Wander From Home: The Sacred Beauty, Sprawling Plains, & Majestic Nature of Australia’s Red Centre
PUBLISHED June 1st, 2021 05:00 am | UPDATED July 22nd, 2024 03:42 pm
Current situation: physically in Singapore, spiritually in Australia.
While most gravitate toward the coastline cities of Down Under, this time, satiate your inner nomad with the under-explored Red Centre of the land down under.
Admire the Outback’s Stunning Red Icon
Uluru, once known as Ayers Rock, is the spiritual heart of the outback’s Red Centre, and it’s not hard to see why. Its awe-inspiring red hues are most photographed at dawn and dusk, with the surrounding desert plains accentuating those tones. Talinguru Nyakunytjaku is the main sunset viewing area, where people get unobstructed shots of this magnificent rock. It’s also a great place for stargazing, with no city lights around and a clear sky. Get virtually immersed in the sights and sounds through this guided tour, and find out more about the Aboriginal story behind Mutitjulu Waterhole.
Float Your Way Down Redbank Gorge
It’s one thing to float down Lazy River at Adventure Cove, but it’s really something else to be floating down this gorge at the foot of the iconic Mt Sonder. Grab your own floaty, and make sure to come at midday to have the best views of azure waters and the narrow walls of the chasm. You’ll end up at a serene pool with a sandy beach for you to do some birdwatching (this place is a haven for local endangered species). After your ride, consider camping at either the Woodland or Ridgetop campgrounds before exploring the rest of the West MacDonnell Ranges. Check out the stunning views of Redbank Gorge here!
Get Lost in Alice Springs
Alice Springs is home to everything from Aboriginal art centres, to artisanal goods, and even a Kangaroo Sanctuary. The biggest art event held here is Parrtjima, a light festival that tells Aboriginal stories by utilising the surrounding desert as the canvas. Take a look at how it went down this year despite the pandemic here. Don’t miss out on great tipples and nibbles with places like a barbeque at Earth Sanctuary Alice Springs, and craft brewery Alice Springs Brewing Co. The only town in the Red Centre, it’s where most launch into the surrounding deserts and ranges.
Conquer Kings Canyon
Located in Watarrka National Park, which has been the home to the Luritja Aboriginal people for the past 20,000 years, Kings Canyon rises to a 270m-high plateau with scenic landscape of sandstone walls and rocky domes. Whether you opt for the iconic Kings Canyon Rim Walk, the gentler Kings Creek Walk, or the 22km Giles Track to end at Kathleen Springs, be prepared to be greeted by stunning views. The floor of the canyon reveals a lush environment of palm forests, in which more than 600 species of flora and fauna call home.
Soar Above the Desert Plains
There’s no better way to traverse the great Australian desert plains than on a hot-air balloon. Soar away in this ethereal experience with Outback Ballooning back at Alice Springs, and stand the chance to spot Big Red Kangaroos along the way. The balloon makes a landing in the middle of a desert for you to sip on some bubbly and chow down some grub in absolute tranquility, before taking off back to base.
Top image: Uhulu (Ayers Rock)
