Driving Alice Springs to Uluru/Ayers Rock: a Complete Itinerary

Driving Alice Springs-Uluru/Ayers: A Complete Itinerary

Driving Alice Springs to Uluru/Ayers Rock: A Complete Itinerary

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2 Driving Alice Springs-Uluru/Ayers: A Complete Itinerary Contents

Introduction ...... 7 Quick Facts ...... 8 Costs (2017) ...... 9 National Park Entry ...... 10 Permits ...... 10 Need to Know ...... 11 TIPS FOR PLANNING YOUR ULURU ADVENTURE ...... 13 Tip 1: You DO NOT NEED A 4WD ...... 14 Tip 2: Distance, Distance, Distance ...... 15 Then there are the distances at the Rock itself...... 15 And don’t forget Kata Tjuta (the Olgas)… ...... 15 Tip 3: So Much to See and Do ...... 17 Tip 4: Our BEST Outback Local’s Tip: Plan Two Nights/Three Days at Uluru ...... 18 SUGGESTED ITINERARIES ...... 20 Itinerary 1: Budget Adventure ...... 22 Day 1: Alice Springs Highlights ...... 22 Day 2: Travel to Uluru ...... 24 Day 3: Around Uluru ...... 25 Day 4: Kata Tjuta – The Olgas ...... 25 Day 5: Heading Off ...... 26 Itinerary 2: Nature & Culture (Our TOP Recommendation) ...... 27 Day 1: Alice Springs ...... 27 Day 2: Travel to Uluru ...... 28 Day 3: Around Uluru ...... 29 Day 4: Kata Tjuta and More ...... 29 Day 5: Heading Off ...... 30 Itinerary 3: Adventure Calls ...... 31 Day 1: Alice Springs Highlights ...... 31

3 Driving Alice Springs-Uluru/Ayers: A Complete Itinerary

Day 2: Travel to Rainbow Valley OR Redbank Waterhole ...... 31 Day 3: Travel to Uluru ...... 33 Day 4: Exploring Uluru ...... 34 Day 5: Kata Tjuta & More ...... 34 Day 6: Heading Off ...... 35 Itinerary 4: The Grand Tour - Once in A Lifetime Trip ...... 37 Day 1: Alice Springs ...... 37 Day 2: Alice Springs – Erldunda (4WD options also) ...... 37 Day 3: Travel to Uluru ...... 39 Day 4: Exploring Uluru ...... 39 Day 5: Kata Tjuta or Cave Hill Aboriginal Cultural Tour ...... 40 Day 6: Uluru to Kings Canyon - Watarrka ...... 42 Day 7: Kings Canyon – Alice Springs ...... 42 Day 7 (Extended Option): ...... 42 Days 8-10: Red Centre Way/West MacDonnell Ranges ...... 43 Alice Springs – Uluru/Ayers Rock Driving Itinerary ...... 44 Start Here: Alice Springs ...... 44 60km: Mt Polhill Roadside Rest Area ...... 47 67km: Owen Springs Reserve Turn Off ...... 48 77km: Rainbow Valley Turn Off ...... 50 92km: Stuarts Well Roadhouse ...... 51 98km: Cannonball Run Memorial ...... 53 127km: The Finke River Crossing ...... 54 132km: Ernest Giles Road/Kings Canyon turnoff ...... 55 169km: Free Desert Oaks Rest Area/Campsite ...... 57 201km: Erldunda Roadhouse & Ayers Rock/Uluru turnoff...... 59 257km Mt Ebenezer Roadhouse ...... 61 301km: Kernot Range Roadside Rest Area...... 62 307km: Kings Canyon/Luritja Road Sealed Road Turnoff ...... 63 332km Curtin Springs East Rest Area ...... 64 338km Mt Conner Lookout & Roadside Rest Stop ...... 65

