Uluru & The Red Centre
Australia
Tackle this outback circuit from Uluru, the most soulful place in Australia, through Kata Tjuta's domed rocks, Kings Canyon's yawning chasm, the icy waterholes of the West MacDonnell Ranges, Standley Chasm, and Ormiston Gorge: red earth, red rocks, and ghostly ghost gums.
Explore on the interactive map →Stops along the route
- Uluru
Sacred to the Anangu, this 348 m sandstone monolith is 9.4 km around. Its colour shifts so slowly at sunrise you only notice after.
- Kata Tjuta
Thirty-six domed rocks across 20 km of sacred country. The Valley of the Winds walk is more demanding and affecting than Uluru's base walk.
- Kings Canyon
A 270 m sandstone canyon with the Garden of Eden at its heart: cycad palms and a hidden waterhole. The rim walk is Central Australia's finest.
- Alice Springs
The outback's only city, gateway to the West MacDonnells. Resupply here before heading west into the ranges.
- Standley Chasm
A narrow gorge that turns incandescent orange at noon when sun reaches the floor. The walls are barely an arm's span apart in places.
- Ellery Creek Big Hole
A steep-sided permanent waterhole fed by springs in the West MacDonnells. Ice-cold even in summer, the shock after desert heat is visceral.
- Ormiston Gorge
The grandest gorge in the MacDonnells, with a permanent waterhole backed by 300 m quartzite walls. Red kangaroos come to drink at dusk.
Where to Eat
- Talinguru Nyakunytjaku Picnic AreaPicnic Area
Offers panoramic views of Uluru and Kata Tjuta, ideal for a scenic meal amidst the desert landscape.
- Curtin Springs Wayside InnAustralian
A classic outback roadhouse serving hearty meals and known for its homemade beef stew.
- Kings Creek Station CaféAustralian
Famous for its camel burgers, this café offers a unique dining experience in the heart of the outback.
- Glen Helen Gorge Resort RestaurantAustralian
Serves local dishes with stunning views of the surrounding gorge and ranges.
- Outback Pioneer KitchenAustralian
Offers a relaxed dining atmosphere with a menu featuring classic Aussie pub fare.
Things to Do
- Uluru Base WalkHike
A 10.6 km trail encircling Uluru, offering close-up views of the rock's unique features and cultural sites.
- Field of LightArt Installation
An immersive light installation by artist Bruce Munro, illuminating the desert with over 50,000 spindles of light.
- Kata Tjuta Valley of the Winds WalkHike
A challenging 7.4 km circuit through the domes of Kata Tjuta, offering breathtaking views and serene landscapes.
- Kings Canyon Rim WalkHike
A 6 km loop providing panoramic views of the canyon's sheer cliffs and the lush Garden of Eden.
- Alice Springs Desert ParkWildlife Park
Showcases the unique flora and fauna of the Central Australian desert, with interactive exhibits and free-flying bird shows.
Travel advisory
Most roads on this circuit, including the Larapinta Drive and Namatjira Drive, are sealed and accessible to conventional vehicles, though some gorge and waterhole spurs are unsealed. Summer temperatures exceed 45 degrees Celsius so carry extra water and check conditions at visitor centres in Alice Springs or Uluru before departure.