Alice Springs to Uluru Drive
A classic outback journey — roughly 450 km and 4.5 to 5 hours south across the desert. Here is the route, what to see, and how to fit in the Kings Canyon detour.
Alice Springs to Uluru
The drive from Alice Springs to Uluru is a classic outback journey — roughly 450 km and 4.5 to 5 hours south across the open desert. The road is sealed the whole way, but the country is vast and the stops are few, so a little planning goes a long way. Here’s the route, what to see, and how to fit in the Kings Canyon detour on the way.
What to Expect
Stuart & Lasseter
South on the Stuart Highway to Erldunda, then west on the Lasseter Highway to Yulara.
~450 km, 4.5–5 hr
A big day one way — most people stay overnight near Uluru rather than return.
Kings Canyon
Turn off via Luritja Road for the Rim Walk in Watarrka — a stunning add-on.
Fuel & Water
Roadhouses are far apart; fill up, carry water and drive in daylight.
Driving Tips
- Fill the tank and carry plenty of drinking water before you set off
- Drive only in daylight — wildlife is active at dawn and dusk
- Add Kings Canyon via Luritja Road for a longer, richer loop
- Best in the cooler months (April–September); check current road and fuel details
- Uluru and Kata Tjuta have their own guide — plan them at the Uluru silo
Alice to Uluru — FAQ
How far is it from Alice Springs to Uluru?
Uluru is roughly 450 km south of Alice Springs, about 4.5 to 5 hours’ drive on sealed highways. It’s a big day, so most people plan to stay overnight near Uluru rather than return the same day.
What’s the route?
Head south from Alice Springs on the Stuart Highway to the Erldunda junction, then turn west on the Lasseter Highway to Yulara and Uluru. Fuel and roadhouses are spread along the way — check current details.
Can you stop at Kings Canyon on the way?
Yes — a popular detour heads to Kings Canyon in Watarrka via Luritja Road, adding a spectacular Rim Walk. It turns the drive into a longer, multi-day loop.
Is there fuel along the way?
Roadhouses are set at intervals along the highways, but they are far apart, so fill up before you leave, carry drinking water and never rely on a single stop. Check current opening details.
Should you drive or take a tour?
Driving gives you freedom, but it’s a long way. If you’d rather leave the driving to us, see our Uluru tour from Alice Springs, quoted per enquiry.
Alice Springs, Planned Around You
The MacDonnell Ranges and their gorges and waterholes, the Desert Park and the Telegraph Station, and the road south to Uluru — with the driving and bookings handled by the family that’s toured Australia since 1974.
Call 0409 661 342 Plan My Trip — Free Enquiry