In a nutshell
And don't miss the nearby Kata Tjuta (The Olgas), another remarkable red rock formation rising out of the flat desert. These wonders are part of the aptly named Red Centre, located at the bottom of the Northern Territory, in the heart of Australia, where the red colouring tinges everything from the iron-oxide-rich soil to the red kangaroos that make their home here.
Your gateway to the Red Centre is the town of Alice Springs, flanked by the rugged MacDonnell Ranges. Here you can enjoy the great outdoors and the wealth of Aboriginal culture. Nearby sights to visit include Alice Springs Desert Park with its unique desert flora and fauna, and the famed Royal Flying Doctor Service. Bushwalking, camel safaris and biking are also popular activities.
Another treasure of this area is King's Canyon, otherwise known as Watarrka National Park. Its dramatic, rugged bluffs and gorges shelter a world of contrasts, with ancient sandstone walls thrusting skyward to the Lost City, a plateau of weathered domes. The land is rich in animal life and native flora, with more than 600 different species of plant life, so don't forget your camera!