Red Centre Overview

Though the Red Centre is home to less than 0.5% of Australia’s population, it is considered by some to be the essence of the Australian continent. Everything in the Centre has a mythical, larger-than-life quality. The landscapes are nothing if not arresting; while massive Uluru, the world’s largest monolith, draws your eyes skyward, the plunging depths of Watarrka (Kings Canyon) pull them down. In the endless skies, panoramic watercolor sunsets give way to millions of stars every night. Alice Springs, cradled between the craggy, decaying MacDonnell Ranges, is the only sizeable town in any direction, serving as the region’s unofficial capital and gateway for many travelers. Those titles are more de facto than deserved, however; 5hr. drives to Watarrka and Uluru force time-strapped tourists to consider flying direct.

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For 52 years, we have published the world’s favorite budget travel guides, written entirely by students and updated every year. With pen and notebook in hand and a few changes of underwear stuffed in our backpacks, we spend months roaming the globe in search of travel bargains.