Red Centre

Travel Guide

Photo provided by Tourism NT
Red Centre
Red Centre featuring a small town or village and tranquil scenes
Red Centre which includes 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

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

Desert Springs

Travelers 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
Default Image

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
Default Image

The Gap

Unique features of The Gap include the restaurants and shopping. Make a stop by Alice Springs Transport Heritage Centre or Royal Flying Doctor Service while you're exploring the area.

The Gap
Default Image

Sadadeen

When in Sadadeen, you can plan a visit to Todd Mall and Alice Springs Golf Club, some noteworthy sights in the nearby area.

Sadadeen
Default Image

East Side

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

East Side
Yeperenye-Emily and Jessie Gaps Nature Park showing desert views

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
Diplomat Hotel Alice Springs
Diplomat Hotel Alice Springs
3.5 out of 5
20 Gregory Terrace, Corner Hartley St and Gregory Terra, Alice Springs, NT
Stay at this 3.5-star business-friendly motel in Alice Springs. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and 2 restaurants. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our ...
7.4/10 Good! (1,001 reviews)
"Everthing"

Reviewed on Jul 12, 2025

Diplomat Hotel Alice Springs
The Lost Camel
The Lost Camel
3 out of 5
Yulara Drive, Yulara, NT
$208 nightly
The price is $229 total per night from Jul 22 to Jul 23
$229 total
Jul 22 - Jul 23
Total includes taxes and fees
Stay at this 3-star hotel in Yulara. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a free airport shuttle. Our guests praise the pool and the helpful staff in our reviews. ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (375 reviews)
"Good location, clean and comfy"

Reviewed on Jul 2, 2025

The Lost Camel
Desert Gardens Hotel
Desert Gardens Hotel
3 out of 5
1 Yulara Drive, Yulara, NT
$395 nightly
The price is $434 total per night from Aug 15 to Aug 16
$434 total
Aug 15 - Aug 16
Total includes taxes and fees
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! (279 reviews)
Room to spreadout and enjoy.
"Bistro is excellent. The resort is in a monopoly situation, but does deliver a good holiday."

Reviewed on Jul 4, 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! (368 reviews)
"Staff really make an effort to make sure you are comfortable"

Reviewed on Jun 24, 2025

Quest Alice Springs
Vatu Sanctuary
Vatu Sanctuary
2.5 out of 5
18 Knuckey Avenue, Braitling, NT
Stay at this apartment in Alice Springs. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a garden. Popular attractions Anzac Hill and Alice Springs Telegraph Station are ...
Excellent place in Alice Springs
"I stayed in a studio which was very spacious and comfortable. It has all modern amenities. Communal areas are great! I specially liked the artwork in the rooms and outside. Overall fantastic place."

Reviewed on Oct 28, 2017

Vatu Sanctuary
4 Bedrooms, 2 Bathrooms
4 Bedrooms, 2 Bathrooms
The Gap
Stay at this vacation home in Alice Springs. Enjoy free WiFi, a garden, and laundry facilities. Popular attractions Royal Flying Doctor Service and National ...
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 Jul 11, 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.

Popular places to visit

Things to do

Cities near Red Centre