Camping And Caravanning In The Red Centre

To truly appreciate the beauty of the Red Centre you need to spend a night or more under the stars.

Road-tripping in the Red Centre, from Alice Springs to Uluru, is nothing short of an epic adventure. To truly connect to the land, you’ll need to sleep close to the earth. Whether it be in a swag, caravan or luxurious safari tent with a plunge pool, the Red Centre is an idyllic place to sleep under the starry skies.

A straight 5.5-hour drive on the sealed Stuart and Lasseter highways from Alice Springs will take you to Uluru, but why rush? From Alice Springs, once you’ve ticked off the East MacDonnell Ranges, take time to soak in the exquisite gorges of the West MacDonnell National Park, where you can camp in the park at Ormiston Gorge, Ellery Creek Big Hole, Redbank Gorge, Serpentine Chalet and Finke Two Mile.

Once you’ve packed up your tent in the West Macs, continue to Watarrka National Park, home to the mighty Kings Canyon and then it’s another 300 kilometres to the giant monolith that is Uluru.

Here’s a closer look at some of the best camping and caravanning spots the Red Centre has to offer. We’ve already got an article about caravanning and camping around Alice Springs. You can check that out here.

Kings Creek Station

Stunning scenery, camels, cattle and a wide range of accommodation options: that’s what the vast Kings Creek Station offers.

Located just 36 kilometres from Kings Canyon, the 180,000-hectare cattle station is on Luritja Road, which connects the Lasseter Highway to Larapinta Drive (the main route through the West MacDonnell Ranges). Cautious travellers should go via the sealed Lasseter, while the more adventurous might prefer the dirt and corrugations of the Red Centre Way (formerly the Mereenie Loop Road).

an aerial view of Kings Creek Station — Base yourself close to Kings Canyon at this excellent station stay. (Image: Tourism NT/Kings Creek Station)

Set among tall desert oaks, the campground features powered and unpowered sites, a pool, campfire, hot showers and toilets. If you want to take it up a notch, pick a tent in one of the three glamping sections – Mort Conway Camp, Drovers Dream and the Dreamtime Escarpment.

the balcony view at Kings Creek Station — The safari tents offer spectacular views. (Image: Tourism NT/Kings Creek Station)

All the safari tents boast air conditioning, plush beds, ensuites, barbecues and the option of a buffet breakfast, breakfast hamper and self-cook barbecue dinner pack. The Dreamtime Escarpment abodes are the crème de la crème of the safari tents, thanks to their elevated platforms, outdoor showers, shared plunge pool and large verandahs, negating the need to head anywhere else for a sundowner. Experiences at the station include helicopter flights, buggy rides and cultural tours.

a look inside the safari-style tent at Kings Creek Station — The safari tents feature air conditioning and plush beds. (Image: Tourism NT/Kings Creek Station)

Facilities: powered, unpowered, camp kitchen, showers, toilets, fire pits, swimming pool, café, pet friendly, laundry.

Discovery Resorts – Kings Canyon

Your idyllic days at Discovery Resorts – Kings Canyon will be spent exploring Watarrka National Park, just ten minutes from this remote resort-style retreat.

the view at Discovery Kings Canyon Resort near Watarrka National Park — Settle into the remote resort-style retreat at Discovery Kings Canyon Resort.

The private deck attached to the Deluxe Suites at Discovery Parks - Kings Canyon — The perfect place to take in your surroundings at the end of the day.

The campsite boasts uninterrupted views of Kings Canyon with plenty of powered and unpowered sites and ablution blocks, plus a pool and two restaurants. For those looking for more luxurious accommodation, there are resort rooms and glamping tents.

The bathtub in the deluxe suite at Discovery Parks - Kings Canyon Resort — The bathtub in the deluxe suite is a real showstopper.

Inside the Deluxe Suite at Discovery Parks - Kings Canyon Resort — Staying in the outback doesn’t mean you have to rough it.

Facilities: powered, unpowered, camp kitchen, showers, toilets, swimming pool, restaurant, tennis court, petrol station, laundry.

Curtin Springs Wayside Inn

Just a stone’s throw away from Uluru (a mere 85 kilometres away), Curtin Springs serves as an ideal base for exploring the nearby natural wonders without breaking the bank.