4 Driving Alice Springs-Uluru/Ayers: A Complete Itinerary

360km: Curtin Springs Roadhouse ...... 67 416km Sandy Way Free Roadside Rest Stop ...... 69 440km: Uluru Kata Tjuta National Park Information ...... 71 447km – Yulara (Ayers Rock Resort) ...... 72 Starting at Uluru ...... 74 0km Yulara/Uluru ...... 74 20km: Uluru Kata Tjuta National Park Information ...... 77 28km Sandy Way Free Roadside Rest Stop ...... 78 84km: Curtin Springs Roadhouse ...... 80 106km: Mt. Connor Lookout and Rest Area ...... 82 112km: Curtin Springs East Rest Area ...... 84 137km: Kings Canyon/Luritja Road Sealed Road Turnoff ...... 85 143km: Kernot Range Roadside Rest Area...... 86 187km Mt Ebenezer Roadhouse ...... 87 243km: Erldunda Roadhouse & Ayers Rock/Uluru turnoff...... 88 276km: Free Desert Oaks Rest Area/Campsite ...... 90 313km: Ernest Giles Road/Kings Canyon turnoff ...... 91 318km: The Finke River Crossing ...... 93 347km: Cannonball Run Memorial ...... 95 353km: Stuarts Well Roadhouse ...... 96 368km: Rainbow Valley Turn Off ...... 98 378km: Owen Springs Reserve Turn Off ...... 99 385km: Mt Polhill Roadside Rest Area ...... 101 Finish Here: Alice Springs ...... 102 Vehicle Preparation Guide ...... 104 1. Get your vehicle serviced ...... 104 2. Specific Preparation for Outback Travel ...... 104 3. Spare Parts ...... 105 4. Loading your 4WD ...... 106 5. Love Your Tyres ...... 107 6. Other Essentials We Take ...... 108

5 Driving Alice Springs-Uluru/Ayers: A Complete Itinerary

7. Preparing for Emergencies ...... 109 8. Pre-Planning ...... 110 VEHICLE PREPARATION CHECKLIST ...... 111 What to Pack ...... 112 The Essentials ...... 112 Pants: ...... 112 Tops: ...... 113 Footwear ...... 113 Other Clothing: ...... 114 Toiletries & Medicines...... 114 Gadgets...... 115 Final Words ...... 116

6 Driving Alice Springs-Uluru/Ayers: A Complete Itinerary Introduction

In our opinion, driving from Alice Springs to Ayers Rock, or vice versa, is a road trip that everyone should have on their bucket list.

It’s a breathtaking journey through the outback’s most famous locations.

It’s an unforgettable trip of a lifetime that takes you to iconic destinations like Uluru/Ayers Rock, Kata Tjuta (the Olgas) and Alice Springs. Along the way, you’ll be tempted by detours to spectacular places like Rainbow Valley, Kings Canyon and even the West MacDonnell Ranges.

The journey will take you through central Australia’s diverse landscape: from real mountains to sand dunes to sandstone monoliths with hidden gorges and waterholes.

You’ll see plenty of wildlife: kangaroos, dingoes, wild camels and donkeys, brumbies (wild horses) and maybe even a goanna or two.

It’s also one of those trips that feels like you should have a 4WD – but the truth is it can be done in a nippy little 4 cylinder car!

You can drive the entire way on completely sealed (bitumen) roads.

To show you how EASY it is to do this legendary outback road trip, we’ve written a complete planning and travel guide, aimed at preparing you and your vehicle from beginning to getting out there and on the road.

7 Driving Alice Springs-Uluru/Ayers: A Complete Itinerary Quick Facts

Start/Finish

You can either begin or end in Alice Springs or Uluru (this guide covers both options).

Distance

445km/276miles

Time required

1 day is enough to do this trip comfortably and get the BEST value for money, however this is travelling time only.

Recommended COMPLETE itinerary:

 2 days in Alice Springs  1 day travelling (two half days for a return journey)  2 days in Uluru/Ayers Rock & surrounds

8 Driving Alice Springs-Uluru/Ayers: A Complete Itinerary

Recommended Vehicle

2WD – you do NOT need a 4WD to do this iconic outback roadtrip.

Caravan/Camper Trailer friendly

Yes.

Accommodation Options

Hotel/motel/budget rooms in Alice Springs, Stuart Well, Erldunda, Mt Ebenezer, Curtin Springs and at Uluru/Ayers Rock. Free camping or campervanning options also exist right along the route. We really do recommend you try camping – especially in winter time- for a true outback experience.

Book accommodation & get the BEST prices here.

Fuel Availability:

Fuel (unleaded Opal and diesel) is available in Alice Springs (cheapest fuel is at the Woollies fuel station in Wills Terrace, or the Heavitree Tavern fuel station in Palm Circuit, south of the Gap), Stuart Well Roadhouse, Erldunda, Mt Ebenezer, Curtin Springs Roadhouse, Yulara (Ayers Rock Resort). Expect to pay around $1.50- $2.20 per litre (2017).

