The ultimate guide to the Red Centre Way

Finke 2 Mile campground. Credit: Tourism Northern Territory, Luke Riddle & Jess Caldwell

Tjoritja/West MacDonnell Ranges National Park 

Stretching a massive 161km west of Alice Springs, there is so much to see and do in the Tjoritja/West MacDonnell Ranges National Park. 

Swimming in one of the permanent water holes such as Ormiston Gorge, Redbank Gorge, or Glen Helen Gorge is a highlight, or if you fancy staying on dry ground, walk part of the 223km long Larapinta Trail inside the park.

You might even like to camp overnight if you’re feeling adventurous, with camping facilities at the Ormiston Pound Walk available to book. 

The National Park is also home to many rare and threatened wildlife, like the Peregrine Falcon, while recent rainfall has seen a surge in eclectic green budgies. 

Ellery Creek Big Hole 

This popular swimming hole is a highlight along the entire Red Centre Way, with the option to camp, walk and picnic at the water's edge. 

Sitting in the heart of the Tjoritja/West McDonnell National Park, the waterhole has been carved over thousands of years of floods and is a special meeting place for the Arrernte people. 

Just remember to be mindful and minimise your environmental impact to preserve this scared site. 

Hermannsburg Historic Precinct

Continuing on through the West MacDonnell Ranges, experience a truly unique part of Australia’s history at the Hermannsburg Historic Precinct, where you’ll learn stories from the 150 years the site operated as a mission.

Indigenous artists in Hermannsberg have been creating art in both song and pottery since the days of the missionaries – make sure you take the time to look at some of their breathtaking work. Book ahead for an appointment.

Another essential stop in the Precinct is the Kata Anga Tea Rooms, where you can enjoy the town's infamous apple strudel.

Kings Canyon and Watarrka National Park 

The Red Centre Way continues from Alice Springs via West MacDonnell Ranges, then onto the unsealed Mereenie Loop to get to Kings Canyon.

You’ll need a permit for this part of the Red Centre Way and a 4WD vehicle is recommended, although don’t panic if you have a 2WD vehicle, as you can head back to Alice Springs and take the sealed road to Kings Canyon from there.

Kings Canyon/Watarrka National Park has something for everyone, from epic walking trails and helicopter rides to glamping at Kings Creek Resort and Kings Creek Station.  

If you’re after a walking trail that allows you to take in everything the park has to offer, check out the Rim Walk, which is a six-kilometre circuit taking you through the beautiful oasis that is the Garden of Eden, before ascending to 360-degree views.

And to really get a sense of how grand and expansive Kings Canyon is, try a 15-minute scenic helicopter tour.

Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park

Of course, the most famous destination along the Red Centre Way is Uluru, recognised as a World Heritage Site and one of the seven Natural Wonders of Oceania. Uluru is a place that holds great cultural significance for the Anangu people, the traditional owners of the land. 

Referred to as the ‘heart of the Red Centre’, catch a sunrise or sunset over Uluru and watch as the sky turns from pink to orange, and then to red. Make sure you arrive at the Uluru car sunset viewing area early to secure a good vantage point. 

There’s something for everyone to enjoy at Uluru including camel rides, Segway tours, guided cultural tours such as the Mala walk, and dinner in the desert at Tali Wiru or Sounds of Silence. 

Tthe Field of Light by Bruce Munro is another must, where more than 50,000 spindles of light sway illuminate the desert as far as the eye can see.

^{Hero image credit: Tourism NT & Paddy Pallin}