Uluru, Kata Tjuta and Kings Canyon are among Australia's most iconic natural sights, and a campervan lets you experience them at sunrise and sunset. This 4–7 day itinerary starts in Alice Springs, loops through the West MacDonnell Ranges and the Red Centre Way, and ends at Uluru.
Quick Overview
| Route | Distance | Recommended Time | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Alice Springs → Kings Canyon → Uluru | ~1,000 km | 4–7 days | Outback landscapes and Aboriginal culture |
Red Centre Route Map
Tap a stop to see the distance and driving time from the previous stop.
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Route Overview
Leave Alice Springs, visit the West MacDonnell Ranges, join the Red Centre Way via Hermannsburg to Kings Canyon, then continue to Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park.
Day-by-Day Itinerary
Swim at Ellery Creek Big Hole, then visit Standley Chasm and Ormiston Gorge.
Via Hermannsburg and Gosses Bluff. Arrive for sunset at Kings Canyon Resort.
Start early to walk the 6 km Rim Walk before the heat. Then drive to Uluru (about 300 km, 3.5 hours).
Walk the Uluru Base Walk, visit the Cultural Centre and watch sunset at the viewing area. Walk Kata Tjuta's Valley of the Winds.
Return via the Lasseter Highway and Stuart Highway.
Best Time to Go
Winter days are mild but nights can drop below freezing. Summer is dangerously hot.
Cost Overview
Campervan Tips
Book campsites
Ayers Rock Campground fills quickly in peak season.
Carry water
Take at least 5 litres per person per day.
Watch for wildlife
Camels, cattle and kangaroos are common at dusk.
Where to Stay in the Red Centre
Alice Springs has several holiday parks with powered sites and pools. At Kings Canyon, the resort campground and nearby private campgrounds offer sites for campervans, and bookings are essential in winter. At Uluru, Ayers Rock Campground in Yulara is the only option for campervans, and it books out in peak months (June to September).
- Book Yulara as early as possible.
- Carry warm bedding for winter nights, as temperatures can fall below zero.
- Free camping is not permitted inside the national parks.
Cultural Experiences
Uluru and Kata Tjuta are sacred to the Anangu people, the traditional owners. The Cultural Centre explains tjukurpa (the foundation of Anangu law and culture) and offers guided walks. Respect all signs about restricted areas and photography.
Suggested experiences
- Mala Walk with a ranger at Uluru
- Field of Light installation (check season)
- Sunrise at Talinguru Nyakunytjaku
- Sunset at the Kata Tjuta viewing area
Planning Your Drive
Alice Springs to Uluru is about 450 km on sealed roads, but the Red Centre Way via Kings Canyon includes unsealed sections. Check conditions with the Northern Territory road report and confirm that your hire agreement permits unsealed roads. Fuel is available at roadhouses, but prices are high, so fill up in Alice Springs.
Carry at least 5 litres of water per person per day. Mobile coverage is limited outside Alice Springs and Yulara. Our best campervan travel apps guide recommends offline maps.
Weather Guide
- Winter (May–Aug): mild days, cold nights
- Spring (Sept–Nov): warm and pleasant, with wildflowers after rain
- Summer (Dec–Feb): extreme heat, often above 40°C
- Autumn (Mar–Apr): warm days and quiet roads
What to Pack
- Hat, sunglasses and high-SPF sunscreen
- Fly net (the flies are famous)
- Sturdy walking shoes
- Warm layers for winter
- Plenty of water and snacks
Related Reading
If you plan to continue north, read our Top End guide. For general budgeting, see how much campervan hire costs.
Campsites in the Red Centre
Camping in the Red Centre is simple but distances are long. Book powered sites at Uluru and Kings Canyon ahead in the dry season, and always carry plenty of water.
- Alice Springs: holiday parks in town offer powered sites, pools and laundry for a base before and after the loop.
- West MacDonnell Ranges: Ormiston Gorge, Ellery Creek Big Hole and Redbank Gorge have basic campgrounds with toilets and picnic areas.
- Glen Helen: a gorge-side campground and a small resort for meals.
- Kings Canyon: campgrounds at Kings Canyon Resort and Kings Creek Station.
- Uluru: the Ayers Rock Campground inside Yulara has powered and unpowered sites.
- Curtin Springs and Erldunda: roadhouse stops for fuel, food and simple camping.
- Devils Marbles (Karlu Karlu): a simple campground north of Alice Springs if you extend your trip.
More Ideas for Your Red Centre Road Trip
Around Alice Springs
- Alice Springs Desert Park for desert wildlife and night tours
- The Royal Flying Doctor Service visitor centre
- Alice Springs Telegraph Station and Anzac Hill
- Standley Chasm and Simpsons Gap in the West MacDonnell Ranges
The West Macs
- Swimming at Ellery Creek Big Hole and Ormiston Gorge in the cooler months
- The Ormiston Pound walk, a loop with rugged gorge views
- Ochre Pits for a quick look at pigment deposits used in traditional art
Kings Canyon and Uluru
- The Kings Canyon Rim Walk, started early to avoid the heat
- Kata Tjuta's Valley of the Winds and Walpa Gorge
- The Uluru Base Walk, Mala Walk and Cultural Centre
- Sunrise and sunset viewing platforms, Field of Light and sunset dinners
Frequently Asked Questions
How many days do you need for Uluru?
Two nights at Uluru is ideal, with 4–7 days for the full loop.
Can you camp at Uluru?
Yes, at Ayers Rock Campground in Yulara. Camping elsewhere in the park is not permitted.
Is the road to Uluru sealed?
Yes, via the Stuart and Lasseter Highways. The Red Centre Way includes some unsealed sections.
Can you climb Uluru?
No, climbing was permanently closed in 2019.
Can I hire a campervan one-way from Alice Springs to Uluru?
Some operators offer it. Check our one way guide.
How far is Uluru from Alice Springs?
About 450 km, or roughly 5 hours by road.
Is Kings Canyon worth the detour?
Yes. The Rim Walk offers some of the best views in the Red Centre.
Do I need a 4WD for the Red Centre?
No for the main sealed route. The Mereenie Loop and some side roads require 4WD or a hire company permit.
How many nights should I spend at Uluru?
Two nights is ideal to see sunrise, sunset and Kata Tjuta.
Where can you camp near Uluru?
The Ayers Rock Campground in Yulara offers powered and unpowered sites. Roadhouses at Curtin Springs and Erldunda are alternatives on the highway.
What is the best month for the Red Centre?
May to September for cooler days and cold nights. Summer temperatures often exceed 40 degrees, and some walks close in the heat.
How far is Alice Springs from Uluru?
About 450 km, or roughly five to six hours by road. Allow a night at Kings Canyon or Curtin Springs for a relaxed trip.
Do I need a 4WD for the Red Centre?
No. The main roads to Uluru, Kings Canyon and the West MacDonnells are sealed. A 4WD is only needed for some side tracks.
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