7-Day Alice Springs Road Trip Itinerary
A week-long loop from Alice Springs through the Red Centre is a bucket-list adventure. The Northern Territory’s official guide for the Red Centre Way recommends at least six days to experience this route truly. Alice Springs, “the beating heart of the Red Centre”, offers a perfect starting point. Over 7 days, you’ll traverse diverse landscapes (deep gorges, desert plains, rugged ranges), visit rich Indigenous cultural sites (rock art, ochre pits, cultural centres) and spot native wildlife (rock wallabies, kangaroos, camels and birds) along the way. Renting a car in Alice Springs provides the freedom to stop at any viewpoint, manage your own schedule, and access remote sites that tour groups may overlook.
- Iconic highlights: This itinerary hits the West MacDonnell (Tjoritja) Ranges, Kings Canyon (Watarrka NP) and Uluru-Kata Tjuta NP – all must-see outback landmarks.
- Cultural experiences: Expect to see ancient Aboriginal art and ochre mines (e.g. the Ochre Pits), and to learn about local Anangu traditions at Uluru and Kings Canyon.
- Wildlife encounters: Waterholes and ranges attract wildlife. For example, Glen Helen Gorge (Day 2) is one of the few permanent desert waterholes, serving as a refuge for birds and nine unique fish species.
Alice Car Rental, a local provider with over 15 years’ experience, can supply the right vehicle for this trip. We offer 2WD sedans, 4WD SUVs, and rooftop campervans (with camping gear) so you can tailor your adventure. Our team’s long regional expertise helps ensure you rent a reliable vehicle and get local travel advice.
Essential Planning Before You Drive
Proper preparation is key to a safe Red Centre road trip. The outback is remote, and conditions can be extreme, so plan ahead:
- Best time to visit: Autumn (March–May) is ideal. Tourism authorities note that autumn in Alice Springs/Uluru brings warm days and cool nights (averaging ~12–27 °C) with lower rainfall. This avoids the peak summer heat (often >40 °C) and winter’s frosty nights. This shoulder season also has fewer flies.
- Driving distances & conditions: The route covers roughly 1,300–1,400 km. Key legs include Alice Springs→Glen Helen (~132 km) and Glen Helen→Kings Canyon (~234 km), Kings Canyon→Uluru (~300 km), and Uluru→Alice Springs (~468 km). Driving times are typically 2–5 hours per day, plus time for stops. The main highways (Larapinta, Stuart, Lasseter) are sealed, but the “Mereenie Loop” road between the West Macs and Kings Canyon is unsealed and requires a 4WD and a free permit. Plan to take the sealed detour (via Erldunda) if you only have a 2WD.
- Fuel, water & food: Fuel stations are far apart. In Alice Springs you’ll find all major brands; after that, key fuel stops are at Glen Helen (new self-serve pump at Discovery Parks, 133 km from Alice), Kings Canyon Resort (Caltex), Kings Creek Station (291 km west of Alice on Luritja Rd), Curtin Springs station (on Lasseter Hwy), and Shell Yulara near Uluru. Always top up whenever you see petrol; distances can be long. Carry extra jerry-can fuel if you have it. Stock plenty of water and snacks each day (at least 3–4 L water per person on hot days). Every morning, fill the tank in Alice Springs before you depart on a long leg.
- Wildlife safety: Kangaroos, camels, emus and cattle are common on outback roads. They are most active at dawn and dusk. Drive slowly in low light, especially near dawn/dusk. Never swerve abruptly for an animal, brake firmly instead. Collisions with large wildlife can be deadly. Wear your seatbelt and observe local speed limits (default NT limits: 100 km/h in daylight, 130 km/h on highways unless signed; lower at night) to give more reaction time.
- Heat & emergencies: Even in cooler months, desert days can exceed 30 °C. Always carry sun protection (hat, sunscreen, sunglasses) and extra fluids. Tell someone your daily route and check in each night if possible. Bring a basic first-aid kit, maps or GPS, a flashlight and emergency blankets. Check the weather forecast (summer thunderstorms can cut out remote tracks). Alice’s closer mobile network coverage is limited outside major towns; consider renting a satellite phone or emergency beacon for bush travel. If you break down, stay with your vehicle until help arrives.
7-Day Alice Springs Road Trip Itinerary
Day 1 – Alice Springs → West MacDonnell (Tjoritja) National Park
- Morning: Start in Alice Springs (allow a few hours if you wish to visit local sights like the Desert Park, Telegraph Station or Simpsons Gap nearby). Fill up on fuel and supplies.
