7-Day Alice Springs to Uluru Road Trip + FREE Map!

The Red Centre is one of those places that hits different. Uluru and Kings Canyon genuinely blew us away.

We went in with low expectations because they’re sooo popular, but we left totally changed! The energy out there is hard to describe until you feel it for yourself.

This week-long Alice Springs to Uluru itinerary (also known as the Red Centre Way road trip) is the route we recommend if you want to see the best of Central Australia without rushing it. 

You can do most of the trip in a 2WD up to Kings Canyon. But you’ll have to follow the itinerary up to Day 6 and return the same way instead of continuing to Glen Helen.

If you’ve got a 4WD, you’ll unlock a whole lot more! Especially the Mereenie Loop, between Kings Canyon and Glen Helen.

This itinerary will take you through Uluru, Kata Tjuta, Kings Canyon, and the West MacDonnell Ranges, with all our favourite stops, stays, and a free map to make planning easy!

We recognise the traditional owners of these lands, the Anangu, Luritja, and Arrente peoples.

Day 1: Alice Springs to Yulara (4.5h, 445km)

Hit the road early from Alice Springs to Yulara, the closest place to stay from Uluru (about 30 min away). 

Today’s a big drive and there’s not much in the way of towns, but you’ll see some cool stuff along the way.

Just make sure to fuel up before you leave, pack snacks, bring cash, and have your Uluru park pass ready (the NT park pass does not include it). Get it here.

Also, download your maps and playlists, phone signals drop out for most of the trip. 

Once that is sorted out, here are a few stops worth pulling over for:

• Rainbow Valley (4WD only): Unreal sandstone cliffs with incredible colours.
• Henbury Meteorites Conservation Reserve (4WD only): See where a bunch of meteorites smashed into the desert! It’s a quick but iconic hike.
• Erldunda Roadhouse: Top spot to stretch your legs and have some fun feeding the emus. The servo food is average, but it’s your last proper stop before Yulara.
• Mount Conner Lookout: Locals call it “Fooluru” because it looks like Uluru from a distance… We got tricked the first time too LOL. Worth a photo, but don’t get your hopes up!

Once in the area, we recommend swinging by the Uluru-Kata Tjuta Cultural Centre if it’s open (7am to 6pm last time we checked). 

You’ll learn heaps about the Anangu people and the Tjukurpa (traditional law and stories). The Tjukurpa Tunnel is especially good if you want to understand why Uluru is so significant. 

It’s free, and you’ll get so much more out of your visit!

Where to stay in Yulara?

All the accommodation in Yulara is run by Ayers Rock Resort, so you’ll end up booking through them no matter what. Be prepared for a bit of a wait on the phone, but it’s worth it to be close to Uluru.

If you’re camping, the Ayers Rock Campground is your best bet. It’s the closest you’ll get to the rock, and you’ve got shops and facilities nearby.

In the cooler months, you’ll need to book ahead, sites fill up fast. If it’s full, ask about the “overflow” campground. It’s not advertised, but we managed to snag a spot by calling and asking directly.

Don’t expect anything fancy, but it’s comfortable enough for a few nights and you can’t beat the location. 

Day 2: Uluru

Set your alarm early to watch the sunrise over Uluru, it’s one of those moments you’ll remember for years! 

The lookout can get busy, but honestly, it’s one of the very few places where we think it’s worth it, even with the crowds. 

You can take it up a notch and do the Field of Light sunrise tour, it’s mindblowing! You’ll see 50,000 solar lights glowing in the desert, as the sun comes up.

Here are more things we recommend doing today:

• Go to the Uluru-Kata Tjuta Cultural Centre if you didn’t go there yesterday. It will help you appreciate this place much more.
• Walk or cycle the base of Uluru (about 10km). It’s flat but can get hot and dusty, so take plenty of water and a hat. We hired bikes (book ahead, they go quick) and it took us about four hours with plenty of stops for photos and gawking at the rock up close. If you’re going to do one big walk here, make it this one!

• Sound of Silence Dinner. It’s a splurge but delivers, with three courses, bush tucker flavours, and champagne as the sun sets behind Uluru. The didgeridoo and stargazing chat are a nice touch. Book well ahead, and don’t wear thongs (it’s a bit posh).

We wish we’d squeezed in more tours while we were here. Honestly, Uluru is one of those places you might only visit once, so make the most of it!

Here are some top-rated tours in Uluru if you’re keen: 

Day 3: Katja Tjuta / The Olgas

Today’s all about Katja Tjuta (also called The Olgas), which means “many heads” in the local language. 

The place is sacred, and you’ll feel it as soon as you arrive. The domes are massive and the landscape is next level.

