Top Things to do in Red Centre
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Top 10 Nature & Parks in Red Centre, Northern Territory
Discover the best top things to do in Red Centre, Australia including The Larapinta Trail, Watarrka National Park, The Kangaroo Sanctuary, Finke Gorge National Park, Ormiston Gorge, Uluru, Alice Springs Desert Park, Alice Springs Reptile Centre, Kata Tjuta - The Olgas, MacDonnell Ranges.
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1. The Larapinta Trail
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 515 reviews
Ranked as one of the world’s top 20 treks, the Larapinta Trail is a 231-kilometre path that follows the West MacDonnell Ranges from Alice Springs Telegraph Station to Mount Sonder. Experience key attractions in the region such as Simpsons Gap and Ellery Creek Big Hole, weave past some of the world’s most ancient rock formations, and sleep under the stars.
Reviewed By R0sie26 - Sydney, Australia
take a day to explore the gorges and swim in Ellery Big Creek waterhole and Ormiston Gorge, Stanley Chasm and Simpson Gap are wonderful.
2. Watarrka National Park
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 71 reviews
This national park whose name, Watarrka, comes from the Aboriginal word for the umbrella bush, is best known for the spectacular sheer walls of Kings Canyon. This scenic landscape of rugged ranges, cliffs, rockholes and gorges and is a must see attraction of central Australia. Please note that in hot weather forcast to be 36 degrees celsius and above, there are access restrictions to some walks.
Reviewed By tumfave815 - Canton of Zurich, Switzerland
We decided for the Kings Canyon Rim Walk, 6 km loop, ideal time was for 3 to 4 hours, moderate to difficult grade. We started at 7.03. This is the official description of the walk: The Rim Walk allows walkers to gain spectacular panoramic views of Kings Canyon, tranquil surroundings at the Garden of Eden. This walk begins with a steep climb to the top of the Canyon then generally follows the canyon plateau before descending to the carpark. It is advisable to wear a shady hat, wear sensible footwear and clothing, use sunblock, carry and drink plenty of water, avoid strenuous activity. There is a wifi at the entrance to our surprise. The park is well maintained with visible general signage and safety signage. It was not crowded. The first 20 minutes of the walk were the most challenging. It has a lot of stairs and boardwalks. Highlights were ancient sand dune which are now cross bedding in the beehive like domes on top of the range, The Garden of Eden which is a lush oasis, The Rock Domes which are beehive domes that make the plateau look like a lost city, they are the result of erosion of vertical cracks in the sandstone. The different sides of the Canyon showcases unique landscape, flora and fauna, each side very instagramable and simply master planned by nature. It was all worth it staying overnight at the lodge and walking up early for this one wildly beautiful walk. We ended the walk at 9.57 am. Social Media time at the entrance.
3. The Kangaroo Sanctuary
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 514 reviews
The Kangaroo Sanctuary is located on a 188-acre wildlife reserve just outside of Alice Springs. Owned by Chris 'Brolga' Barnes, it is fulfilling his life-long dream of a sanctuary that is home to orphaned kangaroos. Most of the rescued kangaroos have been rehabilitated to the wild, however some have learnt to love humans too much and remain permanently at the sanctuary. Take the sunset guided tour (Tuesday to Friday) throughout our reserve and meet the Kangaroo characters from Kangaroo Dundee (BBC/Nat Geo Series). Our motto is Animals Come First!
Reviewed By Wanderlustemily - Newcastle, Australia
If you are ever in Alice Springs make sure you make time to attend @thekangaroosanctuary the work Brolga has done and is doing for these beautiful animals is amazing.
4. Finke Gorge National Park
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 92 reviews
Finke Gorge National Park is well known for the impressive Palm Valley where the Red Cabbage palms grow. Camping and picnic facilities are available, enjoy Four Wheel Driving and Walking. Its approximately 138 kilometres from Alice Springs and a 4WD is required to access the Park. Tours operate to the Park.
Reviewed By rosiebJ6715DZ
This was an OMG experience. Travelling along the Finke riverbed and into the heart of Palm Valley .. then seeing and feeling the ancientness and the stories contained in each and every contour of the Earth's surface, and in the explosion and expanse of the vegetation, was an absolute once in a lifetime experience.
5. Ormiston Gorge
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 481 reviews
Ormiston Gorge is a great place for a cool dip in the natural pool surrounded by towering red cliffs of the gorge. Located within the West MacDonnell Ranges National Park the surrounding area offers an Ormiston Pound Walk, which is a 3-4 hour circuit where you can spot native flora and fauna.
