DISCOVER CENTRAL AUSTRALIA | JULY 2026
HOT MONTHLY TIPS FROM OUR GOOD FRIENDS AT TOURISM CENTRAL AUSTRALIA
FEW PLACES IN Australia deliver hiking experiences quite like the Red Centre. From towering sandstone cliffs to ancient mountain ranges glowing red at sunrise, the region offers walks that are as rewarding emotionally as they are physically.
For many hikers, the appeal lies in the sheer diversity of landscapes packed into one destination.
At Watarrka National Park, the iconic Kings Canyon Rim Walk takes visitors through a dramatic 6km circuit of steep climbs, rocky domes, and panoramic views across the canyon. The walk’s famous 500-step ascent is quickly forgotten once hikers reach the top, where changing afternoon light transforms the sandstone into shades of deep orange and gold. Hidden pockets like the lush Garden of Eden provide moments of calm among the rugged terrain.
Further west, Rutjupma/Mount Sonder offers one of the Red Centre’s most unforgettable summit experiences. Rising 1,380m above sea level in Tjoritja/West MacDonnell National Park, it’s the highest climbable peak in the West MacDonnell Ranges and the grand finale of the Larapinta Trail. While the full return hike stretches almost 16km, many walkers say the reward comes at sunrise, when the vast desert landscape slowly lights up beneath you.
What makes hiking in the Red Centre so special isn’t only the scenery. It’s also the feeling of space, stillness, and connection to Country that feels “out-of-this-world”, “breathtaking”, and surprisingly peaceful, with many walks offering moments of total silence interrupted only by wind moving through the ranges – as described by past visitors.
The Red Centre also caters to every level of hiking difficulty. Multi-day experiences like the Larapinta Trail sit alongside accessible day walks near Alice Springs, meaning visitors can choose anything from relaxed gorge walks to challenging summit climbs.
Whether you’re chasing sunrise views, ancient landscapes, or simply a deeper connection to nature, hiking in the Red Centre leaves a lasting impression.
Image: Daygin Prescott at Giles Track, Watarrka National Park
