Red Centre Way: Alice Springs, Kings Canyon and Uluru

The Red Centre Way is Australia’s iconic desert road trip, a sweeping loop through ancient landscapes, ochre gorges and sacred sites that have shaped culture for tens of thousands of years. Starting and ending in Alice Springs, the route connects the West MacDonnell Ranges, Kings Canyon in Watarrka National Park and the world-famous Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park. Think dramatic sunsets, star-studded skies, red sand underfoot and deep stories from Traditional Owners. Whether you self-drive or join a guided tour, this is the Northern Territory at its most unforgettable.

In this guide, you will find a complete overview of the Red Centre Way including route options, must-see highlights, itinerary ideas from 3 to 7 days, the best time to go, what to pack, cultural etiquette, costs and practical tips to travel safely and responsibly. If you have ever dreamed of seeing Uluru glow at sunrise, walking the rim of Kings Canyon or swimming in a cool outback waterhole, this is your sign to go.

Why the Red Centre Way Belongs on Your Bucket List

• It is the most efficient way to see Alice Springs, Kings Canyon and Uluru in one journey.
• You will experience three very different landscapes in a single loop, from river-carved gorges to domed sandstone and a monolith that defies belief.
• Access is straightforward with sealed highways, yet the route still delivers authentic outback adventure.
• Indigenous culture is front and centre, with powerful stories, art and guided walks that add meaning to every view.
• Sunrises, sunsets and clear night skies deliver world-class photography and stargazing.

Where Is the Red Centre Way and How Long Is It?

The Red Centre Way is a linked series of highways and byways that create a loop from Alice Springs west through the West MacDonnell National Park, around to Kings Canyon, south to Uluru and back to Alice Springs via the Lasseter and Stuart Highways. The loop can be driven in either direction. Much of the loop uses sealed roads, though some sections, such as the Mereenie Loop, are unsealed and may require care or a 4WD.

Approximate segment distances:

• Alice Springs to West MacDonnell highlights: 18 to 150 km one way, depending on how far you go
• Glen Helen to Kings Canyon via the Mereenie Loop: about 225 km, largely unsealed
• Kings Canyon to Uluru via Luritja Road and the Lasseter Highway: about 300 km sealed
• Uluru to Alice Springs via the Lasseter and Stuart Highways: about 445 km sealed

Total distance varies with side trips, but a classic loop is roughly 900 to 1,100 km. Always allow more time than distance suggests. The outback rewards slow travel.

The Best Time to Visit

You can travel year-round, but conditions vary widely.

• April to October: Peak season for hiking and road trips. Days are mild to warm, nights are cool or cold. Crisp skies and fewer storms.
• November to March: Hot summer. Daytime temperatures often exceed 35 to 40°C. Afternoon storms can cause road closures. Hiking is limited to early morning. Fly nets and hydration are essential.

School holidays and long weekends are popular, so book accommodation and national park campsites in advance.

How to Get There and Get Around

• Fly to Alice Springs or Ayers Rock Airport at Yulara. Major carriers connect via Darwin, Adelaide and Sydney.
• Rent a car in Alice Springs or Yulara. A 2WD is suitable for the sealed route. A high-clearance 4WD opens access to Finke Gorge National Park, Palm Valley and provides comfort on unsealed stretches like the Mereenie Loop when open.
• Check your rental contract. Many companies limit driving on unsealed roads. Seek written permission for the Mereenie Loop or consider guided tours for the unsealed segments.

Public coach services operate between Yulara and Alice Springs, and tours run from both hubs, but self-drive gives you maximum freedom.

Permits, Passes and Park Fees

• Mereenie Loop permit: Required for the unsealed stretch between the West MacDonnells and Kings Canyon. Purchase from the Alice Springs Visitor Information Centre, Hermannsburg, Glen Helen or Kings Canyon Resort. Carry it in your vehicle.
• Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park Pass: Required for entry. Valid for multiple days. Buy online in advance or at the entry station. Check current price and validity on the official Parks Australia website.
• Standley Chasm: Privately owned. Entry fee applies at the kiosk.
• Northern Territory national parks: Many are free to enter, though camping fees apply for sites like Ormiston Gorge, Ellery Creek Big Hole and Redbank Gorge. Book online where required.