Here’s what you shouldn’t miss:

• Walpa Gorge Walk (2.6km, 1 hour). This is a moderate hike right into the heart of the domes. The scale of the rocks is unreal up close, and it’s usually less crowded than Uluru. No booking needed, just bring water and a hat.
• Valley of the Winds Walk (7.4km full loop, 3-4 hours). If you’re up for a challenge, this is the big one. Go early to beat the heat, entry closes after 11 am. The views are worth every step, and you’ll get a real sense of how ancient this place is.
• Dune Viewing Area. If you’re short on time or not keen on a big walk, this lookout is an easy stroll and gives you excellent views of the domes at sunrise or sunset.

The walks are the only way to properly experience Katja Tjuta, and you’ll need to stick to the trails out of respect for the local Anangu people. 

There aren’t any shops or water stations out here, so pack everything you need before you leave Yulara!

Day 4: Yulara to Petermann (3h, 305km)

Today you leave Yulara for Petermann, the closest town to Kings Canyon!

The drive is pretty uneventful, but don’t trust Google Maps here as it can throw you into some really rough roads. 

Stick to the Lasseter Highway and Luritja Road, both are sealed and safe for any car.

If you’re keen, definitely make time for the Karrke Aboriginal Cultural Experience, it’s on the way. 

It’s a small, family-run spot and genuinely one of the best ways to learn about local culture and bush foods. You’ll need to book ahead!

Once you reach Petermann, here’s what you can’t miss this afternoon:

• Light Towers art exhibition. This is a new light installation by Bruce Munro (same artist as Field of Light). It’s best after dark, and you’ll need to book tickets in advance.
• Sunset at Luritja Sunset Viewing Platform. The views over the canyon are unreal at golden hour. You can also have a drink while enjoying the show. Bring a jacket, it gets cold fast once the sun drops.

There’s not much else to do in the area, so take it slow and soak up the outback vibes!

Where to stay near Kings Canyon?

There are only two options near Kings Canyon. Kings Canyon Resort is the closest, just a ten-minute drive to the canyon walks.

It’s got a mix of rooms, glamping tents, and a campground. Prices can be steep, but you’re paying for the location.

Kings Creek Station is about 25 minutes away. It’s a working cattle station with safari tents, cabins, and camping.

Both places fill up fast in the cooler months, so you’ll want to book ahead.

Day 5: Kings Canyon

Today we recommend doing the Kings Canyon Rim Walk. 

It’s a beautiful 6km loop and takes about 4-5 hours, so don’t do what we did and leave at midday, we were legging it to beat the sunset!

The first section is the “Stairway to Heaven”. It’s a steep walk, but you’ll get it out of the way quick. After that, the track levels out and the views are unreal.

Here’s what you’ll see along the way:

• Priscilla’s Crack, made famous by the movie “Priscilla, Queen of the Desert”, it’s a cool photo spot and the first big wow moment.
• The Lost City, these domed rocks look like ancient ruins, pretty wild landscape.
• Cotterill’s Bridge and Lookout, epic spot for a breather and a proper look at the canyon walls.
• The Garden of Eden, a lush waterhole tucked away in the middle of all the red rock, feels like another planet.

Bring plenty of water (at least 4 litres each), a hat, snacks, and a fly net. 

After the walk, grab a feed at the resort or campground and get an early night. Tomorrow is another big one!

More things to do at Kings Canyon here!

Day 6: Kings Canyon to Glen Helen

If you’re on a 2WD, today is when you drive back to Alice Springs. 

Google Maps will tell you to go back via the Ernest Giles road, DO NOT take it, it’s a rough dirt road!

Your only option is a 5-hour drive back via Luritja road, then hop on the Lasseter Highway to Ghan, and continue to Alice Springs on the Stuart Highway.

Once that’s sorted out, here’s what you shouldn’t miss along the way to Glen Helen:

• Gosses Bluff (Tnorala). We didn’t get to visit, but it’s a massive crater with a wild story behind it. If you’ve got time, we’re told it’s worth the detour!
• Redbank Gorge. This spot is unreal for a swim, especially if you’re roasting in the heat. The walk in is rocky and can be a bit of a scramble, but floating in the cool water is worth every step.
• Ormiston Gorge. One of our favourites in the West Macs. The waterhole is usually reliable for a dip, and the short Ghost Gum Walk gives you an epic view over the gorge.

You’ll hit the sealed road again before Gosses Bluff. Bring plenty of water and snacks, there’s not much in the way of shops until Glen Helen.

We reckon this stretch is one of the best for classic Outback scenery. Take your time, stop for photos, and don’t rush!

Where to stay in Glen Helen

Accommodation is pretty simple out here, essentially campsites and basic facilities. Here are some good ones, you need to book here:

• Finke River 2 Mile Campground, it’s off the main road, but you’ll need to be self-sufficient.
• Larapinta Finke River Campsite. It’s a popular pick as it’s on the Larapinta hike trailhead, plus has a bit of shade, but it fills up fast in the dry season.
• Ormiston Gorge Campground is a good option if you want a hot shower and a proper toilet. It’s a bit pricier, but you’re right by the gorge for sunrise walks.

