Journey from Alice Springs to Uluru: An Iconic Outback Adventure

Looking for an easy-going road trip in the Northern Territory and Central Australia packed with adventure? This Alice Springs to Uluru road trip has got you covered! Over four days, you’ll cruise through some of Australia’s most epic landscapes, from the red centre of Alice Springs all the way to the legendary Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park, as well as the nearby Kings Canyon and Watarrka National Park. It’s the perfect route for travellers looking to explore the iconic Outback beauty of Australia. Best of all, it’s totally doable on a budget! 

 

Planning your Alice Springs to Uluru road trip

Planning your Alice Springs to Uluru road trip is half the fun! With a bit of preparation, you can ensure a smooth and unforgettable journey through Australia’s Red Centre. Here are a few things to consider when planning a trip from Alice Springs to Uluru: 

 

Is it worth driving from Uluru to Alice Springs? 

While it may be tempting to simply book a flight to Ayers Rock Airport for your Outback getaway, this can be quite expensive and, truthfully, a little inconvenient. Having to rely on tour buses to get around can be a little tedious. For the ultimate Red Centre Way road trip experience, hiring a vehicle is the way to go. 

While air-conditioned coaches and aeroplanes delivering you to the door seem like a good idea from afar, a campervan offers an unmatched level of comfort and convenience, allowing you to travel at your own pace and stay close to nature. Best of all, you can pick up your campervan from the Cheapa Alice Springs branch and then park overnight at the caravan park right at the entrance to be the first in line to catch those iconic sunrise views! 

TOP TIP: When choosing a vehicle, consider the size and features that will best suit your trip. A smaller campervan is great for solo travellers or couples, while a larger motorhome offers more space for families or groups of friends. Make sure to book your vehicle in advance, especially during peak travel seasons, to ensure you get the perfect ride for your adventure. 

 

Deciding your route to Uluru from Alice Springs

There are a few ways to make your way from Alice Springs to Uluru, depending on how much time you have and what you want to experience. If you just want to see Uluru, and only have a few days to spare, then you will probably want to just drive direct on the Lasseter Highway. The 450 km journey takes about 4.5 hours and is pretty straightforward, with well-maintained sealed roads and plenty of opportunities to stretch your legs and snap some photos. 

If you like hiking and want to explore the stunning gorges of the Outback, we highly recommend visiting the West MacDonnell Ranges on the return journey. This is a little detour, but it is well worth it for the views and stunning hiking opportunities. 

 

Discovering Alice Springs to Uluru

Okay, now, onto the good stuff! Here is our 4-day Uluru tour from Alice Springs. Let's dive into this bucket list Northern Territory road trip! 

 

Day 1: Alice Springs to Erldunda

Distance: 200 km 
Drive Time: 2 hours 30 minutes 

Your journey kicks off in Alice Springs, where you can collect your wheels from the Cheapa Alice Springs branch Once you’ve sorted out your campervan hire, it’s time to hit the road and head towards the Erldunda Roadhouse, a quirky pitstop known as the “Centre of the Centre.” But before you take off, make the most of your time in Alice Springs by checking out some cool spots. 

• Alice Springs Desert Park: Start your adventure with a visit to Alice Springs Desert Park, where you’ll learn all about the wildlife and culture of the Arrernte people. 

• Alice Springs Telegraph Station: Swing by the Alice Springs Telegraph Station for a quick dose of history 

• Anzac Hill: Climb this iconic central point for 360-degree views of the town 

• Araluen Arts Centre: Art lovers will appreciate the impressive collection of Indigenous art and contemporary works of this centre. 

Where to stop between Alice Springs and Erldunda Roadhouse

• Stuarts Well Roadhouse: Need a pit stop? Swing by Stuarts Well Roadhouse for a bite. It’s an iconic Outback stop with its own quirky twist — you can meet “Dinky,” the singing pet camel! It’s a fun, unexpected detour on your way south. 

• Kings Creek Station: Consider a stop at Kings Creek Station for one of their unique camel burgers! 

