Maree

Maree is a tiny, remote settlement along the Lasseter Highway in Australia's Red Centre, serving as a gateway to the vast and ancient landscapes of the Northern Territory. This is the outback at its most raw—red dirt, endless horizons, and a profound silence broken only by the wind. For travellers self-driving between Uluru and the West MacDonnell Ranges, Maree offers a gritty, authentic stop where you can refuel, stretch your legs, and soak in the stark beauty of the spinifex plains.

Highlights & What to See

• Mount Conner (Artilla) – A flat-topped mesa often mistaken for Uluru from a distance; its sheer scale and layered colours are mesmerising at sunrise or sunset.
• Lasseter Highway Lookouts – Several informal pull-offs along the highway offer sweeping views over the saltbush and red-sand country, perfect for photography.
• Stargazing – With zero light pollution, Maree’s night sky is a celestial spectacle; the Milky Way arcs overhead in stunning clarity.
• Outback Roadhouse – The local roadhouse is a classic outback stop, where you can grab a pie, chat with locals, and feel the pulse of life on the Lasseter.

Suggested Time to Spend

Maree itself is a quick stop—allow 30 minutes to an hour to stretch, refuel, and take in the views. However, to fully appreciate the surrounding landscapes, plan to spend a night camping nearby or at one of the basic roadside stops. This gives you time for sunset at Mount Conner and a night of incredible stargazing before continuing your journey.

Nearby Areas Worth Combining

• Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park – The iconic monolith and domes are about a 1.5-hour drive west; a must-see for any Red Centre itinerary.
• Kings Canyon (Watarrka National Park) – Roughly 2 hours north, this dramatic gorge offers spectacular rim walks and lush palm-filled pockets.
• West MacDonnell Ranges – Head east towards Alice Springs to explore gorges, waterholes, and ochre cliffs at places like Ormiston Gorge and Simpsons Gap.
• Finke Gorge National Park – A remote park south of Alice Springs with ancient cycads and the historic Finke River.
• Chambers Pillar – A striking sandstone pillar south of Maree, accessible by 4WD, with fascinating Aboriginal rock art.

Please check official sources for current details.