Australia’s Outback
Whilst there are no strict boundaries to Australia’s Outback, it makes up a whopping 80% of Australia. Officially known as rangelands, the Outback is comprised of incredibly diverse landscapes, and distinct climate zones, with everything from lush rainforest, to the iconic arid red desert, and towering mountain ranges. There is so much to discover…
Uluru & the Red Centre
The Red Centre is probably what first comes to mind when you picture the Australian Outback. This sprawling arid desert landscape is punctuated with unique rock formations, including iconic Uluru. The Red Centre is steeped in spiritual significance for the Anangu people, as Uluru (formerly Ayers Rock) and Kata Tjuta are sacred sites. The sheer scale of these mesmerising rock formations can only be appreciated in person.
Rising from the desert, Kings Canyon is similarly spectacular, lending itself to amazing hiking. Walk the rim at sunrise, or explore the lush oasis of the Garden of Eden. For a unique insight into outback life, Alice Springs is worth a visit. 930 miles away from a major city, Alice Springs is the bustling hub of the Red Centre.
The Tropical Top End
With an entirely different climate to the Red Centre, the Top End is a tropical oasis. It is home to the Northern Territory‘s state capital of Darwin. Offering a blend of the modern and cosmopolitan, and tropical outback adventure, the city has an inviting and unique feel.
The Top End boasts some incredible landscapes. World Heritage-listed Kakadu National Park is brimming with wildlife, dotted amongst the glistening waterfalls, rugged escarpments, sandstone outcrops and rainforests. The Katherine region is also made up of misty waterfalls, hidden waterholes and towering gorges. You can cruise Nitmiluk (Katherine) Gorge for a unique perspective of the habitat.
To experience one of the last untouched regions in the world, you can visit the remote Arnhem Land, and learn about the area’s ancient Aboriginal culture.
The Kimberley
Situated in Western Australia, the vast Kimberley region again offers an entirely different experience. A sprawling wilderness area, it is over three times the size of England, but with a population under 40,000.
The perfect way to explore this ancient terrain of dramatic gorges, rocky escarpments and freshwater springs is with an escorted tour. On a tour, everything is taken care of, and you can truly uncover this fascinating region with the help of an expert guide.
South Australia’s Outback
This Outback region is often overlooked, but it is made up of some fascinating places. Expect majestic mountain ranges, vast open plains and wetland habitats.
The Flinders Ranges are one of the oldest mountain ranges in the world. Its rugged, weathered peaks can be explored on foot, by car or in a scenic flight.
Coober Pedy is another highlight of South Australia’s Outback. This fascinating mining town is sometimes referred to as the ‘Opal Capital of the World’, and is particularly unique as around 60% of the population live underground.
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