Day 1
Alice Springs to Uluru
Distance 450km - Driving Time 5.5 hours
Your adventure begins in Alice Springs, where you’ll collect your Britz camper from the Britz Alice Springs branch. From there, you’ll hit the road for a scenic journey to Uluru, packed with incredible sights and Outback charm.
Pro Tip: Before setting off, be sure to check the weather and status of the roads for road safety to ensure all the off-road sections are in good condition for your trip!
Where to stop between Alice Springs and Uluru
Aim to leave Alice Springs early in the morning to allow time for stops and a relaxed arrival at Uluru. Once you’re on the road, your first stop is right outside town: the iconic Alice Springs sign—a perfect photo opportunity to mark the start of your road trip.
From Alice Springs, take the sealed Lasseter Highway and soak in the vibrant colours of the desert landscape. Keep your eyes peeled for wildlife along the way, like camels, kangaroos, and even dingoes.
Suggested stops for lunch:
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Stuarts Well Roadhouse: Known for its friendly vibe and classic Aussie burgers.
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Erldunda Roadhouse: A family-friendly spot with a great menu and even an emu enclosure to entertain the kids. Make sure to top up your fuel tank at Erldunda Roadhouse, as fuel stations can be sparse.
Don’t be fooled by Mount Conner!
As you approach Uluru, look out for Mount Conner. This flat-topped mountain often gets mistaken for Uluru (it is little wonder why) but is a stunning sight in its own right. It’s worth pulling over for a photo!
Best things to do when you arrive in Uluru
After checking into Ayers Rock Resort, head straight to Uluru for sunset. Nothing prepares you for the moment you first see this sacred site. The rock glows in shades of red, orange, and gold as the sun sets, creating a magical atmosphere that will leave you speechless.
Pro Tip: Pack a camera and a picnic dinner while you soak in the incredible views at one of the designated sunset viewing areas.
Where to stay in Uluru
The best option for families is Ayers Rock Resort, which is just at the entrance of the national park. With a range of accommodation options—from camping to cabins—it’s a convenient base for exploring the area. Facilities include a supermarket, restaurants, and even a kids’ playground, making it perfect for family travel.
Day 2
Explore Uluru
Spend your first full day immersed in the natural and cultural wonders of Uluru.
Best things to do in Uluru
Start the day with the Mala Walk
Kick things off with the Mala guided ranger walk at 8 am. We recommend that you arrive 10–15 minutes early, as this free 1.5-hour guided walk is very popular. On the tour, you’ll follow a flat 2 km trail, learning about the area’s fascinating rock art, ancient stories, and the Anangu people's connection to the land.
Cycle around the base of Uluru
After the walk, head to Outback Cycling to rent bikes and explore the 10 km loop around Uluru. Kids will love the trailers and tag-along bikes, making it easy for the whole family to enjoy this activity together. Best of all, the cycling path is well-maintained and flat, with shaded rest areas along the way, perfect for breaks.
Pro Tip: Book your bikes in advance during peak seasons to guarantee availability.
Visit the Uluru-Kata Tjuta Cultural Centre
Next, stop by the Cultural Centre to dive deeper into the region’s heritage. Learn about the creation stories that make this site special and watch artists create stunning Aboriginal artworks in the galleries.
Where to stay in Uluru
Return to your base at Ayers Rock Resort for a relaxing evening. After a day full of exploring, you’ll appreciate the resort’s family-friendly amenities and comfortable accommodations.
Day 3
Uluru to Kata Tjuta To Uluru
Distance 125km - Driving Time 1.5 hours
Day three of this Red Centre 4WD itinerary is your chance to explore Kata Tjuta, also known as the Olgas, before returning to Uluru for a relaxing afternoon. While Uluru often takes the spotlight, Kata Tjuta’s striking domed rock formations are just as impressive and hold deep cultural significance for the Anangu people.
Why visit Kata Tjuta?
Kata Tjuta’s 36 domed formations are over 500 million years old, shaped by millennia of erosion and geological activity. For the Anangu people, Kata Tjuta is just as sacred as Uluru, with its own stories and cultural significance. Visiting Kata Tjuta is a must-do to get a deeper appreciation for the region’s history and its incredible natural beauty.
Best things to do in Kata Tjuta
Valley of the Winds Walk
Start your day with the iconic Valley of the Winds Walk. This 7.4 km loop trail takes you through Kata Tjuta’s incredible domes, with stunning views from the Karu and Karingana Lookouts. The walk is moderate to challenging, but it’s well worth the effort to see this breathtaking landscape, with its pockets of oases scattered throughout, up close.
