• Kata Tjuta
  • Ayers Rock (Uluru)
  • Aboriginal art

Uluru & The Red Centre

Explore the Red heart of Australia's vast Outback

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Australia’s ‘Red Centre’ is the true, mythical Outback Australia - red dust, empty tracks, unique wildlife and big characters.

Situated in the Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park, Uluru (Ayers Rock) is one of the world’s most recognised natural icons - a giant sandstone formation rising boldly out of its seemingly stark landscape. The lesser-known Kata Tjuta (The Olgas) is equally impressive. Translating as 'many heads', these colossal rock domes hold secrets of fascinating local indigenous history.

Remote Alice Springs is Australia’s most famous Outback town as well as home to the Royal Flying Doctor Service and rich in local heritage.

Watarrka National Park is where you will find the mighty Kings Canyon, and with 300m high walls, sandstone formations, a 'Lost City' and a forested waterhole deep in a gorge, it really is an otherworldly landscape.

Choose from Kuoni's selection of Uluru & Red Centre hotels and tours and self-drives.

Perhaps venture further afield and stay at one of our other Northern Territory hotels.

Uluru & Red Centre highlights
•   Sunrise and sunset at Uluru are unmissable - watch the rock surface change colour from a flaming red to a deep brown, and every hue in between
•   Hike through Kata Tjuta to the wonderful 'Valley of the Winds' lookout (approx. three hour circuit)
•   Visit the Uluru-Kata Tjuta Cultural Centre for an enthralling introduction to Anangu culture
•   Drift soundlessly over the MacDonnell Ranges and Alice Springs as the sun rises on a magical hot-air balloon ride
•   Stand at the rim of Kings Canyon with its sheer drop and feel like you are on the edge of the world
•   Explore independently with a Kuoni self-drive: perhaps see the Red Centre's main attractions on the Red Centre Way

Australia Tailor Made
Don’t forget that with Kuoni you can create your own dream Australia holiday by customising your trip, choosing different combinations of nights, hotels and resorts.

•   Request a copy of our superb Australia, New Zealand & South Pacific brochure
•   Call our Personal Travel Experts on 01306 747002 who will be happy to talk you through your requirements and provide a personalised quotation
•   Request a quote online

Find out more about Australia with our Information and Facts.
Read our Uluru i-travel article.

Capital city

Canberra
Population

Australia has a population of 19.5 million.

Time difference / local time

Australia has three time zones: Eastern Standard Time: GMT +10 Hours taking in Tasmania, Victoria, New South Wales and Queensland Central Standard Time: GMT + 9 Hours 30 Mins taking in Northern Territory and South Australia. Western Standard Time: GMT

Language

English is the official language even though they do have their own vocabulary for certain words! The aborigines do have their own language but it is not widely spoken.

Currency

Australian Dollar ($). Approx. exchange rate AUD 1.61 = GBP 1 (27 January 2011) comprising of 100 cents = $1.

Passports and Visas

Visas are required by everyone except holders of Australian or New Zealand passports. Visas can now be booked electronically through Electronic Travel Authority (ETA’s) or by contacting the Australian High Commission. Clients will also require a 10 year passport which needs to be valid for six months after return to the UK. All other passport holders should contact the Australian High Commission as early as possible.

Shopping

Aborigine art is available in all major cities at every conceivable price. Shops selling duty-free goods are available so it’s worth looking at radios, photographic and electrical equipment, as well as clothes and perfumes. Your passport and ongoing ticket will prove that you’re eligible for duty-free although not always asked for. Souvenirs include the cuddly koala, boomerangs and the Australian wide brimmed hat.

Climate / season

Rule of the thumb is that the seasons in Australia are opposite to those in Europe. Spring & Summer is October to March with most of the country being warm or hot, the north being more tropical and the south having milder nights. Autumn and winter is April to September where the north and central Australia is clear, with warm days and cool nights. The south experiences cool days with occasional rain.

No compulsory vaccinations but recommended vaccination is Tetanus.
Tipping

If you feel that you have received an excellent service and wish to show appreciation for this then a discretionary tip of 10% may be given.

Climate data for this region

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