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Four places, and the road between them

Uluṟu, Kata Tjuṯa, Kings Canyon and Alice Springs carry almost every Red Centre trip. The driving between them shapes the itinerary more than anything else.

Sealed outback highway running straight to the horizon across open Australian desert country in hard midday light

the rock

Uluṟu

A single sandstone mass you circle rather than climb, inside Uluṟu-Kata Tjuṯa National Park on Aṉangu land. The climb is closed and several areas are signed as sacred sites where photography is restricted — the signage tells you where.

many heads

Kata Tjuṯa

A group of domes west of Uluṟu, walked between rather than around. Gorge walls hold shade and funnel wind, which makes the same forecast feel different here.

watarrka

Kings Canyon

Rim and gorge country in Watarrka National Park, roughly halfway between Uluṟu and Alice Springs. Sheer walls, exposed rim walking and shaded pockets where water lingers.

mparntwe

Alice Springs

The town most Red Centre trips begin or end in, set among the MacDonnell Ranges — different country again, with gaps and gorges cut through the ranges either side.

Rocky red escarpment with desert shrubs in the foreground, central Australian ranges

Range country between the parks — the kind of ground you cross for hours on the long routes.

Getting around the Red Centre

These places sit hours apart on sealed highway with long gaps between services. Fuel where you can, watch for wildlife around dawn and dusk, and don’t plan to arrive somewhere as the light goes.

Because the distances are fixed, the honest way to choose an itinerary is to count nights first. One night keeps you at Uluṟu. Two adds Kata Tjuṯa properly. Three or more opens Kings Canyon and the run to Alice Springs.

Work out the route with us

Tell us how many nights you have and where you fly in and out. The rest usually follows on its own.