Day 7: Glen Helen to Alice Springs via West Macdonnell Ranges (2hr, 180km)

Today you’ll make your way back to Alice Springs, but don’t rush, there’s heaps to see along the West Macs:

• Ochre Pits. A quick stop but worth it for the colours alone. The ochre is still used by local Arrernte people, and you’ll learn a bit about their fascinating culture.
• Serpentine Gorge. Not as busy as some other spots, so you might get it to yourself. The waterhole is usually freezing, but it’s a good spot for a quiet break.

• Ellery Creek Big Hole. Our pick for a swim if you’re game (it’s always cold, even in summer). The cliffs here are pretty dramatic, and there’s a picnic area if you want to linger.
• Standley Chasm. You’ll need to pay to get in, but the midday light makes the walls glow. There’s a café if you need a coffee or snack.
• Simpsons Gap. Last stop before Alice. It’s an easy walk from the carpark and you might spot black-footed rock wallabies if you’re lucky.

Take it slow today. The road is sealed the whole way, but bring snacks and plenty of water, as there’s not much in between. 

If you want to stretch your legs, most walks are short and easy. You’ll roll into Alice Springs by late arvo, ready for a shower and a good meal.

Planning your Red Centre Way road trip

Best time to do this road trip

The dry season is the best time to do this, which is usually from May to October. 

Days are sunny and sit around the low 20s, but nights can drop to just above freezing, so pack a decent jumper and maybe a beanie.

We went in winter and it was particularly special as the budgerigars were migrating! Seeing them swoop and swirl was honestly a highlight.

Summer is the worst time to go. The heat is unbearable (45°C) and the flies will be everywhere. 

How to get to Alice Springs

The easier way is to fly straight into Alice Springs, there are flights from most big Aussie cities. 

We usually check on trip.com to find the best deals and times for our dates since prices can swing a bit.

If you’re keen to drive, there are sealed roads all the way from the major cities. It’s pretty straightforward, but it’s a long haul if you’re coming by road, so plan your stops.

Do you need a 4WD?

You’ll need a 4WD if you want to follow this exact itinerary, especially after Kings Canyon, Larapinta Drive turns unsealed about 15km north of Petermann.

If you’re in a 2WD, you can still see all the big-ticket spots like Uluru, Kata Tjuta, Kings Canyon, and the West MacDonnell Ranges, but you’ll have to backtrack the way you came.

It means a bit of a detour: start from Alice Springs, head out to the West Macs, return to Alice, then make your way to Uluru, Kata Tjuta, and Kings Canyon, before looping back to Alice Springs the same way.

What to bring

You’ll want a wide-brim hat and fly nets, the flies don’t mess around out here. Pack light clothes for the day, but don’t skip the warm layers for night as it can drop below zero.

Good hiking boots with grip are a must, the tracks are rocky and uneven. Bring 4-5 litres of drinking water per person, per day, too.

Also bring a tyre pressure gauge, a spare tyre, and a basic tool kit with jumper leads. A small first-aid kit is handy too, just in case.

Free camping near Uluru

There are a couple of free camps on the way to Uluru, but you’ll need to be self-sufficient. These spots are bare bones, with little or no facilities. If you just need somewhere to crash for the night, they do the job.

Keep an eye out for dingoes around campgrounds, though. Don’t leave food or rubbish out, and lock up anything you want to keep.

A couple of options:

• Ginty’s Lookout (4WD only)
• Salt Creek Rest Area (2WD friendly)

We always use Wikicamps to find free camps and check recent reviews. It’s a one-time fee and honestly but it’s one of the few apps we don’t travel without.

Access to National Parks

You’ll need an NT Parks pass to get into most of the national parks on this trip, but Uluru-Kata Tjuta is separate and has its own entry fee.

For this route, grab the 1-week park pass. It covers:

• Watarrka National Park (where Kings Canyon is)
• Henbury Meteorites Conservation Reserve
• Tjoritja / West MacDonnell National Park

You can check entry fees and grab your pass online at the NT Parks website before you go.

Top Tips

Uluru isn’t cheap, but you can save a heap by camping instead of booking a hotel and bringing your own groceries from Alice Springs. 

You’ll see clear signs for “no photography” zones in the national park, don’t ignore them. The Anangu people ask you not to climb Uluru or fly drones, so leave the gadgets in the car and always be respectful.

Cash is handy out here, as card machines at remote roadhouses might not get a signal. Don’t get caught out with no fuel or snacks because your card won’t work.

Did you know?

Uluru’s name means “Great Pebble” in the local Anangu language, but there’s nothing small about it! Most of the rock actually sits hidden underground, stretching down another 2.5 kilometres like an iceberg.

The Anangu believe Uluru was shaped by ancestral beings during the Dreamtime, so every curve and crack has a story behind it.

As for Kings Canyon, its cliffs are over 300 metres high, which is taller than the Sydney Harbour Bridge if you stacked it on its end!

And if you’re wandering around Alice Springs, you’re walking where an inland sea once was. Fossils still turn up in the red dirt, a reminder that this place has been changing for millions of years.

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