Red Centre light trails in 6 days Follow the light trails through the Outback

In the Red Centre, art isn’t confined to gallery walls. It comes to life across ancient landscapes, beneath vast desert skies and on the Country that has inspired stories for more than 65,000 years. Check out this 6-day itinerary and get ready to be inspired.

Morning

Watch the sunrise as you float peacefully over the rugged West MacDonnell Ranges in a hot air balloon. See the ranges up close while taking in the surrounding landscapes and impressive rock formations, while getting your bearings of Alice Springs from above. Choose from a half-hour or one-hour balloon flight with Outback Ballooning, and be greeted with a well-deserved glass of bubbly when you touch down.

Afternoon

Grab a coffee on Todd or Hartley Street and start exploring the Alice Springs art scene. You’ll find an eclectic mix of galleries and art centres across town, where acclaimed Aboriginal artists and local painters use art to share dreamtime stories passed down through generations. Connect with one of the oldest living cultures in the world through art, and consider buying yourself a piece to take home with you.

Evening

After your early start to the day, check in to Desert Palms Alice Springs, offering studio-style villas close to the town centre. Once you’re settled, head out for a watercolour painting experience with Art Tours of Australia. Become inspired by the colours and landscapes of Central Australia, learn watercolour techniques and create your own interpretation of the Red Centre to take home.

Morning

Hit the road early for your journey to Tjoritja West MacDonnell National Park. Grab a coffee and a pastry from The Bakery to fuel up for this 161km drive west of Alice Springs. Don’t forget to take in the awe-inspiring outback vistas along the way. 

Afternoon

Now it’s time for a swim in the desert. The West MacDonnell Ranges are dotted with stunning waterholes, including Ormiston Gorge, Redbank Gorge and Glen Helen Gorge, perfect for a refreshing dip after a morning of driving or simply soaking up the scenery in the cooler months. Once you’ve cooled down, explore one of the West Macs’ many walking trails. Take it easy on the 2km Rutjipma / Redbank Gorge Walk, or challenge yourself on the 8.5km Ormiston Gorge Pound Walk, a spectacular loop through the rugged Central Australian landscape.

Evening

After a day of swimming, walking and admiring the outback, make camp at Ellery Creek Big Hole. It’s one of the most picturesque spots in the Tjoritja / West MacDonnell National Park, known for its spectacular waterhole surrounded by tall red cliffs and here you’ll be treated to some of the best dark skies in Australia. If camping isn’t your thing, take the 90-minute drive back to Alice Springs for hotel and resort style accommodation.

Morning

Now it’s time to start your journey to Kings Canyon and Watarrka National Park. The early bird gets the worm, and today is no exception if you want to make the most of first light. Travelling the Larapinta Drive route? Make the most of the stunning sunrise views. Watch the warm colours blend against the backdrop of the Outback and contrast with the blue sky.

Afternoon

Stay the night at Discovery Park’s Kings Canyon Resort, where you’ll find accommodation options to suit every type of traveller. Camp under the stars or opt to grab a room for the night. If you’re feeling a little fancy, you can choose the Deluxe Spa Room or Superior Glamping Tent. Once you’ve settled in, take a short walk up to Luritja Lookout for unrivalled views of Carmichael’s Crag and the famous George Gill Range.

Evening

This immersive sound and light installation at the resort is made up of 69 2m towers that change colour based on the music playing inside. Created by acclaimed light guru Bruce Munro, get ready to be taken on a journey of sights and sounds, with the display showcasing some incredible and thought-provoking art, culture and stories.

Morning

Lace up your walking shoes and head off on the Kings Canyon Rim Walk for sunrise. This 6km circuit will take around 3–4 hours, getting you up close with the towering sandstone walls. The circuit will take you down to the Garden of Eden, a striking rock hole surrounded by rare plants, before climbing back up for 360° panoramic views over Watarrka National Park.

If the Rim Walk isn’t for you, hop onboard a scenic flight instead for views of Kings Canyon from above. Fly over Kings Canyon, George Hill Range and Watarrka National Park, and learn about the landscape as you go. This also gives you the chance to truly appreciate the scale of the canyon.

Afternoon

Just 2km from Kings Creek Station, the Karrke Aboriginal Cultural Experience gives you a glimpse into the life and culture of the Luritja and Pertame (Southern Arrernte) people of the Central Australia region. You’ll learn about bush medicine and bush tucker, gain insights into plant and bird knowledge, and discover the traditional art of dot painting and weapon-making, including spears and boomerangs.

Evening

Once you’re done exploring Kings Canyon, head to Kings Creek Station for the night. Nestled among the desert oaks, this cattle station has a bunch of accommodation options including camping and bush tents. Choose a basic bush tent or a premium option with all of your creature comforts. The best way to explore the station is on the Buggy Station Tour, where you can enjoy the thrill of buggy riding while learning about the history and culture of Kings Creek.

Morning

Today you’ll be driving to your final destination: Uluru Kata Tjuta National Park. This drive is one of our favourites in the region, with lots of prime photo opportunities along the way. Before you reach Ayers Rock Resort where you’ll be staying the night, make a detour to explore the red rock domes of Kata Tjuta, also known as the Olgas. Choose one of the various walks to properly explore the area, from short tracks to challenging ascents. 

Afternoon

Check in for the night at Ayers Rock Resort and experience the ultimate in accommodation choices for your stay. Set up camp for the night under the starry sky, indulge in the comfort of an apartment or hotel room, or for a truly luxurious treat-yourself experience, book a night at the iconic Longitude 131°. 

Evening

When night falls, settle in for an extraordinary light show against the backdrop of Uluru and Kata Tjuta. Wintjiri Wiru is a multi-dimensional storytelling experience, telling the Anangu people’s Mala story through a symphony of light displays, lasers, sound and over 1,000 drones. Choose to watch the show on its own, or do the Wintjiri Wiru Sunset Dinner where you can enjoy a gourmet dinner hamper featuring a fusion of native ingredients.

If you’re looking for an alternative to Wintjiri Wiru, Astro Tour is the ultimate stargazing experience over the Red Centre skies. Departing 2 hours after last light, an astronomer will take you to the perfect stargazing spot away from artificial lights to explore the night sky with telescopes, binoculars and iPads.

Morning

Before the sun rises over Uluṟu, experience the desert brought to life through light and art. Wander among more than 50,000 illuminated spindles at Field of Light Uluṟu, or experience Sunrise Journeys, an immersive light and sound show featuring artwork by three Aṉangu artists projected across the desert landscape. Both offer an unforgettable way to watch the colours of Uluṟu transform as a new day begins.

What’s next?

From here, you can continue exploring the Red Centre or make your way north up to Darwin. If you’re continuing your journey through the NT, check our out Alice Springs to Darwin road trip itinerary. If you’re flying out from Alice, take off with lasting memories of the Red Centre.

Planning to visit in April? Time your trip with Parrtjima Festival or check out the full list of Red Centre festivals & events.