Planning Tip: Begin your walk at dawn to avoid the heat, as temperatures can rise quickly. Bring sturdy footwear, plenty of water, sunscreen, and a hat. If you’re travelling with kids or prefer a shorter walk, you can opt for the section to Karu Lookout—it’s an easier trail that still offers amazing views.
Maruku Arts dot painting workshop
After returning to the campground, spend the afternoon connecting with local culture at a Maruku Arts dot painting workshop. Led by an Aboriginal artist, you’ll learn about Anangu symbols, storytelling through art, and the tools used to create traditional dot paintings. Then, you’ll have the chance to create your own masterpiece—a fun and creative way to take home a piece of the Red Centre.
Pro Tip: Be sure to book your spot in advance, especially during peak travel times, as spaces fill up quickly.
Where to stay in Uluru
Return to camp for another night at Ayers Rock Resort.
Image: Instagram - @_ourgreatescape
Day 4
Uluru to King's Creek Station
Distance 265km - Driving Time 5 hours
On day four, it’s time to say goodbye to Uluru and jump on the Lasseter Highway and the Red Centre Way to King’s Creek Station, located near Kings Canyon and Watarrka National Park. This section of this Red Centre 4WD itinerary offers endless Outback views and plenty of opportunities to spot wildlife, like camels, dingoes, and emus.
Pro Tip: Before setting out, top up your fuel and water supplies, as there are limited services along the Red Centre Way. A 4WD is highly recommended to handle the unsealed roads and rugged terrain.
Where to stop between Uluru and King's Creek Station
Kings Canyon and Watarrka National Park
If you have time, stop at Kings Canyon in Watarrka National Park. It’s home to some of the region’s most dramatic scenery, with towering sandstone cliffs, lush greenery, and hidden waterholes.
For the best experience, take the Kings Canyon Rim Walk. This 6 km trail takes about 3–4 hours and rewards you with incredible views from the top. The Garden of Eden, a peaceful waterhole surrounded by rare plant life, is a must-see along the way.
Hiking Tip: Be sure to start the walk before 9 am, as the trail is closed later in the day for safety during high temperatures.
Best things to do in King's Creek Station
Karrke Cultural Tour
The Karrke Aboriginal Cultural Tour is a unique opportunity to immerse yourself in Aboriginal culture. Your guides, Peter and Christine, share their knowledge of bush foods, medicinal plants, and traditional tools. You’ll also get hands-on experiences, like grinding seeds or watching witchetty grubs being prepared.
This interactive tour is especially great for kids, who will love learning about the Outback’s natural resources and asking questions along the way. It’s a meaningful and engaging way to support and learn from the local community.
Pro Tip: Tours fill up quickly during peak seasons, so secure your spot in advance.
Where to stay in King's Creek Station
King’s Creek Station is a working cattle and camel station that offers a genuine Outback experience as well as plenty of accommodation options. Choose from campsites, safari tents, or more comfortable accommodations. The station’s café serves hearty meals, including its famous camel burgers—a must-try!
Day 5
Kings Creek Station to Glen Helen
Distance 265km - Driving Time 5 hours
On day five, you’ll travel from King’s Creek Station to Glen Helen, passing through some of the most iconic and lesser-known attractions in the Red Centre. This part of the journey includes sealed and unsealed roads, giving you a true taste of a 4WD Outback adventure.
Where to stop between King's Creek Station and Glen Helen
Kings Canyon Rim Walk
If you didn’t get the chance to explore Kings Canyon on day four, start your morning with the Rim Walk. The views from the top are stunning, and it’s a great way to appreciate the scale and beauty of this natural wonder.
Mereenie Loop Road
If you really want to lean into the 4WD adventure, drive along the Mereenie Loop Road, an unsealed road that takes you through spectacular desert scenery. This stretch is rugged, so a 4WD is essential. Along the way, you’ll pass red cliffs, endless plains, and remote landscapes.
Tnorala (Gosse Bluff) Crater
Next, visit Tnorala Crater, a site formed by a comet impact 140 million years ago. Tnorala also holds spiritual significance for the Western Arrernte people, who believe celestial beings created it. Visitors are asked to respect this sacred site and learn about its importance while exploring.
Best things to do in Glen Helen
Once you arrive at Glen Helen Gorge, relax by the waterhole or take a refreshing swim. Glen Helen is part of the West MacDonnell Ranges, known for their stunning red cliffs and peaceful gorges.
