The Red Centre is an extraordinary landscape of vast desert plains, rugged mountain ranges, rocky gorges, and some of Australia's most sacred Indigenous sites, including Uluru and Kata Tjuṯa. Where else can you float in an outback waterhole, dine under the stars, and witness the captivating change of colours of a world-famous rock at dawn and dusk? If you didn’t think it was possible for the Red Centre to become even more spectacular than it already is, think again! Wintjiri Wiru has just made its debut in Uluru and the new Kings Canyon Light-Towers made its first appearance in April! These new immersive light displays will certainly add to the already hugely successful Field of Light in Uluru and annual Parrtjima Festival held in Alice Springs. These are just some of the Red Centre's only-in-Australia, bucket list experiences.
Uluru & Kata-Tjuta
Majestic Uluru is such a powerful landscape, the spiritual heart of our nation and its ancient culture and home to numerous sacred sites including the Kuniya Walk and the sacred Mutitjulu Waterhole. Discover the heart of the Red Centre by exploring the amazing World Heritage-listed Uluṟu & Kata-Tjuṯa National Park to gain further insight into the fascinating cultural history of this area. For a deeper insight into local life & culture, guests staying at Ayers Rock Resort can benefit from access to the free Indigenous Activities Program which includes a bush food experience, guided garden walks, a didgeridoo workshop & more fantastic choice. Visit the soaring rock domes of Kata Tjuta (the Olgas) to be equally impressed by the majesty of this incredible 36 dome landmark. Explore the walking trail through Walpa Gorge that follows the natural creek bed between two of the tallest of the towering red-rock domes of Kata Tjuta (the Olgas). Handy hint: be sure to bring a hat with a fly net so you can really take in the amazing natural wonders, minus the friendly flies!
A brand-new cultural experience has officially kicked off in Uluru! The new immersive sound & light experience, Wintjiri Wiru made its debut last week, which left everyone completely mesmerised. Wintjiri Wiru is set to run twice every evening from March to December. This awe-inspiring display showcases the ancient Mala story told through light installations, projections, lasers & incredible drone technology, coupled with the spine-tingling soundtrack of the Anangu inma. Uluru is also home to the global phenomenon that is Field of Light - an essential experience that commences at sunrise or after sunset. This is when Field of Light illuminates, lighting up the landscape for as far as the eye can see in a gentle rhythm of interchanging colours. 50,000 spindles of light set on swaying stems creating a never-before-seen fantasy garden being the work of internationally celebrated artist, Bruce Munro. To enhance your Field of Light encounter, add on an optional Sounds of Silence dinner (additional cost), for yet another bucket list and award-winning Uluru experience. Dine under the outback stars as you begin with pre-dinner drinks & canapes before enjoying a superb dinner infused with native ingredients as you are serenaded by the mesmerizing digeridoo as the sun sets over Uluru in the background.
Alice Springs
Alice Springs is a true oasis in the Australian desert where you can spend the morning observing contemporary Aboriginal art and the afternoon swimming in the West MacDonnell Ranges at Ellery Creek Big Hole. Impressive waterholes are synonymous with the Northern Territory and the vast red sanded landscape of Alice Springs is no exception. Like a desert oasis, the gorges and waterholes of Alice Spring provide not only a welcoming and refreshing dip but also some of the most unique scenery in the state. One of the most famous gorges near Alice Springs is the magnificent Standley Chasm. As you hike along its trail, you'll find yourself dwarfed by towering red walls that rise dramatically on either side. The chasm's narrow opening allows slivers of sunlight to penetrate the depths, creating a mesmerizing display of colours and shadows. At midday, when the sun is at its zenith, the walls glow with an intense red hue, offering a truly awe-inspiring sight. Another natural gem is Ormiston Gorge, a tranquil oasis nestled within the West MacDonnell Ranges. Its crystal-clear waters invite you for a refreshing swim, while the surrounding red cliffs and ancient riverbeds provide a picturesque backdrop. As you explore the gorge's walking trails, keep an eye out for the diverse wildlife that call this place home, from the vibrant birdlife to the elusive rock wallabies that gracefully traverse the rocky terrain.
If you happen to be in the Red Centre during April, then don’t miss the Parrtjima (pronounced par-chee-ma) – A Festival in Light, held annually in Alice Springs. It is fast gaining traction, being the only light festival of its kind, showcasing one of the oldest continuous Indigenous cultures on earth through the newest technology whilst celebrating the world-class beauty and culture of our country in the heart of Australia. The festival sees artworks from the Arrernte people, as well as pieces from across the Central Desert region and associated parts of the Northern Territory, illuminated in a variety of ways. The pieces include works from notable arts centres including Ninuku Arts, Warnayaka Art, Ikuntji Artists, Barkly Regional Arts, Bachelor Institute of Tertiary Education and Keringke Arts.
Click here to view our Red Centre holidays. Alternatively, you can call our team on 1300 854 897 or email holidays@holidaysofaustralia.com.au
