Clare

Clare is a remote and rugged locality in the Northern Territory’s Red Centre, offering a true outback experience far from the crowds. This sparse, dramatic landscape of red dirt, spinifex, and blue skies is perfect for travellers seeking solitude and a deep connection with Australia’s ancient heart. While there are no major tourist facilities, the area rewards self-sufficient adventurers with stunning desert vistas, rich Indigenous heritage, and a sense of raw, untouched wilderness.

Highlights & What to See

• Red Centre Way – The main route through the region, this unsealed road offers a classic outback drive with ever-changing colours and vast horizons. Keep an eye out for wildlife like red kangaroos and wedge-tailed eagles.
• Indigenous Rock Art Sites – Scattered throughout the area are ancient galleries of petroglyphs and paintings, some thousands of years old, telling stories of the Arrernte people. Look for signs near waterholes or ask at local stations for guidance.
• Desert Flora and Fauna – After rains, the desert bursts into life with wildflowers like Sturt’s desert pea. Birdwatchers can spot zebra finches, honeyeaters, and the rare princess parrot near permanent water sources.
• Stargazing – With zero light pollution, Clare’s night sky is a spectacle. The Milky Way arcs overhead, and the Southern Cross is prominent — bring a star map or use an app to identify constellations.

Suggested Time to Spend

Clare is best experienced as part of a longer outback itinerary. Most travellers pass through in a day, stopping for a picnic or short walk, but to truly appreciate the solitude, consider camping overnight. Two to three nights allows you to explore nearby gorges, hike desert trails, and soak in the silence. Plan your visit during the cooler months (April to September) to avoid extreme heat.

Nearby Areas Worth Combining

• Alice Springs – The gateway to the Red Centre, offering supplies, cultural centres, and the famous Todd River.
• West MacDonnell National Park – Spectacular gorges and waterholes like Ormiston Gorge and Glen Helen, just a short drive away.
• Finke River – One of the world’s oldest rivers, with dramatic gorges and fossil sites; 4WD recommended.
• Chambers Pillar Historical Reserve – A striking sandstone pillar with Indigenous significance and early explorer inscriptions.
• Rainbow Valley Conservation Reserve – Vibrant sandstone cliffs and a seasonal wetland, ideal for sunset photography.

Please check official sources for current details.