RoadAtlas
Uluru & The Red Centre — Australia — Desert
Australia & Pacific

Uluru & The Red Centre

Australia

In short: Uluru & The Red Centre is a 1224 km desert road trip in Australia, typically driven over 5–7 days, best in Apr–Oct. Highlights: Uluru, Kata Tjuta, Kings Canyon.

Distance
1224 km
Duration
5–7 days
Best Season
Apr–Oct
LegendaryModerateDesert

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.

~2 refuels
~4 charges
Practical notes
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.
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Stops along the route

Uluru — Departure — Uluru & The Red Centre — Australia
Departure
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.
Alice Springs — City — Uluru & The Red Centre — Australia
City
Alice Springs
The outback's only city, gateway to the West MacDonnells. Resupply here before heading west into the ranges.
Hotels

Things to Do

Kata Tjuta — Nature — Uluru & The Red Centre — Australia
Nature
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 — Nature — Uluru & The Red Centre — Australia
Nature
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.
Standley Chasm — Nature — Uluru & The Red Centre — Australia
Nature
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 — Nature — Uluru & The Red Centre — Australia
Nature
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 — Nature — Uluru & The Red Centre — Australia
Nature
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.
Uluru Base Walk — Hike — Uluru & The Red Centre — Australia
Hike
Uluru Base Walk
A 10.6 km trail encircling Uluru, offering close-up views of the rock's unique features and cultural sites.
Field of Light — Art Installation — Uluru & The Red Centre — Australia
Art Installation
Field of Light
An immersive light installation by artist Bruce Munro, illuminating the desert with over 50,000 spindles of light.
Kata Tjuta Valley of the Winds Walk — Hike — Uluru & The Red Centre — Australia
Hike
Kata Tjuta Valley of the Winds Walk
A challenging 7.4 km circuit through the domes of Kata Tjuta, offering breathtaking views and serene landscapes.
Kings Canyon Rim Walk — Hike — Uluru & The Red Centre — Australia
Hike
Kings Canyon Rim Walk
A 6 km loop providing panoramic views of the canyon's sheer cliffs and the lush Garden of Eden.
Alice Springs Desert Park — Wildlife Park — Uluru & The Red Centre — Australia
Wildlife Park
Alice Springs Desert Park
Showcases the unique flora and fauna of the Central Australian desert, with interactive exhibits and free-flying bird shows.

Where to Eat

Talinguru Nyakunytjaku Picnic Area — Picnic Area — Uluru & The Red Centre — Australia
Picnic Area
Talinguru Nyakunytjaku Picnic Area
Offers panoramic views of Uluru and Kata Tjuta, ideal for a scenic meal amidst the desert landscape.
Curtin Springs Wayside Inn — Australian — Uluru & The Red Centre — Australia
Australian
Curtin Springs Wayside Inn
A classic outback roadhouse serving hearty meals and known for its homemade beef stew.
Kings Creek Station Café — Australian — Uluru & The Red Centre — Australia
Australian
Kings Creek Station Café
Famous for its camel burgers, this café offers a unique dining experience in the heart of the outback.
Glen Helen Gorge Resort Restaurant — Australian — Uluru & The Red Centre — Australia
Australian
Glen Helen Gorge Resort Restaurant
Serves local dishes with stunning views of the surrounding gorge and ranges.
Outback Pioneer Kitchen — Australian — Uluru & The Red Centre — Australia
Australian
Outback Pioneer Kitchen
Offers a relaxed dining atmosphere with a menu featuring classic Aussie pub fare.

Explore related routes

Australia road trips Legendary Mountain PassesDesert Roads Australia & Pacific routes

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Frequently asked questions

How long is the Uluru & The Red Centre drive?

The Uluru & The Red Centre covers 1224 km from start to finish.

How long does the Uluru & The Red Centre take to drive?

Most travellers spend 5–7 days on the Uluru & The Red Centre, depending on stops and pace.

When is the best time to drive the Uluru & The Red Centre?

The recommended season for the Uluru & The Red Centre is Apr–Oct.

Where does the Uluru & The Red Centre start and end?

The Uluru & The Red Centre runs from Uluru to Ormiston Gorge.

What are the main stops on the Uluru & The Red Centre?

The Uluru & The Red Centre passes through Uluru, Kata Tjuta, Kings Canyon.

Can I drive the Uluru & The Red Centre in a regular car?

Yes — the Uluru & The Red Centre is paved end-to-end and a regular car is fine in normal conditions.

How many fuel stops are needed on the Uluru & The Red Centre?

Plan around 2 refuels (or about 4 EV charges) along the Uluru & The Red Centre, based on its 1224 km length.

Is the Uluru & The Red Centre safe to drive?

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.

What scenic tier is the Uluru & The Red Centre?

The Uluru & The Red Centre is a legendary drive — The world's most extraordinary drives — once-in-a-lifetime road trips with cinematic scenery, legendary roads, and unmatched cultural depth.