Reviewed By sandrah691
Beautiful spot for a quick swim and spend a lazy few hours admiring the scenery for the bottom of the cliffs to the top of the cliffs
6. Uluru
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 4,382 reviews
Palya! Welcome to Anangu land. Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park is Aboriginal land. It is jointly managed by its traditional owners Anangu and Parks Australia. The park is recognised by UNESCO as a World Heritage site for its natural and cultural values. The spectacular rock formations and surrounding sand plains provide rare habitats for an incredible variety of plants and animals. Anangu invite you to visit Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park to learn more about their land, beliefs and culture.
Reviewed By X1938DOchrisl - Brisbane, Australia
We decided to tick this off our bucket list when we heard they were closing the climb. We had an excellent holiday doing the climb, nearby sunset camel ride with Ayers Rock view, we did the 11km base walk around Ayers Rock, the 7.4km hike through the Valley of the Winds and 2.4km return Walpa Gorge walk at the Olgas (Kata Tjuta). The climb itself was definitely the highlight of the trip and made it worthwhile. We did think it was reckless of parents to take children under 15 on the climb and that 50+ adults were allowed to climb it, as it was a huge challenge for a couple of fit 30 year olds. We'd hiked up mountains before, but this was the biggest challenge with a combination of climbing and hiking, requiring a lot of cardio fitness. We helped out others (by giving them some water) who stupidly decided to climb with kids without sufficient water, and a group of guys in their 20's who stupidly decided to climb with no water. They should keep the climb open but restrict it to reasonably fit (not significantly overweight) 15-50 year olds with ID and make it mandatory that they have at least 3L of water per person. With the climb closed, I can't recommend going there unless you're already driving around Australia. Also probably skip the Field of Lights, as though it is nice, it's not worth the money they're charging.
7. Alice Springs Desert Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1,981 reviews
Alice Springs Desert Park is an inspiring portrayal of Australia’s central desert environment that effortlessly blends the plants, birds, animals and people of our arid regions within one, extraordinary tourism and conservation facility. Our ‘natural’ attraction is as distinctive as the Australian desert itself - a truly unique experience that continues to captivate and educate travellers from every corner of the globe. There’s much more to deserts than meets the eye and our visitors are astonished by the life and beauty they discover on their journey with us.
Reviewed By 725angelai - Canberra, Australia
This facility is part of the NT Conservation Commission. It offers the opportunity to learn a lot about the indigenous and arid habitats and animals at one location close to Alice Sprinsg. You willl find a selection of habitats, animals, aboriginal culture, lots of free presentations, lots of signposted information,the unforgettable and heart-stopping bird show, and the inspirational endangered species breeding program and Nocturnal Tour. If you get the general entry and the nocturnal tour, there is a saving - also you can do these on separate days. Allow at least half a day.
8. Alice Springs Reptile Centre
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 969 reviews
The Alice Springs Reptile Centre is a privately owned park which displays an extensive range of reptiles from the Northern Territory of Australia including Terry the Saltwater crocodile and large Perentie Goannas. The talk and handling sessions are a must and are at 11am, 1pm Saturdays only. Due to COVID restrictions the Centre is only open on Saturdays until the 19th of December, and bookings are required.
Reviewed By mandyegg2k - Coxhoe, United Kingdom
What a fantastic place with knowledgeable staff and close ups of a crocodile, thorny devil etc. The guy doing the reptile tour is passionate and it shows. Entertaining and brilliant. Wish we had more time here.
9. Kata Tjuta - The Olgas
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 2,261 reviews
Kata Tjuta is Pitjantjatjara meaning 'many heads'. This spectacular landform lies about 50 kilometres drive from Uluru and Yulara. This area is an Anangu men's site and is sacred under Tjukurpa (traditional law). Everyone is welcome and encouraged to visit this place but as with all areas of the park, please stay on the marked tracks. Take in the sunrise from the viewing platform or on a walking trail through Walpa Gorge or the Valley of the Winds.
Reviewed By Eplorer_01
Great place to visit and take your camera for Sunset pics! park at the viewing platform on the east side for a great photo opportunity.
10. MacDonnell Ranges
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 421 reviews
Reviewed By zip048
Recently I accompanied by my wife and two friends were fortunate enough to do this tour with Emu run tours, this was a small group tour and our tour guide was Kirsty. Kirsty made this tour fantastic, great and enjoyable for all members of this tour, with her great people skills, bubbly happy out going personality, combined with her professionalism and vast knowledge and experience, she gave as all a fantastic adventure and many great experiences which the whole tour group enjoyed immensely. If you want a great tour, use this tour company and Kirsty as your tour guide JOE Cardiff NSW