LPG is available in Alice Springs and at Yulara (Ayers Rock Resort).

Food & Supplies:

Alice Springs (lots of supermarkets), takeaway food and basic supplies at Stuart Well Roadhouse, Erldunda, Mt Ebenezer and Curtin Springs. Yulara (Ayers Rock Resort) has a good IGA supermarket, a newsagency, clothing shops, hairdresser and post office.

Costs (2017)

Fuel Cost

If you’re driving a 2WD (recommended) allow about $50 (one way) - $120 (return) for fuel for the whole trip. This will depend on your vehicle’s fuel economy and how fast you drive. This an estimate only and will vary from vehicle to vehicle.

9 Driving Alice Springs-Uluru/Ayers: A Complete Itinerary

A 4WD will cost a little more, up to $100 one way, depending on what kind of vehicle you’re driving and whether you’re towing a caravan. Again, this is an estimate only and will vary from vehicle to vehicle.

Accommodation Costs

Camping is cheap. It varies from free (i.e. at the various Roadside Rest Stops) to $11pp at Erldunda Roadhouse to $32pp in the Uluru Campground. A good rule is to budget $15pp/per day for camping.

You can stay in motels, hotels etc. but it is quite expensive – which is why it’s best to hire a campervan or just camp.

Allow $200 per night for accommodation (per room), although you’ll find it’s far more expensive to stay at Yulara during peak season (May-Sept). We’ve written an article on finding budget accommodation at Uluru here.

National Park Entry

. Entry to Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park is $25 per person for a 3 day pass. This is very reasonable – don’t whinge about paying it. It adds up to $8.33 per day and it helps pay to maintain all the facilities in the park.

Permits

You do not need to obtain any permits to travel on the Stuart and Lasseter Highways from Alice Springs to Uluru or vice versa.

If you plan to travel to Uluru via the Mereenie Loop/Red Centre Way, then you WILL need a permit (issued on demand to everyone at a cost of $5).

Please see out complete driving and touring guide to the RED CENTRE WAY/MEREENIE LOOP for details.

10 Driving Alice Springs-Uluru/Ayers: A Complete Itinerary Need to Know

The best thing about the driving from Alice Springs to Uluru/Ayers Rock or vice versa (apart from the scenery) is that it you’ll experience the outback away from the crowds…. as well as with the crowds at Uluru.

This a real ‘outback’ experience without the need for special equipment or driving skills.

However, there’s a few things we really need to you know before you hop in your car and drive off into the wide open spaces.

When driving the Stuart and Lasseter Highways, there are several things you need to be aware of:

. Driver fatigue – stop and get out of your car every 2 hours. Rest for at least 15 minutes, or -ideally- share the driving . Animals on the road – kangaroos, camels and cattle. You will see them on this drive. Beware! The most common tourist fatalities after heat exhaustion in the outback is hitting large animals.

11 Driving Alice Springs-Uluru/Ayers: A Complete Itinerary

. Do not drive at night. There are too many animals on these roads.

Whilst this guide includes an itinerary for driving either way, from Uluru/Ayers Rock to Alice Springs OR Alice Springs to Uluru/Ayers Rock we really recommend starting in Alice Springs.

The simple reason is this: Alice Springs will give you cheaper fuel, cheaper food and groceries, more car hire options and places to introduce and enrich the experience you’re about to have.

At the very least, you should spend a half day at the Alice Springs Desert Park before you leave, seeing kangaroos, emus, dingos, magnificent eagles as well as dozens of other mammals and birds that live in the outback that most people have no idea exist.

The Desert Park will also introduce you to Aboriginal culture – you’ll meet Aboriginal guides, have the opportunity to eat traditional bush foods and hear about how Aboriginal people live and thrive in the outback.

12 Driving Alice Springs-Uluru/Ayers: A Complete Itinerary

TIPS FOR PLANNING YOUR ULURU ADVENTURE

You’ve seen the photos. You’ve heard the stories.

You’ve made the decision: you’re going to Uluru.

The excitement builds as you start planning, checking dates, distances, budgets. You can even SEE yourself sipping a glass of wine watching a perfect sunset on the massive rock.

But then… CONFUSION.

There seem to be so many different options and things to do.

Should you spend one day, two days, FIVE days at the Rock?

