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The Red Centre: the Day-by-Day Itinerary

Uluru glowing deep red at sunset
Photo: Dietmar Rabich · CC BY-SA 4.0 · Wikimedia Commons

The Red Centre is Australia distilled: Uluru changing colour through the day, Kata Tjuta's domes at sunrise, Kings Canyon's rim walk above a hidden garden. Distances are huge, the silence is bigger, and the desert stars are the best on the continent.

The Red Centre is a 1150 km loop (self-drive). It works best as 5–7 days; the plan below is the 6-day version for June, built from 81 verified places, with real road-routed transit times, opening hours and daylight checked.

Customize this plan → 5-day plan · 6-day plan · 7-day plan · best time to go

6
days
1276 km
distance
15.0 h
driving
33
curated stops

💡 Good to know for this plan

Day 1 Alice Springs → Kings Canyon

4h03 transit · wraps up ~19:45
🌡 -2.2–30.5°C · 🌧 ~1 rain days · ☀ 10.5h light
09:00
Museum of Central Australiamuseums & heritagelocal & traditionalhistory & sagas
Discover the region's evolution through engaging exhibits and ancient megafauna.
90 min · Alice Springs · Entry fees apply
10:30
Araluen Arts & Cultural Centremuseums & heritagelocal & traditionalhistory & sagas
Discover vibrant local and traveling art exhibitions and performances.
90 min · Alice Springs
12:00
Royal Flying Doctor Servicemuseums & heritagecoffee & bakes
Visit a museum showcasing the vital work of the aerial medical service.
50 min · Alice Springs
12:50
Bean Tree Cafecoffee & bakes
Savor delicious meals amidst serene trees and chirping birds.
60 min · Alice Springs
open: 8AM-4PM
18:30
Bojangleslocal & traditional
Unwind with a popular local beer, lively especially on weekends.
75 min · Alice Springs
Overnight: Alice Springs
e.g. Desert Palms Resort · The Gallery Bed & Breakfast

Day 2 Around Alice Springs

no transit — linger day · wraps up ~16:20
🌡 -2.2–30.5°C · 🌧 ~1 rain days · ☀ 10.5h light
09:00
Reptile Centremuseums & heritagelocal & traditional
Get up close to fascinating local reptiles, including a large crocodile.
50 min · Alice Springs
09:50
Totem Theatremuseums & heritagelocal & traditional
Enjoy intimate local performances in a historic WWII-era building.
90 min · Alice Springs
11:20
Camels Australiamuseums & heritagelocal & traditional
Pet friendly camels and savor local snacks with a scenic view.
90 min · Alice Springs · free entry
12:50
Alice Springs Desert Parklocal & traditional
Explore diverse desert flora and fauna, with captivating nocturnal exhibits.
50 min · Alice Springs · $25
open: 7:30AM-6PM
13:40
Alice Springs Telegraph Station Historical Reservehistory & sagas
Discover the original telegraph station amid serene desert scenery.
50 min · Alice Springs · $15
open: 8AM-9PM
14:30
Old Ghan Heritage Railway and Museummuseums & heritage
Step inside historic train carriages and explore railway memorabilia.
50 min · Alice Springs · $12
open: 9AM-4PM
15:20
Loco Burrito
Enjoy tasty burritos in a friendly, casual eatery.
60 min · Alice Springs · $10-$13
open: 11AM-7:30AM
Overnight: Alice Springs
e.g. Desert Palms Resort · The Gallery Bed & Breakfast

Day 3 Uluru

4h16 transit · wraps up ~19:45
🌡 -1.2–29.8°C · 🌧 ~2 rain days · ☀ 10.4h light
13:16
The Cultural Centremuseums & heritagelocal & traditionalhistory & sagas
Discover rich Indigenous stories and traditions.
50 min · Uluru
open: 10AM–4PM
14:06
Outback Cycling: Uluru Bike Ridemuseums & heritagehistory & sagashiking
Pedal smoothly around Uluru's majestic base.
90 min · Uluru · $60/adult, $45/child, $35/tag-a-long, $3
15:36
Uluru Camel Tourslocal & traditionalhistory & sagashiking
Trek quietly through desert landscapes on a camel.
90 min · Uluru · $80 express tours, $135 sunrise and suns
17:06
Kata Tjuṯavolcanic
Feel the ancient energy amidst towering sandstone domes.
50 min · Uluru
18:30
Ininti Cafemuseums & heritagehistory & sagascoffee & bakes
Enjoy fresh, flavorful snacks near the Cultural Centre.
75 min · Uluru
open: 10AM–4PM

See the remaining 3 days of the 6-day plan →

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