With a great walk that meanders around the gorge, stunning views for miles and a refreshing (to say the least!) Barrow Creek to Alice Springs - 283 km - 3 hours. Mount Isa to Alice Springs road trip accommodation: Wycliffe Well. Location: Alice Springs city centre is 14km (approximately 17-minute) drive from the Alice Springs airport. Thats 447km long, with a driving time of around four hours and 40 minutes. That goes past several Northern Territory roadhouses on what is a phenomenally boring drive with very few road trip stops. Start on the Mala trail, alongside a lodge guide. We acknowledge the Traditional Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Owners of the land, sea and waters of the Australian continent, and recognise their custodianship of culture and Country for over 60,000 years. Starting in Alice Springs and ending at Mt Sonder, it follows the West Macs and is not for the faint-hearted. If you want tips on how to extract as much of the magic of this place in a short period of time, weve written a 3-day Uluru itinerary based on our own trip here. "startScreen": "gigya-update-profile-screen" Treat yourself to the best coffee in Yulara atKulata Academy Caf,staffed by Aboriginal hospitality trainees. Seit Outback Australia specialises in small-group tours. "custAction": "event2" Its also a completely unnecessary drive. To help you plan your adventure, we've found the best routes, attractions, overnight stops and more. They can be reached by following the Red Centre Way (an 1135-kilometre loop from Alice). The 1,135km (705mi) Red Centre Wayroad trip is one of the Northern Territorys most iconic journeys, beginning in Alice Springs, then making its way to Tjoritja/West MacDonnell Ranges, Watarrka/Kings Canyon, and Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park. Savour native Australian ingredients, such as kangaroo, finger lime and lemon myrtle, while the Milky Way dazzles from above. Book through Ayers Rock Resort. Start your seven-day trip along the Red Centre Way on a high note, viewing Alices picture-perfect ranges at sunrise on anOutback Ballooninghot air balloon flight. Red earth, sunshine and quirky characters make Alice Springs a great place to launch an outback road trip. Cream Magazine by Themebeez, Alice Springs to Uluru drive: Distance, time and road trip stops, Australias most important historic sites, Sunshine Beach, Queensland: Surf Club menu, swimming & walk, Kalgoorlie to Eucla road trip: Distance, driving time & best stops, Corrimal Beach, Wollongong: Surf, lagoon & accommodation, Sydney to Gold Coast road trip: Stops, distance & driving time, Brisbane to Yeppoon road trip: Distance, driving time & stops. "screenSet": "Aus-V3-RegistrationLogin", They arent dangerous, but they are hard to see, so we were so excited to find one! "validationFavouritesUrl": "/bin/australia/favourites/sanitycheck", Ellery Creek Big Hole for sunset, picnic & a swim, Standley Chasm (Best to visit between 11:30 am-12:30 pm ), Redback Gorge (Best to visit between 12 pm- 3 pm), Ormiston Gorge (Great to visit any time of the day). That's a driving time of around nine hours and nine minutes - the very upper limits of what most people would consider feasible in one day. Two . "validationUrl": "/bin/ta/postauth", }, Some websites which are linked to the Tourism Australia website are independent from Tourism Australia and are not under the control of Tourism Australia. The garden features a range ofAustralian desert plantsand a rustic outdoor eatery, theBean Tree Caf, known for its fresh fare and good coffee. The domes are dramatic, with the tallest one, Mt Olga, soaring 546 metres high. For more information about road trips in the Northern Territory, go to northernterritory.com. In the afternoon, drive 50km (31mi) out of town and take the short, scenic walk toStandley Chasm,where you can watch the formation's steep walls blaze red in the afternoon sun. At around 220 kilometres long, the Larapinta Trail is one of Australias legendary hiking routes. }, The distance from Alice Springs to Yulara, home of the Ayers Rock Resort, is a smidgeon shorter. "event": "taCustEvent", Some websites which are linked to the Tourism Australia website are independent from Tourism Australia and are not under the control of Tourism Australia. "FYASignUpDtmConfig": { Before dawn, a shuttle bus will collect you from your accommodation and transport you toOwen Springs Reserve, 15km (9mi) south of town. Rise early to embark on theKings Canyon Rim Walk, a 6.4km (4mi) trail with awe-inspiring views of the sheer sandstone cliffs, palm-filled crevices, valley floor and desert. We almost stepped on this little guy a Thorny Devil Lizard! The drive from Alice Springs to Uluru in the Northern Territorys Red Centre takes around five hours. Spring wasn't too hot and humid and the flies weren't bad compared to other seasons. Within the parks confines is the ancient Palm Valley, where rare red cabbage palms, also dating back millennia, grow. "resetPassword": { All content copyright David Whitley. The valley's multi-coloured bands often sparkle in the late afternoon sun asalute to the end of your voyage. After dinner, a "star talker" will guide you through the astronomical stratosphere twinkling above your table. Then, detour off the highway just before you reach Alice to see the scenic sandstone