Of all of the road trips Australia has to offer, the road from Alice Springs to Uluru is one of the most visually impressive. The area is sparsely populated, giving the effect that the land has remained untouched since the Cretaceous period when an asteroid created the Gosse Bluff Crater. There are the occasional chances to see art or live music performances, but this trip is mostly about the national parks and natural features of the outback so pack your hiking boots and get ready to see the country in a whole new light.
Alice Springs to West MacDonnell National Park
You could easily extend this trip indefinitely by adding more things to see in this 1234sqm park. Depending on how much time you have, here are some of the must-see highlights: Simpsons Gap, Ormiston Gorge & Mt. Zeil.
West MacDonnell National Park to Glen Helen
Glen Helen itself is a gorge with picturesque red rock walls and lazy section of the Finke River. The area is home to a resort, a nature park, and adorable black-footed wallabies who make their way to the water in the evenings.
Glen Helen to Redbank Gorge
The perfect way to end a long, hot day exploring is to cool off with a swim and a float in the year-round watering hole. Redbank Gorge is made up of a thin pass between the rocks - which is fun to explore with a flotation device and keep in mind the water can be freezing!
Redbank Gorge to Gosse Bluff Crater
This unique geological formation was created when an asteroid struck Earth in the early cretaceous period. Make your way to the top of the crater for a spectacular sunrise over the mountains and valleys of the park. Just be sure to wear layers, the morning might start off cold, but will heat up quickly as the sun starts to rise.
Gosse Bluff Crater to Kings Canyon
Watarrka National Park is home to King’s Canyon, one of the most popular hikes in Australia. The rim hike is roughly 6km long and can be challenging because of the elevation gain and the rocky terrain, but the views make the effort more than worth it. For those looking for an easier way to experience the canyon, the Domes of the Lost City, and the garden of Eden, book a helicopter tour with Kings Canyon Helicopter Tour.
Kings Canyon to Uluru
The last leg of the journey is 3.5 hours, unlike the other days this drive should be made all at once as Uluru is the final destination for the trip. This 348m mound rises up from the otherwise flat expanse of the outback. It is an image that almost everyone in the world has seen, but experiencing it first hand is something entirely different. Visitors are no longer welcome to climb Uluru but there are plenty of other ways to experience the area from skydiving to camel rides to helicopter tours.
Only 20km from Uluru, Ayers Rock Resort provides a variety of accommodation options, catering for all tastes and budgets, from 5-star Sails in the Desert Hotel...
Located on banks of the Todd River just a stone’s throw from the centre of Alice Springs, Desert Palms is a 3.5 star motel offering a range of studio villa...
Situated on the edge of the iconic Western MacDonnell Ranges, the colours of Central Australia’s scenery are best enjoyed from the front deck of your...
Kings Creek Station is a cattle station with facilities for camping, tent style accommodation and luxury lodging.
Led by a professional guide, you’ll hear all about the enthralling stories that have been told in these parts for millions of years as the towering rock...
Join our one-hour camel ride departing at 12noon or 2:30pm for a relaxing afternoon adventure. Our camel tours Alice Springs are a great family-friendly...
Immerse yourself in traditional culture. See it, feel it, experience aboriginal culture up close.
Offering Helicopter Scenic flights around Uluru, Kata Tjuta, Kings Canyon & surrounding areas.
An evening of dining under the sparkling outback sky. Your Sounds of Silence experience, begins with canapes and chilled sparkling wine served on a viewing...
For a meal you won’t soon forget, you’re invited to indulge in an array of entrées, mains and grilled delights with our chef’s signature dishes enlivened by Indigenous flavours.
Watch the distant domes of Kata Tjuta come into view and enjoy a traditional Aussie breakfast of bacon and egg rolls and homemade damper in the open air.
With magnificent views of Uluru at sunset, a three-course bush tucker menu and a premium selection of Australian wines and beers.
Phone: (02) 6251 5166
ATAS No.: A12888
Shop 5, 39 Bowman Street
Macquarie, ACT, 2614
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