Australia stretches approximately eight million square kilometres, and plenty of memorable adventures can be enjoyed across the country. The Australian outback is so extensive that it’s relatively challenging to know where to start as you explore the magnificent country.
You can explore various wonderful and weird things in the Australian outback, and narrowing them to just five isn’t an easy task. However, for an unforgettable experience in Australia, here are the five best Australian outback experiences you should know before you book The Ghan Expedition for your next holiday trip.
1. Alice Springs
While it might not be surprisingly beautiful than most Australian outback on this list, it has much more going on under its peaceful surface. It’s the main base where you can join outback tours at the centre of Australia, so you should consider having it in your itinerary. Like most places in Australia, you should consider visiting Alice Springs during the cooler months, from May to October. These months offer ideal temperatures for safe exploration. Here are things you’ll enjoy during your trip to Alice Springs:
- Book a visit to Kangaroo Sanctuary and enjoy your time with some rescued kangaroos.
- Visit Telegraph Station and have a chance to discover the rich history of this area.
- Look around the various museums within the city. You’ll have a chance to see fabulous fossils, flying doctors, and ancient Aboriginal artifacts.
Join a local guide and hike Larapinta Trail for a spiritual, educational, and cultural experience.
2. The Kings Canyon
The Kings Canyon, located in Watarrka National Park, has stunning scenery. This canyon can give you an unforgettable experience during your Australian outback experience. Located in Northern Australia, Kings Canyon is between Alice Springs and Uluru and can be accessed overland through Lasseter or Stuart Highways.
Kings Canyon is a great sandstone gorge with palm trees and over 20,000 years of history of the Luritja Aboriginal, making it a beautiful and unique region. This region is best visited between May and October as the weather is much cooler this time. Here are things you’ll get to enjoy while at Kings Canyon:
- Join an Aboriginal guide on a waterfall trail.
- Go to Kings Creek Station for glamping
- Enjoy a bird’s eye view on a helicopter as the sun rises.
- View starry skies and eat dinner at Kings Canyon resort.
- Bask in the sunrise as you hike to the top of Kings Canyon called the Rim Walk.
3. Uluru Kata-Tjuta National Park
This is the most sacred and iconic site in Australia. For the best Australian outback experience, consider visiting Uluru Kata-Tjuta National Park and have a chance to witness a geological marvel. Ensure you visit during sunset or sunrise to catch a change of colours as the sun shines on the world’s oldest monolith.
The best days to visit this park are during cooler months, and that’s from May to October. This is when the desert sun is not scorching hot, making walking during the daytime safe and pleasurable. During winter, you’ll have a chance to enjoy this ancient landscape even more. While at this park, you’ll have a chance to do the following:
- Tour off-road on a camel and across the desert as the sun sets.
- Visit Anangu Cultural Center and look at Aboriginal art while listening to ancient stories.
- Take a 10.6 km hike around the base and have a chance to come across wildlife and see picturesque water holes.
- Stargaze at night. This park is known for having the clearest skies on earth. Look for accommodation within the park or have a dining experience under the stars as you enjoy the most of the Australian outback’s skies.
- Join an Aboriginal bushranger for a guided walk in Kantju Gorge.
- Hike across Valley of the Winds and trek on Kata Tjuta rock formations.
4. Flinders Ranges
The Flinders Ranges are known for offering Australia’s most outstanding natural scenery, located approximately 500 kilometres from Adelaide. If you’re into hiking, then Flinders Ranges offer a spectacular hiking experience. You’ll also have a chance to enjoy a great all-trail drive along with wonderful sights.
You can expect to find rich Aboriginal history in this 600-million years old landscape. Furthermore, it’s home to various endearing species. Between June and August is the best time to visit; however, you should note that this is the busiest time of the calendar within this region. While here, you’ll get to do the following:
- Sample emu and kangaroo at a traditional pub.
- Spend your night under the stars in top-notch campsites.
- Avail a self-drive tour and enjoy the Aboriginal Dreaming Trail.
- Take a light aircraft ride and appreciate the great sickle-shaped Wilpena Pound amphitheatre.
- Enjoy the Coffee Pot steam train that operates on a narrow-gauge line.
5. Nullarbor Plain
Nullarbor is a Latin word that means no trees. As the name suggests, Nullarbor Plain is a landscape with no trees and a semi-arid climate. Located between the Great Victoria Desert and the Great Australian Bight, this dramatic landscape offers a scenic experience. This area is extensive and visible from outer space.Â
When visiting Nullarbor Plain, you should keep in mind that it’s a semi-arid to a desert location. This means that the temperature within this region can reach 50 °C during summer, which is from December to February. On the contrary, winter nights are equally shocking as temperatures fall below freezing. Winter within this region is between June and August. This makes May to October the perfect time for visiting Nullarbor Plain. Here are things to enjoy during this Australian outback itinerary:
- Explore the largest limestone expanse on the planet.
- Enjoy driving on Australia’s longest straight road on Eyre Highway.
- Visit remains of the telegram system.
- Play golf at Cook. This is a small inhabited town with 40 permanent residents.
TakeawayÂ
Whichever Australian outback adventure you choose from this list, you’re guaranteed the best experience. These Australian Outback experiences will take you through some remote, dramatic, and scenic places on the face of the planet. You’ll have a chance to encounter unique wildlife, local culture, and incredible landscape. Exploring the Australian outback should be one of your top activities if you are heading for a trip to Australia. And whether you’re visiting Australia from overseas or a local tourist, you’ll never be disappointed exploring this country’s big backyard. You haven’t truly experienced the Down Under until you visit the wild Australian outback.
