As a singer and songwriter, and member of the band Take That, Gary Barlow has become a big star. But even Gary was forced to admit that some things are even bigger, when he witnessed the sweeping landscapes of the Northern Territory in Australia.
In the latest episode of “Gary Barlow’s Food & Wine Tour”, now available on ITVX, Gary takes a break from the recent Take That tour to visit the Red Centre of Australia with fellow pop star Ronan Keating. When taking in the panoramic views around Uluru, Gary said that the Northern Territory is “the most incredible land. It is just so inspiring”.
Chapters
Whether you are a fan of Take That, or just an admirer of magnificent scenery, then you can follow in Gary’s footsteps and visit the Northern Territory to experience the same incredible rock colours and vivid night skies that Gary did. If Gary’s journey between Alice Springs and Uluru has left you yearning for your own Northern Territory adventure, then Freedom Destinations can assist you in creating your own Red Centre adventure.
Gary’s adventure began in Alice Springs, the gateway to the Red Centre, and your journey can start here too. With direct flights from major cities like Sydney and Melbourne, as well as the Ghan Train that connects Alice Springs with both Darwin and Adelaide, Alice Springs connects the whole of Australia with its red heart.
Gary went behind the scenes of the local brewery and a star-gazing retreat during the tv show and joining a guided tour like ‘A Town Like Alice’ offers a similar behind the scenes look at this iconic outback town. Taking you through its fascinating history as a telegraph station and cattle droving centre, you’ll discover how this remote settlement became the heart of Australia’s interior, understanding why it captured the imagination of Nevil Shute for his famous novel and subsequent film.
The tour reveals Alice Springs’ unique character, from its stunning natural amphitheatre of the MacDonnell Ranges to its rich First Nation heritage. You’ll visit the historic Telegraph Station, explore the School of the Air, and gain insights into how this remarkable town continues to thrive in one of the world’s most challenging environments.
Just as Gary marvelled at the natural beauty of the MacDonnell Ranges from above, you can experience it up close with a Palm Valley Outback Safari. This 4WD adventure takes you deep into Finke Gorge National Park, where ancient palm trees create an oasis that seems almost impossible in the heart of the Australian desert.
The safari reveals a landscape that predates the dinosaurs, where red rock formations tell stories spanning millions of years. You’ll navigate rugged terrain to reach this botanical wonder, where unique palm trees, found nowhere else on Earth, have survived in isolation for countless millennia. The contrast between the harsh desert surroundings and this lush pocket of green is nothing short of extraordinary.
The tv snippet from the helicopter flight that took Gary and Ronan between Alice Springs and Uluru offers just a glimpse of the majesty that surrounds Australia’s most iconic landmark. To enjoy more of the same aerial views, you can choose an Uluru Scenic Flight that provides that same aerial perspective that Gary enjoyed, revealing the full scale and isolated majesty of this geological wonder. From the sky, you’ll understand why Uluru has been sacred to the Anangu people for tens of thousands of years, and why it continues to move visitors from around the world.
Northern Territory Holidays by Freedom Destinations
Alice Springs | Kings Canyon | Uluru | Kata Tjuta | Alice Springs
Darwin | Katherine | Red Centre | Coober Pedy | Adelaide
Darwin | Litchfield | Kakadu | Katherine | Alice Springs | Kings Canyon | Uluru
Alice Springs | Kings Canyon | Uluru | Kata Tjuta | Alice Springs
Darwin | Katherine | Red Centre | Coober Pedy | Adelaide
Darwin | Litchfield | Kakadu | Katherine | Alice Springs | Kings Canyon | Uluru
As the sun sets over the Red Centre, the landscape transforms into something truly magical. The Wintjiri Wuru experience represents the latest evolution in Uluru storytelling, combining ancient First Nation tales with cutting-edge drone and laser technology. This immersive sound and light show, presented in an open-air desert theatre, brings Anangu creation stories to life against the backdrop of Uluru itself. Gary experienced the light show during the programme and described the experience as “surprisingly emotional”.
The experience begins with a gourmet picnic dinner as day turns to night, followed by a spectacular display that honours the world’s oldest continuous culture. It is an experience that bridges ancient wisdom with contemporary artistry, creating something entirely unique.
Gary and Ronan ended their visit to Uluru with wine and a meal cooked onsite by their own executive chef. You can enjoy something similar at the Sounds of Silence Dinner, that elevates outdoor dining to an art form. Set on a dune top with uninterrupted views of Uluru, this exclusive experience begins with canapés and champagne as the sun sets, painting the Rock in its famous changing colours. As darkness falls, you’ll enjoy a three-course meal featuring native Australian ingredients, all whilst being serenaded by the sounds of the desert and the sight of the Southern Hemisphere’s brilliant stars.
For those seeking another sensory experience, the evening can be combined with Bruce Munro’s Field of Light installation. This internationally acclaimed art installation transforms the desert into a canvas of more than 50,000 spindles of light, creating a breathtaking display that seems to make the earth itself glow. Walking through this installation as it pulses gently with coloured light creates an almost otherworldly experience.
What struck Gary most about his Northern Territory adventure was the sheer scale of the landscape. Red Centre Experiences offers something that’s increasingly rare in our connected world; a sense of genuine remoteness and timelessness. By including a visit to the Northern Territory on your next Australia holiday, you can step into the same landscape that inspired Gary, offering different perspectives on the same incredible region.
The Northern Territory doesn’t just offer sightseeing, it offers transformation. Just as Gary and Ronan found themselves moved by the inspiring landscapes, you can discover that the Red Centre has a way of putting life into perspective, reminding us of our place in both the natural world and our place in history.
Your Northern Territory holiday awaits, ready to create memories that will last a lifetime and stories you’ll be telling for years to come. After all, if it’s good enough to inspire a pop star, imagine what it might do for you!
Richard has more than 25 years of experience working within the travel industry. He has travelled widely in the USA, Australia and Africa and enjoys exploring National Parks and other wilderness areas.
