Discover the awe-inspiring beauty of the Australian outback, from the vertiginous walls of Windjana Gorge and the diverse landscapes of the Kimberley mountain ranges, to the lush landscape of Kununurra and striped sandstone domes of Bungle Bungle in Western Australia.

Explore the world's oldest cave system and experience the cascading waterfalls and stunning gorges in El Questro, then swim amid the dramatic red cliffs and turquoise waters in Broome. Cruise crocodile infested rivers, soak in Katherine's hot springs, encounter wildlife at Nitmiluk National Park and learn about ancient Aboriginal traditions and cultures.

Highlights

Northern Territories

Katherine - Paddle a canoe in the waters beneath the magnificent red sandstone cliffs of Katherine George or relax as you glide past on a river cruise. Spot wildlife at Nitmiluk National Park, discover Aboriginal rock paintings and afterwards slide into the warm waters of Katherine's hot springs. If you're feeling energetic, discover the best of the Nitmiluk on a five-day walk from Katherine Gorge to Edith Falls.

Kakadu - Explore this World Heritage-listed site famous for its different habitats, abundant wildlife and some of Australia's best Aboriginal rock art. Take a cruise on the Adelaide River, spot magpie geese, hooded parrots, white-throated grass wrens and saltwater crocodiles. Later, hike through the sacred Aboriginal Nourlangie Rock area, learn about the Dream time and mythology behind the art. Discover fabulous waterfalls and cool off with a refreshing swim at Boralba Springs.

Uluru and Kata Tjuta - Enjoy the splendour of these stunning 900 million-year-old rock formations either on a leisurely stroll, from atop a camel or on a scenic flight. Rise early to experience the magic of a sunrise over the ancient sandstone domes of Kata Tjuta (The Olgas), then stroll on a guided walk to Walpa George and learn how nature created this spectacular rocky outcrop. Walk to the Mutitjulu watering hole, see Aboriginal paintings and hear the Tjukurpa (dreamtime) story of Liru and Kunyia. Later watch the sun set over Uluru and discover its beautiful changing colours.

Kings Canyon - A stunning visual treat of towering sandstone walls and pockets of lush green vegetation thriving in sheltered gullies in Watarrka National Park. Best experienced on an easy 6km hike along the creek bed or from the canyon top; don't miss the cool waterholes at the ‘Garden of Eden'. Later relax in a spa and gaze out onto the awesome moonlit desert landscape.

Alice Springs - From Alice take a 4WD trek into the red sand desert to a desert waterhole, cool off in the clear deep waters of Ellery Creek Big Hole; swim the 150m to a white sandy beach on the other side and stroll up the gorge. Hike the stunning Standley Chasm in the MacDonnell National Park for some great views, or for a different viewpoint experience the desert from a hot-air balloon and watch the sun rise over the MacDonnell Ranges. Back in Alice, browse or buy contemporary Aboriginal art at some of the finest galleries in Australia.

Western Australia

The Kimberley - Explore this quintessential Australian landscape of blue skies, red earth, gum trees, wallabies and crocodiles. Discover the vertiginous walls of Windjana Gorge and the unspoiled world of El Questro, as well as the lush landscape of Kununurra and the striped sandstone domes of Bungle Bungle.

Windjana Gorge - One of the Kimberley's stunning gorges, soaring abruptly from the Lennard River to higher than 100m in places. Take a 4WD down the 3.5km-long gorge and check out freshwater crocodiles sunning themselves on the riverbank.

Bungle Bungle - Rising from the middle of hundreds of square kilometers of remote wilderness are a massif of hundreds of dome-shaped, orange and black-banded sandstone formations, many hundreds of meters high. Stroll through the gorges and dry creek beds that have names such as ‘Outstation Canyon' and ‘Mini-Palm Canyon' and discover rock fig vines clinging to the steep walls and filling crevices. Much of these formations are inaccessible, so one of the easiest ways to see the Bungle Bungles is to fly over them.

Kununurra - Take a 4WD safari to best explore this intricate ecosystem of rivers, wetlands and lakes. Discover the unique rock formations at Mirima Nature Park, known locally as Hidden Valley, on a self-guided walk. Explore nearby Lake Argyle by air to appreciate its size or by boat to spot wallabies and hundreds of species of birds. Spy on jabiru, black swans and brolgas.

El Questro - At more than one million acres in size, El Questro Wilderness Park offers a great variety of amazing landscapes and opportunities to touch base with nature. Paddle down the Chamberlain Gorge or enjoy the relaxing thermal pools of Zebedee Springs, photograph butterflies, fish for barramundi or join a 4WD safari through the El Questro Wilderness Park. Ride a horse through the bush, spot brolgas, black cockatoos, magpie geese and saltwater crocodiles. Or take a scenic helicopter flight through canyons and gorges, past waterfalls and above caves for an unrivaled view of the immense parklands.

Camel trekking - Hop on a camel and ride into a land of Dream time stories, diverse beauty and the vast remote desert landscape of outback Australia. Visit traditional Aboriginal communities in the desert and experience life in the bush with Australia's indigenous natives. Discover the diverse flora and fauna of a unique region and bask in the magic of Uluru (Ayers Rock).

Best time to go

You can travel at any time of the year, however the best time is probably during the dry season from May and October, with an average temperature of 26C. In the tropical north, the wet season from November to April often makes roads impassible. Around the desert environment of Alice Springs and Uluru you can expect a temperature range of between 14C and 30C.

Shopping

The best buys in the outback are Aboriginal art and handicrafts.