A Red Centre Road Trip
One of Australia’s great drives — a loop out of Alice Springs through the MacDonnell Ranges, a day south-west to Kings Canyon, and on across the desert to Uluru.
A Red Centre Road Trip
A Red Centre road trip is one of Australia’s great drives — a loop out of Alice Springs through the ancient MacDonnell Ranges, a long day south-west to the sheer walls of Kings Canyon, and on to Uluru across the open desert. Distances are big and the towns are few, so the pleasure is in the space itself: red ranges, hidden waterholes and a sky that goes on forever. Here’s how we’d shape the trip.
Stage by Stage
West MacDonnells
Simpsons Gap, Standley Chasm, Ellery Creek, Ormiston Gorge, Glen Helen and Redbank along Namatjira Drive.
East MacDonnells
Emily and Jessie Gaps rock art, Trephina Gorge and the old Arltunga goldfield.
Kings Canyon
The Rim Walk in Watarrka National Park — a big day of sheer red walls, ~3+ hours on foot.
On to Uluru
Roughly 450 km / 4.5–5 hours south across the desert to Uluru and Kata Tjuta.
Driving the Red Centre
- Give the MacDonnell Ranges at least a full day — more if you can
- Fuel up, carry plenty of water and drive only in daylight
- Buy a Parks Pass, and check current road and permit details before unsealed sections
- The drive south to Uluru is a big one — see the Alice to Uluru drive
- Uluru and Kata Tjuta have their own guide — plan them at the Uluru silo
Red Centre Road Trip — FAQ
What is the Red Centre road trip?
It’s the classic central-Australia drive based on Alice Springs — the gorges of the West and East MacDonnell Ranges, the Rim Walk at Kings Canyon, and the long road south to Uluru.
How long do you need?
Give it at least four or five days to enjoy the ranges, Kings Canyon and Uluru without rushing; a week lets you add the East MacDonnells and a stage of the Larapinta Trail.
What’s the route?
From Alice Springs, explore the West MacDonnells along Namatjira Drive, then head south-west to Kings Canyon in Watarrka, and on to Uluru — roughly 450 km / 4.5–5 hours south. See our Alice to Uluru drive.
Do you need a 4WD?
Most key sites are reached on sealed roads, but some access roads (for example to Redbank Gorge) and the direct Mereenie Loop to Kings Canyon are unsealed and may need a permit. Check current road and permit details before you go.
When is the best time for the trip?
The cooler months from April to September are best for walking and driving, as summer is very hot. Drive in daylight, as wildlife is active at dawn and dusk.
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.
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