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Itinerary - Red Centre Way

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Red Centre Way (formerly Pioneers' Way) links Australia's Northern Territory's world-renowned 'red heart' landmarks of Uluru (Ayers Rock), Kata Tjuta (The Olgas) and Watarrka National Park (Kings Canyon).

The drive begins in Alice Springs and will have travelers immersed in this area's cultural and natural history.


Day 1

Glen Helen

West MacDonnell Ranges and Glen Helen
Alice Springs to Glen Helen, 130 kms. Hire a campervan or four-wheel-drive in Alice Springs and travel through the West MacDonnell Ranges to Glen Helen. There are many natural attractions to stop at along the way such as Simpsons Gap, Standley Chasm, Ellery Creek Big Hole and Ormiston Gorge.

Day 2

Kings Canyon

Kings Canyon
Glen Helen to Kings Canyon, 260 kms. Depart Glen Helen and travel on the four-wheel-drive Mereenie Loop to Kings Canyon, where 300-metre sheer cliff faces and a palm-fringed swimming hole are special highlights. Stop along the way at Redbank Gorge and Tnorala (Gosse Bluff) Conservation Reserve - a huge crater formed by a comet over 130 million years ago.

Day 3

Uluru Sunrise

Kings Canyon to Uluru
Kings Canyon to Uluru, 300 kms. Start the morning with the Kings Canyon Walk for breathtaking views over the red landscape. Travel on to Uluru (Ayers Rock) and learn about the Aboriginal custodians of this land at the cultural centre. Then try dining under a million stars with the monolith in the distance.

Day 4

Uluru and Kata Tjuta

Uluru and Kata Tjuta
Continue experiencing Uluru and Kata Tjuta. See the sun rise over Uluru (Ayers Rock) from atop a camel then really take in its sheer size with a 9-kms walk around the base. For another view altogether, book a seat on a scenic flight over Uluru or a ride around Uluru on a Harley. Then travel on to see the domed heads of Kata Tjuta (The Olgas). Stay for sunset and enjoy the magnificent view.

Day 5

Rainbow Valley

Uluru and Rainbow Valley
Uluru to Alice Springs, 445 kms. Soak up one last look at the sun rising over Uluru (Ayers Rock) then join an Aboriginal-guided tour to learn about the area from this ancient perspective. Return to Alice Springs via a stop at Rainbow Valley, a massive sandstone formation of coloured bands.