- Drive west on Namatjira Drive into Tjoritja (West MacDonnell NP). Your first stops are Standley Chasm (Angkerle) (turn onto Larapinta Drive, ~45 min west of town). A short walk leads into the narrow red-rock gorge. Visit around midday when sunlight lights up the walls (entry fee applies).
- Stop at Simpsons Gap: A little further west (~25 km from Standley), a picturesque gap with a small waterhole. Keep an eye out for black-footed rock wallabies on the cliffs in early morning or late afternoon. The walk from the car park is easy (a few hundred meters).
- Visit the Ochre Pits: Continue ~20 km to the colourful Ochre Pits, a sacred Aboriginal mining site. The layered natural ochre walls are striking and were traditionally used for ceremonies and art. It’s a short boardwalk and interpretive viewing.
- Evening – Overnight: Stay inside the National Park for sunset. You have several options: camp at Ellery Creek Big Hole or Ormiston Gorge (book well in advance, facilities vary), or book a room at Glen Helen Gorge Lodge (pools and food available). If camping, set up before dark and enjoy starry skies.
Day 2 – West MacDonnell: Ormiston Gorge & Glen Helen Gorge
- Ormiston Gorge: Head back east a few km to Ormiston Gorge in the morning light. This gorge has a cool permanent waterhole (great for swimming) and birdlife. Easy walks include the 1.5 km Ghost Gum loop down to the gorge floor. Bring hats and sunscreen, the gorge rim can be very sunny.
- Glen Helen Gorge: Continue west (~20 km) to Glen Helen Gorge. This dramatic sandstone canyon holds permanent water on the Finke River. According to local sources, it’s a year-round bird sanctuary and home to nine species of fish found nowhere else. Take a dip or paddle here. The Glen Helen Lodge (Discovery Parks) has a store, bar and camping ground. (Note: a new self-serve fuel pump is now available at Glen Helen, ~133 km from Alice Springs)
- Walks & views: If time allows, drive further west on Namatjira Drive to Serpentine Gorge or Ormiston Pound. Otherwise, relax by the waterhole at Glen Helen and enjoy the sunset lighting the red cliffs.
l - Overnight: Camp or stay again at Glen Helen Lodge, or at Ormiston Gorge campground if you prefer (the lodge is conveniently located with showers and kitchen facilities).
Day 3 – Glen Helen → Kings Canyon (via Mereenie Loop or Lasseter Hwy)
- Morning departure: Fuel up at Glen Helen (or Alice). If you have a 4WD and permit, take the adventurous Mereenie Loop Road north via Redbank Gorge, it’s unsealed and sparsely serviced. Otherwise, head back east to Hermannsburg, then north on the sealed Lasseter Highway via Erldunda.
- Stops en route: If taking the Mereenie Loop, stop at Glen Helen’s Redbank Gorge (~15 km north) for a short walk to the river. (Warning: this road is very rough; check conditions.) If on the sealed route, you might detour to Tnorala (Gosse Bluff) Conservation Reserve – a 25km side-trip south of the highway to view the 5km-wide meteorite crater.
- Refuel: En route to Kings Canyon, get petrol either at Kings Creek Station (on Luritja Road, 291 km from Alice) or at Kings Canyon Resort (Caltex pump).
- Arrival at Kings Canyon: The drive from Alice to Kings Canyon via Mereenie is about 3.5 hours (≈330 km), so expect to arrive by late afternoon. Check in at Kings Canyon Resort or campground. Enjoy sunset views of the canyon walls from the resort area.
Day 4 – Explore Kings Canyon (Watarrka National Park)
- Kings Canyon Rim Walk: Rise early (by dawn) for the famous 6 km Rim Walk. The path starts with a steep climb (“Heart Attack Hill”) but rewards you with panoramic views of towering sandstone cliffs. Along the rim you’ll see the “Lost City” domes and descend into the lush Garden of Eden waterhole. The walk takes 3–4 hours; start by 7am to beat the heat. Bring 3–4 L water per person and sun protection. (If you prefer a shorter walk, the 2.6 km Kings Creek Walk follows the canyon floor.
- Safety tips: The Rim Walk is exposed in places. Tourism guides emphasise carrying water and not hiking midday. Don’t underestimate the distance or weather.
- Other activities: After the hike, consider a ranger-led Mala Walk to learn Aboriginal creation stories, or a cultural experience at Karrke Aboriginal Cultural Tours nearby. The resort offers helicopter flights over the canyon (book ahead if interested).