Best things to do at Erldunda Roadhouse

When you reach the Erldunda Roadhouse, you’ve arrived at the official "Centre of the Centre" of Australia. This spot is quite literally the only thing to do in Erldunda — it’s got some pretty unique experiences up its sleeve. 

• Emu Farm: Erldunda is home to its very own emu farm. Spend some time checking out these quirky birds, and don’t forget to snap a few pics. 

• Chill by the Pool: After a day of driving, take a load off by relaxing at the pool. Perfect for cooling down after soaking up the Outback heat. 

For those craving a proper Outback Roadhouse experience, Erldunda is a must. It’s got all the essentials, from fuel to food, plus a bit of local character that you won’t find anywhere else. 

Where to stay in Erldunda

The Erldunda Roadhouse is a great place (and that's not just because it's the only place to stay...) to park your camper for the night. With both powered and unpowered sites, it’s perfect for those travelling in a campervan. After a day of driving, the roadhouse offers a chilled-out vibe and a great spot to refuel (literally and figuratively) before heading out on day two. 

Image: Tourism Northern Territory

 

Day 2: Erldunda to Uluru

Distance: 244 km 

Drive Time: 3 hours 

Day two is when the landscape really starts to change. From Erldunda, head west on the Lasseter Highway towards the iconic Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park, home to some of Australia’s most famous natural landmarks. But before you get there, don’t forget to stop and take in the epic desert views along the way. 

Where to stop between Erldunda Roadhouse and Uluru 

• Mt Conner Lookout: Often mistaken for Uluru, Mount Conner is a flat-topped mountain that makes for a perfect photo op. From the Mount Conner lookout, you’ll have a chance to take in the vastness of the desert, including sweeping views of the salt lakes and the surrounding plains. 

Best things to do in Uluru

As soon as you roll into Uluru, you’ll be greeted by one of the most iconic natural wonders in the world. But there’s more to do here than just gaze at the world's largest monolith: 

• Uluru-Kata Tjuta Cultural Centre: Make this your first stop to get a deeper understanding of the area’s cultural significance to the local indigenous people, the Anangu people. The Cultural Centre gives you a meaningful introduction to the land, its history, and the stories that make this place sacred. 

• Uluru Base Walk: Feeling up for a bit of exercise after all the hours in the campervan? The Uluru Base Walk is a 10.6 km loop around the base of the rock. It’s the best way to get up close and personal with Uluru’s unique formations and cultural sites. You can even join a guided tour to hear the stories behind each nook and cranny. 

Where to stay in Ayers Rock Resort 

For those looking to stay close to the action, the Ayers Rock Campground is a solid option. Located within the Ayers Rock Resort, this campground offers campervan sites with access to resort facilities like restaurants, pools, and even a small grocery store. It’s an ideal base for your Uluru adventure. 

Image: Tourism Northern Territory

 

Day 3: Exploring Uluru Kata Tjuta National Park

Distance: 40 km 
Drive Time: 45 minutes 

Today’s all about soaking in the magic of the unique rock formations of Uluru and Kata Tjuta. These two iconic landmarks are bucket-list destinations for any Aussie road trip, and you’ve got the whole day to explore them at your own pace. Whether you’re up for a bit of hiking or just want to kick back and take in the stunning scenery, you won’t be disappointed. 

Best things to do in Uluru and Kata Tjuta

• Uluru Sunrise Viewing: Trust us, waking up early is totally worth it for the sunrise over Uluru. Head to the designated sunrise viewing area to watch the rock slowly light up as the rising sun creeps over the horizon. It’s a breathtaking way to start the day, and you’ll be buzzing for hours after. 

• Kata Tjuta (The Olgas): Once you’ve soaked up the sunrise vibes, it’s time to hit Kata Tjuta. These massive rock domes are lesser-known than Uluru, but no less impressive. The Valley of the Winds Walk is a stunning walk that winds its way through these impressive rocks. It’s a moderate hike with some of the most breathtaking views you’ll find in the Red Centre. 

• Optional camel tour: For something totally different, consider booking a camel tour around Uluru. Riding camels through the outback is about as iconic as it gets, and it’s an awesome way to experience the vast landscape in an authentic and laid-back way. 

