The ‘Red Centre’ of the Northern Territory is the red desert heart of Australia, consisting of World Heritage-listed Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park and Kings Canyon region.
Join me as we explore this region full of ancient culture and majestic natural wonders.
Kata Tjuta
My new favourite place in the Red Centre Kata Tjuṯa, (aka The Olgas), is a group of large domed rock formations located around 50km from Uluṟu. The name Kata Tjuka, meaning "many heads" was given to the area by the local Indigenous peoples and refers to the 36 individual rock formations. We began our walk through what is known as the Valley of the Winds giving us the first of many spectacular views around this area. We then continued on amongst these towering red boulders with contrasting deep blue skys to complete our 7.4km circuit. * This walk is graded 4 Difficult, due to its steep tracks and rough terrain.
Kings Canyon
Kings Canyon is located in Watarrka National Park and is only three hours’ drive from Uluru. The iconic hike to the top of Kings Canyon is probably the most difficult, with around 500 steep steps to climb. Once at the top take time to enjoy the breathtaking 360 degree views of this spellbinding location with its 300 metre high sandstone walls, palm-filled crevices, and views that stretch across the desert. If you are doing this walk I would highly recommend doing the extra 600m return walk in the Garden of Eden. Garden of Eden is filled with lush greenery and the sacred watering hole that is surrounded by towering deep red sandstone walls. Truly an experience that will remain etched in your mind forever. Although this is a 6km walk it feels more like 10km due to its uneven terrain. * I would rate this walk as hard but very doable. An absolute highlight of the Red Centre.
Uluru - Riding the Rock
After completing Kings Canyon Rim Walk the day before, we decided to try something different and hop on mountain bikes for a pleasant easy ride around Uluru. This 15-kilometre self-guided journey, from pick up point, allowed us plenty of opportunities to stop and explore the pure beauty of this spiritual and unique wonder of the world at our own pace.