- Evening – Overnight: Enjoy a meal at Kings Canyon Resort. Stay a second night here (campground or lodge). Relax and admire the evening sky, the canyon is extraordinarily quiet after dark.
Day 5 – Kings Canyon → Uluru (Yulara)
- Depart Kings Canyon: Today’s drive to Uluru (Ayers Rock) is roughly 300 km. Head east on Luritja Road and turn right on the Lasseter Highway. Scenic stop: Along the way you’ll see Mount Conner (often called “Fool-uru”) a flat-topped mesa that looks like Uluru. (Mount Conner is on Curtin Springs cattle station; no public access but the view from the highway is famous.)
- Fuel: Fill up at Kings Canyon Resort if you didn’t yesterday. Mid-route, stop at Curtin Springs for fuel and a coffee (this cattle station has a roadhouse and campground).
- Park entry: Purchase an Uluru-Kata Tjuta NP pass before entering the park (available online or at the gate). Briefly visit the Cultural Centre at the park entrance to learn about Anangu culture. Note: climbing Uluru is strongly discouraged. Respect signs and stay on marked paths at all times.
- Sunset at Uluru: In late afternoon, drive to the Uluru sunset viewing area (or Kata Tjuta sunset car park, whichever you’ll see first). Watch the rock change colours as the sun sets. Many recommend a champagne or picnic as Uluru glows orange.
- Overnight – Yulara: Book accommodation in Yulara (the resort village). Options range from camping (Outback Pioneer Campground) to mid-range (Emu Walk Apartments) to luxury (Sails in the Desert). The village has supermarkets, cafes and a petrol station (Shell at 257 Yulara Dr).
Day 6 – Uluru & Kata Tjuta Full Day Exploration
- Sunrise at Uluru: Wake pre-dawn for the sunrise viewing area at Uluru. Seeing the first light strike the rock is unforgettable. After sunrise, walk part of the Uluru Base Walk. If you only do one section, the Mala Walk (2 km loop) covers rock art sites and sacred waterholes, with rangers often present to explain Anangu stories.
- Visit Kata Tjuta: Around midday (when it’s cooler, say by 10–11 am), drive 50 km west to Kata Tjuta (the Olgas). Hike the Walpa Gorge Walk (2.6 km, easier) or the more challenging Valley of the Winds circuit (7.4 km). The full Valley of the Winds is spectacular but often closed in very hot weather, check park signs. Carry ample water and start hikes early enough to finish before the hottest part of the day.
- Sunset: In late afternoon, return to Uluru for sunset (different light than sunrise). Good spots are the Kata Tjuta Dune viewing area or a second Uluru sunset viewpoint. Either way, you'll see the domes or Uluru morphing from pink to deep red as the sun dips.
- Photography tips: Frame shots with foreground interest, e.g. native shrubs, waterholes, or the fig tree at Uluru’s base. Respect all cultural signage (Uluru and Kata Tjuta are sacred to the Anangu people) and do not fly drones in the park without a permit.
Day 7 – Uluru → Alice Springs (Return Drive)
- Early start: Begin the long drive back to Alice Springs (~468 km, ~5 hrs). Before dawn if possible, to avoid wildlife (wild animals often stand on roads at first light).
- Optional detours: If time allows, stop ~100 km east of Erldunda for Rainbow Valley Conservation Reserve (a short walk to a bluff of banded sandstone), or turn north ~50 km from Alice to the Henbury Meteorite Craters (six small impact craters in the outback). Both are quick side trips with dramatic scenery.
- Fuel & breaks: You’ll pass Curtin Springs (if headed this way) and Erldunda (Shell/U.P. station) on Lasseter Hwy. On Stuart Hwy, Aileron Roadhouse (Caltex, 138 km north of Alice) is another common stop. Plan to refuel in Alice if you’re returning the rental car.
- Wildlife alert: Even on sealed highways, kangaroos and camels often graze near roads. Watch for animals especially at dawn and dusk (that’s when collisions occur). Use high beams to spot eyes on the road and reduce speed in twilight.
- Return & wrap-up: Arrive in Alice by afternoon. Return your rental car at our Ciccone office. We’ll walk through a final vehicle check (fuel level, interior) together. That’s also a good time to review your experience or any last questions. Congratulations, you’ve completed the ultimate Red Centre road trip!