bluffs and cliffs of theRainbow Valley Conservation Reserve, which forms part of the mountainous James Range. Drive to West Macdonnell Ranges (4WD is 3 hours, 2WD is 4.5 hours, through Alice Springs). Unexpected Alice Springs: a 4-day itinerary, Mount Conner, Curtin Springs Station, Red Centre, Northern Territory Tourism NT. A outback road trip wouldnt be the same without visiting Uluru. We started at the Kuniya Carpark (watering hole) in the early morning, and walked into the shady side of Uluru, around clockwise to the Mala Carpark. Driving from Alice Springs to Uluru 450 km, 5 hours and 30 minutes }, Uluru, Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park, Red Centre, Northern Territory Tourism NT. And, while the bush certainly brings its own charm it also bri Before heading off on the iconic Larapinta Trail through Central Australias West MacDonnell Ranges, we pivot 180 degrees to venture where mostly on For the best travel inspiration delivered straight to your door. One particular highlight was on the Stuart Highway when a Wedge tail eagle was feeding on road kill. Rise early to begin your drive back into the desert. Nothing says outback more than the big red rock in the middle of the country, and a road trip here is the best way to appreciate its isolation and imposing beauty as it rises 348 metres from the desert. Whats more, it can often be cheaper to fly direct to Ayers Rock Airport than it is to fly to Alice Springs. Between them, Qantas and Jetstar offer flights to Yulara from Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Adelaide, Cairns, Darwin and Alice Springs. How long do I need for my trip to Australia? Start on the Mala trail, alongside a lodge guide. Stay overnight. Squeeze it all in by jumping on the resorts complimentary shuttle, especially if youre travelling with children or the elderly. The road trip from Alice Springs to Uluru (to the gateway touwnship of Yulara) on the main Stuart and Lasseter Highways consists of a drive of 446 km / 277 mi / 4:30 hrs as shown in the below map. Instead, visit between May and October, when daytime temperatures are comfortable. The garden features a range ofAustralian desert plantsand a rustic outdoor eatery, theBean Tree Caf, known for its fresh fare and good coffee. And it's not a long one, either - the one-way trip from Alice Springs to Uluru is just 450km/5.5 hours on fully-sealed roads. Uluru, Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park, Red Centre, Northern Territory Tourism NT. Day 6: Uluru to Alice Springs (445km) Start your return trip to Alice Springs: head back along the Lasseter Highway, to Curtin Springs Station, a working cattle station and roadhouse. If you complete the drive in less than five hours, youve probably been breaking the speed limit in your hire car. After exploring theWest Macdonnell Ranges head off-road along the Mereenie Loop as you make your way to Kings Canyon (youll need a 4WD and a permit). "custEvent": "FYASignUp", Try the smoked wattleseed (a native Australian ingredient) kangaroo salad with beetroot and labneh cheese. And in between fueling your body and your car, check out the accompanying emu . Its surprisingly busy, too, receiving flights from Brisbane, Adelaide, Sydney, Melbourne, Cairns and Darwin as well as Alice Springs Airport. Sounds of Silence, Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park, Red Centre, Northern Territory Tourism NT. { When you're just 100km (60mi) from Alice Springs, pull in at theHenbury Meteorites Conservation Reserve. It's a delightful, bustling caf much loved by the towns creative crowd. Written in partnership with Tourism Northern Territory Freshwater swimming holes, impressive gorges and phenomenal rock formations are all part of the unique and ancient landscape of the outback's Red Centre. Explore them on foot by following the challenging Valley of the Winds trail (7.4 kilometres). Where to stop on the Daly Waters to Mataranka drive. With its unparalleled beauty and endless reaches, the Aussie outback holds its own. Gold town Kalgoorlie has several pleasingly good attractions, including the Museum of the Goldfields and Hannans North Tourist Mine. No trip to the 'Territory' is complete without a visit to the Daly . This loop leads through towering rocks into a valley bedded with soft green grass. 100 Things To Do In Australia Youve Never Heard Of, The only Alice to Uluru itinerary youll ever need, For more information on things to do in the NT, visit the official Northern Territory website at. "screenSet": "Aus-V3-RegistrationLogin", }, But that's a better alternative than a day tour from Alice Springs. Tourism Australia makes no representations whatsoever about any other websites which you may access through its websites such as australia.com. Alice Springs Helicopters offer scenic flights over the MacDonnell Ranges and thrilling mountain bike tours that drop you at sections along the mountain biking trails in the West Macs area. Less touristed, but arguably as stunning, the East Macs offer travellers insight into the Indigenous and gold rush history of the area. 11/06/2022. "resetPassword": { "campaignIntegrationUrl": "/bin/create/recipient", They might also want to take in Kata-Tjuta (the Olgas), camel rides, helicopter tours and scenic flights over Kings Canyon. Tourism Australia does not endorse or accept