Be prepared for an all-dirt campground, which is part of a working cattle station, giving you a unique glimpse into the day-to-day life of the Australian outback.

an aerial view of Curtin Springs Wayside Inn — The rustic campground is part of a working cattle station. (Image: Tourism Australia/Global Headquarters)

There is no charge for unpowered sites, while those who want to splash out a little can book a powered site or one of the 27 rooms, which range in size from twin rooms with shared bathrooms to abodes that sleep five with private ensuites.

a man serving food to the couple at the restaurant of Curtin Springs Wayside Inn — The in-house restaurant serves home-style meals. (Image: Tourism Australia/Global Headquarters)

Facilities: pet-friendly, powered, unpowered, barbeque area, fire pits, showers, toilets, restaurant, petrol station.

Giles Track camping

Camping is not permitted in Watarrka National Park, except for hikers on the 22-kilometre Giles Track. Walkers can camp anywhere between the three-kilometre and 20-kilometre markers, but the best spot is at Reedy Creek. If you’re a visitor to the NT, you will need a park pass .

Facilities: none.

Discovery Resorts – Glen Helen

Discovery Resorts – Glen Helen is currently closed due to water issues.

an aerial view of Discover Resorts - Glen Helen — Discover Resorts – Glen Helen is an outback haven. (Image: Tourism NT/Tourism Australia)

For more incredible ways to experience the Red Centre read our guide to Alice Springs and Uluru.

Summer transforms the Northern Territory into a lush paradise of colour and life, as a visit during the ‘low-season’ reveals secrets the locals willingly share.

Waterlilies bloom, floodplains are alive with birdlife, waterfalls are gushing, and everywhere the green is dazzling. Summer in the Top End and the Red Centre is a kaleidoscope of unexpected wonders that delight and surprise visitors. Of course, the locals know only too well that the Northern Territory low season is often the best time to see and experience this amazing part of Australia.

Here are some of the reasons why savvy travellers – avoiding the crowds – are discovering a new dimension to the Territory. Remember that you’ll need a Parks Pass to visit national parks.

1. Take a dip in the Florence Falls waterhole

Wander through savanna woodland and monsoon forest to discover the perfect place to cool off – the waterhole at the base of spectacular Florence Falls in the magnificent Litchfield National Park , just 90 minutes’ drive from Darwin. The falls flow year-round but are most spectacular during the summer. Camping is available nearby but bookings are essential and must be made online before you visit.

Surrounded by lush forest, a woman cools off in Florence Falls, just one of many incredible things to do in the Northern Territory. — Cool off beneath the cascading waters of Florence Falls. (Image: Joshua Griffin)

2. Wind down at Buley Rock Hole

Another popular local swimming spot in Litchfield National Park is Buley Rock Hole , open year-round. This is a great place to wind down after exploring everything the park has to offer, including towering termite mounds. Wade through the rock pools, soak up the scenic bush or just lie back and relax as the cool water rolls over you.

Buley Rockhole, Litchfield National Park — Let the cool water wash over you. (Image: Tourism Australia)

3. Tour the Tiwi Islands

The Tiwi Islands , a scenic 80km flight from Darwin across the narrow Clarence and Dundas Straits, reveal a different side to the Territory, with their own distinctive culture. Take a day tour with Tiwi by Design to visit Bathurst Island and learn about creation stories, the Mission days, World War II history and the islanders’ obsession with AFL!

Take a ‘behind-the-scenes’ tour of Tiwi Design’s screen-printing workshop and pick up a great souvenir in the form of art. Choose from contemporary or traditional Tiwi designs and a wide range of work including carvings, paintings, pottery, printmaking, bark paintings and tunga (bark baskets).

A creative moment shared inside Tiwi Design’s screen-printing space. — Take a peek inside Tiwi Design’s screen-printing studio. (Image: Tourism NT)

4. Dine in Darwin

Foodies are spoilt for choice in multi-cultural Darwin. Try Sri Lankan flavours at Ella by Minoli, where Masterchef contestant Minoli De Silva creates delectable dishes, or head to Charlie’s of Darwin for gin-tasting, cocktails and more. Bowls of fragrant laksa, excellent coffee, fresh vegetables and authentic crafts are all part of a weekend visit to Darwin’s Parap Markets , Rapid Creek Markets and the Nightcliff Markets .

