Itinerary idea
10 days in the Red Center, around the most famous red mountain in Australia.
On the advice of locals met in Alice Springs, the Manalas headed west for 10 days to discover Uluru, the famous red mountain typical of Australia.
Step 1
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We were able to explore the city a lot by bike. Whenever we were motivated to bike for thirty minutes to reach the center, we did so to visit the Botanical Garden and admire the 360-degree view, the pedestrian streets, the library (we enjoyed working there), and look for a job.
Things to do in Alice Springs
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This small gorge is located about twenty kilometers from the city by car.
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It was freezing cold in the middle of winter with a biting wind, but nevertheless, it was really worth it!
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The only downside is the noise... These vehicles make a huge noise when they drive, and we could hear them every night and all day coming in and out of the campground non-stop... We were really glad when it finally ended!
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It is a boat festival, without water and in the middle of the desert. No one takes themselves seriously and the goal is to score as many points as possible for their team throughout the day. Teams compete in several events and at the end, there is a huge spectacle of giant boats battling according to the teams of the day. Around this festival, there are of course concerts, drinks, and plenty of food!
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Podcast
What does a road trip in the vast Australian desert plains look like?
- We loved this little road trip in the Red Center. It included everything we expected from central Australia: its red rocks, its deserts, its quiet free camps, its red and hot sand, its gorges, its canyons, ULURU! and the Olga Mountains! There is nothing we would change about our itinerary. Everything was perfect.
- If we had to mention a small regret, it would be not being able to visit all the spots in the West Macdonnell Range. It is undoubtedly more beautiful than Uluru, Kings Canyon, or the Olga Mountains. Even though it is less known and doesn't have a story in the strict sense, a testimony to Aboriginal culture like at Uluru, the hikes off the beaten path are truly extraordinary.
How to prepare for 10 days in the Red Center desert?
- Alice Springs, the capital of the Northern Territory, is truly a good starting (and ending) point to properly prepare for your stay in the Red Center. It should be noted that everything outside the city is expensive. So keep in mind that a tank of gas will cost you double what it does elsewhere: it's better to have a bit of gas in reserve.
- It is essential to ensure you have enough drinking water on hand. It is also possible to fill up for free at a service station in Alice Springs!
- And it's the same when it comes to food! Even though the pass to visit Uluru National Park is valid for 3 days, you need to prepare for the journey to and from. Take your time during your trip, there are many visits, hikes, and very little-visited viewpoints off the beaten path to discover! As proof: we took a 10-day trip taking our time.
- You are advised to download your various maps on the Wikicamp and/or CamperMate apps in order to access them offline and to know the spots where you will park for each night.
- Get ready to have some cash on you, some places do not accept cards!
- You absolutely need a pass to drive on the Mereenie Road. You can buy it in Hermannsburg, just before heading directly to Kings Canyon, for $5 per car.
- For all the information on the duration of hikes, accessible spots, and places to visit, stop by the Alice Springs tourist office: they have all the documents in paper format, and you can easily plan your excursion days according to your preferences.