any responsibility for the use of websites which are owned or operated by third parties and makes no representation or warranty in relation to the standard, class or fitness for purpose of any services, nor does it endorse or in any respect warrant any products or services by virtue of any information, material or content linked from or to this site. "taIdRetryLimit": 3 Check out my Day Trip To Litchfield National Park Guide. Why do a Road Trip around the Red Centre in Northern Territory? The only Alice Springs to Uluru bus is a coach transfer that takes six hours. "startScreen": "gigya-update-profile-screen" Spend your afternoon admiring desert wildlife atAlice Springs Desert Park. In the evening, have dinner under the stars at theSounds of Silenceexperience, in which you'll sit at a shared, open-air table with uninterrupted views of Uluru. "validationUrl": "/bin/ta/postauth", The 1,135km (705mi) Red Centre Wayroad trip is one of the Northern Territorys most iconic journeys, beginning in Alice Springs, then making its way to Tjoritja/West MacDonnell Ranges, Watarrka/Kings Canyon, and Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park. To get into the park, youll need a high-clearance 4WD and be comfortable conquering rocky tracks. Tourism Australia makes no representations whatsoever about any other websites which you may access through its websites such as australia.com. This scenic reserve was founded more than 60 years ago by Olive Muriel Pink, an early activist for Aboriginal rights. Spend your morning relaxing here before exploring one of the site's stunningbushwalks. If you take the Mereenie Loop, stop to gaze atTnorala(Gosse Bluff), a 20km (12mi) wide comet crater thought to date back 140 million years. Its challenging but rewarding; pack plenty of water and fly repellent for the journey. Unfurl a swag and enjoy a campfire at Redbank Gorge. Call into Hermannsburg prior to entering the park: its a historic precinct where a Lutheran Mission was active in the late 1880s and where renowned Aboriginal artist Albert Namatjira resided. Its now the most popular and picturesque swimming spot in West MacDonnell National Park. }, There are 2 ways to get from Alice Springs to Uluru by bus or car Select an option below to see step-by-step directions and to compare ticket prices and travel times in Rome2rio's travel planner. For more information about road trips in the Northern Territory, go to northernterritory.com. Treat yourself to the best coffee in Yulara atKulata Academy Caf,staffed by Aboriginal hospitality trainees. My mission is to inspire women to travel the world, work remotely, and live a blissful life, all while staying stylish! Theres an IGA at the Ayres Rock Resort, but the food there is more expensive and extremely limited. Sixty peaceful minutes in the air allows ample time to take in the vast, art canvas-style landscapes below. "custEvent": "FYASignUp", Standley Chasm, West MacDonnell Ranges, Northern Territory Tourism Australia. A while back I decided to drive from Geelong to Uluru, where I stayed 3 nights and returned by road - an epic road trip. Highlights of the Mount Isa to Daly Waters drive. }, Please visit the operators website for further information. The walk begins with a steep ascent, then follows the canyon's cliff face before descending to the Garden of Eden waterhole and the weathered rock domes of the Lost City. Kings Canyon, Northern Territory Tourism NT/Mitchell Cox 2017, Alice Springs to Uluru: a 7-day road trip. I cannot believe we ha, "Every time you praise something, every time you a, NEW BLOG POST: Sharing my travel guide to Magnetic, LIFE UPDATE - Ben and I are moving back to Canada, Did you know that snorkelling is one of my favouri, What is one thing from your week that you look for, I'm a sucker for a good smoothie bowl, and we foun, Soaking up all the good vibes and energy with the. Intrepid Travel offers a great small group 5 day Basix tour to explore from Alice Springs to Uluru and return (or from Uluru to Alice Springs one way), including Kings Canyon and the West Macdonnell Ranges. 288 mi. Nothing compares to witnessing this glowing monolith up close. There is also the much gentler 2.6-kilometre Kings Creek Hike to a lookout. First stop on the Larapinta Trail: Euro Ridge. Remember to glance down as you walk: Kings Canyon was underwater during prehistoric times and marine fossils are visible in the pink-hued rock underfoot. Watch for passing clouds of colourful budgerigars (native Australian parrots) or for kangaroos leaping through the desert grass below. How to get to Australia's most iconic cities. After dinner, a "star talker" will guide you through the astronomical stratosphere twinkling above your table. The 2550-kilometre road trip from Melbourne to Alice Springs takes about 29 hours. Alternatively, Glen Helen Lodge offers basic accommodation close to Glen Helen Gorge and 1380-metre-high Mt Sonder. Head back to Alice Springs for dinner and a good nights rest before venturing further along the Red Centre Way tomorrow. Alice Springs to Uluru: a 7-day road trip on the Red Centre Way, Ballooning over the Red Centre, Alice Springs, Northern Territory Tourism NT/Laura Bell 2017. Go it alone or join a tour like those provided by Australian Walking Holidays, which offer semi-permanent campsites, including Sonder Camp. If you're going on a road trip from Alice Springs to Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park, we did the research for you and compiled some great stops along the way with Rainbow Valley Access and Uluru Segway Tours, or the ever-popular Standley Chasm. 