Red Centre Way - 8 day itinerary
Day one – Arrive into Uluru
Flights into Uluru usually arrival at lunchtime, giving visitors an opportunity to do an afternoon and evening activity. Hotel check in is at 3pm.
Maruku Arts offer 1 ½ hour dot painting tours workshops in the afternoon in the town centre, just a few minutes’ walk from the hotels.
After the workshop, check into your accommodation at one of the many hotels at Ayers Rock Resort, and join your evening dining experience, there are several options on offer including:
Wintjiri Wiru – three experiences available
Tali Wiru – an intimate dining option for two
Uluru Sacred Sites and Sunset with BBQ – includes a tour to the base of Uluru and a visit to the Cultural Centre
Uluru Sunset BBQ – a great option for families
Day two - Uluru
Wake early to experience an Uluru sunrise, it is definitely worth getting up early for! There are several options for sunrise tours on offer from the following tour operators:
Return to the resort late morning and spend the afternoon either relaxing by the resort pools, or heading off to an afternoon activity such as Uluru Camels, Kata Tjuta (the other huge rock formation in the Red Centre), a scenic helicopter flight or stay local and explore the new Gallery of Central Australia (GOCA), or try one of the free resort activities. Maruku Arts offer 1 ½ hour dot painting tours workshops in the afternoon in the town centre, just a few minutes’ walk from the hotels.
Tonight enjoy the Field of Light dinner, which includes watching the sunset over the Field of Light installation, while enjoying drinks and canapés, before heading to the Sounds of Silence dinner.
Alternatively you can enjoy the Field of Light Star Pass (drinks and canapés included) before heading back to the resort for dinner.
Day three - Uluru to Kings Canyon
Get up early for a sunrise Uluru Segway Tour, a fun way to circumnavigate the base of Uluru. The tour includes a light breakfast and training, so no experience is needed! For those wanting something a little less active, head to Kata Tjuta if you haven’t already explored this area. It’s definitely worth a visit.
Return to the resort in time to check out and depart for Kings Canyon. The easy drive takes around 3 hours.
Stop off at the Mt Conner lookout on the way. Mt Conner is often mistaken as Uluru and is nicknamed Fooluru. You can also view the Lake Amadeus salt plains from the sand dunes behind the lookout.
Arrive into the beautiful Watarrka National Park. Accommodation options in Kings Canyon include:
Discovery Resorts - Kings Canyon
Kings Creek Station
Options for dinner tonight include the King Canyon Bar and Grill, and Carmichaels Restaurant at Discovery Resorts Kings Canyon, and the Bough House at Kings Creek Station, or self-cook BBQ packs for the glamping option.
Day four - Kings Canyon
Start the day with a self-guided Kings Canyon Rim Walk. Ensure to start early, as the walk takes around 3 – 4 hours. The start is the most difficult, with around 500 steep steps to climb however you will be rewarded with spectacular views once at the top!
In the afternoon, join a Karrke Aboriginal Cultural Tour for a truly authentic Aboriginal cultural experience.
For dinner, try the Under the Desert Moon dining experience located at Discovery Resorts – Kings Canyon.
Day five - Kings Canyon to Alice Springs
This morning wake early to experience the Light Towers at Sunrise before checking out of your accommodation and heading to Alice Springs via the Lasseter Highway. This drive will take approx. 5 hours. Stop in at Erldunda Roadhouse for coffee or lunch, before continuing onto Alice Springs.
Arrive in Alice Springs in the mid-afternoon and check into your accommodation. Options include:
Double Tree Alice Springs
Crowne Plaza Alice Springs
For dinner tonight, head to Hanuman located in the DoubleTree Hilton, just a few minutes’ walk from the Crowne Plaza.
Day six - Alice Springs
Wake early and join the Outback Ballooning Sunrise flight – it is worth the early start! Enjoy a beautiful sunrise and once you have landed safely, help pack up the balloon, before enjoying a glass of bubbles and a light breakfast.
After returning to the hotel, enjoy a rest and lunch before exploring Alice Springs on a historical tour with Emu Run Experience or AAT Kings. The half day tour will give you a great overview of Alice Springs.
Tonight, head to Earth Sanctuary for Dinner and Stars which includes a fascinating astronomy experience after dinner.
Day seven - West MacDonnell Ranges
Join a guided tour to the West MacDonnell Ranges to experience some of the amazing sites in the region. A significant area for the local Arrernte people, visitors can learn about the Aboriginal history, swim in multiple natural swimming holes, enjoy one of the many short walks and spot rare wildlife. The area is definitely worth a visit.
Full day tours are on offer with Autopia Tours and Emu Run Experience and a half day tour is available with AAT Kings.
Day eight – Depart Alice Springs
Check out of your accommodation and return your rental car before departing Alice Springs today.