Prefer to catch your own dinner? Book a Top End fishing charter to bag a barramundi – and from October register for the annual Million Dollar Fish competition. Hooking one of the tagged barra released each year in waterways across the Territory could win you up to $1 million.

A bowl of Laksa. — Eat your way through multicultural Darwin. (Image: Tourism NT)

5. Up close with Uluṟu

The magnificent monolith Uluṟu is even more magical when the summer rains fall. When it rains on The Rock, the locals come out to watch – consider yourself lucky if that happens when you visit. Waterfalls cascading off the sides of Uluṟu is a sight that relatively few tourists see.

There’s so much to do at Uluṟu, from guided walks to learn the stories of the Aṉangu people and the ancient landscape they live in to scenic flights for a bird’s-eye view or a leisurely walk around the base of Uluṟu. Book ahead to spend the evening wandering through the Field of Light installation by Bruce Munro.

A closer look at Uluru and uncover its ancient stories, sacred sites, and striking natural beauty – one of the most iconic things to do in the Northern Territory. — Discover the details that make Uluṟu truly sacred. (Image: Tourism NT)

6. Drive the Red Centre Way

From Alice Springs, take an epic road trip along the Red Centre Way, taking in Uluru and Watarrka National Park, home to the magnificent Kings Canyon. Allow at least a week to drive through the red heart of Australia by 4WD, a little longer on the sealed road by 2WD vehicle, travelling through ochre deserts, palm-lined valleys and dramatic gorges. Stop off at waterholes for a refreshing dip along the way.

Kings Canyon offers hiking options for all levels of fitness, from the three-hour Rim Walk atop soaring sandstone walls to the gentler Kings Creek Walk. Either way, you’ll have breathtaking views.

SEIT Outback Australia is a small group touring specialist offering exciting, adventurous, exclusive and specialised iconic, pioneering and cultural touring in the Red Centre of Australia, giving you the time to learn, absorb and relax in the heart of Australia.<br /><br />This innovative tour company focuses on providing clients with the ultimate interpretive touring experiences with a range of products and customised touring itineraries for small groups and bespoke private charters.<br /><br />The company bases its philosophies from the key words of Spirit, Emotion, Intellect and Task (SEIT). — Drive through Australia’s heart. (Image: Outback Australia Tours)

7. Take a walk at Kata Tjuṯa

Head out early to tackle the Valley of the Winds Walk at Kata Tjuṯa . This natural wonder, also known as The Olgas, is a labyrinth of soaring ochre domes that glow golden at sunrise and sunset (the walk may be closed during the middle of the day as temperatures rise).

Walking trails range from easy to longer, more difficult tracks. At the Kata Tjuṯa dune viewing area, take in the panoramic view of the domes. The longest of the trails is the Valley of the Winds Walk, a 7.4km circuit that winds between the domes and through creek beds. It’s moderately difficult and steep in places, but offers stunning views – and occasional encounters with kangaroos.

The Valley of the Winds Walk at Kata Tjuta is one of the most awe-inspiring things to do in the Northern Territory, especially at sunrise when the domes glow golden. — Step into the golden light of Kata Tjuṯa. (Image: Tourism NT)

8. Explore Tjoritja/West MacDonnell Ranges

Tjoritja/West MacDonnell National Park lies 135km west of Alice Springs, with many fascinating natural features to beguile visitors. The ‘West Macs’ formations include chasms, gorges and waterholes – take your swimsuit for a dip at Ormiston Gorge waterhole, open year-round. The Ormiston Pound Walk is a three to four-hour circuit that leaves from the visitor centre and loops back along the gorge via the main waterhole. Other places of interest in the park include Simpsons Gap , Standley Chasm , Ellery Creek Big Hole and Glen Helen .

Soaking in the serenity of Ormiston Gorge, these two travellers enjoy one of the most scenic things to do in the Northern Territory. — Take the plunge at Ormiston Gorge waterhole. (Image: Joshua Griffin Litchfield)

Start planning the NT road trip of a lifetime at northernterritory.com

The ultimate guide to camping and caravanning in the Red Centre