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Send
Enquiry!! |
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 The
Desert Centre is home to one of Australia’s most culturally
significant icons - Uluru (Ayers Rock) and the strange
rock domes of nearby Kata Tjuta. However, with a few
days in the area you will discover that there is much,
much more to our timeless centre.
The dramatic landscape features several other spectacular
geological formations, most of which rose from a vast and
ancient ice-covered inland sea:
Kings Canyon lies within the Watarrka National Park, 330km
south west of Alice Springs. A 6km walk up to and around the
rim of the canyon takes you past the strange rock formations
known as the 'Lost City'. Peer into the depths of the Canyon
300m below, stare into the distant desert country and swim in
the oasis-like palm-fringed 'Garden of Eden' pool.
Only an hour from Alice Springs are the rugged MacDonnell
Ranges, the continent’s second longest & highest range and one
of the most spectacular. This is the site of our most remote
gold rush remembered now by a ghost town & a warm welcome at
the local pub, the Arltunga Bush Hotel. To the local Arrant
people, the Eastern area of the MacDonnell's is the dreamtime
birthplace of the mountain range and the gorges contain fine
examples of Aboriginal rock art. Some gorges are home to rare
animals such as the black-footed wallaby and the region is
rich with bird and animal life.
In fact throughout the region there is a large population of
unique mammals, birds, reptiles
and plants that prove this arid climate is more than
hospitable. Wallabies, dingoes, emus, tiny geckos and
huge eagles are just some of the long-established locals
you'll see and there are a few well-adjusted immigrants,
such as camels, around.
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Enquiry!!
Throughout the Centre the Aboriginal presence is strong and
their cultural and spiritual connection to this region echoes
in every rock and landmark. Aboriginal people have lived here
for at least 30,000 years, and within that time, have created
an intricate culture moulded by the inland deserts. Foods,
medicines, music, customs, legends, art – all of these were
adapted to suit the arid environment. Aboriginal guides host
many of the more interesting walks and in the area there are
excellent opportunities to purchase authentic Aboriginal
artwork.
Even the more recent arrivals, of European heritage, have
retained their individuality and life on one of the outback
cattle properties is reminiscent of an era passing. A stay at
one of our million acre stations provides more beautiful wild
landscapes, friendly rural hospitality and the opportunity to
take part in a bit of light mustering work, help with the
“mill run” or take a picnic and enjoy lunch in the shade of a
tree by a private waterhole.
The town of Alice Springs was established by 19th century
pioneers and today, with a population of 25,000 people, it is
the tourism hub for Central Australia. From here you can take
an early morning ride in a hot air balloon over the MacDonnell
Ranges and visit the Alice Springs Desert Park to experience
the native flora and fauna at close hand, and learn about the
ways of the Aboriginal people.
All through each and every day you will be amazed by the
changes of colors in the rocks & desert formations and after
a stunning sunset there is one last surprise - when the Desert
Centre sky unveils her million-star display!
Send
Enquiry!!
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Weather Highlights |
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Jan |
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Mar |
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Jun |
Jul |
Aug |
Sep |
Oct |
Nov |
Dec |
| Avg. Temperature * |
31 |
28 |
24 |
19 |
15 |
11 |
10 |
11 |
18 |
23 |
26 |
26 |
| Avg. Max Temperature * |
38 |
34 |
32 |
27 |
24 |
19 |
19 |
19 |
26 |
31 |
33 |
35 |
| Avg. Min Temperature * |
23 |
22 |
15 |
11 |
6 |
4 |
1 |
2 |
10 |
15 |
18 |
20 |
| Avg. Rain Days |
1 |
9 |
0 |
1 |
0 |
2 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
5 |
7 |
8 |
* Centigrade
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More about Uluru & Kata Tjuta |
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From Alice Springs it
is 450kms southwest to Uluru (Ayers Rock). Uluru rises out of
the flat desert, the world's largest monolith and a geological
work of art. Riddled with caves, rivulets, strange wounds and
gashes, it has been revered by Aboriginal people for thousands
of years and is adorned with many ancient rock paintings. The
rock famously changes color with the position of the sun,
losing its red resonance altogether after sunset to turn dark
purple then grey.
Send Enquiry!!
Uluru measures 9.4 km around the base and rises up to 348 meters.
It is like an iceberg in the desert, in that geologists believe at
least two-thirds of the Rock lies beneath the surface.
Fifty kms west is Uluru’s ancient neighbour, Kata Tjuta (The
Olga's), a spectacular collection of 36 weathered red domes (up to
546m high) with steep sides, separated by narrow valleys, covering
about 35 square kilometers. The domes of Kata Tjuta (meaning ‘many
heads’) are just as impressive as their more famous neighbour.
Kata Tjuta and Uluru, form part of the traditional belief system
of one of the oldest human societies in the world - the
traditional owners of Uluru-Kata Tjuta, the Anangu Aboriginal
people. In years gone by many people made the 1.6 km climb to the
top of The Rock however as the Anangu people prefer that you
respect their culture and do not climb the rock, we discourage
climbs. For most the highlight of a visit to both Uluru & Kata
Tjuta is the natural light show at sunrise & sunset when the very
rock turns from crimsons to rusts and through pinks to mauves.
The area around Uluru and Kata Tjuta provides some excellent trail
walks during which aboriginal guides will relate some of their
dreamtime stories. From the 9.4 km tracks around Uluru’s base,
where you will see numerous Aboriginal paintings, to shorter walks
of under 2kms including the Mutitjulu walk. Mutitjulu is a
permanent waterhole and the walk tells the story of the clash
between the two ancestral snakes Kuniya and Liru. Some areas of
the rock are sacred and are clearly marked, so the Anangu people
request that you do not take pictures or enter these areas.
A visit to the Cultural Centre, a wonderful example of appropriate
desert architecture, provides insight into the spiritual
significance of Uluru and why the Anangu people prefer it if you
did not climb the rock. Scenic flights are also a good option.
The best times
to see Uluru & Kata Tjuta are dawn and dusk, when the
desert heat is not too intense.
Send
Enquiry!!
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Desert
Centre Highlights |
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Uluru or Ayers Rock |
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Kata Tjuta or The Olga's |
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Kings Canyon |
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MacDonnell Ranges |
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Simpson Desert |
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Alice Springs School of the
Air |
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Alice Springs Desert Park |
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Alice Springs Royal Flying
Doctor Service
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