Underbool

Underbool is a tiny, off-the-beaten-path settlement in the heart of Australia’s Northern Territory, offering a raw and authentic outback experience. This remote spot is a gateway to the vast, red-earth landscapes of the Red Centre, where the silence is profound and the night skies are dazzling. For travellers seeking solitude and a genuine connection with the desert, Underbool provides a quiet base to explore the surrounding natural wonders.

Highlights & What to See

• Explore the vast red dunes and spinifex plains – take a self-drive tour through the unsealed tracks that radiate from Underbool, where you can witness the stark beauty of the desert and perhaps spot a red kangaroo or dingo.
• Visit the historic Underbool Hotel – a classic outback pub that serves cold beer and hearty meals, and is a hub for local stories and traveller tales.
• Stargaze at night – with zero light pollution, the Milky Way stretches across the sky in a breathtaking display; bring a blanket and lie back to take it all in.
• Discover the nearby Finke River – one of the world’s oldest river systems, which often appears as a dry sandy bed but can transform after rare rains. A scenic drive to the river crossing is a must.
• Visit the Underbool Pioneer Cemetery – a poignant reminder of the region’s early European settlers, with graves dating back to the late 1800s.

Suggested Time to Spend

Underbool is best as a one-night stopover to break up a longer Red Centre road trip. Arrive in the late afternoon, enjoy a meal at the pub, and spend the evening stargazing. The next morning, take a short drive to explore the dunes and the Finke River before continuing your journey. If you’re a keen photographer or nature lover, you could easily spend two nights here, allowing a full day to hike and soak in the desert solitude.

Nearby Areas Worth Combining

• Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park – about 400 km west, home to the iconic Uluru and the domed rock formations of Kata Tjuta.
• Alice Springs – the bustling hub of the Red Centre, 450 km north, with cultural attractions and the West MacDonnell Ranges.
• Kings Canyon – in Watarrka National Park, a spectacular sandstone canyon offering challenging rim walks, roughly 300 km north-west.
• Finke Gorge National Park – featuring the ancient Palm Valley, a lush oasis with prehistoric cycads, accessible by 4WD.
• Chambers Pillar Historical Reserve – a striking sandstone pillar rising from the desert, about 160 km south-east, with Aboriginal and explorer history.

Please check official sources for current details.