central australia
family - things to do

natural wonders

Uluru (Ayers Rock)
Just stunning! This impressive sandstone monolith sits in one of the most isolated pockets of country in Australia. Standing 348 metres above the flat desert floor, Uluru is one of the great wonders of the world. The Rock is particularly spectacular at sunrise and sunset

Kata Tjuta (The Olgas)
About away from Uluru is a collection of 36 giant, weathered rock domes called Kata Tjuta, that date back 500 million years. Take a short or long walk through the domes to the viewing platforms.

Kings Canyon
North of Uluru is Watarrka National Park with its star attraction, the Kings Canyon. Highlights include 100 metre sheer cliff faces, The Lost City, and a palm fringed waterhole named the Garden of Eden.

Standley Chasm
Found along the Larapinta trail, the chasm is 5 metre wide channel carved by nature through solid rock, which puts on a wondrous display of colours when met by the midday sun.

West Macdonnell Ranges
Take a drive along the ranges to visit the gorges and chasms each with their own character. Enjoy a swim at Ormiston Gorge, Ellery Creek Big Hole, Glen Helen Gorge or Redbank Gorge.

Ochre Pits
Visit the ochre pits that desert Aboriginal peoples onced used as a quarry for ochre pigments.

More natural wonders to see ...

fun & games

Alice Spring Telegraph Station
Built in 1871, the Telegraph station no longer operates, but is open for inspection. Many of the buildings are in good condition and are easy to wander around.

Uluru-Kata Tjuta Cultural Centre
The centre is located near Uluru, with its distinctive buildings in the form of a python and a poisonous snake, will give you a good background on the history and significance of the area to the local people.

Henbury Meteorites Conservation Reserve - Take a drive to this reserve where meteorites hit the earth thousands of years before. The singpposted track walks visitors around the huge craters left by meteors.

Ghan Preservation Society Museum
For train-lovers big and small! Browse this museum for railway exhibits from the 1890s and the Ghan Railway Museum at MacDonnell Siding.

talk to the animals

Frontier Camel Park
In the Alice Springs environs, visit the park to for camel rides and displays that show the importance of camels and Afghan workers in the area

Alice Springs Desert Park
Visit the Desert Park for a showcase of desert animals and plants displayed in their range of different habitats. The children will love it.

Alice Springs Reptile Centre
The centre features a collection of lizards and venomous snakes, some of which can be handled.

Camels Australia
Camels Australia is about 90 kms out of town on nine acres of bushland. Take a short ride around the enclosure or browse the souvenirs.

Olive Pink Botanic Gardens
Euros (small kangaroos) and assorted birdlife can be found in these Alice Springs Botanical Gardens as well as the occasional reptile. The gardens are a pleasant sanctuary and after rain come alive with butterflies and wildflowers.