Things to do in Hugh

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Alice Springs featuring vehicle touring and desert views as well as a couple
Alice Springs featuring vehicle touring and desert views as well as a couple
Standley Chasm featuring a gorge or canyon
Standley Chasm which includes a gorge or canyon
Standley Chasm which includes a gorge or canyon
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Hugh must see attractions

1. Alice Springs Desert Park

In the Alice Springs Desert Park, just outside Alice Springs, you’ll discover the birds, reptiles and mammals of Central Australia. Learn about the living culture and history of the Arrernte indigenous people who have interacted with these animals, plants and landscapes for thousands of years.
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Alice Springs Desert Park featuring wildflowers

2. Alice Springs School of the Air

The Alice Springs School of the Air Visitor Centre is a wonderful place to discover the marvels of technology connecting children in remote Central Australia. Find out how this centre in Alice Springs can bring a class together, despite students being spread out over 1.3 million square kilometres (502,000 square miles), an area 10 times the size of England.
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School of the Air which includes signage as well as a small group of people

3. Tjoritja-West MacDonnell National Park

The West MacDonnell Ranges are home to an incredible array of desert plants and animals. This group of ranges in the Northern Territory is affectionately known as the West Macs and its isolated beauty is captured in the artworks of its most famous past resident, indigenous painter Albert Namatjira. Hike the ranges on the Larapinta Trail. Cool off in waterholes in deep gorges or take the scenic bike trail from Alice Springs to Simpson’s Gap.
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Tjoritja-West MacDonnell National Park which includes tranquil scenes, mountains and desert views

4. Larapinta Trail Trailhead

See the best spots in the West MacDonnell Ranges on the Larapinta Trail. Immerse yourself in the rugged habitat of black-footed rock-wallabies and the enormous wedge-tailed eagle along the 223-kilometre (140-mile) hike. Each night you’ll be camping beneath stars that seem amplified by the desert dark. Wake up to the spectacular colours of the ranges in the morning light.
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Alice Springs showing hiking or walking and mountains

5. Standley Chasm

Walk through this towering red-sandstone gorge carved out by floods to discover a rich array of native flowering plants, ancient cycads and diverse bird species.
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Standley Chasm which includes a gorge or canyon

6. Chambers Pillar Historical Reserve

A 50-metre (164-foot) high pillar of sandstone juts out of the salt bush-covered desert plains of Chambers Pillar Historical Reserve. The Chambers Pillar is at its best at sunrise and sunset when it glows red with the colours of the sinking sun. Don’t forget to bring a camera.
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Located on the north-western edge of the Simpson Desert this sandstone formation is only accessible with 4WD and some driving skill. We went with Outback Elite Tours and were not disappointed. There is a campground and picnic facilities, including some of the least stinky drop toilets I have encountered in National Parks in Australia. There are a lot of stairs up to the base of the pillar, but it is well worth it for the view over the Simpson Desert.

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What to do in Hugh

 

Looking for sports, concerts, or theater events in Hugh? Search event tickets to see what's happening today, or to plan what to do this weekend!

 

 

Discover the most popular places to visit in Hugh

Standley Chasm featuring a gorge or canyon and hiking or walking as well as a small group of people

Standley Chasm

4.5/5(6 reviews)

Walk through this towering red-sandstone gorge carved out by floods to discover a rich array of native flowering plants, ancient cycads and diverse bird species.

Standley Chasm
Alice Springs which includes desert views and views as well as a couple

Chambers Pillar Historical Reserve

Walk around the base of an enormous pillar of rock carved with the names of pioneers and watch as the sunset lights up the red and orange sandstone.

Chambers Pillar Historical Reserve

MacDonnell Ranges

4.5/5(23 reviews)

Commune with nature and explore the great outdoors at MacDonnell Ranges during your travels in Hugh. While in this walkable area, you can savor the top-notch restaurants.

MacDonnell Ranges

Larapinta Trail Section 4 Trailhead

You can take time to visit Larapinta Trail Section 4 Trailhead during your travels to Hugh. Wander the parks or discover the area's sunrises.

Larapinta Trail Section 4 Trailhead

Owen Springs Reserve

Explore the great outdoors at Owen Springs Reserve, a lovely green space in Hugh. Wander the parks or discover the area's sunrises.

Owen Springs Reserve

 

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Popular day trips from Hugh

Still culturally significant for the Western Arrernte people, ochre has been collected from here for thousands of years. This can also be used to access Section 8/9 of the Larapinta trail.

Burt Plain

Red Centre

Alice Springs

Alice Springs which includes a gorge or canyon as well as a couple

Hale

The rocks around Erldunda show an incredible range of colours, from white to pink to orange to deep dark red.

Ghan

Frequently asked questions

Is Hugh worth visiting?
From shopping to outdoor pursuits and history, there are plenty of great things to do in Hugh. Make sure to enjoy the area's mix of unmissable sights, culture and local charm.
How do I spend a day in Hugh?
Start your day with a visit to Rainbow Valley Conservation Reserve. Then, explore different parts of Hugh for a quick bite and some shopping.
What is the top tourist attraction in Hugh?
Rainbow Valley Conservation Reserve is one of the top tourist attractions in Hugh and should feature high on every must-do list of the area.
Is three days enough to stay in Hugh?
If you only want to tick off the most popular attractions, three days is more than enough time for a break in Hugh. Book for seven to ten days for the chance to really experience the local vibe, tour nearby highlights and explore a few hidden gems.
What are some activities to do in Hugh with kids?
Whether you're vacationing with hard-to-please teens or tiny adventurers, a schedule filled with fun activities is the key to a stress-free getaway. Browse our ideas for what to do in Hugh with kids.

What to do in Hugh for adults?
Adults of all ages will have lots of things to do in Hugh. Whether you're into local cuisine, outdoor pursuits or just love finding new places to explore, there's something here for everyone.
Are there free things to do in Hugh?
You don't need to spend a small fortune to enjoy an amazing vacation here. There are plenty of free things to do in Hugh for the budget-conscious traveler. Stroll through the parks, catch free shows and events or ask a local tour guide for tips.