The Red Centre way
Drive between ranges, through valleys and across open semi-arid terrain on this 1100km loop from Alice Springs. Pass the West MacDonnell Ranges, drive to Watarrka (Kings Canyon) and Uluru-Kata Tjuta (Ayers Rock / The Olgas) National Parks and head back east to Alice Springs. You will need a 4WD vehicle for this drive.
Day 1: Take a scenic tour of the West MacDonnell Ranges
Gather your supplies and head off early for your 130km drive to Glen Helen Gorge.
Depart Alice Springs, heading west on Namatjira Drive for a scenic tour of the West MacDonnell Ranges. Drop into Simpsons Gap, Ellery Creek Big Hole or Ormiston Gorge throughout the day to see the sites.
Camp this evening at Glen Helen Gorge or get a room in the resort.
Day 2: Visit the spectacular Gosse Bluff
Wake with the sun rising over Glen Helen Gorge and head out on the road towards Kings Canyon.
Today's drive is 260km of dirt road and stops are recommended at Redbank Gorge and Gosse Bluff.
Have dinner with a loved one around a campfire at the Sounds of Firelight at Kings Canyon, or enjoy a dip in the spa in your deluxe room. Of course, camping options are also available.
Day 3: Watch the sunset at iconic Uluru
You'll want to wake up very early this morning and depart the resort to do the Kings Canyon Rim Walk at sunrise. Climb up to the top of the canyon and look out over the Lost City and the canyon as the sun changes the rock from orange to red.
After a hearty breakfast, depart on the 300-kilometre drive to Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park.
Enjoy sunset at Uluru/Ayers Rock and settle down for a quiet dinner and well-earned rest for the evening.
Day 4: Walk the Valley of the Winds and Walpa Gorge
It's another pre-dawn wake up this morning for a sunrise viewing and picnic breakfast at Kata-Tjuta/The Olgas. Once the sun is up, depart for the 7.4-kilometreValley of the Winds Walk. The walk should take three hours, but is closed if extreme weather is forecast.
If the weather is pleasant, consider also walking through the moisture-rich gully at Walpa Gorge on the 2.6km track before heading back to the visitor centre at Uluru.
Cool off back at the resort this afternoon before setting up for sunset at either Kata Tjuta or Uluru sunset viewing platforms.
Day 5: See the quirky side of the Outback at Stuart's Well
Soak up one last sunrise in Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park at the Uluru sunrise viewing platform, then indulge in a leisurely stroll on the 9.8km Uluru Base Walk.
After lunch, head off on the 445km drive back to Alice Springs, being sure to stop at the Mt Connor lookout and Stuart's Well Roadhouse for a true outback experience.
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