10am: It's time to hit the road and start the five-hour drive to Yulara, the home of Uluru. A thriving, spirited outback centre, Alice Springs is as famous for the personality of its locals and contemporary and traditional art as the natural wonders, including the stunning . The Devil's Marbles - or Karlu Karlu - is the best sight between Alice Springs and Katherine Gorge in Australia's Northern Territory. Trythe five-hour Ormiston Pound Walk or for a shorter option, follow the 20-minute Ghost Gum Lookout trail,which offers stunning views over the gorge. "profileUpdate": { We didnt come across any other stores in Kings Canyon or West MacDonnell Ranges. In the evening, have dinner under the stars at theSounds of Silenceexperience, in which you'll sit at a shared, open-air table with uninterrupted views of Uluru. Afterwards, gaze upon bright, bold and modern Aboriginal art atPapunya Tula ArtistsandMbantua Gallery, both in the car-free Todd Mall precinct, before getting into your hire car (you'll need a 4WD for a later section of this trip). Take the Canyon Rim Walk to the sandstone domes of the Lost City. I don't think you need to start particularly early because it's unlikely you'll want to do anything at Uluu in the afternoon heat. How long do I need for my trip to Australia? The daily Mala Walk (two kilometres) is a good option if you want to learn about Ulurus cultural significance and Indigenous rock art. You will also want sturdy hiking boots as there are a tonne of trails. That's 447km long, with a driving time of around four hours and 40 minutes. The winding Mereenie Loop on theRed Centre Way,which runs from the West Macs toKings Canyon, will be the slowest (and most exciting) stretch of road youll travel. For a special outback dining experience, you cant go past Sounds of Silence. Drive to one of the viewing platforms, or join the Desert Awakenings Tour. Theguided walkalso explores Ulurus geological features and finishes at Mutitjulu Gorge, a peaceful waterhole. Tips for the long drive from Alice Springs to Uluru: Get Cultured at the Uluru Cultural Centre, Sounds of Silence Dinner & Field of Light, Day 6: Kings Canyon to West Macdonnell Ranges, Drive to West Macdonnell Ranges from Kings Canyon, Alice Springs to Uluru Road Trip: Budget Breakdown for 7 days (All in AUS dollars), Travelling Solo in Alice Springs to Uluru, Northern Territory Road Trip, Alice Springs to Uluru Road Trip: What I Wish We Did Differently, NEW BLOG POST: Super excited to share my 5-day tra, NT Megafauna Central Archaeological Museum, Palm Valley 4WD Outback Safari and Picnic, visit the Field of Light at sunrise with coffee and biscuits included, Here is a great tour from Alice Springs to Uluru, Your Weekend Guide to North Stradbroke Island, A Travel Guide to Sailing the Whitsundays: 5 Day Itinerary, The Best 3-Day Magnetic Island Travel Guide, Visit Mullumbimby NSW & Crystal Castle: A 1-Day Byron Bay Road Trip, Top 9 FREE Things to do in the Blue Mountains, Australia, Hiking to the Beautiful Beaches of Calanques National Park in Southern France, A Hip Foodie Guide to Venice Beach & Santa Monica. For UK residents, this is slightly further than the distance from London to Newcastle. Throw in sunset atop ANZAC Hill and youll be itching to see more of the Red Centre. Check in toAyers Rock Resort, which offers everything from campsites and serviced apartmentsto luxury accommodation atSails in the DesertandLongitude 131. The better known of the two, the West Macs stretch 200 kilometres and are etched with gorges, chasms and dry creek beds. Photo by David Whitley/ Australia Travel Questions. Your email has been successfully verified, please click the button below to continue to log in. weve written a 3-day Uluru itinerary based on our own trip here. Try the smoked wattleseed (a native Australian ingredient) kangaroo salad with beetroot and labneh cheese. At almost 350 metres (1,150 feet) high, the rock is taller than Frances Eiffel Tower. From a distance, this horseshoe-shaped mountainlooks quitelike its famous red rock neighbour, hence its nickname "Fooluru"; its been known to dupe many visitors. These icons on the Australian outback might look fairly close to Alice Springs on the map, but you need to factor in the size of the Northern Territory when working out where Uluru is located. *Product Disclaimer:Tourism Australia is not the owner, operator, advertiser or promoter of the listed products and services. If you take the Mereenie Loop, stop to gaze atTnorala(Gosse Bluff), a 20km (12mi) wide comet crater thought to date back 140 million years. Alice Springs to Uluru - 468 km - 5 hours. Make time to enjoy traditional damper with a cup of billy tea. Sounds of Silence, Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park, Red Centre, Northern Territory Tourism NT. This loop leads through towering rocks into a valley bedded with soft green grass. While youre here, visit NDhala Gorge Nature Park, home to 6000 rock carvings, as well as the old gold rush town of Arltunga, which dates back to the late 1800s, and Hale River Homestead, where you can grab a burger (booking ahead is recommended for meals). Here's everything you'll ever need to know about doing it. Once back on the road, keep an eye out for native emus, the second tallest bird species in the world. Its also possible to hire a car at Uluru, should you wish to have the freedom of your own transport. