8 incredible destinations in outback Australia
Covering more than 6.5 million square kilometres and stretching from New South Wales to Western Australia, South Australia to the Northern Territory, the Australian outback is truly incredible. Here are eight of the best things to see.
1. Uluru
It’s impossible to talk about the outback without mentioning the iconic Uluru. The big red rock is an icon of Australia and the kind of place that takes your breath away. Walk around the base at sunrise or sunset to see it turn incredible shades of red.
2. Kata Tjuta
Close to Ayers Rock, Kata Tjuta (previously known as the Olgas) is a 500 million year old rock formation that is just as impressive as the rock itself. A number of trails wind through the rocks, travelling through dry creek beds and around the base of the huge domed peaks. Splash out on a scenic helicopter flight over the two – you won’t regret it.
3. Kings Canyon
Sitting around halfway between Uluru and Alice Springs, Kings Canyon is a majestic sandstone gorge with cliffs rising hundreds of metres from the ground. There’s a tough, six-kilometre hike that runs around the canyon rim, looking over the lush ferns and eucalypts at the base of the gorge. Kings Caynon receives less than half the visitors of Uluru, so there’s a good chance you’ll have the trail all to yourself.
4. Broken Hill
The old silver mining town of Broken Hill is in New South Wales, close to the border with South Australia. The town itself is chock full of galleries and museums, though head out to the desert for the star attraction, the Living Desert Reserve. Huge rock sculptures stand in the middle of the red sand, looking as if they have been carved by aliens.
5. Flinders Ranges
The rugged, beautiful landscape of the Flinders Ranges was shaped more than 540 million years ago. Take a flight over the 100 kilometre natural amphitheatre of Wilpena Pound or hike through it on a multitude of trails. Try your luck noodling (fossicking) for opals at Coober Pedy or marvel at the vast salt plain of Lake Eyre. There are also fantastic aboriginal rock art sites within the ranges.
6. The Kimberley
The most remote edge of the outback, the Kimberley stretches across the northern edge of Western Australia and into the Northern Territory. It’s one of the world’s last true wilderness areas, a place of rugged coastline, thundering waterfalls and ancient rock formations. Try a small ship cruise or drive the Gibb River Road.
7. The Ghan
This iconic rail journey slices straight through the centre of the country, travelling from Adelaide to Darwin via Alice Springs. You’ll see the ever-changing landscapes of the outback rolling past your window as you relax in absolute comfort. During the stops, you can explore outback towns, take scenic flights or visit ancient rock art sites.
8. The Nullarbor
Famous as the longest stretch of straight road in the world, the Eyre Highway crosses the vast Nullarbor Plain, which runs along the bottom of Australia from Ceduna to Perth. It’s both stark and beautiful at the same time, with virtually no trees but plenty of bird and animal life – including up to 100,000 wild camels. Driving it is an experience like no other.
Make sure you check out photos of these places in the gallery above. Have you visited any of these incredible outback locations? What did you think, and would you go back again?
Please let us know in the comments below.
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