Top Things to do in Red Centre
10 Nature & Wildlife Areas in Red Centre That You Shouldn't Miss
Discover the best top things to do in Red Centre, Australia including Watarrka National Park, The Kangaroo Sanctuary, Trephina Gorge Nature Park, Ormiston Gorge, Alice Springs Desert Park, Alice Springs Reptile Centre, Karlu Karlu-Devils Marbles Conservation Reserve, Ewaninga Rock Carvings Conservation Reserve, Tnorala (Gosse Bluff) Conservation Reserve, Kuniya Walk.
Restaurants in Red Centre
1. 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.
2. 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.
3. Trephina Gorge Nature Park
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 27 reviews
Trephina Gorge is in the East macdonnell Ranges and is noted for its sheer quartzite cliffs and River Red Gum lineed watercourses. Great short walks and camping facilities available
Reviewed By bobjanh - Brisbane, Australia
We stayed here for three nights: not only is there spectacular scenery in the park and good walking, but it also makes a good base for a couple of nearby locations such as Ross River Homestead and Arltunga. No permanent water holes in the gorge itself but that does not detract from the grandeur of the place. The morning or evening sun on the rock faces is quite stunning. Some excellent walks - in particular the Panorama Walk was spectacular: only a couple of hours so can easily be done in a morning. Don’t forget to view the ghost gum located about half way out to the highway: a truly impressive tree.
4. 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
5. 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.
6. 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.
7. Karlu Karlu-Devils Marbles Conservation Reserve
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 310 reviews
Karlu Karlu, otherwise known as the Devils Marbles, are a collection of gigantic round boulders many of which are precariously balanced on top of one another. they are found easily on the Stuart highway near Wauchoupe which is approximately 100 kilometres from Tennant Creek. There are some walking tracks through the reserve and camping is available.
Reviewed By JanineP40 - Red Deer, Canada
Just a quick turn off the highway, you will find a nice shaded interpretive area, free wifi and toilets. Several walk options from short to longer depending on weather and fitness. All walks were easy to do, but on natural paths of shale, sand or rock. If you want the quick route, just head around the marbles from the free car park. Solid footwear is not mandatory as you should not climb on the marbles.
8. Ewaninga Rock Carvings Conservation Reserve
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 3 reviews
9. Tnorala (Gosse Bluff) Conservation Reserve
10. Kuniya Walk
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 130 reviews
Reviewed By lux2lessworld - Double Bay, Australia
Of all the areas of Uluru I saw on a walk around it with a guide, this area had the most information about the mythology of the site if you were there without a guide. Thus i would recommend it for that reason. The Kuniya Walk is accessible from the Kuniya carpark inside the Uluru national park The walk is next to the rock face of Uluru and a there is dramatic scenery intertwined with the heritage values of Uluru at the Mutitjulu Waterhole (which is along a track that branches off the Kuniya walk directly towards Uluru). You can see all this as you walk around Uluru or go there directly by parking at the Kuniya carpark. I saw the area as part of a sunrise base walk of Uluru done by a company called SEIT. This was very well organised and enjoyable and included transport to/from Ayres Rock Resort and a breakfast from a swag.
