Australia immediately conjures images of the Sydney Opera House, the Great Barrier Reef, big-wave surfing, miles of Outback and a rather strange, and endearing, assortment of animals. While the country’s main cities offer charm, glamour, unique festivals, a well-preserved historical heritage, fabulous beaches and fun events, it’s also a land of immense contrast and captivating nature. The nation offers something for just about everyone – from water lovers, desert wanderers and canyon climbers, to arts and culture buffs, historians, and foodies. The country’s vast size makes it almost impossible to take it all in during a single visit, but you can pick and choose a perfect holiday according to your personal preferences.
This hardy and remote desert town, initially named Stuart, started out as a telegraph station in the 1870s. Renamed Alice Springs in 1993, it’s the capital of the Australian Outback and the best place to start your exploration of the breathtaking Red Centre – the country’s interior desert region – as well as to experience the vibrant art and culture of the Aboriginal people. Venture out to Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park, and explore Kings Canyon, the West MacDonnell Ranges, Simpson Desert, and the Devil’s Marbles Conservation Reserve – home to an iconic pair of round granite boulders. While you’re in town, make sure to visit the Alice Springs Telegraph Station Historical Reserve to get a feel of the town’s unique pioneering history.
Located in Australia’s Northern Territory, West MacDonnell National Park, also known as Tjoritja, is renowned for its ancient landscapes and awe-inspiring scenes. The park features an array of natural waterholes, steep gorges, and picturesque camping spots. Visitors can also enjoy exploring the Larapinta Trail, a popular 223-kilometre hike that traces the soaring West MacDonnell Ranges; seeing the Ochre Pits, a sacred Aboriginal site; and climbing Mount Zeil, the Northern Territory’s highest peak. Some other highlights include Simpsons Gap, Ellery Creek Big Hole, Serpentine Gorge, and Roma Gorge.
Scenic Watarrka National Park is a scenic wild area situated in Australia’s Northern Territory, about 320 kilometres southwest of Alice Springs. The park’s primary highlight is Kings Canyon, consisting of ancient sandstone walls rising up 100 metres to a plateau of rocky domes. The canyon offers a safe haven for a profusion of plant and animal life, making the park an important conservation area and a major tourist attraction. There are numerous walking tracks to explore, with interesting monuments showcasing centuries of Aboriginal culture. In Kathleen Springs, visitors can enjoy a refreshing swim; and the aptly named Garden of Eden is a lush garden of green paradise. Whether you choose to tour this rugged wilderness by helicopter, camel, quad bike, or on foot, you are bound to be impressed by its exceptional natural beauty and its unique desert wildlife.
Located in the south of Australia’s Northern Territory, the remote town of Yulara lies only 18 short kilometres from the sacred world heritage site, Uluru, also known as Ayers Rock. This isolated town serves as a service hub for the Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park and offers some welcome comfort in the harsh Outback landscape. Visitors use it as a base when exploring the park and viewing the main attraction in the area, Uluru. This epic sandstone formation stands almost 350 metres high and measures 10 kilometres in circumference featuring hidden caves, ancient rock art and otherworldly fiery hues at sunset. Other popular attractions and activities include: the Field of Light Uluru, the Desert Awakenings Tour and the Wintjiri Arts & Museum.
