Night temperatures in the Red Centre

Non,

Go to http://www.bom.gov.au/climate/averages/tables/cw_015527.shtml

November average maximum temp is about 34C and minimum is about 17C, which would indicate that the average temp through the night would be about 20C. Sounds quite pleasant to me, but being a pom you may disagree!

Stephen.

The locals in Central Australia don't go camping from mid November to mid March as temperatures could be suffocating. Shrugging this advice off we tried it in February and at 2am it was still 32 C. Lesson learned. But you may get away with cooler weather during the latter half of November. Every season is different.

In and around Alice Springs and Uluru(Ayers Rock) the country side is definitely not desert. It may have dry spells from time to time but the vegetation supports a thriving cattle industry. There is the Simpson Desert 300km to the east of Alice and the Gibson Desert about 500km to the west. Of course this part of Australia is not going to look like the rolling green country of England and maybe to you it might seem like a desert.

Enjoy your trek to the Red Centre.

Cheers, Willem
Never a dull moment

G'day Non, As a local I find the temperatures great for camping, there's always somewhere to swim, but if it's green keep your head above water! I would suggest you look at a breeze tent, or a tent that is mainly mesh & don't use the fly, look at shorts, maybe a sheet for the wee hours, for sleeping. Always pack a sleeping bag and a minimum of warm clothes in case the weather changes.
My concern would be more the fly's at that time of year, we find it best to look at cooking a bit after dark 8.30ish from memory, by the way it gets dark now at about 7ish. And have a good supply of aerogaurd etc. Get a good flynet (for your head), there is nothing worse than trying to change a tyre or similar while trying to swat or shake the fly's out of your ears, eyes, nose and mouth }:( Alternatively grow long hair! (seriously tho it does work). We try to organise to have lunch while driving.
Plus all the usual, heaps of water, drink even if you're not thirsty. Sunscreen & save walks for the morning and afternoon. Try to take shade if possible and a comfy fold up chair.
The summer months are great as it is the time to see the desert areas in their reality. Nothing is crowded and everyone has that bit more time to chat. December thru to March can have big dumps of water, look for cyclones around Broome that will send rain inland.
Have a great trip and of course keep on posting if u have any q's

I love the Territory - sorry - apropos nothing - just had to tell someone!!!!
jules