Explore Australia’s heart, with sacred Aboriginal sites, towering gorges and the mighty Uluru monolith.

The Red Centre might not ring any bells but you’ll have heard of its showpiece – Uluru (Ayers Rock). Most experiences in the Red Centre involve flying in, seeing the sacred sandstone monolith, and flying out again. Uluru is 20 minutes from Ayers Rock Airport and can easily be combined with a stopover in Alice Springs, which has its own airport.

Alice has long been a gateway to this part of the country – you’re just a day trip from the incredible Kings Canyon Rim Walk and gorge-filled West MacDonnell Ranges – plus it has its own thriving arts scene with plenty of Aboriginal galleries to work your way through. When you’re ready for NT’s star attraction, we’ve got Uluru packages that’ll take all the guesswork out of navigating the Outback.

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Uluru & The Red Centre Hotels

Our recommendations for the best places to stay in Uluru & The Red Centre

Longitude 131°

Wake to uninterrupted views of Uluru at this luxury basecamp in Australia’s spiritual heart.

Voyages Desert Gardens Hotel

Boasts delightful gardens with Uluru views

Kings Canyon Resort

Sensitively-designed wilderness accommodation

Voyages Sails in the Desert

Striking architecture in premium hotel

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A Night at Field of Light

Savour canapés and sparkling wine as the sun slowly sets over Uluru, with the sound of the didgeridoo setting the scene. Watch the coloured lights of 50,000 glass spheres illuminate the vast night sky while enjoying a three-course bushtucker-inspired buffet menu. Learn about the background and significance of the installation before following illuminated paths through the field.

• Duration: 4½ hours
• Start time: varies
• Departure days vary
• Operates year-round
• Group experience

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Tali Wiru

Tali Wiru means ‘beautiful dune’ in the local Anangu language and this open-air restaurant offers an intimate dining experience under the starry Southern Desert sky. Enjoy breathtaking sunset views of Uluru and the domes of Kata Tjuta whilst dining on a four-course dinner of world-class cuisine, premium Australian wine and indigenous storytelling.

• Duration: 4 hours
• Timings vary
• Daily departures
• Operates year-round
• Group experience

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Wintjiri Wiru Sunset Dinner

Spend an atmospheric evening dining beneath a sky full of lights. Wintjiri Wiru is a cultural experience at the Ayers Rock Resort. This immersive event begins on a platform for sunset with a cocktail with views of Uluru and Kata Tjuta. Once seated in the amphitheatre, guests are treated to a gourmet hamper celebrating native ingredients, paired perfectly with their choice of Australian wine or beer. As the sun sets and darkness falls, guests are treated to a spectacular display of drones, lights, traditional music, and Pitjantjatjara language, which come together to bring to life the Mala story under the desert sky. As the Anangu people are the custodians of the land, they hold the Mala story from Kaltukatjara to Uluru. To share this story with guests, drones, light, and sound create an immersive storytelling experience.

• Duration: 3 hours
• Timings vary
• Departs daily
• Operates year-round
• Group experience

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Sunrise and Breakfast at Kata Tjuta

Experience the serene beauty of Kata Tjuta during the early morning hours. As the sun rises, witness the iconic Central Australian landmark's changing colours. Enjoy a picnic breakfast while taking in the magnificent view. Walking through Walpa Gorge, you will learn about the diverse environment and how the 36 domes of Kata Tjuta have evolved over millions of years. Take a moment to listen to the sound of the wind above and appreciate the scale of the rock walls surrounding you.

• Duration: 5 hours
• Timings vary
• Departs daily
• Operates year-round
• Group experience

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Uluru Sacred Sights & Sunset

Spend an afternoon exploring Uluru Kata Tjuta National Park, starting with a visit to the Cultural Centre, where you will have time to see the galleries and watch local Aboriginal artists at work. Afterwards, you’ll head to the base of Uluru, where your local guide will share the Aboriginal creation stories that give life to this giant formation. You’ll walk to the Mutitjulu Waterhole, where your guide will interpret the meaning of the ancient rock art and sacred sites you’ll see along the way. Finally, travel to the Uluru sunset viewing area, where you can relax with sparkling wine as you witness a famous Uluru sunset. After the sunset, you’ll return to Ayers Rock Resort.

• Duration: 5 hours
• Start time: 3pm
• Departs daily
• Operates year-round
• Group experience

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Uluru Sunrise & Kata Tjuta

Wake up early to visit Talinguru Nyakunytjaku, the Uluru sunrise viewing area. Witness the sun's first rays lighting the desert with hot tea or coffee. You’ll then visit the 36 domes of Kata Tjuta, enjoying panoramic views of the southern side of Kata Tjuta at a dune viewing platform before arriving at Walpa Gorge. Take time to explore the gorge and its unusual conglomerate rock formations. The 1.3km walking trail through Walpa Gorge follows the natural creek between two of the tallest domes of Kata Tjuta.

