Australia, The Outback travel guide
Outback Australia – the wild, vast, red expanse stretching from the Northern Territory to South Australia – offers desert, big rocks, Aboriginal encounters and tasty bush tucker
Call it what you will, the Red Centre, the Central Oz, the back of beyond – Outback Australia has some of the most stunning and iconic scenery the country has to offer.
Covering a vast 3,000km, from the tip of the Northern Territory to the centre of South Australia, Outback Australia takes in both the Simpson and Tanami Deserts and has over 15 national parks. Needless to say it is home to a vast array of landscapes and wildlife.
At the top end there is a tropical feel. The wetlands, floodplains and bush lands of Kakadu National Park vie with Katherine Gorge at Nitmiluk National Park for most stunning scenery. As you travel further south the landscape changes from green to orange to red and the true outback is revealed. In the Red Centre you’ll find the famous rock, Uluru along with Kata Tjuta (the Olgas) and Devil’s Marbles.
Keep going down and you’ll finally hit the Flinders Rangers, marking the end of the outback. Along the way make sure to stop off at Alice Spring, Katherine and the quirky Coober Pedy to experience a slice of true outback hospitality.
Wanderlust recommends
- Watch the sun set on the giant red rock that is Uluru (Ayers Rock), Australia’s most iconic landmark.
- Kayak through the splendour of Katherine Gorge at Nitmiluk National Park, gawping at the sheer height of the sandstone gorge walls.
- Survey the stunning scenery of Yellow Water Wetlands, the jewel of Kakadu National Park.
- Discover the ancient Aboriginal rock art and then stand atop the escarpment at Ubirr, Kakadu National Park.
- Look our across the vast wilderness of the Flinders Ranges as you stand on top of Wilpenda Pound, South Australia.
- Come face to face with the elusive creatures of the desert at Alice Springs Desert Park.
- Walk the rim of the 300-million-year-old Kings Canyon at Watarrka National Park, and then discover the Garden of Eden at the bottom of the chasm.
- Try your hand at opal mining or explore the underground cave-land of the dugout homes and churches of Coober Pedy.
Wanderlust tips
The diverse Aboriginal culture is a highlight of Outback Australia, but there are cultural considerations to remember. Always ask before taking a photo and always double check you are permitted onto certain lands, which may be sacred.
If you’re thinking of buying Aboriginal art make your purchase direct from the artist or Indigenous community, always ask to see a certificate of authenticity.
Within certain areas of the Northern Territory, there are also restrictions on the transportation and consumption of alcohol in public places.