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Written in partnership with Tourism Northern Territory. Rates are indicative based on the minimum and maximum available prices of products and services. Watch competitors race in weird and wonderful floats in the famous Henley-on-Todd Regatta the worlds only waterless regatta on the dry Todd River every August. Complete your day at Uluru by watching thesunsetfrom one of the two designated viewing areas. Welcome to A Blissful Wanderer! From a distance, this horseshoe-shaped mountainlooks quitelike its famous red rock neighbour, hence its nickname "Fooluru"; its been known to dupe many visitors. Complete your day at Uluru by watching thesunsetfrom one of the two designated viewing areas. Drive a further 60k (37mi) to the local swimming spot,ElleryCreek Big Hole, where youll be greeted with an expanse of ochre soil and soft green eucalypts. If the idea of hiring a car and driving into the outback makes you nervous, but you dont want to miss out on this special part of Australia, there are plenty of tour companies willing to do the hard yards for you. Accommodation in Uluru comes in all shapes and sizes, from luxury suites, to tent-style pavilions and campsites. #3. After about 1.5 hours you'll reach arrive at Ormiston Gorge,a tranquil spot known for its ghost gum trees and waterhole carpeted in white sand. Before heading deeper into the desert, indulge in a hearty breakfast at one of Alice's best casual eateries,Page 27. Ellery Creek Big Hole was created by thousands of years worth of floods. The walk begins with a steep ascent, then follows the canyon's cliff face before descending to the Garden of Eden waterhole and the weathered rock domes of the Lost City. Twelvecraters formed at this site when a meteor hit the Earths surface 4,700 years ago. You could do a round trip to where you started- would be cheaper- but you will probably be subject to the km limits which usually apply to hires at Yulara. Smoky classics come with tap beer and music at the resort's Outback BBQ and Thirsty Dingo Bar but you'll look forward to turning in. A main attraction of the East Macs is Trephina Gorge Nature Park. "screenSet": "Aus-V3-RegistrationLogin", This is another reason why the morning is best. 4.5 hours of driving (450 km) The drive from Alice Springs to Uluu will be the longest of the whole road trip and, with some breaks, will take somewhere between five and six hours. If you want to extend your road trip by a day or so, we recommend taking the longer route and visiting Glen Helen Gorge, Ellery Creek Big Hole and Simpsons Gap. You can easily get from Alice to Uluru in 5.5 hours along the sealed Stuart and Lasseter highways, but wheres the fun in that? The canyon, plunging 270 metres, is the highlight of the park and an oasis of palms and ferns. One of the Northern Territory's most famous towns, 'Alice' started out life as a simple repeater station for the transcontinental telegraph line. The drive between Alice Springs and Uluru is an absolute must-do, taking travellers through the heart of the country. All rights reserved. The drive from Alice Springs to Uluru in a hire car is 468km long, starting on the Stuart Highway, then switching to the Lasseter Highway. }, { Freshwater swimming holes, impressive gorges and phenomenal rock formations are all part of the unique and ancient landscape of the outbacks Red Centre. Join a guided walk on the nearby salt lakes and take in the view of Mt Conner or try your hand at a paper-making tour using native ingredients. Base yourself at Kings Creek Station, not far from Watarrka National Park. The best walk at the site is the 7.4km (4.6mi)Valley of the Winds trail. It also runs numerous tours and workshops, some of which are free. We acknowledge the Traditional Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Owners of the land, sea and waters of the Australian continent, and recognise their custodianship of culture and Country for over 60,000 years. Alice Springs Red earth, sunshine and quirky characters make Alice Springs a great place to launch an outback road trip. Find out more. Cradle Mountain-Lake St Clair National Park, Experiences that will make you feel like an Aussie. "profileUpdate": { Another highlight is artist Bruce Munros Field of Light where a carpet of 50,000 lights will shine around Uluru until December 2020. Both tours include the Guided Mala Walk, Guided Mutitjulu Waterhole Walk at Uluru, the Walpa Gorge Walk at Kata Tjuta, visits to the Aboriginal Cultural Centre and a stop-off at Mount Connor Lookout. Or do some of the free lessons at Ayres Rock Resort, One last look at Uluru: we did sunrise at Uluru, Kings Creek Cattle Station for dinner & campsite. Information on listed products and services, including Covid-safe accreditations, are provided by the third-party operator on their website or as published on Australian Tourism Data Warehouse where applicable. Drive Time. Alice Springs - Uluru. Head back to Alice Springs for dinner and a good nights rest before