A summer holiday in the Red Centre of Australia means the waterholes are full and ready to plunge into for a swim. It’s the perfect temperature to dine under the stars, then wake up early to watch an incredible outback sunrise.
Check out this 7-day itinerary to experience a Red Centre road trip over the summer break: September to March.
Get your laneway coffee fix in the Todd Mall
Head to the leafy lane of the Fan Arcade, located along the Todd Mall. Page 27 is the go-to in Alice Springs for brunch and coffee. Frequented by locals for its all-day brekkie and vintage décor, this café will leave you feeling fuelled for the day ahead.
Learn about local Aboriginal art
Alice Springs is Australia’s thriving hub of Aboriginal art with a wide selection of galleries and exhibitions. The Araluen Cultural Precinct is the best place for a deep dive into the art and artists of Central Australia, where you’ll find some of the most significant artistic, cultural and historical experiences in Alice Springs.
In the heart of downtown Alice, Todd Mall is lined with commercial galleries specialising in Aboriginal art. Stop at Papunya Tula Artists which is an Aboriginal owned gallery showcasing artists from the Western Desert. Don’t miss Mbantua Art Gallery and Cultural Museum, which is a few minutes drive from the Mall, specialises in art from the Utopia region and is home to one of Australia’s largest collections of Aboriginal art.
Be inspired by the early pioneers
Learn about the pioneers who established the Royal Flying Doctor Service in the 1930s, providing much needed medical services to outback Australia. Board a full-size replica RFDS aircraft to feel what it’s like to be a patient and experience the virtual reality and interactive displays where pioneers and their stories are brought to life.
Watch the sunset from Anzac Hill
As the sun falls on another summer day, make your way to the top of Anzac Hill for sweeping views of Alice Springs. You can drive to the lookout or stretch your legs on the ‘Lions Walk’ trail. Enjoy the views of the MacDonnell Ranges and the desert landscape surrounding the town as the sun dips behind the West MacDonnell Ranges (known by locals as the West Macs).
Take a day trip & dip in the West Macs
Pack a picnic for a day trip to the spectacular West MacDonnell Ranges. At Ellery Creek Big Hole take the 3km walking trail, swim in the cool, clear water and admire the impressive landscape where massive floods have carved a canyon through the mountain range.
Other interesting sites well worth visiting are Ormiston Gorge with its swimming hole and white sandy beach, Redbank Gorge at the base of Mt Sonder, Simpsons Gap for its deep orange chasm walls, along with Standley Chasm where you can take a walking tour with traditional owners to learn about the area’s cultural significance.
Enjoy an Earth Sanctuary astronomy tour & dinner
Experience the spirit of the Outback on an astronomy tour with the award-winning Earth Sanctuary. A shuttle bus will take you to the Earth Sanctuary’s secluded location in time to watch a spectacular sunset over the East MacDonnell Ranges. As night falls, a glittering canopy of stars shine bright, making it the perfect setting to learn about the night’s sky.
Road trip Alice Springs to Uluru
As the saying goes, the trip is about the journey and not always the destination. Set off early today to drive from Alice Springs to Uluru and take in the desert views and wide open road along the way. There are plenty of accommodation options to choose from but make sure to book ahead.
Enjoy a bush tucker experience
Book yourself in for a free bush tucker experience at Voyages. Learn about local native bush foods from Aboriginal staff, and enjoy tasting seasonal seeds, spices and fruits. Watch a cooking demonstration using ancient native bush ingredients and learn about the history of Australia’s bush foods.
Experience Field of Light or Wintjiri Wiru
Make sure to visit the Field of Light – an incredible light installation designed by internationally renowned artist, Bruce Munro. Walk the trail surrounded by more than 50,000 solar powered glowing stems and admire the scene under the desert night sky.
For another unique experience, book for Wintjiri Wiru, which tells the Anangu people’s Mala story through a symphony of light displays, lasers, sound and over 1,000 drones.
Sunrise on a camel
Watch the sun rise over an illuminating Uluru atop a camel for a unique perspective. Climb aboard for a 1-hour leisurely walk and make the most of the impressive morning photo opportunities. Indulge in a true-blue breakfast of billy tea and freshly baked beer bread – prepared by your guides.
