Curtain Springs

Curtain Springs, a dusty roadhouse on the Lasseter Highway, is the last fuel stop before the mighty Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park. It's a no-frills outpost with a distinct frontier feel, where red dirt meets endless blue sky and the only sounds are the wind and the occasional road train. For travellers on the Red Centre Way, it's a practical pause: grab a pie, top up the tank, and soak in the raw, unpolished character of the Australian outback.

Highlights & What to See

• Roadhouse character: Curtain Springs is a classic outback roadhouse. Grab a cold drink, chat with the locals, and admire the quirky memorabilia that tells stories of the desert.
• Sunset over Mount Conner: Just east of the roadhouse, pull over for a breathtaking view of Mount Conner (Artilla) as the setting sun paints it in shades of ochre and purple.
• Stargazing: With zero light pollution, the night sky here is a celestial spectacle. Lie back on the warm earth and watch the Milky Way unfold.
• Proximity to iconic parks: Curtain Springs is the perfect launchpad for Uluru-Kata Tjuta and Watarrka (Kings Canyon) national parks, both a short drive away.
• Outback wildlife spotting: Keep an eye out for red kangaroos, dingoes, and wedge-tailed eagles along the highway, especially at dawn and dusk.

Suggested Time to Spend

An overnight stop is ideal to break up the long drive between Alice Springs and Uluru. Arrive in the late afternoon, enjoy the sunset at Mount Conner, and spend the night at the campground or in basic accommodation. If you're just passing through, allow 30 minutes for a fuel and snack break. The roadhouse opens early and closes late, so you can time your visit around sunrise or sunset drives.

Nearby Areas Worth Combining

• Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park (50 km west) – the heart of the Red Centre, with the iconic monolith and the domes of Kata Tjuta.
• Watarrka National Park (Kings Canyon) (160 km north) – dramatic sandstone cliffs and the famous Rim Walk.
• Mount Conner (15 km east) – a flat-topped mesa often mistaken for Uluru, with a scenic lookout.
• Yulara (60 km west) – the resort town with accommodation, dining, and visitor services near Uluru.
• Kings Creek Station (100 km north) – an outback working station offering helicopter flights and camel rides.

Please check official sources for current details.