Things to Do in the Australian Outback

Uluru, also known as Ayers Rock, is an iconic Outback tourist attraction.

The Outback is a vast, arid region of Australia. However, far from being a desolate wasteland, the Outback features vibrant communities, aboriginal culture, beautiful landscapes and exotic wildlife.

Uluru

Rising about 1,100 feet above the surrounding landscape, Uluru, or Ayers Rock, is the second largest monolith in the world after Western Australia's Mt. Augustus. About 500,000 people visit Uluru every year. While climbing the rock is not prohibited, the site's aboriginal owners consider the rock sacred and prefer tourists appreciate its beauty without climbing.

Alice Springs

Considered one of Australia's most famous Outback towns, Alice Springs offers visitors aboriginal culture, history, outdoor adventures and a variety of festivals and special events. Attractions in Alice Springs include Alice Springs Desert Park, the Flynn Trail self-guided heritage tour and the Araluen Cultural Precinct.

Coober Pedy

"The Opal capital of the world," Coober Pedy is best known as the source of the majority of the world's gem quality opal since 1915. It is also a tourist attraction known for its underground homes and businesses. Attractions in Coober Pedy include underground museums, art galleries, opal shops and opal mines.

References

• Australian Government: Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park
• Life: Beautiful Australian Outback
• Northern Territory: Alice Springs
• Coober Pedy Opal Capital of the World: Welcome