an ancient culture as you explore the small, 6-hectare Ewaninga Rock Carvings.
• Finke Gorge National Park — this ancient landscape includes desert oasis Palm Valley, home to a diverse range of plant species, many of which are rare and unique to the area.
• 5 Rainbow Valley — a scenic natural reserve consisting of various formations of sandstones and rocks.
• 6 Uluṟu-Kata Tjuṯa National Park — home to Australia's most recognisable natural icon.
• 7 Watarrka National Park — home to Kings Canyon, a mighty chasm reaching a depth of 270 metres with some great options for the less energetic to explore.
• 8 Tjoritja / West MacDonnell National Park — following Larapinta Drive westwards, it offers easily accessible swimming holes, chasms and gorges, bush walking, camping and four-wheel-driving.

Understand

The Red Centre is the place where you will find the most famous monolith of Australia, Uluru and it is where the heart of the outback beats. The only town with a sizable population is Alice Springs, the remainder of the population being scattered in smaller communities. The oxidized iron in the soil gives the whole area its distinctive and immediately recognizable reddish glow. Here you can connect with the oldest living culture on earth or listen to colourful yarns of the pioneering days at an outback pub.

Indigenous history

The Arrernte Aboriginal people have made their home in the Central Australian desert in and around Alice Springs for more than 50,000 years. The Aboriginal name for Alice Springs is Mparntwe. Three major groups Western, Eastern and Central Arrernte people live in Central Australia, their traditional land including the area of Alice Springs and East/West MacDonnell Ranges. They are also referred to as Aranda, Arrarnta, Arunta, and other similar spellings.

Arrernte country is rich with mountain ranges, waterholes, and gorges; as a result the Arrernte people set aside 'conservation areas' in which various species are protected. According to the Arrernte traditional stories, in the desert surrounding Alice Springs, the landscape was shaped by caterpillars, wild dogs, travelling boys, two sisters, euros, and other ancestral figures.

There are many sites of traditional importance in and around Alice Springs, such as Anthwerrke (Emily Gap), Akeyulerre (Billy Goat Hill), Ntaripe (Heavitree Gap), Atnelkentyarliweke (Anzac Hill), and Alhekulyele (Mt Gillen). Many Arrernte people also live in communities outside of Alice Springs.

Talk

English is the most common language spoken in the Red Centre; in addition, hundreds of different Aboriginal languages are spoken by the Indigenous peoples of the Red Centre.

Get in

If you travel into an Aboriginal Community, you are not allowed to take alcohol or pornography. There are severe fines if caught. Also, when visiting Arts Centres, do not travel into residential areas (these are well sign-posted).

By plane

There is an airport in Alice Springs. Qantas has connecting flights to Darwin, Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Adelaide, Cairns and Perth. There is a flying shuttle to Uluru/Ayers Rock but airport (Ayers Rock (Connellan) Airport) too, so if you're just flying in to see the rock, you don't have to stop off at Alice (although you should!).

By train

The Ghan is Australia's Orient Express, a long train ride right across the continent from Adelaide to Alice Springs, and it got even longer in 2004 with an extension right through to Darwin. Don't expect luxury on the Ghan, however. The rolling stock is rather dated, and while adequate, it was purchased used, and has not been highly refurbished. The scenery is nice though. Expect to pay a premium over the airfare. The Ghan is also the only train line into the NT.

By car

Lasseter Highway between Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park and Alice Springs

Alice Springs is 17 hours drive from Darwin, and 18 hours drive from Adelaide. The Stuart Highway from Adelaide is well-maintained and goes right through Coober Pedy, an underground town famous also for being the opal capital of the world (and worth stopping off for a visit on the way). It continues through Tennant Creek and Katherine all the way up to Darwin.

It is worthwhile reading the safety tips for Driving in Australia and always carrying water and ensuring you know the location and opening hours of your fuel and food stops.

Read the rental car conditions carefully. Cars rented locally in Alice Springs usually do not offer unlimited free kilometres. Rental cars hired outside of the Northern Territory may not be able to be driven into it. Driving after dark outside of the city limits may be prohibited.

By bus

Greyhound ply the route to Alice Springs daily from the north and the south.

Get around

The paved Stuart Highway running from Alice Springs to Adelaide crosses the area and is the major artery for local traffic (meaning you can cross several vehicles per hour). The A4 Lasseter Highway is also paved, and links the Stuart Highway with Uluru.

Consider renting a 4WD to explore areas beyond the A87 Stuart Highway and Uluru. Several destinations can simply not be accessed by conventional vehicles. If you run out of fuel here, you're in big trouble. It is advisable to travel with other vehicles, the more the better.

The big rocks are a little distance from Yulara. where the accommodation and facilities are. If you are not with a tour, or didn't bring your car, you will need to decide how best to get to these locations. Hire cars can be expensive, and have limited kilometres; however shuttles to and from the rock are also expensive, so do the maths and see what works best for you.

Distances in the Red Centre can be greater than people think. For example, people think that Uluru is an easy day trip from Alice Springs. But the time between Alice and Uluru is about 5-6 hours each way.