Or…?

We’re frequent visitors to Uluru ourselves – for work trips, and weekend getaways. Figuring out how long you need at Uluru – Ayers Rock is tricky, but we’re here to help.

This section of the guide will help you to plan your itinerary.

13 Driving Alice Springs-Uluru/Ayers: A Complete Itinerary

Tip 1: You DO NOT NEED A 4WD

Ok. This tip isn’t really about time, but it IS about saving you money.

Have a good look at the road in the photograph below:

Notice that it’s bitumen/sealed/paved/tar?

This is what ALL of the roads look like all the way from Alice Springs to Ayers Rock we describe in this guide.

So if you’re hiring a car to do this trip, let’s think about what kind of vehicle you need.

The number one MISTAKE that many visitors to Uluru make is thinking they need a big, expensive 4WD.

Sure, if you’re driving to Uluru via the Red Centre Way or the Ernest Giles Road, or you’re driving other 4WD tracks in central Australia, a 4WD is what you’ll need.

But if you’ re driving from Alice Springs, Adelaide/Coober Pedy or flying in to Uluru or Alice Springs and just looking around, save your money and hire a small, economical car.

14 Driving Alice Springs-Uluru/Ayers: A Complete Itinerary

All of the main highways to and from Ayers Rock are good bitumen roads. The roads within the Park between all major attractions are also bitumen roads.

Tip 2: Distance, Distance, Distance

Are you allowing enough time for travelling AND sightseeing?

If you’re driving from Alice Springs or Watarrka (Kings Canyon) to Uluru, you need to allow yourself half a day to get there. Uluru is 450km from Alice Springs and 280km from Kings Canyon.

If you’re starting and finishing in the same place (i.e. starting and finished in Alice Springs), you’ll need to add an entire day just for travelling (half day there, half day back).

Then there are the distances at the Rock itself.

To travel from Yulara, where all the camping and accommodation is, to Uluru is 20km. There and back = 40km.

If you drive around the Rock, it’s 11km – and we’re not even factoring in the time to stop and take photos, visit the Cultural Centre, do any of the fabulous walks or other activities.

And don’t forget Kata Tjuta (the Olgas)…

15 Driving Alice Springs-Uluru/Ayers: A Complete Itinerary

Kata Tjuta is 50km from Ayers Rock. It takes around 35-40min travel to get there.

All of this means that you need to factor in TRAVEL TIMES when you’re planning.

NOTE: Distances in this guide have been rounded up or down and are meant as a guide only.

Distances are huge in the outback, so you absolutely must budget enough time to allow for travel between destinations.

16 Driving Alice Springs-Uluru/Ayers: A Complete Itinerary

Tip 3: So Much to See and Do

Do you want to ride a camel, fly over the Rock, or go out ‘on country’ with Aboriginal people for a cultural experience?

And don’t forget the Sounds of Silence dinner and the AMAZING outback astronomy shows.

Plus, you’ll definitely want to catch the sunrise and sunset on the Rock. You might even like to climb Uluru, although do be aware that the Traditional Owners ask that you don’t.

There are LOTS of activities to choose from at Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park – and you’ll want to do at least a couple to make sure you really do experience the Rock’s special magic.

If you’re planning on doing every walk in the park plus lots of guided tours, you might want to add two days.

We recommend that you add ONE DAY minimum to your itinerary for seeing and doing the all major attractions and highlights.

17 Driving Alice Springs-Uluru/Ayers: A Complete Itinerary

Tip 4: Our BEST Outback Local’s Tip: Plan Two Nights/Three Days at Uluru

The short answer to HOW long to spend at Uluru? to get the best bang for your buck is two nights/three days.

Even Gary and I spend this long there on our weekend escapes.

Any less, and you’re actually ripping YOURSELF off: wasting your travel dollars because of the time and cost just to get to Uluru.

We don’t want to see you do that.

You see, Uluru, unlike Alice Springs, is not really on the way to ‘somewhere else’ for most people.

It’s a detour.

And an expensive one in terms of time and distance – you’re looking at over 1000km if you drive from Alice to Uluru-Kata Tjuta and back.

18 Driving Alice Springs-Uluru/Ayers: A Complete Itinerary

(Yes, if you’re driving the Gunbarrell Highway or the Great Central Road, Uluru is on the way – but many people don’t/can’t do these fantastic outback tracks).

