Red Centre Way

The Red Centre Way is the ultimate outback road trip, weaving through the heart of Australia's Northern Territory past iconic monoliths, ancient gorges, and vast desert landscapes. This epic drive connects Alice Springs to Uluru, offering a raw, immersive experience of Indigenous culture and geological wonders.

Highlights & What to See

• Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park – Witness the colossal Uluru at sunrise or sunset, then explore the domes of Kata Tjuta (the Olgas) on the Walpa Gorge or Valley of the Winds walks.
• Kings Canyon – Tackle the Rim Walk for breathtaking views over 100-metre sandstone cliffs, or take the easier Kings Creek Walk along the canyon floor.
• Watarrka National Park – Home to Kings Canyon, this park protects a lush oasis of cycads and red rock gorges.
• West MacDonnell Ranges – A string of chasms, waterholes and gorges perfect for swimming and hiking, including Simpsons Gap, Standley Chasm and Ormiston Gorge.
• Alice Springs – The gateway to the Red Centre, offering the Royal Flying Doctor Service, the School of the Air and the Araluen Cultural Precinct.
• Kata Tjuta (the Olgas) – A group of 36 domed rock formations sacred to the Anangu people, best seen on the Valley of the Winds walk.

Suggested Time to Spend

Allow at least 5–7 days to drive the full loop from Alice Springs to Uluru and back, with stops at Kings Canyon and the West MacDonnell Ranges. Most travellers spend two nights at Uluru (one for sunrise, one for sunset), a full day at Kings Canyon, and a day exploring the West Macs. A longer trip of 10 days lets you add overnight hikes or cultural tours.

Nearby Areas Worth Combining

• Finke Gorge National Park – Ancient palm-filled oasis and 4WD tracks near Alice Springs.
• Palm Valley – A lush, prehistoric gorge within Finke Gorge, accessible by 4WD.
• Chambers Pillar Historical Reserve – A striking sandstone pillar rising from the desert, with Aboriginal and explorer history.
• Rainbow Valley Conservation Reserve – Multicoloured sandstone cliffs best at sunset, just off the Stuart Highway.
• Mount Connor – A flat-topped mesa often mistaken for Uluru, visible from the Lasseter Highway.
• Yulara – The resort town at Uluru, offering accommodation, dining and the Field of Light installation.

Please check official sources for current details.