Explore Centre
The Outback is a large region covering most of the centre of Australia, including inland areas of New South Wales, Queensland, South Australia, Western Australia and the Northern Territory.
The Outback is a place of Australian folklore, both prior to and after European settlement.
Destinations of the Centre of Australia:
- The Red Centre - is the colloquial name given to the southern desert region of the Northern Territory in Australia.
- Goldfields-Esperance - A barren and flat interior becomes greener toward the coast where chilly king waves sent from Antarctica pummel the rocky shore into wondrous shapes.
- Alice Springs - Australia's famous outback town is the Territories second largest city, and is surrounded by cavernous gorges, boundless desert landscapes, Aboriginal communities and charming pioneering history.
- Flinders Ranges - The Flinders Ranges are home to Wilpena Pound, a spectacular natural amphiteatre and a great base for walking and exploring. The Simpson Desert also presents its own adventures and opportunities.
- Outback Queensland - The wide open spaces provide a mix of fun-loving locals, rugged terrain, rodeos & country festivals.
- Central West - The rolling flat plains to the west of the Great Dividing Range. Home to the cities of Bathurst and Dubbo and the wine region of Mudgee
- Far West - Outback New South Wales, including the city of Broken Hill and the opal mining town of Lightning Ridge
Highlights of the Centre of Australia:
- Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park - Also known as Ayers Rock and The Olgas, with the resort town of Yulara nearby.
- Watarrka National Park - home to Kings Canyon, a mighty chasm reaching a depth of 270 metres with some great options for the less energetic to explore
- Chambers Pillar Historical Reserve - a spectacular solitary column towering 40 metres above the Simpson Desert plain
- East MacDonnell Ranges - following Ross Highway to the east, you will find awesome gorges, gaps and rock formations
- Ewaninga Conservation Reserve - gain insight into an ancient culture as you explore the small, six hectare Ewaninga Rock Carvings
- Finke Gorge National Park - this ancient landscape includes desert oasis Palm Valley, home to a diverse range of plant species, many of which are rare and unique to the area
- Rainbow Valley - a scenic natural reserve consisting of various formations of sandstones and rocks
- West MacDonnell National Park - following Larapinta Drive westwards, it offers easily accessible swimming holes, chasms and gorges, bush walking, camping and four-wheel-driving
- Coober Pedy - It is self-described as the "opal capital of the world" and the opals are the only reason why there is a town. The harsh summer temperatures and the dominant industry mean that most residents live underground, ie in caves bored into the rock of the hills around the town.
States in Centre of Australia are: (Daylight Saving Time)
Northern Territory UTC +9.5
Queensland UTC +10
New South Wales UTC +10 (UTC +10.5)
South Australia UTC +9.5 (UTC +10.5)
Western Australia UTC +8
