Alice Springs to Uluru Road Trip Adventure

Traveloka Team
13 Jun 2024 - 6 min read

Imagine a journey through a vast, red landscape, where the horizon stretches infinitely, and every mile brings a new sense of wonder. The road from Alice Springs to Uluru is not just a drive; it’s an adventure that captures the essence of the Australian Outback. As you traverse this iconic route, you'll encounter stunning natural wonders, rich cultural heritage, and an unparalleled sense of solitude and freedom. This is the ultimate road trip, a must-do for every traveler seeking to experience the heart and soul of Australia.

Day 1: Arrival in Alice Springs

Alice Springs, often referred to as the gateway to Australia's heartland, is a destination that surprises many with its vibrant culture and stunning natural beauty. Nestled under the MacDonnell Ranges, Alice Springs offers more than just a pit stop for travelers. This vibrant town is a blend of rugged charm and modern amenities, offering a perfect starting point for your journey. Pick up your rental vehicle from the airport and drive the short 15 minutes into town. Spend the day exploring the local attractions or simply relaxing before the road trip begins.

For those interested in indigenous culture, the Araluen Cultural Precinct offers a fascinating glimpse into the art and history of the local Aboriginal communities. Don’t forget to stock up on supplies for the road – water, fuel, and food are essential for this journey through remote territory.

Things to do at Alice Springs:

Alice Springs Reptile Centre

The Alice Springs Reptile Centre is a must-visit for anyone interested in Australia's fascinating reptile species. The center is home to the largest collection of reptiles in the Northern Territory and offers an educational and engaging experience for visitors.

Alice Springs Desert Park

The Alice Springs Desert Park provides a comprehensive insight into the desert environment and its wildlife. It’s an excellent place to understand the diversity and beauty of desert ecosystems.

The Kangaroo Sanctuary

The Kangaroo Sanctuary is a haven for rescued kangaroos and an opportunity to see these iconic animals in their natural habitat. The sanctuary is renowned for its guided sunset tours, which offer an unforgettable experience.

Royal Flying Doctor Service (RFDS) Alice Springs Tourist Facility

The Royal Flying Doctor Service (RFDS) is an iconic Australian institution that provides essential medical services to remote areas. The RFDS Tourist Facility in Alice Springs offers an informative and inspiring look at this vital service.

Day 2: Alice Springs to Uluru

Claudio Soldi / Shutterstock.com

Prepare for the longest drive of your road trip, a five to six-hour journey from Alice Springs to Uluru. Set off early to make the most of the day. Just 75km south of Alice, take a detour to the Rainbow Valley, a spectacular rock formation accessible via a 40km unsealed road. As you continue, you’ll drive through the vast Outback desert, with its ever-changing hues and unique beauty.

Pit stops along the way:

Stuarts Well Roadhouse & Caravan Park

Stuarts Well Roadhouse is a quintessential outback stop, providing a welcome break for travelers making their way through the remote areas of Central Australia. It’s more than just a refueling station; it’s a place steeped in local character and history.

Erldunda Roadhouse Oaks Resort

Erldunda Roadhouse Oaks Resort is a crucial pit stop on your way to Uluru. Located at the intersection of the Stuart and Lasseter Highways, it’s the last opportunity for mobile reception before heading further into the remote areas.

Mount Conner

Mount Conner, often referred to as "Fool-uru," is a striking flat-topped mountain that frequently tricks travelers into thinking they've spotted Uluru. Situated on the Curtin Springs cattle station, it’s an impressive natural landmark worth a visit.

Day 3-4: Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park

Alexandre.ROSA / Shutterstock.com

Uluru, one of the world’s most iconic natural landmarks, awaits you. This massive sandstone monolith is not only a breathtaking sight but also a deeply spiritual place for the local Anangu people. Purchase your park pass in advance to avoid the crowds and fully immerse yourself in the experience.

Things to do at Uluru:

Sunrise Camel Ride

One of the most unique and serene ways to start your day in Uluru is with a sunrise camel ride. This experience allows you to take in the breathtaking beauty of the desert as the first light of the day illuminates Uluru and the surrounding landscape.

Skydiving

For those seeking an adrenaline rush, skydiving over Uluru offers an unparalleled view of the landscape from thousands of feet above. This experience combines the thrill of freefall with the serene beauty of a birds-eye view of one of Australia’s most iconic landmarks.

Field of Light

Bruce Munro’s Field of Light is a mesmerizing art installation that features 50,000 solar-powered lights spread across the desert near Uluru. This stunning exhibit creates a magical landscape of gently glowing orbs that change colors throughout the night.

Catch another stunning sunrise at Uluru and then embark on the 10.6km base walk. This trail allows you to appreciate the rock’s magnitude, diverse vegetation, and waterholes. For a different perspective, consider hiring a bicycle.

Discover Kata Tjuta

Mount Olga (Kata Tjuta): A group of 36 large domed rock formations located 50km from Uluru.
Kata Tjuta - Valley of the Winds Walk: A three-hour hike offering spectacular views and a serene atmosphere.

