Things to do in the Northern Territory starting in the Red Centre

The Red Centre of Australia, the area in central Australia renowned for the red sand in the region, has more highlights to see than just Uluru (Ayers Rock). 

There’s a vast expanse of country with both geological and cultural highlights to be discovered. The area is geological playground, a place where slowly more is revealed the more you look and understand

For some, just driving down the rich red dirt roads is a highlight. For others, exploring the Western MacDonnell Ranges is an unexpected highlight.

Find out a little more about these places you can see on Red Centre tours here:

Uluru (Ayers Rock)

Everyone’s favourite rock monolith, Uluru (Ayers Rock) is at times breathtaking in its enormity and beguiling as its colour changes at sunrise and sunset. Likely the most famous Northern Territory landmark and attraction. The rock has been around for millions of years and its 348 meters high. To see the immensity of ‘the rock’ loom out of the desert at dawn darkness and slowly become illuminated really is wonderful sight. It is one of the main highlights that people from all around the world come to see. Fun Fact: It is believed that a big part of the Uluru (Ayers Rock) extends underground with an astonishing 2,5 kilometres.

Kata Tjuta

translated from the local Aboriginal language means “many heads”. The name is a reflection of the domed rock formations that could be imagined to be heads protruding from the ground.

The first European explorer to the area in 1872, Ernest Giles, named the highest dome Mt Olga at the request of his patron Baron Ferdinand von Mueller, director of the Royal Botanic Gardens Melbourne. Von Mueller had recently been made a baron by Queen Olga of Württemberg and her husband King Charles I of Württemberg. Collectively the domes have commonly become known as ‘the Olgas’

The domes are a harder basalt formation that have been revealed as the surrounding land has been eroded away over the millennia.

Kata Tjuta lies 55km from Ayers Rock Resort and Airport within its own National Park. Several walks are possible in this area, the most popular of which is the ‘Valley of the Winds’ walk. Many areas of the park have restricted access because of their ongoing significance to the local Anangu people. The rock structures create cooler, shaded areas and their airy curves make for unusual contrasts in the desert environment.

All tours that also visit Uluru (Ayers Rock) will also visit Kata Tjuta.

See one of the most beautiful beaches in Australia. Golden sand, amazing scenery and a boat tour with lots of chances for snorkelling. The access point for the Whitsunday Islands is from Airlie Beach. From here most travellers go on overnight sailing boats for a 2 day 2 night experience around the 77 Whitsunday Islands. for more info on how to choose the right boat check out our detailed article on which boat to choose. 

Watarrka (Kings Canyon)

While not technically a canyon (canyons are formed via erosion from a stream or river), Wartarrka, as it is known to the indigenous Luritja people, has been eroded and carved by wind and water over the centuries. The resulting cliffs create an amphitheatre-effect and are a spectacular sight.

You can walk the 7km rim of the canyon where you can stop and peer off the the cliffs. The entire walk might take up to 5 hours depending on your fitness and the time of year. The walk passes the ‘Garden of Eden’ waterhole – a permanent water hole that looks inviting but has fairly stagnant water. It is a relatively steep climb for the first section of the walk and a fairly steep descent. Those walking in the heat of summer or not in good health should consider their alternative options here.

Another significant feature seen on the walk are the weathered domes of rock known as the ‘Lost City’. Wartarrka (Kings Canyon) is 3-4 hours drive from both Ayers Rock Resort and Alice Springs. A popular option is to take an optional helicopter ride into the canyon for an aerial view.

As Kings Canyon is a popular Northern Territory attraction most of our Uluru tours that travel to Uluru (Ayers Rock Kata Tjuta (the Olgas) also travel to Wartarrka (Kings Canyon).

Camel Farm

Camels were introduced into Australia in the 19th century to assist overland desert journeys to supply remote communities and to aid exploration of the interior of Australia. Today, camels run feral in the outback and they are also farmed and exported. Most tours will stop at an outback camel farm to see camels. You will also have the option (at own expense) to go for a short ride on a camel.

Oak Valley Aboriginal Community

Nestled in the Western MacDonnell Ranges, the Oak Valley community live in a pristine environment. Here you can spend time with the local Traditional Owners of the land, be shown rock carvings and petroglyphs. You will travel to Oak Valley on the 5-day 4WD Kangaroo Dreaming tour.

Glen Helen

Glen Helen is situated in the pretty Western MacDonnell Ranges. The rugged red rocks have many gorges cut into them by streams and waterholes. it makes for a great place to explore and stay in permanent camps. You will go to this region on the 4WD tours departing from Alice Springs.

Another beautiful spot to stopover when visiting the Western MacDonnell Ranges is Ormiston Gorge. It is a sheltered area with a water hole that is usually present year-round. This makes it a great place for wildlife spotting and creates an environment for diverse plant life. The rocky scenery is inspiring in its craggy texture and changing colours as the light changes at sunrise and dusk

The Devils Marbles

The Devils Marbles, or Karlu Karlu to the area’s traditional owners, are situated on the Stuart Highway between Alice Springs and Darwin. These naturally perched granite boulders look like they are about to roll away like giant marbles. It’s a great spot to stop as it is situated just off the highway and a perfect location to capture some unique photos. The granite was once encased in the surrounding sandstone rock, but over the years the sandstone has eroded away leaving the harder granite rock exposed.

All tours travelling between Alice Springs and Darwin both directions will stop at the Devils Marbles.

Outback red dirt roads

If you are taking a 4WD trip in the Red Centre, you will drive along long red dirt roads. It’s an experience in itself. and one of the top Northern Territory attractions. Just you, the vehicle and the wide-open expanse of the outback. It’s a different way of travelling to your normal highways.

Take a tour to see the best Northern Territory attractions in the Red Centre

To see the best and experience all the things to do in the Northern Territory jump onboard one of our tours. 

You will have the chance to explore Australia’s outback and wildlife on the following tours:

4-day Uluru tour here from Alice Springs

4-day trip from Ayers Rock

5 Day 4WD Red Centre Uluru tour

6 Day Uluru, Kata Tjuta and Kings Canyon Tour

Budget backpacker trips to Uluru which depart from both Ayers Rock and Alice Springs.

Whichever trip you take, you will be blown away by the red dirt and spectacular scenery in Red Centre.

Keep reading for Northern Territory attractions from Darwin in the Top End. But first, check out a video of our Uluru tours!