Clare

Clare is a tiny, off-the-grid settlement on the western edge of the Red Centre, where the ochre dirt meets the spinifex plains. This is outback Australia at its most raw – a place to disconnect, soak in staggering desert light, and experience the profound silence of the interior. For travellers driving the Red Centre Way, Clare offers a genuine glimpse of remote station life and the region's ancient landscapes.

Highlights & What to See

• Standley Chasm (Iwupataka): A dramatic, sheer-walled chasm that glows fiery orange when the sun hits midday. It's a short, easy walk and one of the most photogenic spots in the West MacDonnell Ranges.
• Ochre Pits: Ancient quarry sites where Aboriginal people have mined ochre for thousands of years. The layered colours – white, yellow, red – are a striking natural palette.
• Ellery Creek Big Hole: A permanent waterhole surrounded by red cliffs, perfect for a refreshing dip on a hot day. The surrounding gorge is great for short walks.
• Serpentine Gorge: A narrow, serpentine gorge with a lookout offering sweeping views over the MacDonnell Ranges. Best visited in the late afternoon for softer light.
• Glen Helen Gorge: A waterhole at the western end of the West MacDonnells, often frequented by birdlife. The Glen Helen Resort nearby is a good spot for a cold beer and a feed.

Suggested Time to Spend

Most travellers pass through Clare in a day as part of a loop from Alice Springs along the Red Centre Way. To truly appreciate the gorges and waterholes, allocate at least a full day – starting early to catch the chasm at its best, then exploring the other sites at a leisurely pace. If you're camping or staying at Glen Helen, two days allows for a sunset walk and a morning swim without rushing.

Nearby Areas Worth Combining

• Alice Springs: The hub of the Red Centre, 130 km east – stock up on supplies and explore the town's galleries and cultural sites before heading west.
• West MacDonnell National Park: The entire chain of gorges and ranges that Clare sits within – a must-do scenic drive with countless walking trails.
• Kings Canyon (Watarrka National Park): About 300 km southwest, this spectacular canyon offers the famous Rim Walk and is a highlight of any Red Centre itinerary.
• Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park: Further southwest, the iconic monolith and domes are a 4–5 hour drive, best visited as part of a longer loop.
• Finke Gorge National Park: Home to the ancient Palm Valley, a unique oasis of red cabbage palms, accessible by 4WD from Alice Springs.

Please check official sources for current details.