Some places have a way of calling you back. Nowhere is that truer than the Red Centre.
For AAT Kings’ General Manager Group Marketing, Di Morgan, returning to the wasn’t just another holiday. Visiting in winter with her family offered a fresh perspective on one of Australia’s most iconic destinations. Crisp mornings gave way to warm, sunny days, the desert landscapes glowed beneath clear blue skies, and every sunrise felt like a moment worth slowing down for.
We sat down with Di to hear about her journey, the highlights, and why winter is one of the best times to explore the Red Centre.
What made you want to revisit the Red Centre?
I first visited the Red Centre as a teenager with my family, and I still have vivid memories of that trip.
Back then, the focus was very different. We were captivated by the scale and beauty of Uluru, but today there is so much more to discover. Visiting now is about understanding Anangu Country and the stories, traditions and knowledge that have shaped it for thousands of years.
I wanted my husband and 11-year-old son to experience that for themselves. We are incredibly fortunate to be able to travel, and I believe it’s important for children to understand that some of the world’s most remarkable travel experiences are right here in Australia. You don’t have to travel overseas to connect with culture, meet passionate local people, encounter incredible wildlife, or be humbled by spectacular natural landscapes.
Experience this on: Red Centre Highlights, Outback Contrasts, Outback Adventure
What is the Red Centre like at this time of year? Was there an experience that felt particularly special because you visited in winter?
The mornings and evenings are surprisingly cold, especially if you’re heading out for sunrise or sunset, but the reward is worth it.
The winter skies are crystal clear, making both the stars and changing colours of the desert even more impressive. We were also lucky to see the landscape looking incredibly green following recent rain, which was something I wasn’t expecting.
As an added bonus, the later winter sunrise means you don’t have to wake up quite so early to experience those unforgettable dawn moments.
What was the highlight of your trip and why?
There are so many to choose from! Every part of the Red Centre offers something completely different.
Some top moments included walking around the base of Uluru, which revealed new stories, colours and perspectives from every angle. Standing beneath the towering walls of Walpa Gorge was incredibly humbling, and the Kings Canyon gave us breathtaking views.
Experience this on: Uluru Culture and Kata Tjuta Trails, Kings Canyon, Uluru & Kata Tjuta
Did you have a favourite sunrise or sunset?
One evening we watched the sun set over Uluru and then witnessed a full moon rising behind it. It was one of those magical travel moments that no photograph can truly capture.
Experience this on: Uluru Sunrise & Kata Tjuta Tour, Uluru Sunrise Tour & Field of Light, Uluru BBQ Dinner
Was there something new that you learned about First Nations culture that stayed with you?
This trip gave us a much deeper understanding of the connection between the Anangu people and Country. Our guides showed us how every part of the landscape has meaning, with each site carrying its own history and purpose. It completely changes how you experience the Red Centre. You stop simply looking at the landscape and begin to understand the stories woven through it.
Our guides had a way of making every place feel personal. Whether we were standing at Uluru or walking through Kings Canyon, they shared insights that gave each location another layer of meaning.
Experience this on: Uluru & Kata Tjuta Highlights
Was there a story or cultural experience that changed the way you saw a place?
Visiting the Uluru-Kata Tjuta Cultural Centre felt like the final piece of the puzzle and a chance to consolidate all that we’d learned so far. Hearing the stories from our guides before reading and seeing them represented at the Cultural Centre gave me a much greater appreciation of Anangu culture and the journey to reclaim and protect their connection to Country. It transforms Uluru from an iconic landmark into a place of deep cultural and spiritual importance.
Did you see any animals?
Absolutely! We saw wild camels, brumbies, dingoes and an incredible variety of birdlife. It was a wonderful reminder that the Red Centre is full of life, even in what many people assume is simply a desert landscape.
Was there a moment in nature that really stood out?
The wildflowers around the Uluru base walk completely surprised me. I wasn’t expecting to see such vibrant colour, and against the rich red earth they were absolutely stunning.
Experience this on: Uluru Guided Base Walk Tour
What did travelling with AAT Kings allow you to experience that you might not have discovered on your own?
Travelling with AAT Kings meant we could focus on immersing ourselves in the experience rather than worrying about logistics. As a family, we could enjoy spending time together without having to think about driving, navigating, organising park passes or working out the best locations and timings for sunrise and sunset.
Most importantly, we gained insights we never would have discovered on our own. Our Travel Director and Driver Guide shared the geological history and Indigenous stories behind each place, helping us understand not just what we were seeing, but why it mattered. That made every stop even more memorable.
Experience this on: Red Centre Active Adventure
What’s one thing every traveller should experience in the Red Centre?
Watching the sun set over Uluru with your favourite drink in hand. As the colours slowly change across the rock and the surrounding landscape, it’s one of those travel moments you’ll remember forever.
What advice would you give someone planning their first trip there?
Winter is a fantastic time to visit, but definitely pack some warm layers! It really does get cold overnight during the cooler months.
Book any special experiences in advance so you don’t miss out, particularly during peak travel periods.
Finally, if it’s your first visit, I would highly recommend exploring the Red Centre as part of a guided holiday. Even if you’re comfortable driving yourself, the stories, local knowledge and cultural insights shared by the guides add another dimension to the journey. They reveal the layers of history, geology, and culture behind the landscape, allowing you to appreciate the Red Centre in a way that’s difficult to achieve on your own.
Discover more about our Red Centre tours here: Red Centre Guided Holidays