Red Road Realities : A blow-out on a deserted stretch of unsealed road, kilometres from anywhere, brings the reality of travelling in the Red Centre into sudden, sharp focus. We’re on the Meerenie Loop Road, somewhere between Kings Canyon and Alice Springs.
Story by Lee Mylne

Desert camp: Outback holidays at Uluru have come a long way in the last few years.  In the beginning, if you wanted to see the rock you camped, in your own tent, amongst the sandunes and spinifex.  Then Yulara was built, and you had a choice of accommodation, from five-star luxury through to family-style motels and backpackers to yes, a campground amongst the sand and spinifex.  But you couldn’t see the rock from your tent anymore. But all that has changed with the reopening of Longitude 131, Ayers Rock Resort’s new luxury take on the traditional camping holiday, changing the concept of outback camping forever.
Story by Lee Atkinson

The Allure of Uluru: They call the tourists “minga” at Uluru. And at 7am, watching the first batch of climbers toil up the vast face of AyersRock, the Pitjantjatjara word for “ants” seems highly apt.
Story by Lee Mylne

Centre stage: Author Bill Bryson once wryly commented that Alice Springs managed to earn a lot of money pretending it is close to Ayers Rock.  It is, in fact, a five-hour drive.  But as far as five-hour drives go, it’s a fairly quick and easy run due south along the Stuart and west along the Lasseter highways on an all-sealed, speed limit free highway. However, there is a better way for those that like to take their time exploring, and who don’t mind a little dust – the Mereenie Loop Road, a 330km unsealed road that spears through the spectacularly beautiful West MacDonnell Ranges to Kings Canyon and then (via sealed road) to Uluru.
Story by Lee Atkinson

Life of the Desert: The black-breasted buzzard swoops low, intent on its prey. Instinctively, the watching audience ducks, then relaxes again as the large bird lands exactly where it is meant to. Welcome to Alice Springs Desert Park. Story by Lee Mylne

Spirit of Place: It doesn’t matter how many photos you’ve seen of Uluru (Ayers Rock) and the red centre, nothing can prepare you for the stark beauty of the desert and the overwhelming sense of spirit of place that the rock radiates.  It really is that special: nobody is ever disappointed with their first glimpse of Uluru. Join the throng of awestruck tourists who gather like religious pilgrims to watch the rock turn red, then purple, then blue and finally black in the setting sun on any given evening, and it’s highly unlikely you’ll hear a disappointed complaint among them.
Story by Lee Atkinson

Heart and Soul of the Red Centre: There is no other town like Alice – with its abundant natural attractions, colourful pioneering past and deeply entrenched Aboriginal culture. Story by Lee Mylne

To Climb or Not to Climb?: That’s the question facing visitors to Uluru these days. Climbing Australia’s famous monolith is on many people’s “must do” list, but it is a practice being gently discouraged by the traditional Aboriginal owners. Story by Lee Mylne

Dust on My Boots : The first 15 minutes are the worst. Once you are on the rim of King's Canyon in Watarrka National Park it is easy going, but the steep ascent at the start of the trail is a challenge. Despite that, tackling the 6km Canyon Walk is achievable for most people, and getting red dust on your boots is an essential part of the Cental Australian experience.
Story by Lee Mylne