Looking for something a bit more low-key? There are plenty of great photo ops and shorter walks around Uluru and Kata Tjuta if you’re not up for the longer hikes. Either way, you’ll have a new appreciation for these ancient landmarks. 

Where to stay in Uluru

After a day full of exploring, it’s worth sticking around at the Ayers Rock Campground accommodation for another night. 

Image: Tourism Northern Territory

 

Day 4: Uluru to Alice Springs (Optional Return Route via Kings Canyon and the West Macdonnell Ranges)

Distance: 450 km 
Drive Time: 4 hours 30 minutes 

Now, it's time for the return journey to Alice Springs. On day four, you have the chance to simply retrace your steps and catch anything you missed on the way in, or you can extend the adventure by continuing up to Watarrka National Park and into the West Macdonnell Ranges. Here are a few things you may want to check out: 

• Kings Canyon Rim Walk: A notable hiking trail in Kings Canyon, the Canyon Rim Walk offers stunning views of sandstone cliffs, diverse vegetation, and significant landmarks such as the Lost City and the Garden of Eden. 

• Creek Walk Option: For a gentler hiking experience in Watarrka National Park, consider the Kings Creek Walk. 

• West Macdonnell Ranges: Nature lovers and hikers should not miss a trip to the West MacDonnell Ranges (West Macs). This stunning mountain range offers a variety of hiking trails, swimming holes, and breathtaking viewpoints. 
  Highlights include Ellery Creek Big Hole, a picturesque waterhole perfect for a refreshing dip, and the dramatic landscapes of Ormiston Gorge. Here, you will also find plenty of other scenic spots like Mereenie Loop, the Simpsons Gap, Redbank Gorge, Standley Chasm and more. In short, if you like walking, we highly recommend that you pack your water bottles and allow a few additional days on your Red Centre Way road trip so you can tackle all these stunning areas! 

Image: Tourism Northern Territory

 

Top tips for the journey through the Red Centre

If you’re planning on tackling this iconic Red Centre Way Australia road trip itinerary, here are a few top tips to keep in mind to make sure you get the most from your adventure. 

When to go to the Red Centre

The best time to hit the road from Alice Springs to Uluru on the Red Centre Way is during the cooler months, from May to September. The weather is much more bearable, with daytime temperatures sitting around 20-25°C, which is ideal for exploring the outdoors. 

Summer can get scorching, with temperatures well into the 40s, so if you don’t want to feel like you’re driving in an oven or too hot to enjoy hiking Kings Canyon and the other stunning walks on this itinerary, stick to the cooler months. 

Packing essentials

For a road trip through the Red Centre, you’ll want to pack smart. Here’s a quick checklist to get you started: 

• Plenty of water: You’ll be driving through some remote areas, so always have more water than you think you’ll need. 

• Sunscreen & hats: The Aussie sun is no joke, especially in the Outback. These are low-key mandatory. 

• Sturdy footwear: If you’re planning on hiking (like the Valley of the Winds Walk or the Uluru base walk), make sure you’ve got proper shoes. 

• Warm clothes for nighttime: It might be hot during the day, but the desert can get chilly at night. So, pack layers accordingly. 

• Camera: Trust us, you’ll want to capture these ancient landscapes. 

National park pass

To explore Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park, you’ll need a National Park Pass. It’s super easy to grab one online or at the entrance to the park when you arrive, and it covers access to all the main sites in the area. You can check out all the details on the Parks Australia website. 

 

Explore Australia the Cheapa way

Now that you’ve got all the tips, it’s time to pick up your campervan and start your adventure! You can easily book your Cheapa camper online and pick it up from any Cheapa branch before jumping into this Northern Territory adventure. Whether you’re after a budget-friendly campervan or something a little more spacious, you’ll find the perfect vehicle for your trip. 

Looking for more tips and ideas for your upcoming Red Centre Way adventure? Check out our top NT guides below: 

• Best budget-friendly campsites in the Northern Territory 

• Best beaches in the Northern Territory 

• Best budget-friendly things to do in Alice Springs