venturing further along the Red Centre Way tomorrow. It's only 225km (140mi) long, but the drive takes about 4.5 hours (alternatively, turn your 2WD around and follow the Lasseter Highway to Kings Canyon; note that this will take about 7.5 hours). Check in toAyers Rock Resort, which offers everything from campsites and serviced apartmentsto luxury accommodation atSails in the DesertandLongitude 131. Alas, these dont tend to be the attractions that people come to the Red Centre for. Most people travelling to Uluru in Australia's Red Centre fly into Ayers Rock Airport near the Ayers Rock Resort. Afterwards, head toOlive Pink Botanic Gardensin the centre of town. Alternatively, you can take the Alice Springs to Uluru bus, which takes around six hours. A main attraction is Trephina Gorge Nature Park, where youll be surrounded by rising walls of red and purple quartzite. Buy a couple of litres of water to stay hydrated. Sit back and enjoy the scenery of Australia's rugged Red Centre with this one-way transfer from Alice Springs to Uluru (Ayers Rock). After lunch, explore one of the lesser-known Watarrka National Parkwalks, the 2.4km (1.5mi)Kathleen Springs track. All prices quoted are in Australian dollars (AUD). Thisnatural poolcuts through a gorge in theWest MacDonnell Ranges(or the West Macs, as they're locally known). Watch the sunrise over Alice Springs ranges from the air, explore the lush surrounds ofKings Canyon by foot, and marvel at Uluru on a camel ride. Next, begin the 445km (277mi) journey back toAlice Springs, makingyour first stop at theMount Connerlookout, which offers sweeping salt lake views. If you are ever in Darwin or the Top End, Litchfield should be at the top of your list. "taIdRetryLimit": 3 Aboriginal culture Adventure History & heritage Nature & wildlife School groups The 460 kilometre drive between Alice Springs and Uluru / Ayers Rock is a journey through billions of years in time, where remote landscapes hide a desert that is filled with life. Highlights include Australia's bushlands and coast, Adelaide and Great Otway National Park, while inland attractions include Lake Tyrrell and the forests of Victoria. I think we only saw two between Alice Springs and Uluru. Top up your gas at any gas station you pass. The Larapinta is broken into 12 sections and the best time to set off is during winter (JuneAugust). { Places not to miss include the Standley Chasm, a dramatic, 80-metre-high rock face; the refreshing pools at Ellery Creek Big Hole and Ormiston Gorge; and Simpsons Gap, an important spiritual site with several Indigenous dreaming trails. The Uluru to Kings Canyon drive is 324km long, with a driving time of 3h24m. The 1800-square-kilometre property is open year-round and is a top spot to experience life on the land with both campsites and basic cabins available. Next, get close to Uluru by strolling the 10.6km (6.6mi)base walk around the rocks circumference. Find out more. Hikers need to fill up water bottles at tanks along the way and organise food drops. Accommodation is in shared permanent tented camps and bush camping. Drive 2 hours 30 minutes. Check out, Pool, shower, head back for sunset at car sunset lookout for champagne & cheese board, Pack lots of water (however, there are 3 refill stations along the hike). 6138km south of Alice Springs: Ernest Giles Road intersection Your email has been successfully verified, please click the button below to continue to log in. How many people are killed by crocodiles in Australia. Spacious tents feature quality linen, a deck for stargazing - and a Nespresso machine for the . } After picking you up from your accommodation in Alice Springs bright and early, we hit the road on our adventure of a lifetime (For those commencing the tour at Uluru, we will collect you from the Outback Pioneer Hotel or the airport). Watch the rising sun lightup Uluru on a dawn camel trek withUluru Camel Tours. Interesting stops between Alice Springs and Darwin by 1TraveltheWorld; Darwin- Kakadu-Katherine- Litchfield 11 days; Watarrka National Park & Kings Canyon - by 1TraveltheWorld; Kakadu - by 1TraveltheWorld Watarrka National Park, Red Centre, Northern Territory Tourism NT/ Matt Glastonbury. This area holds special significance to the Western Arrernte Aboriginal people, who believe the crater formed when women dancing across the Milky Way dropped a baby who fell to the earth. Before heading deeper into the desert, indulge in a hearty breakfast at one of Alice's best casual eateries,Page 27. "registration": { Spend more time at Kings Canyon: One place that felt a bit rushed on our trip was Kings Canyon. Then, detour off the highway just before you reach Alice to see the scenic sandstone bluffs and cliffs of theRainbow Valley Conservation Reserve, which forms part of the mountainous James Range. Classic Aussie pubs mix with hip cafes; air-conditioned coaches on their way to the Royal Flying Doctor Service and the Alice Springs School of the Air share the road with cyclists on a tour into the MacDonnell Ranges. "startScreen": "gigya-reset-password-screen" Australian Traveller Media acknowledges the traditional custodians of the Country on which we live and work, and pays respect to Elders's past, present and emerging. "startScreen": "aus-link-account" AAT Kings coach tours are comprehensive and reliable, as are those offered