Alternative Itineraries Based on Vehicle Type
- 2WD (Sealed road) loop: If you only have a 2WD car, follow the fully sealed route via the Lasseter Highway and Stuart Highway. Skip the unsealed Mereenie Loop. You’ll still see all the major attractions, but the drive is slightly longer (via Erldunda). Total sealed distance Alice→Kings Canyon→Uluru→Alice is ~1,200 km.
- 4WD adventure: With a 4WD, take the unsealed Mereenie Loop for an off-road twist (permit required). You can also explore additional 4WD tracks: e.g. the climb out of the West Macs via Palm Valley (Finke Gorge NT) if you extend beyond seven days. Four-wheelers can camp at more remote bush camps (with care and permits).
- Campervan route: RVs and campervans can mostly follow this itinerary (all roads listed are RV-friendly). Campgrounds like Glen Helen, Kings Canyon, and Ayers Rock Campground welcome campers. We offer rooftop camper conversions if you prefer camping, complete with fridge and kitchenette. (Note: very large RVs should avoid the narrow Mereenie Loop.)
Where to Stay Each Night?
We’ve already touched on some lodging options, but here’s a quick roundup:
- Alice Springs: Start/end in Alice Springs. Options range from luxury (e.g. DoubleTree by Hilton, Crowne Plaza) to motels (e.g. Lasseters, Aurora, Desert Palms) to budget hostels. Alice has full services (supermarkets, shops, medical), stock up here before you depart.
- West MacDonnell / Glen Helen: Inside the park, Glen Helen Gorge Lodge (Discovery Parks) offers hotel rooms, cabins and a camp area by the river. Ormiston Gorge and Ellery Creek have campgrounds with minimal facilities (book via NT Parks). Hermannsburg/Arita (Ntaria) 126 km west of Alice has fuel and a small hotel if you want to break the drive.
- Kings Canyon: Stay at Kings Canyon Resort just outside the park, which has a motel, cabins and a campground, plus a supermarket and restaurant. For a more rustic experience, the privately owned Kings Creek Station (60 km east of the canyon) offers glamping and camping on a cattle station. Both fill up quickly in high season, so book well in advance.
- Yulara (Uluru): All accommodations are on Ayers Rock Resort land. From campgrounds to the mid-range Outback Pioneer and Voyages Desert Gardens, up to 5-star Sails in the Desert, there’s something for every budget. Book online early; these fill up especially during April–September.
Must-Know Safety Tips for the Alice Springs → Uluru Drive
- Wildlife risk zones: Vast stretches of highway have no barriers. Reduce speed at night (the NT has no dusk patrols). Kangaroos and camels are often seen near roads at dawn/dusk. If you spot an animal, brake steadily; don’t swerve into oncoming lanes. In high-risk areas, use high-beams (flash twice to warn oncoming vehicles if needed).
- Fuel planning: Always refill whenever possible. The Red Centre is unforgiving if you run out of petrol. Park strategically, for example, plan to refuel at Glen Helen (133 km), Kings Canyon (272 km), Curtin Springs/Yulara, and before the final leg back to Alice. Keep at least half a tank once you leave a town.
- Heat exposure & dehydration: Desert sun is intense. Carry ample water (we recommend 4–6 L per person per day), even for short walks. Wear a broad-brimmed hat, use strong sunscreen and UV-protective sunglasses. Never leave people or pets inside a parked car (temperatures can quickly become lethal). Rest often and avoid midday hikes.
- Road train safety: The Red Centre highways are used by huge double-roadtrain trucks. If overtaking, do so only when the road ahead is clear for a long distance. Roadtrains create strong air turbulence; hold the wheel firmly if you’re passed. Leave plenty of stopping distance.
- Emergency gear: Carry a first-aid kit, torch and spare phone battery. An emergency blanket and fire-starting kit are also wise. If you venture off the main roads (even on a day trip), always tell someone your route. Consider a PLB/satellite communicator in case you cannot reach mobile networks.
Ready to Explore Alice Springs?
A car is the best way to experience the Red Centre properly. From the West MacDonnell Ranges to Kings Canyon and Uluru, many of the region’s most iconic sights are only accessible by road, and having your own vehicle lets you travel at your own pace. Travellers flying into Alice Springs can pick up their car straight from our depot and be on the road in minutes, fully stocked and ready for the adventure.
The magic of the Red Centre is the freedom to explore it your way, to stop at hidden gorges, take the long scenic routes, and linger at sunset viewpoints. At Alice Car Rental, that’s exactly what we’re here for. With the right vehicle to explore Alice Springs, local knowledge, and honest advice, we’ll help you make the most of your 7-day outback road trip.
