Explore the heart of Australia: 4-day tour to Uluru and Alice Springs

3 cities | 8 attraction(s) | total distance 231 km

TIPS

Did you know that Australia is home to a magical red land called Uluru? There is a giant rock standing right in the center of Australia, which is why it is known as the "heart of Australia." It is a sacred site in the creation myths of the local Aboriginal people. This route takes you deep into the red land, exploring the sacred Uluru and the desert city of Alice Springs.

Day1: Uluru Kata Tjuta National Park > Ayers Rock

3 attraction(s) · 119 km

On the first day, head straight to the heartland of Australia to witness the stunning Uluru, which is worth spending 20 minutes driving around or hiking the trails at the foot of the rock to observe its textures up close. Another iconic landscape in the national park is Kata Tjuta, also worth seeing. Don't rush to leave before sunset, or you will miss the most beautiful moment of Uluru, which presents different colors from brown to bright red, quite romantic. In the evening, you can choose to watch the Field of Light art installation, which is a dreamy and magical experience.

Uluru

Uluru (Ayers Rock) is located in the center of Australia, approximately 348 meters high and with a circumference of about 9.4 kilometers. Two-thirds of it is buried under sand. It is considered the world's largest monolith and has been ranked as one of the must-visit travel destinations by magazines and media from multiple countries. The Japanese film "Crying Out Love, in the Center of the World" (Sekai no Chūshin de, Ai o Sakebu, 2004) was based on Uluru as its main storyline and was filmed on location. Uluru's biggest feature is its ability to change color with time and climate, earning it the nickname "the magic rock." There are various ways to explore Uluru, such as camel rides, motorcycle rides, and helicopter tours. Hikers will find many different trekking options. It is important to note that collecting any soil or rocks from here is not only illegal but also disrespectful to the Aboriginal people and may bring bad luck. The Uluru Cultural Center exhibits a large number of letters sent by people who had secretly taken rocks and later felt guilty or suffered misfortune.

67 km

Kata Tjuta

In the Indigenous language, Kata Tjuta means "many heads." It is located about 40 kilometers west of Uluru and consists of 36 dome-shaped rock formations. Like Uluru, Kata Tjuta also changes colors with the different sunlight. There are two hiking trails to explore Kata Tjuta: the Valley of the Winds and the Walpa Gorge. The Valley of the Winds is about 7.4 kilometers long and takes about 3 hours to complete, while the Walpa Gorge trail is shorter at about 2.6 kilometers and takes about 1 hour to complete. Kata Tjuta is about 200 meters taller than Uluru, and climbing is strictly prohibited. Like Uluru, the rocks at sunset display a brilliant red color, which is very impressive.

52 km

Ayers Rock Resort

Yulara is a remote town in the southern part of the Northern Territory, Australia, located within the non-self-governing area of the MacDonnell Region. According to the 2011 census data, Yulara has a population of 887 people and covers an area of 103.33 square kilometers. It is accessible by road to the UNESCO World Heritage site of Uluru (also known as Ayers Rock) and is 55 kilometers away from Kata Tjuta (the Olgas). It is situated in the Namatjira electoral division of the Northern Territory and the Lingiari federal division.

Day2: Alice Springs

1 attraction(s) · 0 km

Today I drove to Watarrka National Park, which takes about 4 hours by car from Uluru. The most famous attraction there is Kings Canyon, known for its deep canyon and jungle scenery. Walking is the best way to explore it: the Kings Canyon Rim Walk is 6 kilometers long and takes 3-4 hours to complete, while the Kings Creek Walk is 2.6 kilometers long and only takes 1 hour.

Watarrka Kings Canyon National Park

The King's Canyon is a giant red rock wall located in the King's Canyon National Park within Watarrka National Park. The national park is about 330 kilometers west of Alice Springs, and the oasis that deeply cracks into the underground is particularly prominent among the red sandy land. The canyon is about 1000 meters long, with a depth of about 270 meters. Dense shrubs and swimming ponds can be found in the deep part of the canyon, earning it the reputation of "Australia's Grand Canyon". The rocky cliffs in King's Canyon are rugged, mostly orange due to long-term exposure to the sun, and devoid of vegetation; while shaded areas are lush with occasional water pools, creating a contrasting scenery. Standing on the top of the cliff and looking into the distance, you can see the magnificent red earth, giving a feeling of being on Mars.

Day3: Alice Springs

3 attraction(s) · 113 km

On the third day, drive from Emperor Valley to Alice Springs, which will take about 6 hours. It is recommended to depart in the morning. Alice Springs is the base for exploring the central area of the red soil, and it is also worth spending a day to explore this town standing in the center of the desert.

Alice Springs Desert Park

The outdoor exhibition here replicates three natural habitats where animals live: inland rivers, deserts, and forests. Rare birds like the red falcon can also be seen. The nocturnal endangered species tour here allows you to see many rare Australian nocturnal animals, such as the adorable sugar glider (Winter 19:30/Summer 20:00 depart from the park entrance, approximately 1 hour and 15 minutes in duration, advance booking required).

8 km

ANZAC Hill

Alice Springs, a city named by the locals to commemorate the ANZAC (Australian and New Zealand Army Corps) troops. The city has a high point with the ANZAC Memorial, offering a panoramic view of the entire Alice Springs.

105 km

Rainbow Valley

The Rainbow Valley Conservation Reserve is located approximately 75 kilometers south of Alice Springs and can be reached by driving along a four-wheel drive track. It features unique cliff formations that resemble a gradient rainbow, with red at the top and pale yellow at the bottom. The scenery at Rainbow Valley is most beautiful during sunrise and sunset.

Day4: Alice Springs

1 attraction(s) · 0 km

On the last day, we were still in Alice Springs. The most iconic activity here is the "Inland Hot Air Balloon Sunrise Tour", where you can marvel at the magnificent colors of nature by overlooking the red desert from high above. Afterwards, you can choose to visit the kangaroo sanctuary for an up-close interaction with baby kangaroos, or take a stroll through the town's museum to learn more about the natural history of this land.