The Red Centre & Top End Backpacker Bucket List
From the iconic Uluru to the lush waterfalls and ancient rock art of Kakadu, this Red Centre and Top End backpacker bucket list is the perfect inspiration for a trip to the Australian Outback. Australia is a huge country, and the Outback in particular encompasses millions of kilometres. It can be difficult to choose your destinations in Outback Australia, so let our travel experts narrow down your list!
The Red Centre & Top End Backpacker Bucket List
This Outback Australia backpacker bucket list focuses on the Red Centre and the Top End. The Outback extends into almost every state in Australia, and there are lots of different regions within the Outback. But most travellers will at least have the Red Centre and the Top End on their radar, and with good reason!
From the rich red hues and startling rock formations of the Red Centre, up to the canyons, gorges, and swimming holes of the Top End, these two Outback regions could keep you entertained for months on end. But there are some standout highlights of each region that are worth noting. So for backpackers hoping to plan their adventures in the Red Centre and Top End of Australia, put these destinations on your bucket list.
The Red Centre Bucket List
Your Red Centre backpacker bucket list includes the most famous natural landmarks of the region. The Red Centre specifically refers to the "Center of Australia". It covers the bottom half of the Northern Territory and includes Uluru, Kata Tjuta, Alice Springs, and more. Known for its dusty red landscapes, desert flora and fauna, and sacred Aboriginal sites, the Red Centre is probably what springs to mind when you think of "The Outback".
Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park
Located in the heart of the Australian Desert, Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park is most likely any backpacker's first stop in the Red Centre. This pristine national park includes both Uluru (formerly known as Ayers Rock), and Kata Tjuta (formerly known as The Olgas).
Uluru is known as the world's largest monolith. This colossal sandstone formation is sacred is indigenous Australians and offers breathtaking photo opportunities at sunrise and sunset. Nearby you can explore Kata Tjuta, which is a collection of massive, rounded red rock formations. These unique mountains have also been sacred to Indigenous Australians for over 20,000 years!
Kings Canyon
Kings Canyon is an impressive natural wonder nestled in Watarrka National Park of the Red Centre. Offering some of the Outback's most magnificent landscapes, Kings Canyon is known for its towering cliff walls, rugged sandstone rock formations, and deep gorges. Backpackers can visit Kings Canyon on a guided tour or self-drive adventure from Alice Springs to Uluru, as the canyon is somewhat on the way!
Alice Springs
Known as the main tourist town in the Outback, Alice Springs is often considered the Gateway to the Red Centre. Because the Outback is so remote, most adventures will include at least a day or two in Alice Springs to regroup, relax, and enjoy some modern-day comforts.
Alice Springs has lots of tour companies, domestic flights, accommodations, and amenities for travellers. The town also has a strong connection to the Arrernte Aboriginal People and has a well-preserved history. Check out the various landmarks, monuments, museums, and galleries in Alice Springs to learn about the local culture, history, and environment.
Tjoritja West Macdonnell Ranges
This majestic mountain range in the Red Centre combines classic desert scenery with lush watering holes and diverse flora and fauna. Those who love hiking and camping will be drawn to the Tjoritja West Macdonnell Ranges and their breathtaking views! Highlights of the mountain range include the refreshing swimming holes of Ellery Creek Big Hole and Ormiston Gorge, and the dramatic colours and rock formations of Simpsons Gap.
East Macdonnell Ranges
The East Macdonnell Ranges are less popular than their westerly neighbour, but that doesn't make this area any less beautiful! If anything, the East Macdonnell Ranges are less crowded, giving you a more authentic and peaceful nature experience. Stretching eastward from Alice Springs, these mountains are home to the gorgeous Ruby Gap and Trephina Gorge, as well as gold-rush-era remnants at the Arltunga Historical Reserve.
Top End Bucket List
Heading north from the Red Centre, backpackers will find themselves in the wonders of the Top End. Encompassing the northern coast of Australia's Northern Territory, the Top End is often called Australia's "Last Frontier". This remote and special region includes the city of Darwin and several world-famous national parks. Add these destinations to your Top End backpacker bucket list!
Kakadu National Park
Arguably the most famous national park in Australia, Kakadu is one of the country's largest and most diverse wilderness areas. Spanning nearly 20,000 square kilometers, Kakadu combines rich biodiversity and unique landscapes that are truly mind-blowing. From the croc-infested waters at Cahills Crossing to the spectacular Jim Jim Falls, there are so many cool things to see here.
Kakadu National Park is also an amazing place to connect with Aboriginal culture, as the park has been home to numerous Indigenous groups for over 65,000 years! The park is home to the well-known Ubirr rock art site as well as other cultural centres and sites where you can see the art, history, and culture of the land's Traditional Owners.
Arnhem Land
Arnhem Land is a diverse area of wilderness encompassing remote beaches, vast savannahs, and rugged cliffs in the Top End. The land is owned, inhabited, and managed by the Yolngu People, and permits are required for visitors wishing to access the special land. Backpackers hoping to explore remote, untouched nature and connect with traditional ways of life in Australia can do it all in Arnhem Land.
Some parts of Arnhem Land cross over with Kakadu National Park, but the area includes the whole northeast corner of the Northern Territory. The secluded, tropical beaches of the north offer amazing fishing, and attractions like the Injalak Arts and Craft Centre and Injalak Hill allow visitors to admire the beautiful indigenous art and culture.
Darwin
As the main tourist hub in Australia's Top End, Darwin is the perfect place to begin adventures to the nearby national parks. This vibrant city on the Timor Sea boasts tropical temperatures and a huge range of multicultural attractions. From markets and museums, to beaches, events, and eateries, there is always something fun to see and do in Darwin! The city's abundance of shops, tours, accommodations, flights, and transport options make it easily accessible for backpackers as well.
Litchfield National Park
Located around 1 hour from Darwin, Litchfield is one of the most accessible national parks in the Top End. It's also much smaller than Kakadu, making it a great option for backpackers who are short on time. But what it lacks in size it makes up for in diversity and natural beauty! Litchfield National Park is known for its majestic waterfalls, including Buley Rockhole, Florence Falls, Wangi Falls, Tolmer Falls, Sandy Creek Falls, and more.
Nitmiluk National Park
Nitmiluk National Park is most known for its star attraction, Nitmiluk Gorge (formerly known as Katherine Gorge). But the national park contains 13 impressive gorges carved by the Katherine River, all of which offer dramatic views and opportunities for boat tours and hikes. The small Outback town of Katherine is the Gateway to the park, and this tiny, charming, historic town is worth visiting on the way to Nitmiluk.
