Lasseter Highway

The Lasseter Highway is the iconic 240-kilometre ribbon of bitumen that connects the Red Centre’s two biggest draws: Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park and the outback town of Yulara (Ayers Rock Resort) with the Stuart Highway near Erldunda. Driving this road is an experience in itself, with vast horizons, ever-changing desert light, and the looming silhouette of Mount Connor breaking the flat plains. It’s the essential corridor for any self-drive itinerary exploring the heart of Australia.

Highlights & What to See

• Mount Connor Lookout – About 90 km west of the Stuart Highway, pull over for a classic photo of this flat-topped mesa that many mistake for Uluru from a distance. Sunrise and sunset are spectacular.
• Desert Oaks and Spinifex Landscapes – The highway cuts through classic Central Australian desert. Watch for the distinctive branching desert oaks and, if you’re lucky, feral camels or wedge-tailed eagles.
• Kata Tjuta (The Olgas) – The highway passes the turn-off to Kata Tjuta, the extraordinary domed rock formation that is a must-see complement to Uluru. The Walpa Gorge and Valley of the Winds walks are unforgettable.
• Curtin Springs Station – A working cattle station about 85 km from Yulara that offers a cold beer, a quirky outback museum, and a chance to meet the resident camels. A classic red-dirt stop.
• Sunset Strips – Several marked pull-offs along the highway provide unobstructed views of Uluru and Kata Tjuta at sunset, often with far fewer crowds than the official viewing areas inside the park.

Suggested Time to Spend

Allow at least 2 hours for the one-way drive from the Stuart Highway to Yulara, but budget a full day if you plan to stop at Mount Connor, Curtin Springs, and take a walk at Kata Tjuta. Most travellers combine the drive with a sunrise or sunset visit to Uluru, so a morning or afternoon dedicated to the highway itself is ideal. If you’re on a multi-day Red Centre road trip, the Lasseter Highway is the spine that connects your itinerary – give it the time it deserves to soak in the immense scale of the outback.

Nearby Areas Worth Combining

• Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park – The highway ends at the park entrance. Dedicate at least two days to explore Uluru’s base walk, cultural centre, and the many walks around Kata Tjuta.
• Kings Canyon (Watarrka National Park) – About 300 km north-east via the Luritja Road and Lasseter Highway junction, Kings Canyon offers the stunning Rim Walk and is a classic addition to any Red Centre loop.
• West MacDonnell Ranges – Further east via the Stuart Highway, the West MacDonnells provide a series of gorges, waterholes, and walks – ideal for a 2–3 day side trip from Alice Springs.
• Alice Springs – The nearest major town, 460 km north-east on the Stuart Highway, is the traditional gateway to the Red Centre and worth exploring for its outback character and cultural sites.

Please check official sources for current details.