The Northern Territory is vast. Occupying about one sixth of Australia's total land mass, its boundaries encompass a variety of contrasting landscapes and experiences, best tackled by exploring a few key destinations – each with their own distinct personality, we urge you to experience the wonders of our region.
Click the map to explore the Red Centre regions >Framed by the MacDonnell Ranges and desert landscape your outback adventure begins here in Alice Springs. Mparntwe is the Arrernte word for Alice Springs. The Arrernte people who are the traditional custodians of Alice Springs have a strong connection with the land. According to the Dreamtime the town of Alice Springs and the MacDonnell Ranges were created by the actions of several ancestral figures including the caterpillar beings Ayepe-arenye, Ntyarlke and Utnerrengatye.
Explore RegionThe West MacDonnell Ranges have been justifiably described as the jewel in the crown of Central Australia. The ancient landscape, sculptured over time by climatic change and made famous by the art of Western Arrernte artist Albert Namatjira, is on display in the West MacDonnell Ranges. You can find evidence of a bygone tropical forest at many of the cool scenic gorges that act as a refuge for an assortment of plants and animals.
Explore RegionThe East MacDonnell Ranges could be considered the 'hidden gems' of Central Australia. Much of the East MacDonnell Ranges depict the Eastern Arrernte Aboriginal Yeperenye Dreaming. At Emily and Jessie Gaps you will see rock art, red ochre and white lime paintings, as well as flocks of native budgerigars drinking from waterholes. Figs hug gorge walls, bloodwoods hang with bush coconuts and bush passionfruit grow from the sand. You will think this land is unyielding but you will be pleasantly surprised.
Explore RegionThe World Heritage-listed and one of Australia’s most iconic symbols, Uluru is approximately 460 kilometres or a six hour drive southwest of Alice Springs. Right in the heart of Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park, Uluru is a place that speaks of timeless folklore, rich indigenous culture and great spirituality.
Explore RegionThis scenic landscape of rugged ranges, ancient sandstone walls rising hundreds of metres to a plateau of rocky domes, rock holes and gorges in the Watarrka National Park is breathtaking.
Explore RegionLocated 500 kilometres north of Alice Springs and 1000 kilometres south of Darwin, with Tennant Creek at its golden heart, is the Barkly. Its large cattle stations, fascinating wayside inns, historic stock routes, gold mining history, Aboriginal culture, interesting flora and fauna and the iconic Karlu Karlu/Devils Marbles make up this beautiful outback region of the Red Centre.
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