• Duration: 5½ hours
• Start time: 4.45am
• Departs daily
• Operates year-round
• Group experience

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Uluru Trek

As you embark on a sunrise trek around Uluru's 12-kilometre base trail, you can immerse yourself in the culture, geology, and environment that define this remarkable monolith. Your guide will entertain you with the cultural stories and Aboriginal creation stories associated with this central Australian icon. During your journey, you’ll observe the sunrise, explore waterholes, and visit the rock art sites of the ancients while learning about Uluru's cultural significance to the Anangu people.

• Duration: 6 hours
• Timings vary
• Departs daily
• Operates year-round
• Group experience

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Uluru Tour and Sunset

Join a guide on a small group tour vehicle to explore the significance of Uluru – the most profound and culturally important monolith in Australia. Get to know Uluru's culture, geology, and environment as you stroll through Mutitjulu Waterhole, explore the Mala Walk, and visit rock art sites. Your guide will explain the significance of Uluru to the Anangu people and the local aboriginal community. Afterwards, head to the Talinguru Nyakunytjaku viewing area to witness an uninterrupted sunset over Uluru with Kata Tjuta in the distance, sipping on chilled sparkling wine.

• Duration: 5 hours
• Timings vary
• Departs daily
• Operates year-round
• Group experience

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Uluru & Kata Tjuta

Spend a full day getting to know Kata Tjuta and Uluru. Experience the tranquil and peaceful atmosphere of a spiritual place as the colours of the sunrise change over Kata Tjuta. Enjoy a delightful picnic breakfast, then walk through Walpa Gorge to learn about this diverse environment and how the 36 domes of Kata Tjuta have evolved over millions of years. Take some time to appreciate the sound of the wind high above and the vastness of the rock walls that surround you.

Later, you’ll join a guide and a small group to tour one of Australia's most profound and culturally significant monoliths, Uluru. Your journey will take you to the Mutitjulu Waterhole, followed by the Mala Walk and a visit to rock art sites. Your guide will share their knowledge of Uluru's importance to the Anangu people and the local Indigenous community.

• Duration: 5½ hours
• Start time: 4.45am
• Departs daily
• Operates year-round
• Group experience

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Kata Tjuta Sunrise & Valley of the Winds

Join a guide on a journey to Kata Tjuta and learn about the area's geological history. Witness a sunrise over the domes of Kata Tjuta and Uluru in the distance while enjoying a light breakfast. Then, you’ll embark on the Valley of the Winds walk, starting at the Karu Lookout. Your guide will share the area's significance to the Anangu people and how they have used the natural landscape for thousands of years. Follow the rocky path down to the valley at the base of the massive domes, watching for local birds and wildlife. As you reach Karingana, look for incredible views over the plain and domes before returning to Ayers Rock Resort in time for lunch.

• Duration: 6 hours
• Start time: 4.40am
• Departs daily
• Operates year-round
• Group experience

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Uluru Morning Guided Base Walk

Begin your day early with a trip to Uluru's base for breakfast. Your driver and guide will accompany you as you embark on the Uluru base walk at sunrise, starting at Kuniya Piti. On this sacred site, you'll hear the Tjukurpa story of the Mala Men and the local Aboriginal people's beliefs and laws. You'll continue anticlockwise around Uluru to the Mala Walk, one of the most significant habitation areas for the local Aboriginal people over thousands of years. The Mala Walk includes a visit to Kantju Gorge, where, after rainfall, water cascades over the side of Uluru and falls some 90 meters. After a brief break, you'll continue to the Lungkata Walk, where your guide will tell you the Tjukurpa story of the cheeky Blue Tongue Lizard. The next stop is the Mutitjulu Waterhole, once an essential water source for the Anangu people. Your guide will highlight the landscape's natural features and Aboriginal rock paintings and share more traditional stories about this special place. Finally, you'll walk back to Kuniya Piti, where your walk began, and board your air-conditioned coach for the short trip back to Ayers Rock Resort.

• Duration: 6 hours
• Start time: 5.15am
• Departs daily
• Operates year-round
• Group experience

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Sounds of Silence Dinner

This four-hour evening experience begins with canapes and chilled sparkling wine on a dune overlooking the Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park. As the sun sets and darkness falls, listen to the sound of a didgeridoo and join your table of fellow guests for an unforgettable dining experience. You’ll be offered a selection of Australian wine and beer while the first course is served at your table. As the night sky twinkles, you’ll be welcomed to an interactive chef's station, where you will be served your choice from a freshly prepared menu incorporating native bush ingredients. Settle back and listen to the resident astronomer decode the southern night sky. Locate the Southern Cross, the signs of the zodiac, the Milky Way, and planets and galaxies that are visible due to the exceptional clarity.

• Departs daily from April to October and Tuesday to Saturday from November to March • Operates year-round • Group experience

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Desert Awakenings in Uluru

Experience the peace and stillness of the early morning desert under a canopy of stars. Witness the incredible transformation of colours and life as the sun rises and the desert comes to life, with Uluru and Kata Tjuta as an incredible backdrop. Accompanied by an expert guide, Desert Awakenings is a specially designed tour introducing you to this fantastic region's natural and cultural landscapes. As you watch the distant domes of Kata Tjuta come into view, you'll enjoy a delicious Aussie breakfast of bacon and egg rolls, along with tea, coffee, and homemade treats.

