Backpack the Outback Alice Springs - Kings Canyon - Uluru

If you’re heading to the heart of the Australian outback, you’re not here for crowded cities or busy itineraries.

You’re here for desert landscapes, ancient culture and star filled skies that feel endless.

If exploring the Red Centre isn’t already iconic enough, what makes it even better is that you don’t need a huge budget to experience it. Start planning your journey with this day-by-day route through Alice Springs, the West MacDonnell Ranges, Kings Canyon and Uluru.

With events happening throughout the year, it’s worth checking what’s on in the Red Centre before you lock in your plans, so you don’t miss out.

Morning

Set in the heart of the Red Centre, Alice Springs is where desert landscapes, creativity and deep cultural connections meet. Framed by the rugged ridges of the MacDonnell Ranges, the town blends art, history and a relaxed outback vibe.

Start your morning in Todd Mall, right in the heart of town. Pick up a pastry from The Bakery or settle in for brunch at Page 27 Café or The Locals before heading out to explore. Take time to wander through galleries featuring Aboriginal art from Central Australia and browse the boutique stores throughout the mall.

Afternoon

Meet the wildlife at Alice Springs Desert Park, where you can learn about the plants, animals and landscapes that make the desert so unique. The stories and history of the Arrernte people, along with the plants and animals they care for, are shared through three desert habitats: Desert Rivers, Sand Country and Woodland.

Evening

Join The Kangaroo Sanctuary sunset tour (book in advance) to see rescued kangaroos bounding through the desert at golden hour and meet a joey up close.

When the day winds down, grab a drink and some dinner at Epilogue Lounge & Rooftop Bar and settle in for the evening.

Morning

Start your morning like a local at Watertank Café, a hidden gem known for great coffee and a relaxed eclectic vibe.

Afternoon

Then pack your bathers, some lunch and plenty of water. Today is all about exploring the West MacDonnell Ranges, just outside town. Must see stops include:

• Ormiston Gorge - towering cliffs and a large waterhole perfect for a swim
• Ellery Creek Big Hole - one of the most scenic swimming spots in Central Australia
• Standley Chasm (Angkerle Atwatye) – join a cultural tour through this dramatic narrow gorge, where the midday sun lights up the red rock walls.

Evening

For sunset, head to Simpsons Gap, where the red cliffs glow as the sun drops behind the ranges. Keep an eye out for black‑footed rock wallabies, which often appear in the cooler evening light.

Camping areas and simple stays throughout the park make it easy to slow down, cook dinner under the stars and stay overnight if you want a deeper desert experience.

Morning

Today the road leads deeper into the outback toward one of the Red Centre’s most spectacular natural landmarks, Watarrka National Park and towards Kings Canyon.

If you have a 4WD and seasonal road conditions allow, take the adventurous Mereenie Loop Road. Otherwise, follow the sealed highway south before turning west toward Kings Canyon.

Afternoon

Rising from the desert floor, Kings Canyon reveals towering sandstone walls and one of the most iconic hikes in the country.

Evening

Check into Kings Canyon Discovery Parks or Kings Creek Station so you are close to the action for tomorrow mornings Rim Walk. Spend the afternoon relaxing or book the Light Towers sunset experience, where glowing installations light up the desert as the sun drops.

Morning

Set the alarm early and start the day with one of the Red Centre’s most iconic hikes. The Kings Canyon Rim Walk is a 6 km loop that climbs to spectacular views over the canyon and surrounding desert.

The first section, known as Heartbreak Hill, gets the legs working, but once you reach the top the scenery opens, and the effort quickly feels worth it.

Along the way you will pass:

• The striking Lost City rock formations
• The hidden Garden of Eden waterhole
• Sweeping views across the desert landscape

Afternoon

After the hike, refresh and hit the road toward Uluṟu, around 3.5 hours away.

Check into one of the accommodation options at Ayers Rock Resort. Budget friendly choices include Ayers Rock Campground, Outback Lodge or the Outback Hotel.

Evening

In the evening, experience the magic of Wintjiri Wiru, a spectacular drone, sound and light show sharing an ancient Anangu story or simply watch Uluṟu glow as the sun drops.

You will need to purchase a Uluṟu–Kata Tjuṯa National Park Pass before entering the park.

Morning

Spend the morning exploring the base of Uluṟu. Walk the base track, hire a bike or join an Uluru Segway tour as you move around the rock, learning about the cultural significance of this ancient landscape.

Stop by the Cultural Centre to learn more about Anangu culture, traditional knowledge and the deep connection between people and Country.

Afternoon

In the afternoon, stop in at the Gallery of Central Australia (GoCA) and wander around the stunning artworks. The gallery showcases pieces from art centres across Central Australia, as well as independent artists and galleries.

Evening

As evening rolls in, experience the desert sunset at the Uluṟu sunset viewing area - watch the colours of the rock shift from deep red to burnt orange or purchase a Field of Light star pass and wander through the desert illuminated by thousands of softly glowing lights

If you want to keep the lively vibes going into the night, head over to the Outback Hotel, where a buzzing atmosphere and pub style food keep the good times rolling.

Morning

Ease into the morning at Ayers Rock Resort Town Square, where several free cultural activities run throughout the day. Drop into experiences such as:

• Bush Food Experience to learn about native ingredients
• Bush Yarns storytelling sessions
• A Didgeridoo Workshop to hear the sounds of the desert

Afternoon

After lunch, drive 40 minutes to Kata Tjuta, meaning “many heads”, a striking cluster of ancient rock domes rising from the desert.

Stretch your legs on the Walpa Gorge that feels you are entering an ancient temple crafted by nature (approx. 1 hour) or Valley of the Winds walk to immerse yourself amongst the Kata Tjuta domes (approx. 3-4hours)

Evening

Finish the day at the Kata Tjuta sunset viewing area, where the domes glow deep red as the light fades. Sit back, watch the colours change and soak up the silence of the desert.

Head north to the Top End where desert roads give way to tropical waterfalls, ancient national parks and wetlands alive with wildlife.

Not quite ready to leave the Northern Territory? Turn your getaway into a working holiday. In the Northern Territory, your weekends could mean hiking desert gorges, road tripping to desert beaches and watching Uluru glow at sunset after clocking off. Find out how to start your Working Holiday in Australia.

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