Marla Travel Guide

Plan a trip to Marla with this comprehensive travel guide featuring a list of places to visit, things to do, where to stay, local culture, safety tips, and transportation options.


Introduction to Marla

Located in the heart of Australia’s Outback, Marla is a small town in the Anangu Pitjantjatjara Yankunytjatjara (APY) Lands of South Australia. Known for its stunning natural beauty and rich cultural heritage, Marla is a must-visit destination for anyone keen to explore the Outback.

In this comprehensive travel guide, we’ll take a closer look at the best places to visit, things to do, where to stay, and other travel tips to help you plan the perfect trip to Marla.

List of Places to Visit in Marla

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

Marla is a town steeped in history and culture, with several significant landmarks and museums to explore.

  • Marla Museum: The Marla Museum is a fantastic place to learn about the local Anangu culture and history. The exhibits include traditional artifacts, artworks, and stories passed down through generations, providing a comprehensive understanding of this unique community.
  • Ochre Pits: The Ochre Pits are a significant cultural site for the Anangu people. Here, visitors can see the special ochre colored rock that local communities have used for artwork, ceremonies, and medicinal purposes for thousands of years.
  • Marla Women’s Centre: The Marla Women’s Centre is a hub for community engagement, learning, and creativity. Visitors can participate in workshops, learn about traditional crafts, and develop an understanding of the skills and efforts that go into sustaining a culture.

Natural Attractions of Marla: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

The natural attractions of Marla are breathtaking, with an abundance of wildlife, hikes, and majestic landscapes. Here are some of the top places to enjoy.

  • Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park: One of Australia’s most famous landmarks, Uluru (Ayers Rock), is a must-visit natural wonder for anyone visiting Marla. The rock formation and surrounding park offer awe-inspiring sunrise and sunset views, hikes, and cultural tours, making it a fantastic outdoor experience.
  • Kings Canyon: Kings Canyon is another incredible natural landmark that showcases the rugged landscape of the Outback. Visitors can take a scenic helicopter ride, go for a guided walk around the canyon rim, or relax in the quiet water holes post-hike.
  • Simpson Desert: Located just south of Marla, the Simpson Desert is a massive expanse of sand dunes that provide a unique and dramatic landscape to explore. Visitors can take a 4WD tour or drive through the desert for an even more memorable Outback experience.

Hiking/Biking Routes of Marla

Marla has an abundance of hiking and biking trails in the surrounding area, suitable for all levels.

  • Larapinta Trail: This famous 223 km trail runs from Alice Springs to Redbank Gorge and is one of the most iconic hiking routes in Australia. Scenery is breathtaking, ranging from mountain peaks to gorges and flats, and rugged terrain.
  • Mereenie Loop Track: The 155 km long Mereenie loop trek offers a unique experience, covering an array of landscapes, including ranges of West MacDonnell National Park, Finke River and the sand dunes of Simpson Desert.
  • Old South Road: Peddle or walk the historic Old South Road that was once the longest cattle route in Australia, stretching across the country from the Victorian Border to the west coast.

Best Things to Do in Marla: Activities and Tours

Marla has a vast range of activities and tours available to visitors, making it easy to find an option that suits your preferences and interests.

  • Hot Air Balloon Ride: Visitors can take a Hot Air Balloon ride over Uluru, Kata Tjuta, and the MacDonnell Ranges, offering a magical experience few have enjoyed before.
  • Marla Helicopter Tours: Enjoy a bird’s eye view over the mesmerizing landscapes of the Red Centre.
  • Quad Bike Tours: Explore the rugged terrain on a guided quad biking tour for an adrenaline rush.

Week-Long Itinerary for Marla

Here’s a suggested itinerary for a week-long stay in Marla:

Day Activity
1 Marla Museum
2 Uluru Sunrise Tour
3 Kata Tjuta (The Olgas) Half-day tour
4 Kings Canyon Sunrise Walk
5 Finke River Adventure Tour
6 Simpson Desert 4WD Tour
7 Relaxation Day at a Local Resort

Food and Drink Scene of Marla

Marla’s food and drink scene is limited, but visitors can still enjoy some local delicacies and refreshing drinks.

Must-Try Dishes

  • Damper: A traditional Australian bread baked in a campfire. It is typically served with honey, butter, or golden syrup.
  • Camel Burgers: Camel meat is quite common in the Outback, and a burger is a perfect way to try it out.

