Top Things to do in Red Centre
The 10 Best Free Things to do in Red Centre, Northern Territory
Discover the best top things to do in Red Centre, Australia including Watarrka National Park, Yubu Napa Art Gallery, Finke Gorge National Park, Ormiston Gorge, Kings Canyon, Karlu Karlu-Devils Marbles Conservation Reserve, MacDonnell Ranges, Mount Gillen, Alice Springs Visitor Information Centre, Anzac Hill.
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. Yubu Napa Art Gallery
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 151 reviews
Yubu Napa Art Gallery, Studio and Gift Shop is now open at the iconic Panorama Guth Building in Hartley Street, Alice Springs. We offer a wide range of contemporary indigenous art as well as beautifully handcrafted souvenirs and gift ideas. Our onsite artist studio is a comfortable space for the artist's to paint in, offering visitors an opportunity to meet an artist and hear the stories of the artwork firsthand! We hope to see you soon at Yubu Napa, the newest Gem in Central Australia
Reviewed By inpsyght - Broken Hill, Australia
After having visited all the art galleries in Todd Mall, on a recent trip to Alice Springs, I was very impressed by a visit to the Yubu Napa Art Gallery in nearby Hartley Street. Their range of artists and artistic styles was better by far than anything I saw at the other galleries. It also provided a friendlier environment for Indigenous artists to do their work on-site.
3. 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.
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. Kings Canyon
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 900 reviews
Located in Watarrka National Park, Kings Canyon known for its 100meter-high sheer cliff walls. There are a variety of walks, the most popular is the Rim Walk which is a 3-4 hour walk with a steep start. Kings Creek Walk is a gentle walk at the base of the Canyon which takes about an hour. Please note that in hot weather where the forecast is to be 36 degrees celsius and above, there are access restrictions to some walks.
Reviewed By juliecY6410OC - Brisbane Region, Australia
We started the day on 1 May 2021 at 4.45 am with our knowledgeable and enthusiastic AAT Kings tour guides, Dylan and Moses, whom collected us from our hotel in Yulara. We traveled to a cattle station for a hearty, friendly breakfast around 7.30 am and then set off to Kings Canyon to undertake either of the shorter, beautiful creek bed walk, classed as Grade 1 - easy walking (1.5 hours return), or the scenic rim walk, Grade 4, 3-4 hours walk. We did the shorter walk, which was beautiful, not rushed and plenty of interesting and informative commentary along the way. Our fellow bus travelers whom did the longer, scenic rim walk, were in awe of the stunning scenery, and confirmed that this was a very enjoyable experience also, for those more experienced walkers. We also had the opportunity before lunch to undertake a helicopter ride with Professional Helicopter Services (extra optional cost), 8, 15 or 35 minutes duration, taking us over Kings Canyon and providing us with unsurpassed views of Kings Canyon. We had a nice lunch at The Thirsty Dingo at Kings Canyon Resort, and then traveled to a lovely spot where on either side of the road, great sights awaited us at Mt Conner. A little further down the road we reached Curtin Springs Station, which was a lovely stop off to a family owned property and then back to our hotel by 5.30 pm. The whole journey provided us with wonderful local stories, that provided us with a greater understanding of the whole area. We had many laughs on the bus, with Moses and Dylan being wonderful ambassadors for the region. Very new, comfortable and modern bus. We would highly recommend. Julie and Robert, Brisbane, Queensland.
6. 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.
7. 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
8. Mount Gillen
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 103 reviews
Alhekuulyele (Mount Gillen) walk is officially closed as of the 2nd of December 2020 at the request of the Traditional Custodians for both cultural and safety reasons.
Reviewed By 216kevinl - Alice Springs, Australia
We finally climbed to the top, the trail itself is pretty well established, as we were told, where it forks, the right is a bit gentler than the left, but much like Rome, all roads lead to the top. There is a bit that requires hands, so if you're limited, you may want to stop at that point. At the peak is a marker, and views of Alice Springs and the surrounds. Even on a cool day, take water, and maybe a snack for energy. We walk ~10ks daily, and it was still some effort, so if your activity level is more towards the couch potato zone, perhaps just walk the trail from Flynn's Grave t Desert Park or beyond.
9. Alice Springs Visitor Information Centre
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 350 reviews
Tourism Central Australia proudly represents the spectacular region of Central Australia, including Alice Springs, Uluru, Tennant Creek, and everywhere in between! Our Visitor Information Centre in the heart of Alice Springs can provide up to date travel and tour information. Welcome!
Reviewed By 849christinec - Greater Sydney, Australia
Popped into the centre for some information and tips about the region. The Centre is quite spacious and nicely decorated with heaps of literature to browse through. We were assisted by Kylie ( apparently She's on "L Plates". She was extremely polite, jovial and helpful, went out of her way to assist but at the same time, very professional. She gave us great tips and ideas about where to go & what to see. This is a definite must to do when you first arrive in Alice Springs.
10. Anzac Hill
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1,467 reviews
Anzac Hill is the most visited landmark in Alice Springs. An ideal spot for a lookout over the town and the surrounding ranges, particularly beautiful at sunrise or sunset. The Anzac Hill memorial was unveiled on 25 April 1934 and is now dedicated to all those who have served in the defence of their country during all wars in which Australia has participated.
Reviewed By bulletjeff - Alice Springs, Australia
I guess most travelers make their way to the top of Anzac Hill (Untyeyetwelye to the Arrerente traditional owners of Alice Springs (Mparntwe) and rightly so as it affords a great view of the town with the MacDonnell Ranges as a backdrop. Probably the best time to visit is at sunset, especially if there are some clouds.
