7-Day Central Australia Itinerary
(West Macdonnell Range + Uluru)

Central Australia (also referred to as the Red Centre) is home to some of the most incredible natural landmarks in Australia. Many say there’s something spiritual, something magical about this land, and after spending time here ourselves, we can honestly say: they’re absolutely right.

From the ancient ochre cliffs of the West MacDonnell Ranges to the deeply sacred monolith of Uluru, this region of the Red Centre will leave you in awe. If you're debating whether to take the long flight or an even longer drive to reach the heart of Australia, stop debating. It’s beyond worth it.

We had the absolute joy of visiting as part of our Lap of Australia and have put together this 7-day itinerary to help you make the most of your own adventure. Whether you're flying into Alice Springs or road-tripping in a campervan like us, this guide is for you.

Quick Overview

Day 1: Simpsons Gap, Standley Chasm, & Ellery Creek
Day 2: Ormiston Gorge & Glenn Helen
Day 3: Kings Canyon Rim Walk
Day 4: Mala Walk & Camel Tour & Field of Light
Day 5: Uluru Rim Walk & Relax
Day 6: Kata Tjuta, Walpa Gorge, & Valley of the Winds
Day 7: Sunrise Farewell & Return to Alice

Getting There & Getting Around

Most travelers either:

  • Fly into Alice Springs and hire a campervan or 4WD

  • Drive from the north or south on an extended road trip

We drove in with a 2WD campervan and were able to complete this itinerary with a few precautions (which we’ll cover in Day 2). Roads in the West MacDonnell and to Uluru are sealed, but the Mereenie Loop is not. DO NOT attempt it in a 2WD like we did!

You’ll need a Northern Territory Parks Pass for the West Macdonnell National Park hikes:

  • 1-Day Pass: $10

  • 2-Week Pass: $30

  • 1-Year Pass: $60
    (Prices as of May 2025 per adult)

For Uluru and Kata Tjuta, you will need to purchase a separate Park Pass from the front gate when you first arrive.

  • 3-Day Pass: $38

  • 1-Year Pass: $50
    (Prices as of May 2025 per adult)

Best Time to Visit

How Much Will This Cost?

Day-by-Day Itinerary

Day 1: Into the MacDonnell Ranges

Stops: Simpsons Gap, Standley Chasm, Ellery Creek Big Hole

  • Simpsons Gap: Easy, short walks. Don’t miss the Ghost Gum Walk.

  • Standley Chasm: A stunning chasm with cultural significance.
    Entry fee ($12pp) as it's on private land.

  • Ellery Creek: 1.5-hour Grade 2 hike, great swimming hole.

Camp: Neil Hargrave Lookout - free and epic sunset views.

Day 2: Deep into the Ranges

Stops: Ormiston Gorge & Glenn Helen Gorge

  • Ormiston Gorge: One of our faves. 4-hour, Grade 3 bush hike with varied terrain and a gorge crossing.

  • Glenn Helen Gorge: Short and sweet (30 mins, Grade 2).

🚫 WARNING: Your GPS will want to take you through the Mereenie Loop to Kings Canyon. DO NOT TAKE IT unless you’re in a 4WD and ready for an adventure. Our map told us it should take less than 3 hours, but it took over 6 and everything we owned was thrown everywhere in the van. If you map back towards Alice Springs and around the long way it should take less than 5 hours.

Camp: Paid campground near Kings Canyon - for the early morning tomorrow.

Day 3: Kings Canyon Rim Walk

Hike: Kings Canyon Rim Walk – 6km, Grade 5 (4 hrs)

Get to the car park 30 minutes before sunrise. The “Stairway to Heaven” (500 steep steps in the dark) is no joke, but once you're on top, it's breathtaking. Don’t skip the side lookouts! This is our favorite hike in Australia.

Camp: Sandy Way Rest Area - closest free camp to Uluru.

Day 4: Uluru Culture & Camels

Activities:

  • Grab brekky & coffee at Ininti Café (cinnamon rolls = elite)

  • Join the free Mala Walk (guided Indigenous-led tour. Check daily times)

  • Camel tour in the afternoon (book well in advance)

  • Visit Field of Light at night - a surreal art installation in the desert

Camp: Ayers Rock Resort - You will have to pay for a campsite from here on, but it is nice because the bus for Field of Light picks you up right from there.

Day 5: Uluru Rim Walk & Free Time

Uluru Base Walk: 4-hour Grade 3 loop - flat but long.
We did it in the rain and saw waterfalls on Uluru which was pure magic.

Afternoon: Totally up to you. Nap, chill, or explore the resort area, or end the day at the Uluru Sunset Viewing Point. Sit on your roof and watch the colors shift.

Camp: Another night at Ayers Rock Resort

Day 6: Kata-Tjuta Magic

Morning: Sunrise from Kata Tjuta Dune Viewing Area

Hikes:

  • Walpa Gorge Walk – 1 hour, Grade 3

  • Valley of the Winds – 4 hours, Grade 4

Camp: Final night at Ayers Rock Resort

Day 7: One Last Goodbye

Sunrise at Uluru, then either:

  • Drive 5 hours back to Alice Springs

  • Or, if you’re doing the Lap, head north like we did (Mataranka bound!)

Pro tip: Don’t be like Ben and drive 12.5 hours in one day. Take plenty of breaks.

Park Fees & Permits

Where am I spending money?

  • Park Passes

  • Kings Canyon Campground

  • Ayrs Rock (3 nights)

  • Standley Chasm

  • Camel Tour

  • Field of Light Tour

  • Any other food and souvenirs

Safety Tips

  • Always bring more water than you think you'll need

  • Wear proper footwear for rough terrain

  • Avoid hiking in extreme heat — start early!

  • Follow cultural signs & photography guidelines

  • Double-check road conditions (especially after rain)

The Red Centre is a year-round destination, but the cooler months (May–September) offer the most comfortable hiking conditions. We visited in late May, which was perfect for hiking, but be prepared for cold mornings and nights.

Bonus: We got lucky and saw rain at Uluru. That might sound like a downer, but it's actually a rare and magical sight. Uluru only receives rain about 50 days a year, and watching waterfalls cascade down the big red rock? Unreal.

This depends on your travel style, but we were on a budget trip. We attempted to stay at as many free campgrounds as we could, and went on mostly free hikes, and kept our paid experiences to a minimum.

There are a lot of paid tours you can take at Uluru, but we kept it to two.

There will be a list of all our expenses at the bottom of this article.

What to Pack

  • Lots of water

  • Hiking boots

  • Layered clothing (cold mornings, warm days)

  • Rain jacket

  • Headlamp (especially for sunrise starts)

  • Camera + drone

  • Extra fuel (top up often)

  • Snacks/snack bars

Facilities & Services

  • Fuel: Sparse in parts. Top up before you're under half a tank.

  • Food: Available in major hubs like Alice, Kings Canyon Resort & Uluru.

  • Toilets/Water: Available at most major trailheads (especially Kings Canyon & Uluru).

  • Mobile reception: Patchy. Telstra gets the best coverage. Download offline maps.

Final Thoughts

Yes, it is remote. Yes, it is a trek to get there. But visiting Central Australia, with its otherworldly landscapes and sacred stories, was one of the most unforgettable experiences of our lives.

It is not just about what you see, it is about what you feel. The silence, the colors, and the stories of the land it is deeply moving.

So we say, do it. Make the journey. The Red Centre is waiting for you.