Every visitor to Uluru (Ayers Rock) will attest that pictures just don’t do it justice. It’s a region full of majesty and other natural wonders, with Kata Tjuta (the Olgas)' neighbouring Uluru and Kings Canyon a few hours’ drive away.
Alice Springs epitomises the Australian outback character, with some unexpected surprises. It’s your basecamp for adventure, with waterholes, biking and hiking trails, historic and wildlife centres and four-wheel driving all within easy access.
Nature is your playground just a half-day drive from Alice Springs at the Devils Marbles (Karlu Karlu), south of Tennant Creek. The town of Tennant Creek offers travellers history, arts and outback experiences and is a natural stop as you drive the Explorer’s Way.
Do Alice
The city at the centre of Australia, Alice Springs, is a place that oozes character, colourful outback culture and breathtaking scenery. At just over a 3 hour flight from most capital cities, Alice Springs is your basecamp to new adventures.
It's a thriving, spirited outback centre with a population of 30,000. The climate is warm, the air is pure and the pace is relaxed. Alice is a town that you can visit either on your way to the Red Centre's outback icons, or enjoy for its own unique charm.
Adventure in Alice
Adventure is never far off. The East and West MacDonnell Ranges surround Alice Springs and provide a playground of adventure with hiking trails, four-wheel drive tracks, swimming holes and camping spots. Hot air balloon rides over the MacDonnell Ranges offer a truly unique experience to take in the sunrise over the rugged ranges.
There is an almost boundless range of activities including quad biking, camel trekking, camping and scenic flights for the thrill seekers. Or hit the trails with some fun and speedy mountain bike riding on the extensive network of tracks around the town.
For an adventure of another kind, take on the challenge of the Alice Springs Golf Club, one of the world’s finest desert courses set in the foothills of the majestic MacDonnell Ranges.
Tours frequently leave for other wonders such as Kata Tjuta (the Olgas), Uluru, Kings Canyon, Finke Gorge, Ormiston Gorge and Pound and Rainbow Valley.
Do Uluru
Few people who tour Uluru return unchanged. When you arrive at the rock, it's easy to see why it has such a huge spiritual significance for the Anangu Aboriginal people, and why it is considered the spiritual heart of Australia.
You’ll first be struck by the wonder of Uluru as you fly over it. Just a 10 minute drive from the airport, you’ll find a wide range of accommodation - from backpacker to eco-sensitive luxury, there are options to satisfy any traveller.
As well as the iconic Uluru, this region offers other great experiences, such as the ancient dome-shaped formations of Kata Tjuta, the spectacular sheer red rock cliffs of Kings Canyon and a taste of life on real outback stations.
Adventure in Uluru
If you’re looking for adventure, you’ll find lots to do in the land around Uluru! Meander through the changing colours of the Uluru and Kata Tjuta landscapes on the back of a camel at sunrise or sunset. Feel the exhilaration and freedom of seeing Uluru from a late model Harley Davidson. For a real bird’s eye view, you can explore the amazing landscapes of Uluru, Kata Tjuta or Kings Canyon on a fixed wing or helicopter scenic flight adventure.
Head off-road on a quad biking adventure through the dunes around Kings Creek Station, hike the trails around Kings Canyon or do the Kings Canyon Rim walk.