Red Centre tours

LARAPINTA WALKING TOUR

5 Day Larapinta Walking Tour
Experience the breathtaking beauty of Australia's Larapinta Trail on this 5-day guided walking tour. Immerse yourself in stunning landscapes and discover the rich cultural heritage of the area.
5 Day/4 Night
6:00 - 17:00
Style: Camping
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2980-3180 AUD

2 day uluru trip

2 Day Uluru tour
Discover the beauty of Uluru and Kata Tjuta on our two-day escape trip. Immerse yourself in the breathtaking landscapes and cultural significance of these iconic Australian landmarks.
2 Day/1 Night
6:00 - 12:00
Style: Camping
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695-770 AUD

uluru tours 3 days
Cultural / Adventure

3 Day Uluru Tour, Kings Canyon, Kata Tjuta
This 3 day Uluru tour small group safari adventure from Alice Springs returning to Alice Springs captures the absolute best of Australia’s iconic red centre tour destinations, covering Uluru, Kings Canyon and Kata Tjuta all in one tour.
3 / 2 nights
06:00-18:30
Style: Camping
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950 AUD

4 day uluru tour
Cultural / Adventure

4 Day Alice Springs Uluru Tour
Our small group safari adventure tour takes you on a journey to experience the absolute highlights that the Red Centre has to share.
4 / 3 nights
06:00-18:30
Style: Camping
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1150AUD

west macdonnell ranges tour
Nature / Adventure

1 Day Alice Springs Tour to West MacDonnell Ranges
Explore the West MacDonnell Ridge on a full-day tour from Alice Springs. You’ll visit attractions such as Simpsons Gap, Ormiston Gorge, Ochre Pits, Standley Chasm, Ellery Creek and Glen Helen with an experienced guide.
1 day
07:00-18:30
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175 150 AUD

Kanku-Breakaways
Outback Camping Adventure

8-Day Uluru to Adelaide Tour
Unleash your inner adventurer on this epic eight-day overland tour from Uluru to Adelaide through Australia’s untamed outback.
8 Days
07:35-20:30
Style: Camping
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1596 - 1995 AUD

In the heart of Australia’s red centre lies one of the greatest, most iconic natural wonders of the world, Uluru (Ayers Rock), an enormous sandstone rock formation located in the Uluru–Kata Tjuta National Park in the vast southern region of the Northern Territory.

World Heritage Listed Uluru

Despite its remote outback destination, the Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park is one of Australia’s top tourist destinations. It attracts more than 400,000 visitors annually arriving to Alice Springs or Yulara for a tour experience. Assigned as a World Heritage Site in 1987 and listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1994, Uluru has been a sacred site and held special cultural and spiritual significance for the Pitjantjatjara, the indigenous custodians of the region, also known as the Anangu, for over 30,000 years.

Join an Uluru adventure and visit the world’s Largest Monolith

The landmark started forming over 550 million years ago due to changes in climatic conditions and the shifting of tectonic plates within the earth’s crust. The spectacular red colour of the rock is a result of the oxidation of iron-rich minerals rusting in the desert air over hundreds of thousands of years. The sandstone, composed with a high proportion of feldspar and quartz, changes colour throughout the day and is particularly striking at sunrise and sunset as the sun’s position amplifies the sandstone into an intense burnt orange and brilliant crimson red colour.

Uluru is considered an inselberg and is one of the world’s largest monoliths. It takes approximately 3 hours to walk around the rock and the sheer size of it is guaranteed to blow your mind. With so many sights and things to learn we strongly recommend a guided Uluru tour around the base. The enormous homogenous rock towers 348 metres high, rising 863 metres above sea level and stretching out 3.6 km long and 1.9km wide, with experts predicting it could also extend anywhere from 2.5 – 6kms underground.

Colonial History

In 1873 William Gosse, a colonial explorer, became the first non-Aboriginal person to see Uluru and named it Ayers Rock in honour of Sir Henry Ayers, the Chief Secretary of South Australia at the time. The two names, Ayers Rock and Uluru, have been used ever since. In 1985, the Australian government rightfully returned ownership of Uluru to the local Pitjantjatjara people under an agreement that it would be leased back to the National Parks and Wildlife Agency for 99 years and mutually managed.

The unnaturally smooth surface of Uluru is a result of the thousands of people who have climbed the rock over the years despite ongoing objections and requests from the Anangu people. The Anangu consider themselves protectors of the rock and any visitors to their country. Climbing is strictly forbidden due to the essential cultural and spiritual significance of the site, and it was eventually closed to the public and made illegal in 2019.

