REGION: Central Australia
The terrain west of Alice Springs to Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park is the heart of the Red Centre, spanning the western section of the MacDonnell Ranges. This vast and stunning but rugged landscape encompasses an ancient and unique terrain dotted with gorges, waterholes, unusual geological formations, tranquil creeks and strange landforms, carved out over hundreds of millions of years.
The arid and seemingly inhospitable landscape is home to an array of flora and fauna, springtime sees the blossoming of colourful wildflowers, and rock wallabies are often seen around the steep ridges and rocky outcrops of Simpsons Gap.
Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park covers 1325km and contains 2 of the world's greatest natural wonders, Uluru (Ayers Rock) and Kata Tjuta (The Olgas). This national park is one of the most visited sites in Australia. The park also offers much more, including spectacular views, guided walks, and an insight into Anangu Aboriginal heritage. With 500 plant species, 150 bird species, 24 endemic mammals, and the 72 species of reptiles, (making it the richest reptile fauna on Earth), it received international recognition in 1977, when it was declared an International Biosphere Reserve by UNESCO. In 1987, Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park was listed as a World Heritage Area. Extensions to the park were listed in 1994.
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Tourist info
Uluru-Kata Tjuta Cultural Centre
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Uluru-Kata Tjuta NP
Yulara, NT 0872
latest stories
TourismNT
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2009-01-04
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We had a plan. We'd tackle the 1500 kilometres of highway from Darwin to Alice, nicknamed 'the track' by locals, and visit some of the lesser known attractions along the way.
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TourismNT
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2009-01-04
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Palm Valley, part of the Finke River National Park 138 km west of Alice Springs, is like taking a walk back in time through an ancient botanical garden
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TourismNT
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2009-01-04
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Located in the Northern Territory's Red Centre, Alice Springs is a thriving, spirited outback centre with accommodation and dining - but it's as famous for the personality of its locals as the natural wonders that surround it.
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read more
TourismNT
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2009-01-04
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The Larapinta Trail, in Central Australia, NT, is possibly one of the best walks on the world.
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read more
latest business reviews
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Main Attractions
Finke Gorge National Park
- This national park's main attraction is Palm Valley. Prehistoric cycads and red cabbage palms have survived the barren terrain for more than 10 000yrs, relicts of a wetter time.
Kata Tjuta
- These extraordinary rock formations and 36 domes rise from the ground and, like Uluru, their colours change with the light throughout the day. None of the domes are safe to climb. The 7km Valley of the Winds walk is spectacular.
Standley Chasm
- Sunlight bathes the 80m high walls of this narrow chasm around noon. The chasm was formed by erosion of the softer rock from the red, quartzite walls.
Uluru
- At 350m high, Uluru is the world's largest monolith. The Mala and Kuniya guided walks provide an excellent grounding in the cultural significance of Uluru as a sacred site of the Anangu people.
Yulara (Ayers Rock Resort)
- This tourist resort and village is within close proximity to the district's major attractions.
editors picks
TourismNT
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2008-12-17
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Alice Springs is a town of contrast. Bustling cafes line the Todd Street mall in the centre of town, station cowboys in wide-brimmed hats saunter the streets and Aboriginal paintings splashed with ochre and vibrant colours adorn gallery walls.
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read more
TourismNT
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2009-01-04
|
We had a plan. We'd tackle the 1500 kilometres of highway from Darwin to Alice, nicknamed 'the track' by locals, and visit some of the lesser known attractions along the way.
|
read more
TourismNT
|
2009-01-04
|
The Larapinta Trail, in Central Australia, NT, is possibly one of the best walks on the world.
|
read more
TourismNT
|
2009-01-04
|
Palm Valley, part of the Finke River National Park 138 km west of Alice Springs, is like taking a walk back in time through an ancient botanical garden
|
read more
TourismNT
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2008-12-17
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The West MacDonnell Ranges is an ancient rocky ridge that spreads west from Alice Springs. The famous Larapinta Touring Trail runs for 223 kilometres along the range, cooling off in one of the many swimming holes along the way must not be missed!
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TourismNT
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2008-12-17
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Explore the beauty of Alice Springs like a true pioneer on Camel, or for longer distances across MacDonnell Ranges and the Larapinta Trail pack the 4WD. But if you can, you should take a Hot Air Balloon for a view over all of these locations and fully grasp the size and spirit of the the 'Red Centre'.
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TourismNT
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2008-12-17
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Driving to Alice Springs? Alice Springs sits on the fully sealed Explorer's Way, 1500 kilometres south of Darwin. The journey from Darwin takes about three days, with overnight stops along the way. The Ghan train travels to Alice Springs from Adelaide in South Australia, then on to Darwin. Qantas flies directly to Alice from most capital cities as well as Cairns.
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TourismNT
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2009-01-04
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Trekking highlights in Central Australia, including access information and best time to travel.
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read more
TourismNT
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2009-01-04
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Located in the Northern Territory's Red Centre, Alice Springs is a thriving, spirited outback centre with accommodation and dining - but it's as famous for the personality of its locals as the natural wonders that surround it.
|
read more
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