Day 5: Uluru to Kings Canyon

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Drive from Uluru to Kings Canyon, a journey that takes you through the stunning Watarrka National Park. Along the way, stop at the Wanmarra Community to participate in the Karrke Aboriginal Cultural Experience Tour, where you’ll learn about traditional bush medicine, tools, and food.

Things to do at Kings Canyon:

Kings Creek Station

Kings Creek Station is a working cattle and camel station located in the heart of Australia's Red Centre, close to Watarrka (Kings Canyon) National Park. It offers a unique outback experience with various accommodation options, ranging from camping to safari cabins. The station is a great base for exploring the surrounding natural attractions.

Kings Canyon Rim Walk

The Kings Canyon Rim Walk is one of Australia's most spectacular hikes, located in Watarrka National Park. This 6-kilometer (3.7-mile) loop trail takes hikers around the rim of Kings Canyon, offering breathtaking views and an unforgettable adventure.

Day 6: Kings Canyon to Glen Helen

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This stretch involves driving the Mereenie Loop Road, known for its unsealed and sometimes challenging conditions. As you approach the West MacDonnell Ranges, the landscape becomes more dramatic with rocky hills and denser vegetation.

Things to do at West MacDonnell Ranges:

Tjoritja (West MacDonnell National Park)

The Tjoritja, or West MacDonnell National Park, stretches over 160 kilometers (99 miles) west of Alice Springs and is renowned for their rugged beauty, rich Aboriginal culture, and diverse wildlife. This natural playground offers numerous gorges, waterholes, and hiking trails, making it a prime destination for outdoor enthusiasts.

Gosses Bluff Crater

Gosses Bluff Crater, also known as Tnorala, is a spectacular geological formation located about 175 kilometers (109 miles) west of Alice Springs. It is the eroded remnant of a massive asteroid impact crater, believed to have formed around 142 million years ago. The bluff holds great cultural significance for the Western Arrernte people.

Flight to Uluru

Wed, 11 Jun 2025

Jetstar

Melbourne (MEL) to Uluru (AYQ)

Start from USD 91.06

Sun, 25 May 2025

Virgin Australia Airlines

Melbourne (MEL) to Uluru (AYQ)

Start from USD 101.57

Tue, 20 May 2025

Jetstar

Melbourne (MEL) to Uluru (AYQ)

Start from USD 250.80

Day 7: Glen Helen to Alice Springs

On your way back to Alice Springs, take the time to explore some of the natural waterholes and gorges along the West MacDonnell Ranges. Ormiston Pound and Ellery Creek Big Hole are particularly beautiful and accessible.

Things to do at Alice Springs:

Anzac Hill

Anzac Hill, also known as Atnelkentyarliweke, is a prominent lookout in Alice Springs, offering sweeping views of the town and the surrounding MacDonnell Ranges. It is a significant landmark for both its historical importance and its scenic vistas.

Epilogue Lounge & Rooftop Bar

Epilogue Lounge & Rooftop Bar is a popular nightlife destination in Alice Springs, known for its vibrant atmosphere, eclectic decor, and diverse entertainment offerings. It’s a favorite spot for both locals and visitors to relax, dine, and enjoy live music and other events.

Day 8: Final Day in Alice Springs

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Start your day with a sunrise hot air balloon ride for a peaceful overview of the desert. If you're not up for it, a helicopter tour is another great option. In the afternoon, visit Earth Sanctuary World Nature Centre, located just outside Alice Springs, which is an award-winning eco-resort that offers unique and immersive experiences centered around sustainability, Aboriginal culture, and astronomy.

The road trip from Alice Springs to Uluru is more than a drive; it’s an unforgettable adventure through one of the world’s most unique landscapes. Ready to embark on this incredible adventure? Start planning your trip today! Book your attraction tickets, hotels, and flights, and find more information about this iconic route on the Traveloka. Let the spirit of the Outback inspire your next travel story.

In This Article

• Day 1: Arrival in Alice Springs
• Things to do at Alice Springs:
• Day 2: Alice Springs to Uluru
• Pit stops along the way:
• Day 3-4: Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park
• Things to do at Uluru:
• Discover Kata Tjuta
• Day 5: Uluru to Kings Canyon
• Things to do at Kings Canyon:
• Day 6: Kings Canyon to Glen Helen
• Things to do at West MacDonnell Ranges:
• Day 7: Glen Helen to Alice Springs
• Things to do at Alice Springs:
• Day 8: Final Day in Alice Springs

Flights Featured in This Article

Wed, 11 Jun 2025
Jetstar
Melbourne (MEL) to Uluru (AYQ)
Start from USD 91.06
Book Now
Sun, 25 May 2025
Virgin Australia Airlines
Melbourne (MEL) to Uluru (AYQ)
Start from USD 101.57
Book Now
Tue, 20 May 2025
Jetstar
Melbourne (MEL) to Uluru (AYQ)
Start from USD 250.80
Book Now
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Flights
Things to Do
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