Uluru is a sacred Aboriginal site

Surrounded by an abundance of freshwater springs, gullies, waterholes, sacred caves, rock paintings and home to a diversity of native flora and fauna, this ancient oasis has been crucial to the survival of indigenous people and the many desert-dwelling animals in the region. Many caves and crevices around the base are reserved for sacred men’s or women’s rituals and ceremonies. For these reasons, the Aṉangu request that visitors do not photograph certain sections of Uluru.

Whilst much of the Tjukurpa (religious philosophy and creation stories) is kept private for the Anangu people, it’s strongly believed that the rock was formed through a creation and destruction process by creator beings referred to as Tjukuritja or Waparitjaand that Uluru itself is a living being and resting place for ancestral spirits.

Going on a road trip to Uluru is an adventure in itself, but the excitement doesn’t stop upon reaching the destination. Uluru offers a wealth of experiences for travellers of all kinds. Whether you are an outdoor enthusiast or a culture buff, there’s something for everyone.

Here are some of the top activities to experience in Uluru, no matter what type of traveller you are:

Mala Walk: Take a peaceful sunset walk to explore ancient campsites, caves, and rock art. Sit by the reservoir in the Cantu Gorge and watch the sunset at the foot of the giant rock.

Field of Light: Marvel at the Field of Light display illuminates the desert with bright lights that seem to stretch on forever. This man-made wonder is a must-see attraction that allows you to uniquely marvel at Uluru’s incredible starry skies.

Sound of Silence: This award-winning event showcases the best of the Red Centre in a four-hour dining extravaganza. After watching the sunset, you’ll enjoy a delicious meal with dishes made with native ingredients. Relax as you listen to the didgeridoo and stargaze with the help of a star expert, who will guide you through the southern night sky.

Uluru Cultural Centres: This is a must-visit for anyone interested in learning about the history and traditions of the Anangu people, who are the traditional owners of Uluru tours. You can explore their vibrant traditional art and discover how they have lived sustainably in the desert for thousands of years. The centre also offers various educational programs, cultural activities, and workshops, giving visitors a unique opportunity to engage with the Anangu people and their rich culture.

FAQ


Why is it called the Red Centre?
The Red Centre of Australia is an area in the Northern Territory known for its unique and breathtaking landscapes. The region covers an area of over 250,000 square kilometres and is home to iconic landmarks such as Uluru, Kata Tjuta and Kings Canyon. This arid area is known for its rust-red coloured earth which gives it its nickname – the Red Centre.
How do I get to the Red Centre in Australia?
The best way to get to the Red Centre is by flying into Alice Springs Airport. Once you’ve arrived, there are a range of transport options available depending on what type of experience you’re looking for. If you want to explore the area independently, renting a car is probably the most convenient option. Public buses and shuttle services are also available for those who don’ t fancy the drive.
Is Uluru in the Red Centre?
Yes, Uluru is located in the Red Centre of Australia. The world-famous landmark stands 348 metres above sea level and is one of the most iconic images of the Australian outback. Uluru is part of the Uluṟu-Kata Tjuṯa National Park which is jointly managed by Parks Australia and the local Anangu people. It is an important spiritual site for the Anangu and a popular destination for visitors.
Is the Red Centre a desert?
The Red Centre is located in the desert region of Central Australia and is home to a number of diverse landscapes. Despite its arid climate, the area is filled with life and there are a range of plants and animals that call the Red Centre home. The area is also known for its wide open plains, rugged mountains and deep red-ochre soils which give it its distinctive colouring.
What is the closest city to Uluru Rock?
The closest city to Uluru Rock is Alice Springs, located approximately 450 kilometres away. This outback town is the perfect base for exploring the Red Centre and offers a range of accommodation, restaurants and attractions for visitors. It’s also the starting point for most tours of Uluru which usually include stops at Kata Tjuta and Kings Canyon. So, if you’re looking to experience the beauty of the Red Centre, Alice Springs is the place to start.
Can you still walk around the base of Uluru?
While Uluru is still open to the public, visitors are asked not to walk around the base of the rock as it is a sacred site for the Anangu people. There are plenty of other activities available in and around the area so that visitors can experience Uluru without disrupting its spiritual significance. These include guided walks around the rock’s nearby valleys and domes, small group visits to Mut ijulu Waterhole and a range of cultural experiences.