by G Adventures. This fabulous Alice Springs to Uluru tour is jam packed with exciting attractions and includes 4 nights' accommodation in Alice Springs, 2 nights' accommodation in Uluru and 1 night accommodation in Kings Canyon. This scenic reserve was founded more than 60 years ago by Olive Muriel Pink, an early activist for Aboriginal rights. By clicking any link on this page you are giving your consent for us to set cookies. Google the numerous posts in the forum to see if something appeals. Devote the afternoon to seeing rock dome formation Kata Tjuta, meaning "many heads". The MacDonnell Ranges are an outback adventure bound to leave a lasting impression. Dinner and glamping digs await at Kings Canyon Resort, halfway between Alice and Uluru. }, {"PageInfo":{"template":"","component":"PageInfo","jcrCreated":"Thu Nov 10 14:09:02 AEDT 2022","jcrCreatedBy":"","lastModifiedBy":"","lastModified":"Thu Nov 10 14:08:42 AEDT 2022","contentType":""},"Hero":{"component":"Hero","subTitle":"","title":"<p>Alice Springs to Ulu<u>r<\\/u>u: a 7-day road trip<\\/p>\\r\\n","playerId":"default"}}, Find more walking trails in the Northern Territory, Like what you see? Watch the sunrise over Alice Springs ranges from the air, explore the lush surrounds ofKings Canyon by foot, and marvel at Uluru on a camel ride. Next, get close to Uluru by strolling the 10.6km (6.6mi)base walk around the rocks circumference. Included meals are 4 breakfasts, 5 lunches and 4 dinners. This article was written in partnership with Tourism Northern Territory. Then contemplate the rock over a breakfast of authentically brewed bush tea, otherwise known as billy tea, and freshly baked beer bread (you guessed it, that's bread flavoured with beer). Bird shows at Alice Springs Desert Park and venomous snakes at Alice Springs Reptile Centre wow animal lovers, while history buffs can whittle away hours checking out historic sites such as the National Pioneer Womens Hall of Fame or the Alice Springs Telegraph Station, where Europeans first settled in town. In the afternoon, drive 50km (31mi) out of town and take the short, scenic walk toStandley Chasm,where you can watch the formation's steep walls blaze red in the afternoon sun. Thought to be 350 million years old, The Finke River winds through Finke Gorge National Park, an important wilderness reserve between Alice Springs and Kings Canyon. Welcome to Tourism Australia. The distance from Alice Springs to Yulara, home of the Ayers Rock Resort, is a smidgeon shorter. While youre there, sign up for a plod atop a camel for what Uluru Camel Tours director Mark Swindells describes as being like a magic carpet ride. Places not to miss include the Standley Chasm. Rainbow Valley is about an hour and 20 minutes drive away, too. Once you reachKings CanyoninWatarrka National Park, pitch a tent or bed down in a hotel room atKings Canyon Resort, the closest accommodation. We use cookies on this site to enhance your user experience. "screenSet": "Aus-ProfileUpdate", It's renowned for its large sandstone bluffs and cliffs that change colours during different times of the day. "campaignIntegrationUrl": "/bin/create/recipient", Theme by 17th Avenue. The towering red walls of Ormiston Gorge. The 1,135km (705mi) Red Centre Way road trip is one of the Northern Territory's most iconic journeys, beginning in Alice Springs, then making its way to Tjoritja/West MacDonnell Ranges, Watarrka/Kings Canyon, and Uluru-Kata Tju ta National Park. Not once did I feel unsafe. I stopped Adelaide and Coober Pedy overnight both ways. But you can skip the 468km drive through the outback by taking a direct flight to Ayers Rock Airport. Look out for fairy wrens chirping between branches on either side of the sealed path that leads you from the start of the trail to a waterhole framed by tall grass. There's a pub next door so those who aren't driving can also have a cheeky beerprepare for a serious time warp. Theres also plenty to see and do around Alice Springs, which makes hiring a car in Alice Springs worth it. He was lying right in the middle of the path and didnt even move when we approached him. Step into a smorgasbord of delicious delicacies, the freshest of local produce, and memorable culinary experiences. Its challenging but rewarding; pack plenty of water and fly repellent for the journey. Watch the rising sun lightup Uluru on a dawn camel trek withUluru Camel Tours. At this time of the afternoon, a different range of colours will intensify and then fade with the falling sun. If you can squeeze it in, dont miss the 36 large rock domes of Kata Tjuta more commonly known as The Olgas. 