Always verify road conditions and park alerts with NT Parks and the local visitor centres before setting out.

Route Overview

There is no single correct way to drive the Red Centre Way. Here are two popular approaches.

• West to east loop: Alice Springs to West MacDonnell Ranges, Mereenie Loop to Kings Canyon, on to Uluru, then return to Alice via the Stuart Highway.
• East to west loop: Alice Springs direct to Uluru, across to Kings Canyon, then the West MacDonnell Ranges and back to Alice.

If you plan to use the Mereenie Loop, go west from Alice to Glen Helen and Redbank Gorge first, then continue to Kings Canyon. If you want a fully sealed journey, drive Alice Springs to Uluru on the Stuart and Lasseter Highways, then return via Kings Canyon and back to Alice on sealed roads.

Highlights Segment by Segment

Alice Springs and the West MacDonnell Ranges

Alice Springs is your gateway to the Red Centre Way, a lively desert town with excellent galleries, cafes and a strong Indigenous art scene. Spend a day or two exploring before heading west.

Top experiences in and around Alice:

• Alice Springs Desert Park for an introduction to local flora, fauna and desert habitats
• Araluen Arts Centre and local galleries showcasing Arrernte and regional art
• Todd Mall markets on select weekends
• An early morning hot air balloon flight over the desert

West MacDonnell Ranges highlights, heading west via Larapinta and Namatjira Drives:

• Simpsons Gap: 18 km from town. A short walk to a waterhole framed by a soaring gap in the range. Best at dawn or dusk for black-footed rock wallabies.
• Standley Chasm (Angkerle Atwatye): About 50 km. A narrow quartzite chasm that glows at midday. Cafe and cultural tours available.
• Ellery Creek Big Hole: Great swimming hole, campsite and short Dolomite Walk. About 90 km.
• Serpentine Gorge and Serpentine Chalet Dam: Quiet walks and birdlife.
• Ochre Pits: Traditional ochre quarry with brilliant colours. Short walk from the car park.
• Ormiston Gorge: One of the best walks in the region. The Ghost Gum Lookout is a beautiful short option, while the Ormiston Pound Walk is a classic 3 to 4 hour circuit. Kiosk, campground and swimming when conditions allow.
• Glen Helen: Riverside views of the Finke River. Food, fuel and accommodation available.
• Redbank Gorge: Cool, shaded pools at the base of Mt Sonder, the highest point in the range. A popular sunset lookout for Larapinta Trail hikers.

Optional side trip:

• Hermannsburg (Ntaria): Historic Lutheran mission with art centre and access to Finke Gorge National Park. The road is sealed for most of the way, but Palm Valley requires 4WD.

Tnorala and the Mereenie Loop

From the West MacDonnells you can continue on the Red Centre Way to Kings Canyon via the Mereenie Loop. This route is unsealed for long stretches and can be corrugated, so drive to conditions and check your rental agreement. A permit is required.

• Tnorala, also known as Gosse Bluff: A massive crater-like ring, significant to Western Arrernte people. The short walk to the lookout is worth the stop. Access roads are usually unsealed.

If you prefer an all-sealed approach, return to Alice and travel south via the Stuart Highway and Lasseter Highway to reach Kings Canyon, or head direct to Uluru then backtrack to Kings Canyon.

Kings Canyon in Watarrka National Park

Kings Canyon is a sandstone wonderland, with 100 metre high walls, domes and hidden gardens.

Signature walks:

• Kings Canyon Rim Walk: 6 km circuit with about 500 steps at the start. Allow 3 to 4 hours. Best started at sunrise to beat the heat. Highlights include the sheer north wall, the Lost City domes and the Garden of Eden, a permanent waterhole.
• Kings Creek Walk: 2.6 km return. A gentle stroll along the canyon floor with views up to the walls.
• Kathleen Springs: 2.6 km return. Easy walk to a tranquil waterhole with interpretive signs about pastoral and Indigenous history.

