None of a kind Red Centre itinerary 6 days exploring Alice Springs, Kings Canyon & Uluru

A self-drive journey designed to slow you down and reconnect you with a place that feels timeless, untouched, and unlike anywhere else in the world.

Morning: Arrive in Alice Springs

Touch down in Alice Springs, the gateway to the Red Centre. Wide open spaces and fresh desert air signal the shift immediately.

For this itinerary, hire a vehicle so you can explore the region at your own pace. Check into your accommodation, settle in, and ease into the rhythm of the outback ahead of the days to come.

Midday: Lunch at Olive Pink Botanic Garden

Head to the Bean Tree Cafe, set within the peaceful Olive Pink Botanic Garden.

Sit outside among native plants with views of the ranges. Fresh flavours, good coffee, and a quiet setting make this is the perfect way to enjoy your first day.

Afternoon: Art tour at Simpsons Gap

Join Art Tours of Australia for a guided watercolour experience at Simpsons Gap located just a short 20-minute drive from Alice Springs.

Create your own artwork inspired by the same landscapes that shaped Albert Namatjira, gaining a deeper appreciation for Central Australia along the way.

As the light softens, the experience becomes less about painting and more about simply being present. Settle in with a cheese plate, take in the stillness, and let the quiet of the Outback take over.

A calm, creative close to your first day in the Red Centre.

Morning: Sunrise balloon flight over Alice Springs

Start the day with a sunrise flight with Outback Ballooning, just outside Alice Springs.

Floating over the desert as the sun rises offers a wide, uninterrupted view of the MacDonnell Ranges and surrounding outback. A calm and expansive way to begin the day.

Midday: Explore the MacDonnell Ranges

Drive west along Larapinta Drive for around 50 minutes to reach Standley Chasm– Angkerle Atwatye. Take the short walk into the narrow gorge, then settle in for lunch surrounded by the dramatic rock walls.

A relaxed, scenic stop that breaks up the journey and lets you ease into the landscapes of Tjoritja / West MacDonnell Ranges.

Continue on for approximately another 1 hour to reach Redbank Gorge, located around 155km from Alice Springs in Tjoritja / West MacDonnell Ranges.

Spend the afternoon swimming, exploring, or simply taking in the quiet. One of the most peaceful and remote spots in the region. Return towards Alice Springs and enjoy some rest before tonight’s activities.

Evening: Earth Sanctuary sunset & stargazing

Head to Earth Sanctuary World Nature Centre, located around 15 minutes from town.

Join a guided sunset tour to learn about the ecology, astronomy, and cultural stories of Central Australia. As night falls, stay on for stargazing under one of the clearest skies in the world.

Morning: Breakfast in Alice Springs & departure

Check out of your accommodation and start the day with an early breakfast at Page 27 Cafe. Known for its fresh menu and juices, it’s the perfect place to fuel up before the journey ahead.

From Alice Springs, hit the road early and begin the drive towards Kings Canyon. The journey takes around 4 to 5 hours, with wide open roads and ever-changing desert landscapes along the way.

Midday: On the road through the Red Centre

Settle into the drive as the landscape opens up around you. Long stretches of road, shifting desert colours, and wide skies define this part of the journey.

Keep an eye out along the way, as wild camels are often spotted in this region.

Afternoon: Arrive at Kings Canyon

Arrive and check in at Kings Canyon Resort, located near Kings Canyon.

The resort offers a range of accommodation options to suit different travel styles, from comfortable hotel rooms and lodge-style stays to safari-style glamping tents and campsites for those wanting to stay closer to the landscape.

Evening: Dining Under a Desert Moon

Experience dining Under a Desert Moon, a signature outback dining experience.

Begin with canapés and sparkling wine before being guided to a secluded location where your table awaits beneath a canopy of stars. Enjoy a 5-course dinner crafted from seasonal, locally sourced produce, paired with Australian wines, as a fire flickers nearby.

Running from 6pm between April and October, this is a memorable way to end your first night in Kings Canyon.

Morning: Sunrise at Kings Canyon & departure

Start early with a sunrise hike at Kings Canyon. The Kings Canyon Rim Walk is a 6km loop taking around 3 to 4 hours and is rated moderate to difficult due to the steep initial climb. Widely regarded as one of the best hikes in Australia, it rewards you with epic views across the canyon, sandstone domes, and the vast Red Centre landscape.

After the hike, return to Kings Canyon Resort for breakfast, then check out and prepare for the drive ahead.

Midday: Road trip to Uluru with outback stops

Begin the journey towards Uluru. The drive from Kings Canyon to Uluru is approximately 300km and takes around 3.5 to 4 hours.

Stop for lunch at Erldunda Roadhouse, located about 2 hours from Kings Canyon at the junction of the Stuart and Lasseter Highways. Stop in for lunch and check out the emus here.

Continue for another 50 minutes to Curtin Springs, a working cattle station where you can stretch your legs and experience a slice of outback station life before continuing on the final 1-hour drive to Uluru.

Afternoon: Arrive at Uluru & settle in

Arrive at Uluru and check into your accommodation at Ayers Rock Resort.

A range of accommodation options are available, from hotels and apartments to campgrounds, allowing you to choose what best suits your travel style.

Evening: Uluru sunset & Wintjiri Wiru

Tonight, you’ll experience Wintjiri Wiru. Settle in under the desert sky with a gourmet dinner hamper and premium Australian wines as an ancient Anangu story is brought to life through drones, light, and sound.

A memorable and meaningful way to end the day.

Morning: Sunrise hike at Kata Tjuta

Start early with a sunrise hike at Kata Tjuta. The Valley of the Winds walk is the most popular option, with sections ranging from 2.2km to 7.4km return and rated moderate.

As the sun rises, the domes glow in soft light. A quieter, equally powerful counterpart to Uluru.

Midday: Native bush foods high tea

Return to Ayers Rock Resort for a native bush foods high tea. A relaxed experience showcasing local ingredients and flavours, offering a deeper connection to the region through food.

While at the resort, visit Gallery of Central Australia (GoCA) to explore an impressive collection of Aboriginal art. A chance to experience the stories, culture, and creativity of the region through contemporary and traditional works.

Evening: See the stars like never before

End the day with an astronomy experience in the Red Centre with Uluru Astro Tours. With minimal light pollution, the Red Centre’s night sky reveals stars, planets, and constellations rarely visible anywhere else in the world.

A peaceful and immersive way to experience the desert after dark.

Morning: Sunrise Journeys & departure

Begin your final day with Sunrise Journeys. As the sun rises, a stunning artwork by local Anangu artists is brought to life through light, music, and the desert landscape, with Uluru as the backdrop.

Blending storytelling, culture, and sensory elements, it’s an intimate experience that deepens your connection to Country.

Afterwards, return to pack up, check out, and make your way to the airport for your onward flight.

A quiet, reflective end to your time in the Red Centre.