See

• Alice Springs, an oasis in the middle of nowhere, and the link to the outer world for locals, and the natural choice to start your exploration of the region. Framed by the MacDonnell Ranges and an intense desert landscape, Alice Springs is Australia’s most famous outback town.
• Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park Few are ever prepared for a visit to the Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park. Uluru is Australia's most recognisable natural icon. Standing 348 m high, the monolith has a great cultural significance for the traditional Aboriginal owners, the Anangu people. The Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park is 440 km south-west of Alice Springs near the town of Yulara. A three-day permit to enter the National Park costs $25. A permit to enter the park may or may not be included in a tour you book. Ask your booking agent if your tour fee includes the permit to enter the park. Since 2019, climbing has been banned.

On the top of Uluru

• 1 Curtin Springs (Curtin Spring Station), Lasseter Highway via Yulara, Northern Territory (Curtin Springs is 85 km east of the Ayers Rock Resort or 360 km SW of Alice Springs), ☏ +61 8 8956 2906, enquiries@curtinsprings.com. daily 7AM-9PM. Curtin Springs provides a diverse jigsaw of experiences, offering visitors an appreciation of the deeply layered mosaic of landscape, culture, production and environmental features of Central Australia.
  The Curtin Springs Wayside Inn offers 27 accommodation rooms, campground, bar and restaurant areas.
  Curtin Springs Paper and Curtin Springs Walks offer up Curtin Springs as a destination for those visitors wishing to experience a closer connection to the intricacies of the landscape.
  100 km east of Ayers Rock, Curtin Springs offers a perfect base from which to visit the Ayers Rock and Kings Canyon areas. Or stay a while longer and ‘peel back the layers’ by including experiences, tours and hospitality in your travel plans.
  Curtin Springs Paper - Handmade paper from our native grasses. A truly authentic souvenir of the region. (updated Mar 2018)
• Museum of Central Australia, Araluen Cultural Precinct, Corner of Larapinta Drive and Memorial Avenue, Alice Springs, Northern Territory, ☏ +61 8 8951 1120. The museum acts as an interpretive centre for Central Australia’s natural history. The exhibitions explore the unique features of the region through time and space, following the evolution of the landscape and the creatures that inhabited it. Featured is a replica of a local palaeontologic dig, an ancient waterhole with some surprising mega fauna including a giant freshwater crocodile and the largest bird that ever lived, Dromornis stirtoni, dated at eight million years old. Other exhibits include present day Central Australian mammals, reptiles, insects and meteorite fragments. 
• Alice Springs Desert Park, Larapinta Drive, Alice Springs, Northern Territory, ☏ +61 8 8951 8788. In the space of just a few hours, you can discover many of the secrets of the Central Australian deserts at the Alice Springs Desert Park. Hundreds of the species of plants and animals found across Central Australian deserts can be seen, smelt and heard at the Desert Park. You will even have the opportunity to experience desert habitats as they are at night, seeing some of the animals near impossible to see in the wild. Entry fees apply. 
• Watarrka National Park (Kings Canyon), Kings Canyon, Watarrka National Park, south-west of Alice Springs (330 km via the Red Centre Way, 450 km via the Stuart and Lasseter Highways and Luritja Road), ☏ +61 8 8951 8250. Watarrka National Park, synonymous with its most famous landmark, Kings Canyon, is 450 km south west of Alice Springs in the Uluru-Kata Tjuta region of the Northern Territory. The park encompasses the western end of the George Gill Range and is home to a variety of unique native flora and fauna, including over 600 different plant species. 

Itineraries

• Red Centre Itinerary - This itinerary will lead you through the best of the Red in a few days, however you will need a 4WD, so make a reservation beforehand. Make sure there is a little fridge with your vehicle to keep your supplies fresh.

Do

• Larapinta Trail, West MacDonnell Ranges, Alice Springs, Northern Territory, ☏ +61 8 8951 8250. The Larapinta Trail is an exciting long distance walking track through the West MacDonnell National Park in the heart of central Australia. The Trail runs for 223 km along the backbone of the West MacDonnell Ranges from Alice Springs to Mt Sonder. The grandeur and timeless beauty of the Ranges are the backdrop and setting for the Trail, which is divided into twelve sections, providing walkers with an opportunity to experience an ancient landscape at their own pace. 
• Simpsons Gap, 18 km west of Alice Springs, via Larapinta Drive, Alice Springs, Northern Territory, ☏ +61 8 8951 8250. Simpsons Gap, 18 km west of Alice Springs, is one of the best known attractions in the West MacDonnell National Park. A good time to visit is later in the afternoon or early morning when there is a good chance of sighting the rare Black-footed Rock Wallabies. The Ghost Gum walk provides an interesting introduction to the native plants of the region. The short walk to Cassia Hill gives excellent elevated views of the Ranges and the Simpsons Gap area. For something a little different, a sealed bicycle path meanders for 17 km between Simpsons Gap and John Flynn's Grave. Allow around 45 minutes to explore the wonders of this area. 
• Ellery Creek Big Hole, Namatjira Drive, Alice Springs, Northern Territory (90km west of Alice Springs). High red cliffs, a large waterhole and a sandy creek fringed by gums make this one of the most popular and picturesque picnicking spots in the West MacDonnell Ranges. Much more than just a popular place for the locals to take a refreshing dip, Ellery Creek Big Hole is also recognised as an internationally significant geological site. A 3-km Dolomite walk provides an opportunity for visitors to explore some of the interesting formations. The West MacDonnell Ranges are the source of the water that has collected in a deep pool. Red River and Ghost Gums shelter the nearby picnic area. Camping is permitted (fees apply). 
• Uluru Camel Tours, Ayers Rock Resort, Yulara, Northern Territory, ☏ +61 8 8950 3030. There are views of Uluru (Ayres Rock) and Kata Tjuta (The Olgas) providing an inspiring backdrop. Get up close and personal and enjoy a short ride atop one of these gentle giants of the desert, or browse through the museum and display area and pick up a memento of your visit. A wonderful ‘hands on’ experience for young children and families alike. 