Other experiences:

• Scenic helicopter overflight for a canyon-wide perspective
• Indigenous-led talks and tours that interpret country and culture
• Dinner under the desert sky at your resort or station stay

Nearby stays:

• Kings Canyon Resort with rooms, glamping and a campground
• Kings Creek Station, a working cattle and camel station with accommodation, camping and tours

Uluru and Kata Tjuta

No matter how many photos you have seen, the reality of Uluru will stop you in your tracks. The rock seems to shift with every minute of changing light. Nearby, the 36 domes of Kata Tjuta rise dramatically from the plain.

Essential Uluru experiences:

• Uluru Base Walk: 10.6 km loop around the foot of the rock. See rock art, caves and waterholes. Allow 3 to 4 hours at an easy pace.
• Mala Walk with a ranger or Indigenous guide: Insightful stories that bring the site to life. Check the daily schedule at the Cultural Centre.
• Kuniya Walk to Mutitjulu Waterhole: Short, powerful walk to a sacred site with interpretive signs.
• Cultural Centre: Learn about Anangu culture, Tjukurpa Law and the park’s natural history. Purchase art directly from community-owned galleries.

Kata Tjuta highlights:

• Valley of the Winds: A 7.4 km circuit through domes and ancient creek beds. Start early to beat heat-related closures. Epic views.
• Walpa Gorge: 2.6 km return walk into a wind-carved chasm. Often cooler and a good short option.

Classic Uluru light shows:

• Sunrise and sunset from designated viewing areas. At sunset, stay after the sun dips for the most intense colours.
• Field of Light by artist Bruce Munro, a stunning solar-powered art installation. Bookings essential.
• Wintjiri Wiru, an Anangu-led storytelling experience with drones, projections and sound that shares the Mala story. Book in advance.
• Sounds of Silence or Tali Wiru dining experiences for a night under the stars with gourmet cuisine and guided astronomy.

Accommodation hub:

• Yulara, also known as Ayers Rock Resort, with hotels, apartments and a well-equipped campground. Facilities include restaurants, tours, shops and a supermarket.

Important cultural note:

• Climbing Uluru is permanently closed. Respect all signs and photography restrictions in sensitive areas. Always stay on marked tracks and view sites only from designated locations.

Suggested Red Centre Way Itineraries

3 Days: Uluru and Kings Canyon Highlights

Ideal if you fly into Yulara.

Day 1: Arrive Yulara

• Afternoon visit to the Cultural Centre
• Kuniya Walk to Mutitjulu Waterhole
• Sunset at Uluru
• Optional Field of Light after dark

Day 2: Kata Tjuta and drive to Kings Canyon

• Sunrise at Kata Tjuta
• Valley of the Winds or Walpa Gorge
• Lunch at Yulara, then drive about 300 km to Kings Canyon
• Sunset drinks with views of the range

Day 3: Kings Canyon Rim Walk and departure

• Early Rim Walk
• Brunch at the resort or station
• Drive or coach transfer back to Yulara, or continue to Alice Springs

5 Days: Classic Red Centre Way From Alice Springs

Day 1: Alice Springs and West Macs

• Desert Park in the morning
• Standley Chasm for lunch and walk
• Ellery Creek Big Hole or Ormiston Gorge swim
• Camp or overnight at Glen Helen

Day 2: Ormiston Pound Walk and Tnorala

• Morning Ormiston Pound Walk
• Drive to Tnorala and on to Kings Canyon via the Mereenie Loop, permit required
• Overnight at Kings Canyon Resort or Kings Creek Station

Day 3: Kings Canyon

• Early Rim Walk
• Lazy afternoon, optional helicopter tour
• Sunset viewpoint

Day 4: Uluru-Kata Tjuta

• Drive to Yulara
• Cultural Centre and base walk segments
• Sunset at Uluru
• Field of Light or Wintjiri Wiru

Day 5: Kata Tjuta and return to Alice

• Sunrise at Kata Kuta viewing area
• Walpa Gorge walk
• Return to Alice Springs via Lasseter and Stuart Highways

For a fully sealed version, skip the Mereenie Loop on Day 2 and route via the Stuart and Lasseter Highways, then visit Kings Canyon after Uluru.