Where to stay in Glen Helen
The Glen Helen Lodge is a rustic but comfortable base for exploring the area. It offers a warm welcome, beautiful views of the ranges, and easy access to nearby attractions like Ormiston Gorge and Glen Helen Gorge.
Pro Tip: Reception is sparse in this area, so download maps ahead of time and ensure your vehicle is well-prepared for Outback roads.
Day 6
Glen Helen to Ormiston Gorge
Distance 12km - Driving Time 0.25 hours
Day six of this Red Centre 4WD itinerary offers a slower pace, with time to unwind and immerse yourself in the natural beauty of the West MacDonnell Ranges. This short drive takes you from Glen Helen Gorge to Ormiston Gorge, two of the most iconic and family-friendly spots in the region.
Best things to do between Glen Helen and Ormiston Gorge
Morning swim at Glen Helen Gorge
Start the day with a refreshing swim in the crystal-clear waters of Glen Helen Gorge. Surrounded by towering red cliffs, this peaceful swimming hole is a great way to cool off and relax. Early morning light creates stunning reflections on the water, making it a perfect spot for photos or simply soaking in the serenity of the Outback.
Best things to do in Ormiston Gorge
Explore Ormiston Gorge
A short drive brings you to Ormiston Gorge, one of the West MacDonnell Ranges' highlights. This area is known for its dramatic landscapes, diverse wildlife, and accessible trails.
The Ghost Gum Lookout walk is another must-do activity here. This easy 40-minute return hike takes you to a spectacular viewpoint, where you’ll see the iconic white trunks of ghost gums clinging to the gorge’s red rock walls. It’s a striking contrast that makes for stunning photos and a great family adventure.
After the walk, reward yourself with another swim in the cool waters of Ormiston Gorge. This swimming spot is safe, shaded, and perfect for a relaxing dip, especially during the warmer months.
Discover the Larapinta Trail
Ormiston Gorge is also a key stop on the famous Larapinta Trail, a multi-day hike that stretches 223 km through the West MacDonnell Ranges. The trail is renowned for its challenging terrain and breathtaking scenery, attracting outdoorsy folk from around the world. Even if you’re not tackling the full trail, this is a great place to learn about its history and meet hikers who share their stories over a campfire.
Where to stay in Ormiston Gorge
The Ormiston Gorge Campground offers well-maintained facilities, including toilets, showers, and barbecue areas. It’s a great place to stay overnight and enjoy the tranquillity of the Outback under a sky full of stars. For families, the site’s proximity to the gorge makes it easy to enjoy swimming and walking trails without having to drive far.
Day 7
Ormiston Gorge to Alice Springs
Distance 135km - Driving Time 2 hours
While the drive from Ormiston Gorge to Alice Springs is relatively short, it’s packed with stops that highlight the natural and cultural richness of the West MacDonnell Ranges. Take your time to explore the many landmarks along the way.
Where to stop between Ormiston Gorge and Alice Springs
Ochre Pits
The Ochre Pits are an important cultural site, showcasing vibrant natural ochre deposits used by Aboriginal people for thousands of years. The ochre was traditionally ground into powder and mixed with water or animal fat to create paint for ceremonies, artwork, and even medicinal purposes.
The site’s yellow, red, and white ochre layers make for striking visuals and offer a glimpse into the region’s deep cultural heritage. Informative signs provide insight into the significance of this site, making it a great educational stop for families.
Ellery Creek Big Hole
Another must-visit spot is Ellery Creek Big Hole, a beautiful swimming hole surrounded by high cliffs and sandy banks. It’s one of the most accessible and family-friendly spots for a swim, and the clear, cool water is perfect for a midday break.
Serpentine Gorge
At Serpentine Gorge, take a short hike up to the lookout for panoramic views of the rugged landscape. The reflective quality of the rock faces here creates stunning light displays, especially in the early morning or late afternoon. This is an excellent stop for anyone interested in photography or simply enjoying the area’s natural beauty.
Standley Chasm
The final stop before reaching Alice Springs is Standley Chasm, a dramatic red rock formation shaped by millions of years of erosion. A short walk takes you to the narrow chasm, which glows in brilliant red hues when the midday sun hits its walls. The site also has a café and picnic areas, making it a convenient place for a break.
Where to stay in Alice Springs
For your final few nights, the Big 4 MacDonnell Ranges Caravan Park is the perfect family-friendly option. This well-equipped park features modern amenities, including swimming pools with slides, jumping pillows, trampolines, and playgrounds to keep kids entertained. The spacious sites and clean facilities ensure a comfortable stay, making it a favourite among families visiting Alice Springs.
