Chris “Brolga” Barns established a kangaroo rescue centre in Mparntwe/Alice Springs in 2005. Some 20 years later, the sprawling Kangaroo Sanctuary encompasses 76 hectares and cares for rescued kangaroos and orphaned joeys with the goal of returning them to the wild. On a sunset tour, you can spend up to three hours learning about the iconic Australian national animal while watching Brolga play “kangaroo mum” to his marsupial mob and their adorable young. (Closed in summer; tours must be prebooked and are not suitable for children under seven.)

As the sun hovers above the horizon, an Outback Ballooning flotilla takes flight about 15 kilometres south of Alice Springs, drifting 300 metres above Owen Springs Reserve. If you can tear your eyes away from the majesty of the MacDonnell Ranges, you might spot camels, roos and wedge-tailed eagles amongst the spinifex and ghost gums before gently touching down to toast your adventure with fruit juice and sparkling wine.

Cycling trails around Alice Springs let you explore local landmarks such as Simpsons Gap and Alice Springs Telegraph Station. But for a heart-pumping experience, Alice Springs Helicopters will drop you and your bikes (in groups of two or four) near one of two trails for some intrepid downhill action. Hire a bicycle from Red Centre Adventures and your rental can be delivered to the hangar, ready for take-off.

Drift gently over rugged ochre landscapes or tear down them on two wheels – or both. Book flights at qantas.com now.

The high-tech Wintjiri Wiru experience features lights, lasers and 1,100 drones. It took more than three years to pull together but the story it tells of the Aṉangu people and the lands around Uluṟu is much, much older. Take in the show at sunset with a hamper of treats, such as smoked emu with saltbush chilli crust, or enjoy it at twilight or after dark with Australian wines, cheese and dessert (think native lime cake with Davidson plum cream).

West of Alice Springs is Tjoritja/West MacDonnell National Park, which is home to a string of jewels: namely, the famous waterholes of the West MacDonnell Ranges, where the swims are chilly and the sandstone scenery is inviting. Dip your toes into the mirror-like waters of Glen Helen Gorge and stretch out on the outback beaches at Ormiston Gorge and Ellery Creek Big Hole. (If you’re not a Territory resident, be sure to buy a Parks Pass before you go.)

Spa Kinara at the acclaimed wilderness camp Longitude 131˚ is a striking sanctuary, designed to evoke a traditional Aboriginal shelter with a domed roof of weathered steel and curved ply. During the decadent Inma (couple’s ceremony), your skin will be exfoliated with magnesium salts and wattleseed before you rinse off under an outdoor shower. Then you’ll drift away with an indulgent massage and facial treatment using local botanicals.

Only in the Northern Territory does modern technology bring ancient tales to life, exquisite luxury await in an isolated bush camp and cool water holes gleam amid the driest places. Book flights now at qantas.com to find more beautiful contradictions.

Set out early and take plenty of water to tackle Kata Tjuṯa’s Valley of the Winds walk and you could spot kangaroos, plus flocks of colourful budgies and chattering zebra finches flitting above the pukara flowers. The three-hour (at times steep) walk amongst the giant stone domes offers other rewards, too – panoramic views of the majestic landscape from key lookouts along the way.

Renowned British-Australian light artist Bruce Munro first carpeted the Uluṟu landscape with his work, Field of Light, in 2016. Now, Discovery Resorts – Kings Canyon houses his more recent creative piece, Light-Towers, which is set to composer Orlando Gough’s dynamic soundscape. The best way to appreciate the artwork’s changing colours and soaring canyon backdrop is at sunset, accompanied by drinks and canapés tinged with native flavours.

You’re a long way from light pollution out here – and this, coupled with a lack of cloud cover, means the Red Centre’s night sky is its own picture show. For maximum theatre, book a stargazing session with Uluru Astro Tours, which will give you access to a powerful telescope and engaging commentary (in both English and Chinese). You’ll learn about the celestial bodies above and hear Aboriginal stories and explanations of the constellations.

When the sun begins to set, it’s time for the Red Centre’s deepest dark to shine as light shows, artworks and stars illuminate the land. Book flights now at qantas.com.

Gliding along on a Segway is much easier than it looks. You’ll get the hang of it on a five-hour experience with Uluru Segway Tours, which starts with breakfast and a sunrise rock viewing, followed by a lesson on your new ride. Once you’re confident, you’ll circumnavigate the famous monolith, pausing throughout the 10.6-kilometre journey to learn about the geological features and significant sites for the Aṉangu.

The annual Parrtjima – A Festival in Light illuminates Alice Springs Desert Park with art and technology, including vast light shows that are projected onto the MacDonnell Ranges. The festival’s 10th instalment (4 to 13 April 2025) explores the theme of Timelessness and includes a performance by the Darwin Symphony Orchestra on the final weekend. Festival admission is free (register here), though there’s a cost if you want a guaranteed seat at the orchestra show (book here for an extended experience that includes bush-food canapés and drinks).

Take-off from the helipad at Ayers Rock Resort with Professional Helicopter Services and you’ll soon be marvelling at the sheer size of the Red Centre’s remarkable rock formations. Uluṟu and Kata Tjuṯa both loom over the landscape, though Kata Tjuṯa’s tallest dome is an incredible 200 metres higher than Uluṟu. Scenic flights range from 15-minute trips to half-day adventures that land at Discovery Resorts – Kings Canyon and include a guided Kings Creek Walk.

There as many ways to explore the Northern Territory’s remarkable landscapes as there are places to see. Book flights at qantas.com and choose your own adventure.

The 500 or so steps you’ll climb at the start of the six-kilometre Kings Canyon Rim Walk in Watarrka National Park reward you with a trail that stretches across a remarkable landscape. It starts with a cluster of mini stone domes called the Lost City and continues on to the Garden of Eden, a tranquil and sacred waterhole ringed with rare plants. Set an early alarm: the morning sun’s low angle on the 300-metre-high sandstone escarpment throws out a gorgeous golden light.

A flickering fire and tables for two set the scene for Under A Desert Moon, an intimate dining experience at Discovery Resorts – Kings Canyon. Joined by a maximum of 14 other guests, you and a loved one will enjoy hors d’oeuvres and bubbles before being transported to a secret location to kick off a multi-course culinary journey with local flavours – think bush tomato-dusted kangaroo fillet with pumpkin wattleseed purée – paired with Australian wines.