Central Australia has always held a special place in my heart.
My first real memory of the Red Centre was at 15, just before I headed to the USA as an exchange student. My dad wanted me to experience the outback firsthand—mostly so I’d have some great stories to tell my new American friends! Along with my friend Bethanie and my parents, I spent two weeks immersed in the rugged beauty of the desert. I’ll never forget that first sight of Uluru, though a sore foot kept me from the climb back then (an opportunity that, of course, has since passed into history).
I returned in my 20s, this time focusing on Alice Springs. The standout memory from that trip was a camel ride along the Todd River—a classic experience that sadly isn’t available today.
My next visit was a true family milestone. We were two months into an epic camping journey, travelling with our son who was only six months old at the time. After weeks on the road, pulling into the BIG4 MacDonnell Range Holiday Park felt like arriving at an oasis.
We treated ourselves to a few nights in a cabin—pure luxury after so much time under canvas with an infant! But the real highlight was the Sunday morning tradition. The park hosted a massive pancake breakfast for everyone, a wonderful communal moment where travellers from all over would gather to share stories over stacks of pancakes. It’s those moments of connection, as much as the landscape, that make Central Australia so special
Full Circle: The 60th Anniversary Expedition
In just a few short weeks, my journey with the Red Centre will come full circle. I am beyond excited to be returning as part of the Wheels Across a Wilderness 60th Anniversary Expedition.
This May 2026, we’ll be retracing the iconic route that first made the Leyland Brothers household names. It’s a privilege to be part of a convoy that celebrates Mal Leyland’s incredible legacy, honouring the pioneering spirit that inspired so many of us to explore our own backyard.Â
From my first visit at 15 to camping with my six-month-old son, and now this anniversary expedition—Central Australia continues to be the backdrop for my life’s most cherished adventures. I can’t wait to share this next chapter with you all.
Because this region is so meaningful to me, we’ve teamed up with some incredible local tour operators to help you create your own memories. Check out the link below to explore the amazing experiences we have available to book!
https://leylandstravelaustralia.au/home/trip-types/central-australia-sight-seeing