Image: Tourism Northern Territory
Day 8
Alice Springs
Alice Springs has so many fun things to do with kids that it is definitely worth allocating a few days to explore. We started our day with a visit to the Alice Springs Desert Park where we learned about the wildlife that survives in this fragile environment. The free-flying bird show and the Nocturnal House with the thorny devil were our favourites.
We also visited the Alice Springs Telegraph Station and learned why it was so significant for Australia. At the Flying Doctor’s Service, we were all fascinated to hear about how medical care is delivered to people living in remote parts of Central Australia.
Camping each night throughout this trip had allowed us to see the incredible night sky of the Outback, but it was our Astronomy tour with Earth Sanctuary where we learned all about what we were seeing. Tommy and Danny showed us how to navigate with the stars, explained all about the constellations we were seeing and shared some Aboriginal stories about the sky.
Day 9
Alice Springs
And that brings us to the final two days of exploring in the Aussie Outback! Alice Springs is the perfect place to wrap up your Red Centre adventure. With its mix of educational attractions, family-friendly activities, and relaxing spots, it’s well worth dedicating a couple of days to exploring this vibrant desert town.
Best things to do in Alice Springs
There is so much to do in and around Alice Springs! Best of all, many of these are super kid-friendly, so you don’t have to worry about keeping everyone entertained!
Alice Springs Desert Park
Start your visit with the Alice Springs Desert Park, where you can learn about the fascinating ecosystems that thrive in the arid environment of Central Australia. The park offers a blend of immersive experiences, from walking through desert habitats to up-close encounters with native wildlife. A few of the highlights include:
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Free-flying bird show: This highlight showcases the agility and beauty of desert birds, like the majestic wedge-tailed eagle and playful cockatoos. Watching them soar against the backdrop of the MacDonnell Ranges is unforgettable.
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Nocturnal house: Step inside to discover elusive creatures of the night, like the adorable bilby and the prickly thorny devil, a true desert survivor. This is a favourite with kids and adults alike, offering insights into how animals adapt to life in the harsh Outback.
Alice Springs Telegraph Station
A visit to the Alice Springs Telegraph Station is a journey back in time to Australia’s pioneering days. This historic site was the first European settlement in Central Australia and played a crucial role in connecting the continent via the Overland Telegraph Line. Kids will enjoy exploring the restored buildings, while history buffs can dive into fascinating exhibits about communication in the 19th century.
Royal Flying Doctor Service
The Royal Flying Doctor Service (RFDS) museum offers a captivating look into how medical care is delivered to some of the most remote communities in Central Australia. Through interactive displays, short films, and personal anecdotes, you’ll gain an appreciation for the lifesaving work of the RFDS.
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Real-world stories: Learn how RFDS pilots navigate vast distances to deliver urgent medical assistance or transport patients to hospitals in emergencies. For example, one exhibit highlights how RFDS responded to a remote accident with a single call, saving lives hundreds of kilometres from the nearest town.
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Family appeal: The museum’s flight simulator is a hit with kids, letting them “fly” a plane over the Outback.
Alice Springs Reptile Centre
If your kids are curious about Australia’s unique wildlife, the Alice Springs Reptile Centre is a must-visit. It houses creatures like snakes, goannas, and even a saltwater crocodile. The hands-on demonstrations allow visitors to safely touch or hold some reptiles, making it an exciting and educational experience.
Outback Camel Rides
For something a bit different, book a camel ride through the Outback. The gentle camels and the stunning desert scenery make this an unforgettable activity.
Simpsons Gap and Emily Gap
Take a short drive to Simpsons Gap or Emily Gap, both part of the nearby East MacDonnell Ranges. These beautiful gorges offer easy walking trails, picnic spots, and the chance to see ancient rock art. These destinations are perfect for families looking to combine light hiking with culture.
Ready to see the Red Centre for yourself?
Exploring the Red Centre is an adventure like no other. From the rugged beauty of Uluru and Kata Tjuta to the serene swimming holes of Ormiston Gorge and the cultural richness of Alice Springs, every stop along this Red Centre 4WD itinerary is packed with unforgettable experiences.
Ready to start planning your trip? Booking your Britz camper couldn’t be easier. You can reserve online through Britz Campervan Rentals and pick up your vehicle from any Britz branch to start your adventure. Get your camper packed and your route planned, and prepare to create lasting memories in Australia’s stunning Red Centre!