This is why we recommend no less than 2 nights/3 days at the Rock.

If you allow yourself 2 nights/3 days at the Rock, you’ll be able to:

 catch an Uluru sunrise and sunset  drive out to visit Kata-Tjuta  do at least one of the incredible walks (we recommend the Mutitjulu Waterhole walk at Uluru and the Valley of the Winds at Kata Tjuta)  visit the cultural centre  have at least a few hours chill-out time at the Ayers Rock Resort

So, if you’re planning an Uluru adventure, allow yourself the time and space to experience this most special outback place.

Slow down, take a breath and find those 3 days to visit Uluru and Kata Tjuta – it’s the trip of a lifetime and you won’t regret it.

19 Driving Alice Springs-Uluru/Ayers: A Complete Itinerary

SUGGESTED ITINERARIES

The most common questions that visitors to the Red Centre ask us are:

 How long should I stay in Alice Springs/Uluru and what should I see?  I’ve only got 3 days. What are the MUST-SEE attractions?

To answer these questions and to help you plan an amazing, life changing outback experience, we’ve created some suggested itineraries, with different kinds of activities and people in mind.

We want to help you avoid two common mistakes that MANY visitors to the Red Centre make:

 Not allowing enough TIME for travelling between places  Not spending enough time in Alice Springs when there is far more to do there than at Uluru/Ayers Rock

To get the most out of driving from Alice to Uluru (or vice versa) we recommend a minimum of 5 days.

20 Driving Alice Springs-Uluru/Ayers: A Complete Itinerary

Yes, it is possible to fly into Alice Springs, get straight into a hire car and speed down to Uluru (455km) to catch the sunset. But let’s stop and think about that for a moment. With the exception of the late afternoon flight from Darwin, most flights from capital cities to Alice Springs arrive in the middle of the day. So, if you’re flying in from Melbourne, you’ll get to Alice about lunchtime, pick up your bags, fill in the rental car company’s paperwork and then collect you hire car. By the time you’ve done that, it’s already early afternoon, perhaps 1-2pm. If you hop straight in the car and head for Uluru, you’ve got a 5 hour road trip ahead of you, and, once you turn onto the Lasseter Highway, you’ll be driving into the late afternoon sun. Depending on the time of year, if might not even be possible to get to Uluru in time for the sunset! And of course, there is fatigue to worry about, along with kangaroos, camels, cattle and other animals on the roads in the late afternoons and evenings.

As Red Centre locals, we want you to have a life-changing, unforgettable experience in our spectacular backyard.

Spend any less than five days in the Red Centre and you are NOT making a good value-for- money choice – simply because of the vast distances that need to be travelled between destinations. With five days, you allow yourself time for sightseeing in Alice Springs as well as travel time AND time to stop and see many of the places we talk about in this guide. It also allows you to spend 2-3 days at Uluru/ Ayers Rock.

21 Driving Alice Springs-Uluru/Ayers: A Complete Itinerary

Itinerary 1: Budget Adventure

Time recommended: 5 days

Includes: Alice Springs, destinations along the way, Uluru & Kata Tjuta (the Olgas)

This itinerary is for people who don’t want to spend a lot of money and would prefer to visit low cost or free attractions and destinations. You’ll find a few local secrets here, too.

Day 1: Alice Springs Highlights

 Take a walk down Todd Mall and visit The Bakery at the cinema (northern end) of the Mall for great coffee and homemade artisan breads

 Visit the Alice Springs Telegraph Station (2km north of town), and walk around the outside of the heritage precinct (you won’t have to pay unless you go inside the fence) to see where the historic buildings mark the original site of Stuart, Alice Spring’s former name, this is where the town was first established. You’ll also be able to visit actual Alice ‘spring’, after which the town is named

 Visit the Olive Pink Botanical Garden (free entry) and take a walk around the gardens to see birds, plants and learn about Aboriginal bush tucker, medicinal plants and sacred stories. Take a short walk up Annie Meyer Hill (Tharrarletneme) for a fabulous view of the town

 Take a tour of the Royal Flying Doctor Service’s museum and grab a homemade pie from their café. Tours run every half hour and cost $16 for an adult – and EVERY cent goes into keeping this important part of outback life flying and saving lives – which is why we recommend you do this