Circumnavigate Uluru by foot or bike
As Uluru is a sacred site to the Anangu people, you can no longer climb it. Instead, join a walking tour led by an Aboriginal guide, hire a bike near the Cultural Centre or jump on a segway tour to circumnavigate the 10.6km base walk. Uluru’s base is dotted with informative displays which describe the significance of the springs, waterholes, rock art caves and ancient paintings.
Enjoy a star-lit dinner in the Outback
The Sounds of Silence dinner is a unique dining experience with a 360° view of Uluru and Kata Tjuta at sunset. Start the night with canapés followed by a gourmet barbecue of native game, bush salads and fine Australian wines. Finish your evening with an Aboriginal dance performance and an explanation of the night sky, guided by the resident ‘star talker’.
You can also take your pick from a variety of restaurants at Ayers Rock Resort, from tavern-style to fine dining experiences for dinner.
Head to Kata Tjuta
Kata Tjuta (the Olgas), which means ‘many heads’, is a series of enormous rock domes that date back 500 million years. Start your morning early with a drive to the Kata Tjuta dune viewing area. A short walk from the car park offers magnificent panoramic views of the domes and a relaxing place to sit and absorb the ever-changing colours of the landscape.
Explore Kata Tjuta by trail
Continue on the road to Kata Tjuta and find out just how ancient and imposing the domes are by tackling one of the two popular walking tracks. The Walpa Gorge Walk is an easy walk which takes an hour return and follows a stream to a grove of flourishing spearwood. The famed Valley of the Winds walk is a moderately difficult 7.4km circuit which weaves through the immense domes and treats you to spectacular views over the desert plains from its two lookout points.
Camp at Kings Creek Station
Say farewell to the Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park and drive to Kings Creek Station.
Pitch your own tent with the choice of grassed or un-grassed sites or stay in one of station’s bush tents. Try a famous Kings Creek camel burger or stroll to the George Gill lookout for magnificent views of the ranges. End the day by enjoying a campfire dinner at Kings Creek Station.
Beat the heat with a sunrise Kings Canyon rim walk
Rise and shine early to watch the sunrise and walk around the Kings Canyon rim to take in awe-inspiring views of the weathered, buttressed domes of The Lost City and the protected lush valley below in the Garden of Eden.
Make your way back to Alice Springs
If travelling in a 2WD or hire car, take the sealed road via the Stuart and Lasseter Highways. A 4WD is needed to take the unsealed Ernest Giles road or the Mereenie Loop, and the latter requires a permit.
Arriving in Alice Springs, check your bags in at Crowne Plaza Alice Springs Lasseters – the perfect place to freshen up after a few days in the desert. No doubt you’ll be peckish after your day’s adventure, so take a short stroll to Hanuman for an award-winning dinner.
The cool spot
Stop for before or after dinner drinks Epilogue Lounge. It's also another great dinner option. Described by Lonely Planet as the coolest place in Alice Springs, it's known for its stylish retro décor, a vibrant atmosphere, food served all day, a decent wine list and a great location (it’s located right in the middle of town).
Float above to watch the sunrise
Get up before dawn to experience a sunrise balloon ride with Outback Ballooning. Witness the remarkable colours of the early morning dawn over the MacDonnell Ranges – on most days, you’ll spot Australian wildlife, particularly red kangaroos, in their natural environment.
After your flight reflect on the morning’s voyage over a picnic breakfast of muffins, carrot cake, fresh fruit, banana bread, cheese and biscuits accompanied by sparkling wine and fruit juice.
Spot furry, feathered & thorny wildlife at the Alice Springs Desert Park
Make your way to the Alice Springs Desert Park. Situated on Larapinta Drive, the Desert Park is a must-see for every visitor to the Red Centre. Here you’ll see the desert come to life.
Spot rare and endangered animals in the nocturnal house then witness the star attraction, the ‘free-flying birds of prey’ show.
Stroll through the changing desert environments of the park through the three diverse habitat areas. Make the most of the free informational talks throughout the day, including a presentation on Aboriginal Survival. Finish with some refreshments at the onsite café.
