Exploring Alice Springs & the Red Centre
From Melbourne, we flew up to Alice Springs to begin our week long Red Centre adventure. Basing ourselves first in Alice Springs, then near Ayers Rock itself, I planned a number of day trips out by coach so I could see exactly what I wanted. I’m quite independent when travelling, but in some parts of the world like the Red Centre, I think you really benefit from a local guide.
Day 1: Alice Springs
After our morning flight up from Melbourne, we landed in Alice Springs. As a city, it doesn’t have too many fancy hotels so we opted for the 4* Chifley Hotel which has a great location on the edge of town next to the Todd River.
For the afternoon, we booked a half day tour of the city which helped us understand the history of Australia’s most famous outback town. After visiting the old Telegraph Station, we headed to the Reptile Centre (a great place for kids of all ages!). You can see and handle all kinds of reptiles including lizards, thorny devils and crocs.
Day 2: Alice Springs to Ayers Rock
For our journey over to Ayers Rock, we booked a coach transfer. Travelling by road, you’ll journey through outback desert scenery and through the McDonnell Ranges so it’s very scenic.
The tour takes you to a working camel farm, where you can meet the animals or even take a ride, but throughout the journey, your local guide will talk to you about the history and geology of the place and fill you in on plenty of interesting Aboriginal history too.
For our second night in the Red Centre, we stayed in Yulara village, about 11 miles from Uluru. We stayed at the 5* Sails in the Desert, which has the best pool in the area. All three of the hotels above have the same owner you are free to use the facilities at any of the other hotels and there are lots of free activities on offer, including bush walks, dot painting workshops and how to throw a boomerang.
In terms of other options, the 3* Outback Pioneer is home to the only bar, plus they offer a DIY BBQ. The 4* Desert Gardens has a very good a la carte restaurant and offers ‘Rock view rooms’. If you’re travelling with kids, there are also some apartments and a decent campground too.
For a seriously luxurious stay and a truly unique outback experience, I recommend the tented camp of 5* Longitude 131 as the ultimate pick. Nestled away in the bush right beside the most famous rock in the world, from here you’ll have unrivalled views.