A woman relaxes on an inflatable ring in a calm waterhole, surrounded by gum trees and dramatic, sunlit orange rock cliffs at Ormiston Gorge, West MacDonnell Ranges, Northern Territory. © Tourism NT/Mark Fitzpatrick

Alice Springs to Uluru: a 7-day road trip on the Red Centre Way

Tour the iconic Red Centre Way, where freshwater swimming holes and ancient rock formations punctuate the desert landscape.

Trip Overview

7 days

Car

1,363km (846mi)

Need to know

A Mereenie Loop Permit is required
Purchase a park pass online to enter national parks
Look out for closed roads during the wet season (November to April)

Day 1: Alice Springs

Start your outback adventure exploring Alice Springs – the beating heart of the Red Centre – and its unique outback experiences.

East MacDonnell Ranges, NT © Tourism NT/Kyle Hunter & Hayley Anderson

Guide to Alice Springs

Known as the gateway to the Northern Territory’s epic outback, your Alice adventure will be sure to leave an imprint of the very best kind.

Read time • 4min

Day 2: Alice Springs and the West Macs

2hrs 180km (112mi)

Enjoy a leisurely morning in Alice Springs before taking a day trip to the jaw-dropping natural wonders of the West MacDonnell Ranges/Toritja.

Stuart Highway, Alice Springs Region, NT © Sam Earp, Tourism NT

Day trips around Alice Springs

Alice Springs is the perfect base from which to explore the Red Centre.

Read time • 4min

Day 3: Alice Springs to Kings Canyon

3.5hrs 332km (206mi)

Pack your swimming costume and set your vehicle to 4WD mode; today you’re waterhole hopping along the mighty Mereenie Loop.

Day 4: Kings Canyon and Watarrka

1hrs 80km (50mi)

Discover rich Aboriginal culture, taste native ingredients and absorb the jaw-dropping landscape of Kings Canyon and Watarrka National Park.

Kings Canyon, Watarrka National Park, NT © Tourism Australia

Guide to Kings Canyon

Feel inspired by the soaring sandstone walls of Kings Canyon in Australia's Red Centre.

Read time • 4min

Day 5: Kings Canyon to Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park

Today, drive to Uluru-Kata Tjuta – an icon of Australia. Spend your first day exploring the natural wonder of Kata Tjuta, meaning “many heads”.

A large red rock monolith rising from the flat outback landscape at Uluru, Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park, Northern Territory © Tourism Australia

Guide to Uluru and Kata Tjuta

The ancient rock formations of Uluru and Kata Tjuta rise from the land to make an incredible sight. Immerse yourself in the Aboriginal stories of this special place, 500 million years in the making.

Read time • 4min

Day 6: Uluru

Today, the world’s largest sandstone monolith is calling. Experience the wonder of Uluru and the fascinating culture of the local Anangu people.

Day 7: Uluru to Alice Springs

5hrs 468km (291mi)

Begin the journey back to Alice Springs, stopping at ancient natural landmarks along the route.

Kakadu National Park, Northern Territory © Tourism NT/Hello Emily

Australia's best outback experiences

Wild nature, ancient culture and a vastness you can’t capture in photos – Australia’s outback offers a whole different kind of adventure.

Read time • 8min

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the Red Centre road trip a good option for families?

Yes, this Red Centre road trip is an unforgettable adventure for families, best suited to those travelling with school-aged children or teenagers. While the outback has attractions for all ages, the drives along rugged terrain require local road permits and a bit more logistical planning.

Kids will love spotting rock wallabies at Simpsons Gap, riding camels with Uluru Camel Tours and seeing rare nocturnal wildlife at the Alice Springs Desert Park. The itinerary includes stops at natural desert plunge pools like Ellery Creek Big Hole and Ormiston Gorge, promising family memories you'll talk about for years to come.

Where should I stay on a Red Centre road trip from Alice Springs?

Start your trip with a stay in Alice Springs' city centre, where you’ll find a range of accommodation options that are walkable to Todd Mall's galleries and eateries. Along the route, you can stay in outback lodges, resorts and campgrounds close to key attractions.

What’s the best time of year to visit the Red Centre?

The best time to visit the Red Centre is during the cooler months between April and October, when daytime temperatures hover comfortably between 20-30°C (68-86°F).

This window offers ideal conditions for walking around Uluru and Kings Canyon. At night, temperatures can drop below 5°C (40°F), so bringing layers for enjoying sunrise and sunset activities is a must.

If you choose to travel during the hotter summer season (November to March), expect extreme daytime heat. Walking tracks are frequently closed after 11am for safety, and protective head nets are highly recommended for managing desert flies.

Do I need to hire a car for a Red Centre road trip from Alice Springs?

Yes, hiring a vehicle is the best way to experience the Red Centre road trip, but it's important to choose the right type of vehicle depending on your route. A hire car gives you the freedom to travel at your own pace and explore iconic sights like Uluru, Kata Tjuta and Kings Canyon along the way.

A 4WD vehicle is required to complete the full Red Centre loop, which includes the rugged, unsealed Mereenie Loop road. You can still easily reach the main attractions with a standard 2WD car by skipping the Mereenie Loop shortcut. Instead, you will simply use the region's fully sealed main highways to travel between Alice Springs, Kings Canyon and Uluru.

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Great Ocean Road, VIC © Tourism Australia

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Uluru Aboriginal Tours, Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park, NT © Tourism Australia

Places to go

Guide to the Red Centre

Uluru, Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park, NT © Tourism NT, Luke Tscharke

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4-day family holiday in and around Uluru