Everyone has a list of towns to avoid. We’ve got one too, except we went anyway. From Alice Springs to Port Augusta, these “tough” towns prove reputation isn’t always reality.

We arrived dusty and travel-worn, but Alice Springs greeted us with warmth, colour and comfort. From quirky cafes to red desert sunsets — don’t believe everything you read about Alice.

What started as a pebble-eating mishap near Uluru turned into a race across the outback to save our girl, Zoe. With expert care and plenty of love, she’s now on the mend in Adelaide.

We returned to Uluru with fresh eyes, riding out for sunrise, circling the base, and watching rain turn the rock to copper. Quiet, powerful, and unforgettable—the red heart of Australia.

Massive, mysterious and far less crowded than Uluru, Kata Tjuṯa blew us away. We wandered among towering domes, soaked in the silence, and left feeling tiny, dusty, and full of quiet awe.

We hiked the Rim Walk at sunrise, cooled off in the Garden of Eden, and took to the skies for a birthday flight. Kings Canyon is vast, ancient, and one of the Territory’s true wonders.

Often, when travelling together, it’s great to visit places individually so we can each have a different point of view. Neil’s quieter view of Ormiston Gorge. Red walls, soft light, and the sound of wind through the ranges.

Cameron’s take on Ormiston Gorge. A cool desert waterhole framed by red cliffs and silence. A refreshing swim, a perfect view, and a reminder of how still the Outback can be.

Hidden in the West MacDonnell Ranges, the Ochre Pits reveal layers of colour and culture. Once used by the Arrernte people for ceremony and trade, they remain a sacred reminder of Australia’s enduring connection to land.

A short, bright walk through one of the Red Centre’s most dramatic natural landmarks. Standley Chasm glows with midday light and cultural depth, cared for by the Western Arrernte people of Central Australia.

Among the giant granite boulders of Karlu Karlu, the desert feels timeless. Sunrise and sunset light up the Devil’s Marbles in colour and silence, revealing a sacred landscape shaped by both nature and Dreaming.

Litchfield’s waterfalls and swimming holes gave us three days of cool, easy walking and clear water. From Florence Falls to Buley and Wangi, this Top End park delivers exactly what hot travellers need.

Our time in Katherine gave us the chance to experience the heart of the Northern Territory. This charming town, rich in history and surrounded by natural beauty, offered plenty to explore.

From the pub’s welcoming energy to the historical depth of Stuart’s Tree and the airport, it’s a stop that blends fun, history and a little bit of the unexpected.