Day 1
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Page 27 Cafe
RestaurantHidden down a laneway off Todd Mall, this quirky café offers a variety of breakfast and lunch options including vegetarian and gluten free, exceptional coffee and fresh cold press juices.
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Araluen Arts Centre
See & doIt is known as the keeping place of stories, Araluen holds within its spaces some of the most significant works of art in Central Australia and brings to the stage world class performances from around the nation (and at times the world).
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Mbantua Art Gallery Alice Springs
See & doMbantua Aboriginal Art Gallery Alice Springs has changed immensely since October 1st, 2022.
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Royal Flying Doctor Service Alice Springs Tourist Facility & Museum
See & doSee, experience and learn through the wonder of technology as history is brought to life.
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Anzac Hill Memorial
See & doThe Anzac Hill Memorial was unveiled on 25 April 1934 (Anzac Day) and was originally dedicated to all those members of the armed services who had paid the supreme sacrifice during World War I.
Day 2
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Ellery Creek Big Hole
See & doEllery Creek Big Hole is one of the most popular and picturesque camping, walking, swimming and picnic spots in the Tjoritja / West MacDonnell National Park.
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Simpsons Gap
See & doSimpsons Gap is one of the most prominent gaps in the West MacDonnell Ranges.
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Standley Chasm – Angkerle Atwatye
See & doStandley Chasm Angkerle Atwatye is a breathtaking marvel of Central Australia, where striking geological formations meet deep cultural significance.
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Ormiston Gorge
See & doOrmiston Gorge is a great place for a cool dip, to see the towering red walls of the gorge and pound, and local plants and wildlife.
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Redbank Gorge
See & doRedbank Gorge (Rutjupma, pronounced ‘roo-chip-ma’) is a stunning gorge and chasm that is a refuge for many threatened plant and animal species.
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Earth Sanctuary World Nature Centre
TourWelcome to Earth Sanctuary, where knowledge and passion collide!
Day 3
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Field of Light Tours
TourThe largest Field of Light installation to date, with more than 50,000 stems crowned with frosted-glass spheres will bloom.
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Wintjiri Wiru
TourWintjiri Wiru, which in the local Pitjantjatjara language means 'beautiful view out to the horizon', is a breathtaking light and sound show that brings to life the ancient Mala story of the Anangu people.
Day 4
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Cultural Centre
See & doStart your trip at the Cultural Centre and our staff will tell you about all that Uluṟu has to offer.
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Sounds of Silence Ayers Rock Resort
TourEntered into the Australian Tourism Hall of Fame, Sounds of Silence offers the best of the Red Centre distilled into four magical hours.
Day 5
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Kata Tjuṯa dune viewing area
See & doThis is an Aṉangu men's site and is sacred under Tjukurpa (law).
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Waḻpa Gorge Walk
See & doWaḻpa Gorge is a desert refuge for plants and animals; guarded from the hot desert sun where they can find relief.
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Valley of the Winds walk
See & doYou have to be reasonably fit to complete this 3 hour walk, but its views are breathtaking and well worth the effort.
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Kings Creek StationView details
Day 6
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The Giles Track
See & doThe Giles Track is a 22 kilometre walking track located within Watarrka National Park.
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Crowne Plaza Alice Springs LassetersView details
Day 7
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Alice Springs Desert Park
See & doAlice Springs Desert Park is where the desert comes alive!
Book this trip
Book it yourself
Araluen Arts Centre
Day 1
Mbantua Art Gallery Alice Springs
Day 1
Royal Flying Doctor Service Alice Springs Tourist Facility & Museum
Day 1
2 nights’ stay at
Check-in: Day 1
Check-out: Day 3-
NT Parks Pass
Required for entry to NT Parks. Read about passes & permits
Standley Chasm – Angkerle Atwatye
Day 2
Earth Sanctuary World Nature Centre
Day 2
Field of Light Tours
Day 3
Wintjiri Wiru
Day 3
2 nights’ stay at
Check-in: Day 3
Check-out: Day 5Sounds of Silence Ayers Rock Resort
Day 4
1 nights’ stay at Kings Creek Station
Check-in: Day 5
Check-out: Day 61 nights’ stay at Crowne Plaza Alice Springs Lasseters
Check-in: Day 6
Check-out: Day 7
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