Is there a more iconic image of Australia than the red ochre earth and sprawling highways of the Australian outback? In the past, there’s a chance you’ve put this trip on hold thinking you need a specialised vehicle. However, you can easily visit some of the most important tourist destinations in the NT using your campervan!
Alice Springs
Start your journey in the township of Alice Springs. With a population of 29,000 people, it’s a large country town and the welcoming atmosphere reflects this. One of the highlights is Anzac Hill, a 606m hike that offers incredible, panoramic views of Alice Springs. At the top, you will find the ANZAC memorial, unveiled in 1934.
While in Alice Springs, it is highly recommended that you make the most of the activities that educate about Indigenous Australia- first stop is the Araluen Arts Centre. Araluen Arts Centre acts as the visual art and performance hub of Central Australia and is the perfect place to see and learn about the art of Indigenous Australians. The centre has work by famed Indigenous watercolourist, Albert Namatjira but also of modern day contemporary Indigenous artists, allowing you to experience the full spectrum of this incredible culture. Entry is a very reasonable $8 per adult and $6 for children.
Make it a priority to visit and explore the Alice Springs Desert Park (8km from Alice Springs) to learn all about the Indigenous Culture you will see and experience throughout your trip. For $37 per adult, you can learn how Indigenous Australians find natural food and medicine, see endangered desert mammals, learn to identify desert birds and discover the 4 and a half billion year history of Central Australia.
Additionally, if you enjoy hiking and bushwalking, the Larapinta Trail, a 223km trek that travels from the Alice Springs Telegraph Station to Mount Sonder cannot be missed. Rated one of the top 20 walks globally, the trek takes approximately 14 days to complete.
Alice Springs to Uluru
Once departing Alice Springs, start the 450km journey to the heart of Australia, Uluru! Just 17km from Alice Springs, you will come across Simpson’s Gap. This is a stunning spot to stop and explore and has a permanent waterhole (no swimming). As you continue your journey, make the stop at Erldunda Roadhouse. This iconic roadhouse is officially located in the Centre of the Centre of the Centre, has reasonable accommodation and picnic spots for tourists passing through to Uluru (260km). Curtis Springs Station has free camping available and is located only 100km from Uluru.
As you continue your journey to Uluru, keep your eye out for Mount Conner. Many mistake this extremely sacred site for Uluru at first, so many that the locals have nicknamed it ‘Fool- Uru’.
Eventually, you will find yourselves pulling into Yulara. Yulara is a purpose built tourist township located approximately 20 minutes from the Uluru sunset viewing area and 8km from the entrance of the Uluru Kata-Tjuta National Park. Be prepared for grocery items to be expensive, however there is a fully stocked IGA supermarket and medical facilities .
Uluru
At 550 million years old, this 348m high sandstone monolith is one of the most iconic landmarks in the world. It is incredibly sacred to the Indigenous people of Australia and has enormous cultural significance to the Anangu people, the traditional inhabitants of the land. When you arrive, allow at least two hours to visit the Uluru Cultural Centre where guides can teach you about the landmark and the park’s natural environment. There are many ways to enjoy Uluru, however as of 26 October 2019 climbing is not one of them. Instead, walk the 9.4km circumference or take a guided camel tour. An absolute must on every Uluru bucket list is to experience the rock at both sunrise and sunset, when the lighting changes the colour of the rock. Be sure to pack your camera- this is not a shot you want to miss!
Uluru to Kata Tjuta (The Olgas)
After experiencing the incredible Uluru, continue 25km through the national park until you come across Kata Tjuta, commonly known as ‘The Olgas’. These iconic rock formations are another outback landmark, and like Uluru, have enormous cultural importance to the Indigenous people. Make the most of the stunning landscape by hiking the 7.5km ‘Valley of the Winds’ to the magnificent lookout or hike into the Walpa Gorge. There is a free campsite at Ginty’s Lookout- there’s never been a better spot to watch the sunset over the outback without spending a cent.
Kata Tjuta to Kings Canyon
From Kata Tjuta, make your way along the highway for 300km to Kings Canyon. One of the absolute highlights of Kings Canyon is the Kings Canyon Rim walk, which takes approximately 3 hours. Make sure to factor in the heat of the Australian Outback and start your journey early in the day. Overall, the entire Watarrka National Park is known for its absolutely breathtaking landscape and is a must visit for anybody wanting to fully experience the Northern Territory in its glory.
Finish your journey by circling back to Alice Springs. In just a few days, you have experienced the true beauty of the Australian Outback, sacred and iconic landmarks and felt the beat of the heart of this beautiful country. This trip is a must do for tourists and Australians alike.
Campervan Hire
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