The Northern Territory is a dream hiking destination, with an abundance of wide open spaces dotted with walking trails. Walks in the Red Centre not to miss include Kings Canyon Rim Walk, Uluru walks and Walpa Gorge Walk at Kata Tjuta (The Olgas).
The Red Centre is the heart and soul of Australia’s Outback - nowhere else in the world will you find such diversity of landscapes, wide open spaces that make the regionattractive to outdoor enthusiasts.
Here's three of the Red Centre's best walking trails to put on your 'must do' list.
1. Kings Canyon Rim Walk
The Kings Canyon Rim Walk is one of the most spectacular walks in the Red Centre. Allow approximately 3 - 4 hours for the 6km-loop walk, depending on how often you want to stop to take photos (you'll want to stop a lot, trust us!). After a steep uphill ascent on rocky steps, the trail follows the flat rim of the canyon, and is reasonably flat.
The views across Kings Canyon and Watarrka National Park are spectacular, with boardwalks and bridges making it easy to explore the best views. The trail winds in a clockwise direction past the sandstone domes known as the Lost City before descending down into the Garden of Eden. Here a permanent waterhole is surrounded by exotic plants and palms, and is considered a sacred site to Traditional Owners (swimming is not permitted).
Tip: Aim to be on the canyon rim at sunrise to witness the majestic colours of the canyon light up in the early morning sunshine.
2. Walk around Uluru
One of the best ways to get up close to Uluru is to lace up your walking shoes and walk the trails which wind around the base of Uluru. Rising 348m above the surrounding desert, Uluru is an imposing sight and a place of deep significance to the Arrernte people.
Take the Ranger-guided 2km-long Mala Walk and learn about the rufous hare-wallaby known as mala or do the short walk from Kuniya to Mutitjulu Waterhole. If you've got energy to burn, walk around the entire circumference of Uluru on the 10.6km-long Base Walk.
If walking's not your thing there are plenty of ways to enjoy Uluru (without walking on it). See Uluru by segway, hire a bicycle or book a guided tour.
Tip: Plan to walk at sunrise or sunset to enjoy the coolest part of the day and to fully appreciate the significance of Uluru in the ever-changing light.
3. Walk the trails of Kata Tjuta (The Olgas)
Kata Tjuta (The Olgas) is approximately 40km from Uluru and offers more great walks that will take you deep into the Red Centre's striking landscape.
The Walpa Gorge Walk winds through the arid desert where plants and animals find refuge and relief from the hot sun. Walpa in the Arrernte language translates to windy, so named for the winds which are funnelled through the gorge dissecting Kata Tjuta (The Olgas). The trail takes you through a grove of spearwood trees and a seasonal stream.
A more challenging walk is the Valley of the Winds Walk, which offers outstanding views of the boulders of Kata Tjuta (The Olgas). Allow approximately three hours to do this walk, and plan to set off in the early morning to avoid the hottest part of the day.
Tip: Ensure you have lots of water, sturdy walking shoes, a hat and insect repellent (fly nets come in handy too).