Local Beverages

  • Coopers Beer: Coopers is a famous Australian brewery, and you can try its beers at Marla’s Bush Bar.
  • Lemon Myrtle Tea: Lemon Myrtle is a native Australian herb commonly used to make tea, with a delicious citrus flavor and aroma.

Where to Stay in Marla: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

Marla has limited accommodation options, but there are some great places to stay that suit the needs of all budgets.

  • Marla Travellers Rest: Located on the Stuart Highway, Marla Travellers Rest is the perfect place to stay if you’re looking for budget-friendly options. The accommodation includes a bar, restaurant, and petrol station.
  • Desert Oaks Resort: The Desert Oaks Resort is Marla’s premier resort, offering guests a comfortable and luxurious stay. The accommodation includes comfortable rooms, a restaurant, bar, swimming pool, and tennis courts.

What to Buy in Marla: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

Visitors to Marla can buy unique and authentic souvenirs from local markets and stores.

  • Indigenous Art: The APY lands exhibit distinct and colorful artwork, using traditional mediums like dot paintings and wood carving.
  • Ochre: The same ochre that local communities use for ceremonial and medicinal purposes is also available for purchase.

Local Culture and Customs of Marla

The Anangu people have lived in the APY lands for more than 60,000 years. Visitors to Marla must respect the local customs and culture.

  • Respect: The Anangu culture emphasizes respect for the land and its people. Visitors must recognize and respect this when exploring the area.
  • No Photography: Marla has several areas where photography and filming are prohibited, and visitors must comply with these regulations.
  • Permits: Visitors to the APY Lands must obtain a permit, available from the Anangu Pitjantjatjara Yankunytjatjara (APY) Lands office in Adelaide.

Best Time to Visit Marla

The best time to visit Marla is between April to October when the weather is warm, dry, and comfortable.

Do’s and Don’ts of Marla

Do:

  • Respect the local customs and traditions.
  • Carry plenty of water and sun protection when exploring the outdoors.

Don’t:

  • Disrespect the local culture.
  • Go off track on hiking routes without a guide.

Safety and Health

Safety in Marla

Marla is a safe destination overall. However, visitors must be aware of their surroundings and follow some simple precautions while exploring the outdoors.

  • Stay Hydrated: Marla can get scorching hot, and visitors must carry enough water to remain hydrated.
  • Check for Road Closure: Roads to get to Marla occasionally close due to flooding, and visitors must check for information on closures before planning their trip.

Health in Marla

Marla has a hospital and a general store with basic first aid supplies. Visitors to Marla must carry their medications and prescription with them.

Getting to Marla: Transportation Options and Logistics

Marla is located on the Stuart Highway, approximately 164 km southwest of Alice Springs in Australia. Here are some ways to get there:

Airports Near Marla

  • Alice Springs Airport: The closest airport to Marla is Alice Springs Airport, located 160 km away, offering domestic flights to major Australian cities.

Bus Stations Near Marla

  • Great Southern Rail: This is the only bus service provider that connects Marla to other destinations in Australia.

Other Options

  • Driving: Visitors can drive down from Alice Springs or Adelaide. The drive from Adelaide takes around 11 hours.

How to Get Around in Marla

Marla is a small town and can be best explored on foot. Visitors can hire a car to explore the surrounding areas.

Where to Go Next from Marla: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

Here are some of the places that visitors can explore next from Marla:

  • Alice Springs: The capital of the Northern Territory, Alice Springs is a vibrant town that has a lot of great attractions to explore, including a trip to its famous areas, including the MacDonnell Ranges, the Alice Springs Desert Park, and Anzac Hill.
  • Flinders Ranges: Located in South Australia, Flinders Ranges is a range of mountains with stunning landscapes and exceptional wildlife. Visitors can also enjoy several activities and tours like camping, rock art tours, and hikes.
  • Kings Canyon: Stroll along the canyon floor, be mesmerized by the gorgeous views from the rim walk, or explore the Lost City for a thrilling adventure.

Conclusion

Marla is a unique destination that showcases the very best of Australian Outback. With its rich cultural heritage, breathtaking landscapes, and outdoor experiences, Marla is a must-visit destination for those seeking to explore the stunning natural beauty of Australia. We hope this comprehensive travel guide helps you plan an unforgettable trip to Marla.

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