Eat

Alice Springs has a large variety of restaurants, cafes and popular fast food chains.

Drink

There is no drinking alcohol in public places in Alice Springs. You must be on private premises or in the selection of bars and restaurants.

Stay safe

The Australian Outback, although very beautiful is also very dangerous due to its extreme conditions. Be prepared and plan your trip before you start it. Plan fuel stops and always carry extra fuel as on some highways fuel and towns can be up to 800 km apart. It is advised to carry a satellite phone or HF radio for emergencies if leaving the major roads. Water and food are also very important. If you become stranded in the outback stay calm and stay with your vehicle so emergency services are able to locate you. If you have communication devices use them. Mobile (cellular) phone coverage is limited to the regional centres.

• Sun protection Travellers should always wear a wide-brimmed hat, long-sleeved shirt, sunglasses and at least an SPF 30 sunscreen when outdoors. You should also be sure to drink plenty of water; a minimum of two litres per day is advised.
• Dehydration Early symptoms include feeling thirsty, excess sweating, headache, dizziness and nausea. If dehydration continues, it can result in seizures, a loss of consciousness and even death.
• Insects The Territory is home to mosquitoes and other biting insects, so a reliable insect repellent, mosquito coils and appropriate clothing will make travelling more comfortable. If camping, keep your tent zipped and tap your shoes out before putting them on.

On the road

As with all things in the remote desert, some care should be taken in planning to go out of town. A few of the trips listed are four-wheel-drive (4WD) only and should only be undertaken by experienced 4WD drivers, with proper supplies and equipment. There are a number of tour companies available to help with this. Things to remember:

• Either go with a local guide (best) or ensure someone checks over your itinerary and gear. This is a harsh environment!
• You'll need a lot more water than you might think, and you may need extra fuel.
• It's illegal to drive with uncovered firewood on your roof, so if you need to put it up there put a tarpaulin over it and secure it tightly.
• When bush walking, wear long pants and closed-toe shoes; Central Australia is home to some of the most deadliest snakes in the world, but these snakes have very small fangs - a good pair of shoes or long pants will stop them from harming you.
• Make sure someone knows you're going out and when to expect you back.
• Beware of fire! Make sure your campfire is under control at all times, and put it out completely before you leave. Do not throw your cigarette out the window in this area, for your own safety.

Comfort notice: If you are leaving to go out bush and it is not the dead of winter (July), you should bring a flynet. Flynets are fine mesh nets which cover your head. The flies don't bite but they do make a very enthusiastic attempt to get up your nose, in your ears and at your eyes; not being prepared can spoil what would otherwise be a wonderful experience.

Respect

You may not take alcohol or pornography into Aboriginal Communities, even as a tourist passing through. This applies for the Historical Precinct at Hermannsburg also. Travellers are not permitted into residential parts of the communities. These areas are well sign posted, so keep your eyes open and you will be fine.

Go next

The Stuart Highway is the only sealed option. Drive North, you will reach the tropical Top End and Darwin. To the south, you will enter South Australia, with Port Augusta at the end of the road.

If you have a 4WD, you can cut Northwest directly to the Kimberley on the Tanami Track, a relatively well graded dirt road crossing the Tanami Desert. It is an 800-km drive to Hall's Creek in Western Australia, with very little supplies along the way, and only a single fuel station at the remote Rabbit Flat Roadhouse (which is not open all the time, on top of that), roughly midway between Alice Springs and Hall's Creek.

To the west, you can take the unpaved Gunbarrel Highway starting at Kata Tjuta, and with a lot of patience and a good 4WD you could drive all the way to Perth (something like 2500 km away).

To the east, the WAA line or the French line are 4WD tracks crossing the Simpson Desert to Birdsville in Queensland, some 500 km east. Be extremely well prepared if you wish to tackle those routes.

• Coober Pedy — spend the night in an opal mine
• Darwin — The tropical capital city
• Katherine — nature and culture, history and heritage, and gateway to the spectacular Katherine Gorge
• Tennant Creek — Aboriginal culture, gold mining and pastoralism