Red Centre Highlights
The Red Centre is more than one great rock — around Uluru sit Kata Tjuta, Kings Canyon and Alice Springs, strung together into one of the world’s great desert road trips.
Red Centre Highlights
Australia’s Red Centre is more than one great rock. Around Uluru sit the domes of Kata Tjuta, the sheer walls of Kings Canyon and, further north, Alice Springs and the ancient MacDonnell Ranges. String them together and you get one of the world’s great desert road trips — ochre country, deep skies and living Aboriginal culture. Here are the highlights to build a trip around, and how they fit.
What to See
Uluru
The great sacred monolith — sunrise, the base walk and the red glow at sunset.
Uluru → The domesKata Tjuta
The Olgas — the Valley of the Winds and Walpa Gorge walks.
Kata Tjuta → The canyonKings Canyon
The dramatic Rim Walk above sheer walls in Watarrka National Park.
Kings Canyon → The townAlice Springs
The Red Centre’s hub, ringed by the ancient MacDonnell Ranges.
Alice Springs → After darkField of Light
The long-running solar art installation near Uluru (check current details).
Field of Light → ExperiencesCamel & Culture
Camel rides, starlit dinners and the Cultural Centre.
Experiences →How the Highlights Fit
- Base at Yulara for Uluru and Kata Tjuta — give them two days
- Add Kings Canyon on the drive between Uluru and Alice Springs
- Alice Springs is about 450 km (4.5–5 hours) from Uluru by road
- The climb is permanently closed — experience Uluru on foot and from the viewing areas
- Want it all linked for you? See our Red Centre 3-day tour
Red Centre Highlights — FAQ
What are the highlights of the Red Centre?
The big four are Uluru, Kata Tjuta, Kings Canyon in Watarrka National Park, and Alice Springs with the MacDonnell Ranges — often strung together on one outback trip.
How do you see the Red Centre highlights together?
Most trips base at Yulara for Uluru and Kata Tjuta, then take in Kings Canyon on the drive to or from Alice Springs, which is about 450 km (4.5–5 hours) away. Our Red Centre 3-day tour links the icons for you.
What else is worth doing?
Beyond the icons, the Field of Light art installation, camel rides, Sounds of Silence desert dinners and the Cultural Centre all add to a Red Centre trip (check current details for shows and events).
How long do you need for the Red Centre?
Give the highlights three to five days — two around Uluru and Kata Tjuta, one for Kings Canyon and a day or two for Alice Springs. See how many days at Uluru.
Can you climb Uluru as part of a Red Centre trip?
No. The climb was permanently closed in October 2019 out of respect for the Anangu Traditional Owners. Uluru is experienced on foot at the base and from the viewing areas — see respecting Uluru.
Uluru, Planned Around You
Sunrise and sunset over Uluru, the base walk, Kata Tjuta and Kings Canyon — experienced with respect for Anangu culture, and with the driving and bookings handled by the family that’s toured Australia since 1974.
Call 0409 661 342 Plan My Trip — Free Enquiry