7 Days: The Complete Loop With Extra Time

Day 1: Alice Springs

• Explore galleries and the historic Telegraph Station
• Sunset at Anzac Hill

Day 2: West MacDonnell Ranges

• Simpsons Gap and Standley Chasm
• Ellery Creek Big Hole swim
• Overnight at Ormiston Gorge campground or Glen Helen

Day 3: Redbank Gorge and Tnorala

• Sunrise at Mt Sonder lookout
• Redbank Gorge walk and swim
• Drive to Tnorala
• Arrive Kings Canyon, stargazing after dinner

Day 4: Kings Canyon

• Rim Walk early
• Afternoon at leisure, scenic flight optional

Day 5: Drive to Uluru

• Cultural Centre and selected base walk sections
• Sounds of Silence dinner or sunset picnic

Day 6: Kata Tjuta

• Valley of the Winds early
• Afternoon relax at Yulara, browse Indigenous art galleries
• Wintjiri Wiru in the evening

Day 7: Return to Alice

• Optional sunrise camel ride
• Drive north via Lasseter and Stuart Highways
• Overnight in Alice or fly out

Where to Stay

Alice Springs:

• Hotels and resorts across all budgets, from international brands to boutique stays
• Holiday parks and campgrounds with cabins and powered sites

West MacDonnell National Park:

• Campgrounds at Ellery Creek, Ormiston Gorge, Redbank Gorge and others, with basic facilities. Book or pay fees as required.
• Discovery Parks at Glen Helen with rooms, cabins and camping when available

Kings Canyon area:

• Kings Canyon Resort with hotel rooms, glamping and campground
• Kings Creek Station with safari tents, cabins and camping

Yulara:

• Sails in the Desert, Desert Gardens and The Lost Camel for hotel stays
• Emu Walk Apartments for self-contained comfort
• Outback Pioneer Lodge for budget options
• Ayers Rock Campground for camping and campervans

What to Pack for the Red Centre Way

• Sun protection: broad-brim hat, sunglasses, SPF 50 sunscreen, lip balm
• Light, breathable clothing plus warm layers for cool nights, gloves and a beanie in winter
• Sturdy walking shoes or hiking boots
• Refillable water bottles or hydration bladder. Carry at least 3 to 4 litres per person per day for hiking
• Fly net for head and face, especially in warmer months
• First aid kit, blister care, personal medications
• Insect repellent and after-bite
• Headlamp or torch with spare batteries
• Reusable coffee cup and shopping bag to reduce waste
• Car essentials: compressor or gauge for 4WD, spare tyre and jack, tyre repair kit, jump starter, snatch strap if experienced
• Offline maps and a paper map. Telstra has the best coverage but it is still limited
• Camera, phone and power bank. Respect drone restrictions in national parks

Safety and Road Trip Tips

• Check road conditions before you drive, especially after rain. Unsealed roads can become slippery or closed.
• Fuel up whenever you can. Distances are long and roadhouses are spaced out. Expect higher prices in remote areas.
• Avoid driving at dawn, dusk and night due to wildlife. Kangaroos, camels and cattle are a hazard.
• Hydrate constantly and plan walks early in the day. Some trails close if the temperature rises.
• Tell someone your plans and expected arrival times. Consider a satellite communicator for remote travel.
• Obey speed limits and slow down on gravel. Corrugations and washouts can catch you out.
• Secure your food from dingoes and ravens at campsites. Never feed wildlife.
• Leave no trace. Pack out all rubbish and use toilets where provided.

Respecting Culture and Country

The Red Centre is home to Traditional Owners, including Arrernte, Luritja and Anangu peoples, whose stories and law shape these lands. Travel with respect.

