13 Beautiful Locations In Central Australia That Will Confirm Its Spot As Prettiest Part Of Down Under

Give me a home among the gum trees.

Right now, in some Australian states, it’s important to stay home and avoid non-essential trips. We hope you’ll find our content entertaining, inspiring or useful for a future trip. For all other states, we still encourage you to practise social distancing and, if you feel sick, stay home and help to keep yourself and others safe.

1. Spend your afternoon bathing in Udepata / Ellery Creek Big Hole.

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Ellery Creek Big Hole exists as result of thousands of years of floods carving out this waterhole in their wake. Pass the time by swimming through the cool water, then dry yourself by walking the picturesque tracks surrounding it.

2. Swim by an ever-flowing waterfall in Maguk Gorge / Barramundi Gorge.

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Unlike most of the waterfalls in Kakadu National Park, the one located in Maguk Gorge continues to flow, even without rainfall. You'll have to walk a kilometre through monsoon forests to access it — but we assure you, it's well worth the journey.

3. Cruise, canoe, bushwalk or fly over the breathtaking Nitmiluk Gorge / Katherine Gorge.

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Situated in the Nitmiluk National Park, this gorge consists of 18 smaller ones — the sheer size is astounding to witness, especially by helicopter. Its natural beauty is not all this part of Central Australia has to offer — freshwater crocodiles and every type of native bird can be encountered here too.

4. Be dwarfed by the iconic Karlu Karlu / Devils Marbles.

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Translated to "round boulders", these otherworldly rock formations are a must-see for anyone travelling to the heart of Australia for the first time. Plan your visit to coincide with sun rising or setting and watch as they turn a deep dark red with the changing light.

5. Set up camp for the weekend by Leliyn / Edith Falls.

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These falls consist of several different pools, all within distance of a camping ground in a natural bush setting. For those who love nothing more than a day of swimming followed by winding down by the campfire, this destination is for you.

6. Gaze in awe at the World Heritage-listed art at Ubirr.

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If you've never before laid eyes on rock art, Ubirr is where you can encounter pieces believed to be from more than 2,000-3,000 years ago. After you've seen depictions of everything from the now-extinct Tasmanian tiger, to the Rainbow Serpent, take in the sunset over the never-ending horizon.

7. Traverse the length of the majestic Rungutjirpa / Simpsons Gap.

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This most prolific of gaps in the West MacDonnell Ranges, Rungutjirpa was the mythological home of giant goanna ancestors. Over 40 rare types of plants populate the area and Black-footed rock wallabies can be sighted jumping over the rocky cliff faces.

8. Take a quiet dip, surrounded by a monsoon rain forest, in Wangi Falls.

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The best-known and loved attraction in Litchfield National Park, Wangi Falls is a dreamlike escape from reality — so pristine is its beauty. Water from two falls form a plunge pool below, which you will be content swimming in all day. For the hikers among us, there are trails surrounding the area, including one that will take you on a three kilometre loop, so you don't have to retrace your steps.

9. Stare up at the towering, sheer rock faces of Angkerle Atwatye / Standley Chasm.

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Sacred to women's dreaming of the Arrernte people, this remarkable rock formation stands a towering 80 metres high. Located on private flora and fauna reserves, the best way to view this landmark is by self-guided walk or a tour led by a local Indigenous guide.

10. Climb up to one of the most spectacular natural infinity pools at Gunlom Falls.

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Though the lookout and pools above the falls are currently closed to visitors at the request of traditional custodians, the Gunlom plunge pool is still accessible — and it is well worth the visit. Swim in the crystal clear waters that take you to the very rim of the rock face and gaze out at a remarkable landscape that stretches as far as the eye can see.

11. Make sure to drive along Larapinta / Finke River — one of the oldest riverbeds in the world.

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Dating back 350 million years, this river is a rich source of water and biodiversity for Central Australia. Locals and travel guides encourage you see this awe-inspiring landmark from the inside of a high-clearance four-wheel drive — the sandy beds and rocky paths are not friendly to your average vehicle!

12. Plus, strap up your boots and finish at least one leg of the long and winding Larapinta Trail.

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223 kilometres long, you haven't much hope of finishing the Larapinta Trail over a long weekend. However, with twelve distinct sections, you can choose one suited to your skill and schedule. No matter which part of this trail you choose, you'll be rewarded with various creeks, ranges and peaks to remember forever.

13. And lastly, Uluru, by the light of the art installation, "Tili Wiru Tjuta Nyakutjaku" or "Field of Light".

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The creation of Bruce Munro, this critically acclaimed art installation has had its temporary exhibition extended indefinitely. Consisting of 50,000 spindles of light, the stems sway with the wind of the desert, casting light to its surroundings — including, perhaps Australia's most recognisable natural formation, Uluru.

A deeply sacred place for the local Aboriginal people, the Anangu, you are not allowed to climb this world-renowned monolith — instead traditional custodians encourage guided tours around its base.