There's something magical about being on the slopes for the first time — the crisp air, stunning mountain views, and the rush of trying something new. However, skiing for the first time can also be a nerve-racking experience.
05.02.2025 - 15:21 / lonelyplanet.com / Red Centre
Feb 4, 2025 • 12 min read
Far from the white-sand beaches and sparkling cities of Australia’s East Coast is the country’s beating heart – the Red Centre – where tens of thousands of years of human history and stories are etched into the features of the surrounding landscape.
For many, the remote and starkly beautiful region is considered a once-in-a-lifetime destination. Yet, even after three trips to the deserts of Central Australia – an expansive outback region that includes Uluru, Alice Springs and Kings Canyon – I’ve barely scratched the surface. This is a place that reveals itself to visitors over time.
With 2025 marking 40 years since Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park was handed back to the Aṉangu people, and with the launch of new immersive light shows and festivals, there’s never been a better time to visit this iconic Australia destination. Here’s what you need to know before you go.
If you’re timing your travels on weather alone, the Northern Territory’s Red Centre is best visited in the cool winter months between May and September, when daily temperatures typically sit in the 20°Cs (68–85°F). You’ll still want to pack layers, though; it can drop below freezing at night in the desert, making sunrise start times a chilly affair. The end of winter (August to September) is also the best time to see wildflowers in bloom.
Northern hemisphere visitors craving a blast of Australia’s heat may be tempted to visit in summer (October to March). In fact, most people do, with December through February being when Ayers Rock Resort – the main accommodation option just outside Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park – hits full capacity. But consider this fair warning: summertime temperatures regularly skyrocket above 36°C (98°F). This is also the temperature at which park rangers close hiking trails at 11am for safety reasons.
If you’re thinking, “That’s fine, I’ll walk before 11am, then spend the rest of the day lounging by the pool,” then I’d like to introduce you to the next most important consideration: the outback’s famed flies. They may not bite, but they’re prolific and persistent and have zero respect for personal space. They land on every surface where they think they can find moisture: namely in your nostrils, eyes and ears. Don't let this put you off visiting: just come prepared. (The Australian cork hat isn’t just a gift shop gag; it has a true purpose. Most opt for a more effective head net though, made widely available for purchase.)
Avoiding the heat (and the flies) is also why most tour operators in Alice Springs (Mparntwe) and surrounds close their doors between November and February. Instead, time your visit for one of Alice Springs’ legendary festivals, like April’s Parrtjima light festival, when the
There's something magical about being on the slopes for the first time — the crisp air, stunning mountain views, and the rush of trying something new. However, skiing for the first time can also be a nerve-racking experience.
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