• Stay on marked tracks and paths at all times.
• Observe photography restrictions at sacred sites. If in doubt, ask or skip the shot.
• Do not climb Uluru. The climb is closed and the request to refrain is part of cultural respect.
• Choose Indigenous-led tours and buy art from community art centres and reputable galleries.
• Use correct place names where possible and learn a few words with permission.
• Be mindful of noise and behaviour at sunrise and sunset viewing areas.

Photography and Stargazing Tips

• Best light: one hour after sunrise and one hour before sunset. The rock and domes ignite with colour.
• Uluru compositions: frame the rock with desert oaks, use foreground spinifex and watch for reflected colour in puddles after rain.
• Kings Canyon: the edge of the north wall offers dramatic depth. Always stay behind safety rails.
• West Macs: Ghost Gum Lookout at Ormiston Gorge for sweeping views, and the water reflections at Ellery Creek.
• Night sky: the Milky Way arcs brilliantly from April to October. A tripod, fast wide-angle lens and a remote shutter help. Check moon phases and avoid light-sensitive areas.

Note that drones are not permitted in national parks without a permit. Respect other visitors by keeping lights low at night in campgrounds.

Eating and Supplies

• Stock up in Alice Springs or Yulara on groceries, snacks and water.
• Roadhouses like Curtin Springs serve meals and fuel along the Lasseter Highway.
• Glen Helen and Kings Canyon Resort offer dining options and basic supplies.
• Carry extra snacks and always travel with spare water.

Costs and Budgeting

Prices vary by season, availability and experience type, but here are ballpark figures to help plan:

• Car hire: from around AUD 120 per day for a 2WD, more for a 4WD
• Fuel: budget for higher outback prices and long distances
• Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park pass: adult price set by Parks Australia, valid for multiple days
• Accommodation:
  • Campgrounds from AUD 20 to 60 per site per night depending on facilities and location
  • Mid-range hotel rooms from AUD 220 to 400 per night in peak season
  • Premium experiences like Sails in the Desert or glamping from AUD 400 to 900 per night
• Tours:
  • Field of Light entry from about AUD 50, with premium options available
  • Sounds of Silence dinner from around AUD 250 per adult
  • Helicopter flights from AUD 150 to 400 depending on duration
  • Kings Canyon guided walks or Uluru cultural tours vary, check current rates

Always check official websites for current pricing, inclusions and seasonal offers.

Frequently Asked Questions

What vehicle do I need?

• A 2WD is fine for the sealed highways between Alice Springs, Kings Canyon and Uluru. If you want to include the Mereenie Loop or Palm Valley, choose a high-clearance 4WD and confirm your rental agreement allows it.

How many days should I allow?

• Three days covers Uluru and Kata Tjuta with a quick visit to Kings Canyon. Five days is ideal for a classic loop with the West Macs. Seven days lets you slow down and add side trips.

Is the Mereenie Loop open year-round?

• It can close after rain. Road conditions vary and corrugations are common. Always check NT road reports and local advice, and carry a permit if you plan to travel it.

Can I swim at the gorges?

• Swimming is common at Ellery Creek Big Hole, Ormiston Gorge and Redbank Gorge when conditions are safe. Observe all signage and avoid swimming after heavy rain due to flash flood risk.

Is there phone coverage?

• Coverage is limited outside towns and resorts. Telstra has the broadest reach. Download offline maps and consider a PLB or satellite communicator for remote travel.

How hot does it get?

• Summer can exceed 40°C. Plan hikes at first light, carry ample water and watch for park heat closures on longer trails like Valley of the Winds.

Do I need to book in advance?

• Yes, especially in peak season for accommodation, premium experiences and campgrounds. Uluru dining and night experiences often sell out.

What about flies?

• They can be persistent in warmer months. A simple fly net makes a big difference.

Are there fuel stops between Uluru and Alice?

• Yes, roadhouses such as Erldunda and Curtin Springs provide fuel and food. Distances are long, so never pass a fuel stop with less than half a tank in remote stretches.

