Sitting at the epicentre of the Explorers Way (a 3000-kilometre route from Adelaide to Darwin), Alice Springs – simply ‘Alice’ to locals – is a popular base for visitors looking to explore the Northern Territory’s outback. Classic Aussie pubs mix with hip cafes; air-conditioned coaches on their way to the Royal Flying Doctor Service and the Alice Springs School of the Air share the road with cyclists on a tour into the MacDonnell Ranges.

You can easily get from Alice to Uluru in 5.5 hours along the sealed Stuart and Lasseter highways, but where’s the fun in that? Instead, head into the MacDonnell Ranges for an outback adventure bound to leave a lasting impression.

Hermannsburg is a historic precinct where a Lutheran Mission was active in the late 1880s and where renowned Aboriginal artist Albert Namatjira resided.

Finke Gorge National Park is an important wilderness reserve between Alice Springs and Kings Canyon. It's home to the The Finke River and the ancient Palm Valley, where rare red cabbage palms, also dating back millennia, grow. To get into the park, you’ll need a high-clearance 4WD and be comfortable conquering rocky tracks. You will also want sturdy hiking boots as there are a tonne of trails.

Kings Canyon, plunging 270 metres, is the highlight of the park and an oasis of palms and ferns. Rise early and set off on the six-kilometre Canyon Rim Walk, which will lead you to the sandstone domes of the Lost City and a sacred watering hole aptly named the Garden of Eden. There is also the much gentler 2.6-kilometre Kings Creek Hike to a lookout.

In spite of its remoteness, there is plenty to do at UNESCO World Heritage-listed Uluru. First up, you’ll want to explore on foot, so rise early and join a guided tour around a portion of Uluru’s 10-kilometre base. The daily Mala Walk (two kilometres) is a good option if you want to learn about Uluru’s cultural significance and Indigenous rock art. While you’re there, sign up for a plod atop a camel for what Uluru Camel Tours director Mark Swindells describes as being “like a magic carpet ride”. For something different, hop aboard a Segway, enjoy a Harley Davidson ride or plummet toward Uluru on a thrilling sky dive.

Located about half an hour’s drive from Uluru, Kata Tjuta is easy to reach on a day trip. The domes are dramatic, with the tallest one, Mt Olga, soaring 546 metres high. Explore them on foot by following the challenging Valley of the Winds trail (7.4 kilometres). It will take you about three hours, so set off early to avoid the midday heat. There is also the easier Walpa Gorge (2.6-kilometre) walk.