Discover Australia's icons and explore further on an unforgettable road trip along the Red Centre Way. Drive from Alice Springs to Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park and Watarrka National Park to see the highlights and venture further into the heart of Australia.
Explore the Northern Territory’s diverse landscapes of the Red Centre as you venture along the loop road from Alice Springs. Uncover the raw beauty of Uluru, Kata-Tjuta, Kings Canyon and travel through the waterhole-dotted stretch of the West MacDonnell Ranges at the start of your journey. A drive in the Red Centre will tick off your bucket list destinations & experiences, while providing you with additional surprises along the way. To make the most of this incredible journey you’ll need to allow at least five days to see the red desert sands, spinifex, mulga forest, lush valleys, and the beautiful towering gorges.
Day 1: Alice Springs to West MacDonnell Ranges
Witness a spectacular array of natural formations including chasms, gorges & desert waterholes on the first day of your self-drive holiday. As you start your journey along the Red Centre Way, drive west through the West MacDonnell Ranges to explore iconic outback destinations including Simpsons Gap, Standley Chasm, Ellery Creek, Ormiston Gorge & Glen Helen Gorge. Take in this vast and truly spectacular landscape in all its glory with a hike, swim or just sit back and relax as the time slowly passes by. Make the most of your drive adventure and spend the night in Glen Helen, otherwise, return to Alice Springs for the night.
Travel Tip: Per capita, Alice Springs has the most art galleries of any town or city in Australia, making it one of the most artistic cities in the world. They are well worth exploring and make for a great souvenir of your outback adventure. Who needs Paris when you've got Alice Springs?
Day 2: West MacDonnell Ranges to Kings Canyon
Rise to the silence of the outback and start the day with a refreshing swim at the stunning Redbank Gorge. If you are travelling by 4WD on the Mereenie Loop, continue from the West MacDonnell Ranges until you come across the ancient impact crater called Gosse Bluff. Hike to the top where you can get spectacular views of the ridges made from the meteorite. Continue driving along the Meerenie Loop until you reach Kings Canyon (4WD only). If commencing from Alice Springs with a 2WD, drive straight out to Kings Canyon via the Stuart and Lasseter Highways.
Travel Tip: If you are travelling via the Mereenie Loop you will need a permit.
Day 3: Explore Kings Canyon
Wake up early to explore the grand beauty of Watarrka National Park. Lace up your walking boots and venture on the Kings Canyon Rim Walk. The six-kilometre circuit will take you down into the Garden of Eden, a beautiful Rockhole surrounded by rare plants, before ascending to 360-degree panoramic views over the red sand dunes. Suitable for relatively fit travellers, the first 500 steps of the Rim Walk are the most challenging, but the view from the top is what will really take your breath away. For a more accessible walk, try the 2km Canyon Floor Walk.
Travel Tip: Be safe and make sure to always stay at least five metres away from the edge.
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Day 4: Kings Canyon to Uluru
This morning it’s time to wave goodbye to Kings Canyon as you start day 4 of your drive along Luritja Road and Lasseter Highway to Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park. Do the unexpected and view the Lake Amadeus salt plains near the Mt Conner look out and stop off at Curtin Springs for a refreshing drink and a bite to eat on the way. Once you arrive at Uluru, settle into your accommodation, and then head out to one of the viewing platforms to witness the world-renowned rock. Uluru is a natural wonderland simply like no other. Not only is it a spectacular natural formation but, Uluru is a deeply spiritual place, and you will feel a powerful presence the moment you set eyes on it. Discover this awe-inspiring landscape further by booking a culturally immersive tour and learn about the history of the Uluru and the Anangu people.
Travel Tip: Along the way you will pass Mt Conner, commonly known as ‘Fooluru’, as it’s often mistaken for Uluru.
Day 5: Uluru & Kata-Tjuta
Wake at dawn and witness the magic of the desert landscapes and monolithic rocks absorbing colours that will bring you to a standstill. Learn the ways of the Anangu people, the traditional owners of Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park, and gain an understanding of the relationship between Aboriginal culture and the land they call home.
Kata Tjuta is sacred to the local Aboriginal Anangu people, who have inhabited the area for more than 22,000 years. It forms an important focus of their spiritual life. As a visitor you can join a cultural tour to learn some of the region’s sacred history and Dreamtime stories. Uluru–Kata Tjuta National Park is Aboriginal land and jointly managed by its Anangu traditional owners and Parks Australia. The park is recognised by UNESCO as a World Heritage Area for both its natural and cultural values.
There are two great hikes to choose from including the shorter Walpa Gorge walk amongst the domes of Kata Tjuta, which ends at a dune viewing area where you can sit and enjoy the view. Or take the longer Valley of the Winds walk, which takes approximately 3 hours to complete. Be sure to pack plenty of water.
Take your time exploring these icons of Australia’s Outback. You can choose to end your journey in Uluru, return to Alice Springs, or extend your stay in Uluru. Ask us how!
Travel Tip: You will need a park pass to visit Uluru- Kata Tjuta National Park.
Day 6: Uluru to Alice Springs (optional)
Hands down the biggest tourist attraction in the Northern Territory, not to mention one of the most popular in Australia is the route form Uluru to Alice Springs. It draws hundreds of thousands of travellers every year, on their pilgrimage to the sights at Uluru. Its location in the very heart of Australia’s Red Centre adds to its charm, making it a quintessential Aussie Road trip with picturesque scenery and quirky stops along the way. The drive between Alice Springs and Uluru is an absolute must-do! A return trip from Alice to Uluru will afford you plenty of time to see the sights of the Red Centre and gives you plenty of things to fill up your Alice Springs to Uluru itinerary.
Travel Tip: The one way trip from Alice Springs to Uluru is just 450km/5.5 hours on fully sealed roads. Stop for lunch at Erldunda Roadhouse!
Click here to view our Red Centre packages. Alternatively, you can call us on 1800 854 897 or email deals@ntnow.com.au to find out more.
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