Sample Day by Day Driving Times and Distances

• Alice Springs to Standley Chasm: about 45 minutes, 50 km
• Alice Springs to Ormiston Gorge: around 1 hour 45 minutes, about 135 km
• Glen Helen to Kings Canyon via the Mereenie Loop: roughly 3 to 4 hours, about 225 km depending on conditions
• Kings Canyon to Yulara: about 3.5 hours, around 300 km
• Yulara to Alice Springs: about 4.5 to 5 hours, roughly 445 km

Add time for stops, wildlife and photos. Outback driving is not a race. Start early and enjoy the journey.

Responsible Travel and Sustainability

• Choose tours and stays that support Indigenous employment and community outcomes.
• Minimise single-use plastics. Refill water at visitor centres and resorts where permitted.
• Stay on formed roads to protect fragile desert crusts.
• Respect park closures and track conditions after rain.
• Keep noise low near cultural sites and at dawn viewing areas.

Insider Experiences to Elevate Your Trip

• Hot air balloon over the desert near Alice Springs at dawn
• A small group SEIT cultural tour at Uluru for deeper storytelling and access to lesser-known viewpoints
• Sunset drinks at Kings Canyon with live music in peak season
• A sunrise camel ride across red dunes at Yulara
• The Ormiston Pound Walk for a perfect blend of geology, wildlife and outback grandeur
• Stargazing with an astronomer at Yulara or Kings Canyon Resort

Practical Navigation and Road Notes

• Signage clearly marks the main routes: Namatjira Drive in the West Macs, Mereenie Loop Road to Kings Canyon, Luritja Road to Watarrka National Park and the Lasseter Highway to Uluru.
• Keep headlights on during the day for visibility.
• Dust clouds hide oncoming vehicles on unsealed roads. Slow down and keep left.
• Reduce tyre pressures on very corrugated roads only if you know how and can reinflate later. Driving slowly is often your best defence.

A Word on Weather and Road Closures

Summer thunderclouds can roll in suddenly. Heavy downpours may cause creek rises and temporary road closures. Always:

• Check the Bureau of Meteorology for forecasts
• Monitor NT Road Report updates
• Heed local advice at visitor centres and roadhouses
• Never enter floodwater, even if it looks shallow

Bookings and Planning Timeline

8 to 12 weeks out:

• Lock in flights and car hire. 4WDs sell out in peak season.
• Reserve accommodation in Yulara, Kings Canyon and Alice Springs.
• Book signature experiences like Field of Light, Sounds of Silence or Wintjiri Wiru.

2 to 4 weeks out:

• Purchase your Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park pass online.
• Arrange Mereenie Loop permit if required.
• Pre-book national park campgrounds where applicable.
• Finalise travel insurance with activity coverage.

Week of travel:

• Confirm road and weather conditions
• Download offline maps and podcasts
• Pack a cooler bag for picnic lunches at scenic stops

The Sales Pitch You Can Feel in Your Bones

Picture this. You greet sunrise at Uluru, the rock shifting from deep plum to glowing amber. Later you walk through Kata Tjuta’s wind-carved domes, then share a story-filled dinner under a sky that looks close enough to touch. Next morning, you conquer the Kings Canyon Rim Walk, heart pumping as you peer into a 100 metre drop. A final day finds you easing into a cool waterhole at Ormiston Gorge, desert birds calling from river gums, red cliffs towering above.

The Red Centre Way is not just a road trip. It is a sequence of moments that connect you to country, culture and yourself. It is where the outback becomes personal. Start planning now, because the sooner you book, the better your choice of stays and experiences. The desert is waiting.

Conclusion

The Red Centre Way brings together the Northern Territory’s greatest hits in one looping, flexible itinerary. Alice Springs offers culture and creature comforts. The West MacDonnells deliver swims, hikes and the kind of canyon views you will replay for years. Kings Canyon reveals the raw architecture of stone and time. Uluru and Kata Tjuta ground you in the stories and spirit of the world’s oldest living culture.

Plan your route, choose your season, book your bed and permit, then set out with curiosity and care. Go slow, drink in the vastness, and let sunrise and sunset set your rhythm. If there is a single outback itinerary that sells itself the moment you arrive, it is the Red Centre Way. Your desert adventure starts in Alice Springs. The rest is the journey of a lifetime.