If you’re looking for an adventure, look no further than the Outback of Australia! This vast and beautiful area is waiting to be explored, and there’s plenty to discover in this arid wonderland of rock, bushland, and remote coastline.
So, don your hat, sunglasses, and slap on some sunscreen because we’re about to explore five of the best things to do in outback Australia!
1) Hike through the stunning landscapes
Okay, let’s clear this up.
There’s a bit of a misconception that the Outback is this vast, unpopulated place. Yes, that’s true for many areas of the Outback, but not all of it. There are some outstanding landscapes and natural wonders to explore, so much so it’s actually safe to say you’re spoiled for choice.
You can start with the main attraction, Uluru itself, the frontman for the Outback, that’s still considered one of the top natural monuments in Australia to this day. If you’re feeling wild, head over to the Alice Springs Desert Park, renowned for being one of the best wildlife parks in all of Central Australia.
You’ve also got Coober Pedy, the underground town in the middle of the Outback made from some strange-looking underground mine shafts (Australia is the world capital for Opal), or Kings Canyon, a stunning natural wonder filled with domes, plateaus, and Aboriginal history.
2) Camp under the stars
One of the most popular things to do in the Outback is go camping, and for a good reason.
There’s nothing quite like being out under the stars in complete silence (bar the odd dingo howling in the distance), with only a campfire and some mates (or a good book) for company.
It’s a world away from the world, and the silence, nothingness, and vastness of the Outback make it the ideal place to get some peace and quiet, the perfect chance for you to recharge your batteries.
3) Take a helicopter ride
If you’re looking for something a little more exciting, don’t worry; plenty of helicopter tour providers can show you the Outback from a whole new perspective.
Seeing the Outback from above is an experience like no other, and it’s one of those things that you’ll remember for the rest of your life. You’ll see parts of Australia that few people have ever seen, and you might even see some wild animals in their natural habitat!
Just make sure you bring your camera because you’re going to want to take plenty of photos.
4) Taking a dip in one of the many crystal-clear creeks or waterholes
While dry, hot, and pretty empty for the most part, like most deserts, the Outback doesn’t come without its own oases. In fact, they’re actually some of the most beautiful you can find, typically coming in the form of crystal-clear creeks and waterholes, perfect for taking a refreshing dip in after a long day of exploring.
There are plenty of spots to choose from, but some of our favourites include Ellery Creek Big Hole, Ormiston Gorge, Redbank Gorge, and Glen Helen Gorge.
Just make sure you check with a local or tourist information centre before swimming because some of these spots can be dangerous (and you don’t want to run into any crocodiles!).
5) Go stargazing
Last but not least, one of the best things you can do in the Outback (or anywhere in Australia, for that matter) is go stargazing.
Since there are so many areas with no light population from the towns or cities, this means that the night skies are some of the clearest you’ll ever see, making stargazing one of the best things to do in outback Australia.
There are plenty of great spots for stargazing, but my personal favourite is at Uluru. There’s something about being able to see one of Australia’s most iconic landmarks and the Milky Way in all its glory that makes it an unforgettable experience.
Just be sure you’re there before sunset because seeing our central star set below the horizon in such a magical, spiritual place is an experience like no other! Couple that with stargazing, and you’ve got one beauty of a trip to enjoy
Conclusion
So, there you have it, five of the best things to do while you’re in outback Australia! I hope this has inspired you to get out there and explore this fantastic part of the world for yourself.
Happy travels!