After breakfast, your guide will explain the region's natural history. As the daylight reveals animal tracks in the sand, you’ll gain insight into what activity occurred during the night. Once the sun is up, there’s a guided tour at the base of Uluru. The first stop is Kuniya, where you will take a short walk to the Mutitjulu waterhole. Visiting here will help you appreciate its cathedral-like proportions and why it is a powerful and spiritual place for Anangu, local Aboriginal people. Your guide will explain some of the rock paintings as told by the Anangu people. The next stop is the Cultural Centre, a vibrant and engaging learning place where Anangu's local lore is explained in detail.

• Duration: 6 hours
• Timings vary
• Monday, Wednesday, Friday and Saturday departures
• Operates year-round
• Group experience

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West MacDonnell Ranges

Tjoritja West MacDonnell Ranges is a kaleidoscope ancient landscape that extends for 100 miles from Alice Springs. Witness the shades of purple, maroon and orange as you travel through the outback, hearing about the region’s history and geology. Visit John Flynn’s Grave Historical Reserve where the founder of the Royal Flying Doctor Service is laid to rest, before heading out on a couple of walks: one at the natural opening in the red rock, Simpsons Gap, where you may spot a black-footed rock wallaby; and the other at Stanley Chasm Angkerle Atwatye, a narrow slot canyon that’s been shaped by rain and flood waters that is of huge cultural importance to (and owned by) the Arrernte community.

• Duration: half day
• Time: 7.30am to midday
• Daily departures from Alice Springs
• Operates year-round
• Group experience

Good to know
Entry to the national park requires a NT Parks Pass which is not included in the excursion.

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A Town Like Alice with Alice Springs Desert Park

This full-day tour is an excellent introduction to the cultural hub of Australia’s Red Centre, Alice Springs (known as Mparntwe in Arrernte). Prior to your tour of town, there’ll be time to visit Alice Springs Desert Park, where you can learn about the arid landscapes that surround Alice Springs, the region’s native wildlife and the Aboriginal survival in these harsh environments. After lunch, it’s time to start the guide part of the tour; you’ll be led by a passionate and knowledgeable guide who’ll explain how a simple waterhole beside a telegraph station became such an important Northern Territory town in the 21st Century.

• Duration: full day
• Time: 7.30am to 6pm
• Daily departures
• Operates year-round
• Group experience

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Get to know Uluru & the Red Centre and those important practicalities when planning your perfect holiday.

Capital
TIME DIFFERENCE

GMT +9½ hours; the Northern Territory does not observe daylight savings time so is 8½ hours ahead of British Summer Time.

CURRENCY

Australian Dollar

FLYING TIME TO DESTINATION

Alice Springs: 25 hours (not including stopover time)

RELIGION

Majority Christian

LANGUAGE

Australia has no official language but the majority of people speak English as their first language. Approximately 250 indigenous Australia languages are spoken.

Where is Uluru & The Red Centre? Located in the heart of Australia, The Red Centre is the outback area incorporating Uluru (Ayers Rock), Kata Tjuta, Kings Canyon and Alice Springs. There is an airport at Alice Springs with flights to most major Australian cities. Many visitors opt for a tour linking Alice Springs to Uluru with a stop off at Kings Canyon. Uluru is a 20-minute drive from Ayers Rock airport.

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Alice Springs Most travellers to The Red Centre stay in Alice Springs, where you’re a half day’s drive from Australia’s most famous natural landmark, Uluru. A visit to the historic Telegraph Station gives an insight to how the first European settlers set up communication lines with Australia and the rest of the world. It’s worth a look in the many Aboriginal art galleries that show how the desert landscape and wildlife has influenced the local artists.

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Uluru & Kata Tjuta Uluru is Australia’s most iconic and sacred Aboriginal site. The ancient monolith has captivated its Aboriginal guardians for thousands of years and the rest of the world since its existence was brought to light in 1873. Perhaps it’s the striking contrast it forms against the featureless desert around it, or perhaps it’s the shifting colours that transfixes visitors who rise early to watch it at sunrise and toast to it at sunset. The rocky domes of Kata Tjuta are also spectacular. Be sure to see the rocks at different times of day, as the light show can be mesmerising.

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Kings Canyon In the empty landscape of Watarrka National Park, 200 miles from both Alice Springs and Uluru, Kings Canyon is renowned for its 100-metre high, red sandstone walls and spectacular rugged scenery waiting to be explored on foot. The relatively short King Creek Walk is not too challenging (although temperatures can creep over 40˚C), while more experienced walkers can get the best views of the canyon via the more arduous Rim Walk. Other highlights include the aptly named ‘Garden of Eden’, an oasis in the middle of the dry desert.

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West MacDonnell Ranges Just west of Alice Springs, the West MacDonnell Ranges are easy to get to by sealed roads. It’s a natural playground of steep escarpments, waterholes and plenty of walking trails. Just three metres wide and 80 metres high, Standley Chasm is perhaps its most popular attraction and is a significant cultural site for the Arrernte local community.

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Uluru & The Red Centre Weather

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