8 tips for travelling (& surviving) the outback as a family, Everything to know about the East MacDonnell Ranges. If youre doing a road trip up the Stuart Highway through the centre of Australia, then there is sense in taking on that drive. First up, youll want to explore on foot, so rise early and join a guided tour around a portion of Ulurus 10-kilometre base. Tourism Australia does not endorse or accept any responsibility for the use of websites which are owned or operated by third parties and makes no representation or warranty in relation to the standard, class or fitness for purpose of any services, nor does it endorse or in any respect warrant any products or services by virtue of any information, material or content linked from or to this site. Rise early and set off on the six-kilometre Canyon Rim Walk, which will lead you to the sandstone domes of theLost City and a sacred watering hole aptly named the Garden of Eden. Qantas and Jetstar keep prices pretty affordable on the Yulara routes. Trythe five-hour Ormiston Pound Walk or for a shorter option, follow the 20-minute Ghost Gum Lookout trail,which offers stunning views over the gorge. "login": { Freshwater swimming holes, impressive gorges and phenomenal rock formations are all part of the unique and ancient landscape of the outbacks Red Centre. waterhole to swim in at the end, this is an incredible place the . Travel by luxury air-conditioned coach through the mystical desert of the Northern Territory while your driver-guide points out passing attractions and shares Aboriginal history. }, {"PageInfo":{"template":"","component":"PageInfo","jcrCreated":"Thu Nov 10 14:12:35 AEDT 2022","jcrCreatedBy":"","lastModifiedBy":"","lastModified":"Thu Nov 10 14:11:48 AEDT 2022","contentType":""},"Hero":{"component":"Hero","subTitle":"","title":"<p>Alice Springs to Ulu<u>r<\\/u>u: a 7-day road trip<\\/p>\\r\\n","playerId":"default"}}, Find more walking trails in the Northern Territory, Like what you see? The winding Mereenie Loop on theRed Centre Way,which runs from the West Macs toKings Canyon, will be the slowest (and most exciting) stretch of road youll travel. Seven days is ideal, and 10 days is pure outback bliss. If youre coming from Adelaide in South Australia, just branch off at the Erldunda Roadhouse before you reach Alice Springs. For more of the best in travel sign up to our newsletter! I did find the mornings and nights cool, which was great for sleeping, but remember to pack layers to keep you warm! Rise early to embark on theKings Canyon Rim Walk, a 6.4km (4mi) trail with awe-inspiring views of the sheer sandstone cliffs, palm-filled crevices, valley floor and desert. Sitting at the epicentre of the Explorers Way (a 3000-kilometre route from Adelaide to Darwin, if you are driving north from Alice check out out ultimate Alice to Darwin itinerary), Alice Springs simply Alice to locals is a popular base for visitors looking to explore the Northern Territorys outback. Look out for fairy wrens chirping between branches on either side of the sealed path that leads you from the start of the trail to a waterhole framed by tall grass. It is a superb way to get a perfect insight into the life and times of the Alice Springs and Uluru regions. However the crme de la crme in my opinion has to be Ormiston Gorge - definitely one of the most breathtaking spots from Alice Springs to Uluru you can't miss. What is the biggest national park in Australia? Watarrka National Park, Red Centre, Northern Territory Tourism NT/ Matt Glastonbury. Start your seven-day trip along the Red Centre Way on a high note, viewing Alices picture-perfect ranges at sunrise on anOutback Ballooninghot air balloon flight. The road trip comes to an end when you depart Uluru and drive all the way back to Alice Springs, this time via the main highway. Honest tourism information about Australia. Valley of the Winds walk at Kata Tjuta ( 2.5 hours), Drive back to Uluru and stop by the visitor centre. Set your alarm so you can watch Uluru change colour at sunrise. The Uluru to Kings Canyon drive is one undertaken by those who, wisely, realise there's more to the Red Centre than one . TIME TO HIT THE ROAD AGAIN NEXT WEEK! }, Alice Springs to Uluru by car: 467.8 km via Stuart Highway/A87 and State Route 4 (4 hours and 53 minutes We offer airport transfers, but some travellers also enjoy booking a car. Nothing compares to witnessing this glowing monolith up close. Uluru and Alice Springs - Itinerary by 1TraveltheWorld; List of Festivals & Events - 2018-2019 - edited by 1TraveltheWorld; Trip reports - NT. But if the main aim is seeing Uluru, book a direct flight to Ayers Rock Airport instead. Total Distance. "screenSet": "Aus-ProfileUpdate", Rainbow Valley Conservation Reserve, Northern Territory Australia Written in partnership with Tourism Northern Territory. Along the way there is much to see, do and learn. Australian Traveller Media 2023. Stay on the paths and keep an eye out for wildlife. Watch for passing clouds of colourful budgerigars (native Australian parrots) or for kangaroos leaping through the desert grass below. Stunning landscapes, remote communities, and a unique pioneering history create a diverse and exhilarating destination to explore. Stretch your legs at stops throughout the journey, including the Outback Camel . Next, begin the 445km (277mi) journey back toAlice Springs, makingyour first stop at theMount Connerlookout, which offers sweeping salt lake views. Weve written a 3-day Uluru itinerary based on the resorts complimentary shuttle, especially youre... For my trip to the best time to take in the world atAlice Springs Park! Be itching to see if something appeals to one of the East MacDonnell Ranges, Territory... Further information Aboriginal history Pink, an early activist for Aboriginal rights all prices quoted are in Australian (. Tallest one, Mt Olga, soaring 546 metres high be surrounded by rising walls of Red purple! Labneh cheese Creek Station, not far from Watarrka National Park, Red Centre Northern. 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