The drive from Alice Springs to Uluru is one of Australia’s most famous trips, and it includes desert landscapes, ancient rock formations, and Aboriginal culture. 450km (280 miles) of rugged Central Australia. It’s more than just a drive through the outback. It’s a chance to get amongst the natural beauty, visit sacred sites and see the majesty of Uluru, Kata Tjuta and Kings Canyon. There are endless opportunities to explore, including Larapinta Trail Tours, and connect with the land: unforgettable memories and a sense of wonder.
Start Your Journey in Springs
Start your trip in Alice Springs, the centre of Central Australia and the outback. Alice Springs has plenty to see and do before you hit the road. One of the must-see stops is Simpsons Gap, just a short walk from town. This beautiful gap in the West MacDonnell Ranges has towering cliffs and is a great preview of what’s to come.
Nearby you can also visit Standley Chasm, a narrow gorge with steep rock walls that glow red and orange at midday. Another good option is the Alice Springs Desert Park, to see the region’s native wildlife, plants and Aboriginal culture.
As you leave Alice Springs, remember the practicalities of your trip. Sort out your travel arrangements, including personal travel insurance, park passes and provisions (water bottle for hydration). Also note that while the main road to Uluru is sealed, some of the side roads (like the Mereenie Loop Road) are unsealed and may require a 4WD if you want to go off the beaten track.
West MacDonnell Ranges
As you head west from Alice Springs, you’ll enter the West MacDonnell Ranges (Tjoritja West), a vast mountain range with rock formations, gorges and waterholes. Popular stops are Ormiston Gorge and Glen Helen Gorge, where you can swim and bushwalk. Further west is Redbank Gorge, which has deep pools and cliffs. Each of these spots has great views of the ancient landscape, so you can really take in the beauty of the desert.
The West Macs have many bushwalking trails of varying length and difficulty. The more adventurous can do longer walks, and the shorter walkers can do shorter walks with great views. Keep an eye out for native wildlife, rock wallabies, birds and reptiles.
Kings Canyon: The Crown of Watarrka National Park
A worthwhile detour is Kings Canyon in Watarrka National Park. Famous for its sandstone walls and the Rim Walk, Kings Canyon is a destination in its own right. The Rim Walk is a 6km loop with some of the most spectacular views in Central Australia, including the Kantju Gorge and the Garden of Eden, a natural waterhole deep in the canyon.
For a true outback experience spend the night at Kings Canyon Resort or Kings Creek Station where you can camp like a true blue outbacker or stay in more comfortable accommodation. Both have various Kings Canyon Tours including bush tucker experiences and camel rides to get you connected to the land and its culture.
Uluru and Kata Tjuta: The Heart of Australia
As you enter Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park, the landscape changes, and Uluru (Ayers Rock) rises out of the desert floor. Standing 348m high, Uluru is a sacred site for the Anangu people, the traditional owners of the land. The cultural significance of Uluru is deep, and visitors are asked not to climb the rock.
Instead take the Uluru Base Walk, a 10.6km trail that goes around the rock and offers up close views of rock art, waterholes and ancient caves. Another gem of the park is the lesser known Kata Tjuta (also called The Olgas), 36 domed rock formations 50km from Uluru. The Walpa Gorge walk through the domes is a must do, with towering walls and unique flora a stark contrast to the desert.
Ayers Rock Resort has a range of accommodation from camping at Ayers Rock Campground to luxury at the Sails in the Desert Hotel. The resort also has cultural experiences including bush tucker tastings, Aboriginal art workshops and performances that showcase the traditions of the local indigenous people.
Field of Light
One of the best things to do at Uluru Tour is the Field of Light by Bruce Munro. 50,000 lights sprawled across the desert. As the sun goes down and the lights start to glow, the desert becomes a surreal landscape of colour. Don’t miss this. It’s a whole other world.
Practical Information
Visiting Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park and Kings Canyon requires some planning especially with the extreme weather of the Northern Territory. In summer the temperature can get over 40 degrees so hydration and sun protection is key. Bring plenty of water and snacks and be mindful of your dietary requirements if you’re joining overnight tours or staying at remote locations.
Also, check the time of booking for park passes and tours, or leave this tasks to verified tour operators (such as Autopia Tours, Wildlifetours or Wayoutback Tours). Parks Australia can close the park during adverse weather or external events, so make sure you stay informed through your travel consultant or travel agent. Most accommodation providers, including Kings Canyon Resort and Ayers Rock Resort, offer transfer services, so it’s easier to get between sites.
Be Respectful
As you walk around Uluru and Kata Tjuta remember these are not just natural wonders, they are sacred sites for the Anangu people. Visitors are encouraged to join in on cultural experiences offered by local guides who share their stories, traditions and history. Doing so is not only respectful but will give you a deeper understanding of the land and its traditional owners.
Finish with Memories to Last
A trip from Alice Springs to Uluru is more than a road trip; it’s a chance to see the real outback, to feel the history of the land and to make memories with your fellow travellers. Whether you’re gazing out at the views of Kings Canyon, walking among the domes of Kata Tjuta or standing at Uluru at sunrise, this Central Australian adventure will give you stories to tell for years to come.
FAQ
How long does it take to drive from Alice Springs to Uluru?
4.5 to 5 hours, depending on how many stops you make.
What are the best stops between Alice Springs and Uluru?
Simpsons Gap, Standley Chasm, Ormiston Gorge, Kings Canyon, Curtin Springs.
Can I visit Kings Canyon on the way to Uluru?
Yes, Kings Canyon is in Watarrka National Park and can be done as a day trip or as part of a longer tour from Alice Springs.
What do I need to bring on the road trip from Alice Springs to Uluru?
Bring water, water bottle, sunscreen, comfortable clothes, walking shoes and snacks. Also check the time of booking for your park passes and accommodation.
Are there any unsealed roads on the route?
The main road from Alice Springs to Uluru is sealed but some detours such as the Mereenie Loop Road are unsealed and 4WD required.