 Visit the tiny, hidden, pioneer cemetery in George Crescent, near the Alice Springs Railway Station. It’s believed there are over 100 people buried here, even though only 40 graves are recorded. Of special note is the EMPTY grave of Jim Cummins, great uncle of the famous racehorse trainer (now deceased), Bart Cummins. Jim Cummins was a stockman working on a cattle station in what is now the West MacDonnell National Park. His horse returned to the station without him, and despite a search, no trace of him was ever found

 Head west about 8km along Larapinta Drive and stop at Flynn’s Grave and read the story of John Flynn and the Australian Inland Mission

22 Driving Alice Springs-Uluru/Ayers: A Complete Itinerary

 Drive west another 9km and take the turn off to Simpsons Gap. Stop at the ranger station/interpretive centre and learn about the landscape, plants and animals. Keep following the road, park your car at the end and take a leisurely stroll in Simpson Gap itself (entry to the Tjoritja/West MacDonnell National Park is FREE).

More about Simpsons Gap here

 Return to Alice Springs and head up Anzac Hill for a sunset view like this:

 For the best local’s BUDGET dinner in town, head to the VERY family friendly Gillen Club on Milner Road. More here

23 Driving Alice Springs-Uluru/Ayers: A Complete Itinerary

Day 2: Travel to Uluru

 Head south from Alice Springs as per the Driving Itinerary in this guide, and stop at Stuarts Well Roadhouse, 90km south along the Stuart Highway. Take a look at the emus, read about pioneer history and the role of the Cotterill family in establishing tourism in Central Australia  Visit the Australian Camel Farm next to Stuarts Well, and pat a camel or have a photo taken within (free entry), ride are available.  Pull up at the Finke River Roadside Rest Area and take a stroll down to the Finke River, which geologists say is the oldest river in the world to have maintained its original course  If you have time, take the 11km side tour at the Ernest Giles Road (the Kings Canyon turnoff) and visit Henbury Meteorite Craters Conservation Reserve (free entry)  Take a break at Erldunda Roadhouse  Stop at the Mt Conner (Atila) Lookout on the Lasseter Highway  Call in at Curtin Springs Station and get a photo of Mongrel, the pet emu

 About 20km after Curtin Springs, keep your eye on the LEFT side of the road and you’ll get your first glimpse of Uluru  Arrive at Yulara (the little resort town where ALL the Uluru accommodation is), check in & take a breather  Watch the sunset at Uluru. Leaving Yulara, head to the Uluru sunset viewing area, pass through the park entrance gates and buy your 3 day pass (you’ll need this to enter)  Dinner at the Outback Pioneer Hotel – grab an outback burger ($15) or meal deal from the little hole-in-the-wall counter behind the bar at the Outback Pioneer (look for the pool tables and it’s nearby to them). Most other ‘outback travel’ websites will tell you about the far more expensive $25 cook-your own BBQ. Our tip is to go for the burger

24 Driving Alice Springs-Uluru/Ayers: A Complete Itinerary

that’s cooked for you and save ten bucks! If you’re buying a drink here, you’ll need your room key or campground pass as there are strict rules about alcohol sales here

Day 3: Around Uluru

 Head out to the KATA TJUTA DUNE VIEWING AREA for an amazing sunrise on Kata Tjuta that’s nowhere near as crowded as the Uluru sunrise (local tip: the new sunrise viewing platform at Uluru is NOT the best for photography and arguably, not really worth the effort)  After breakfast, head into the park and visit the Cultural Centre. You’ll need a couple of hours here to take it all in  Take a walk to really appreciate Uluru’s majesty. If you’re NOT a walker, or need wheelchair access, try the very short Mutitjulu Waterhole walk on the south side of the Rock. For the ultimate experience, spend 3-4 hours and do the 9km super easy Uluru Base Walk  Contrary to popular belief, YOU CAN still climb Uluru – the climb IS NOT CLOSED. However, please note that Aboriginal Traditional Owners request that you do not do climb the Rock. The first part of the climb is a very steep, hard climb, before it flattens out on top. The climb is closed when it is too windy, when temperatures are higher than 36 Celsius or there is Aboriginal cultural business happening  Return to the Yulara town centre, shop, look around the town square and rest  For a different, hidden sunset view of Uluru from Yulara, head down Napala Road as if you’re going to the Uluru Camel Farm. Do NOT turn right down Kunia Street where the Camel Farm is, but keep going for about another 50 metres, and on the LEFT, you’ll find a little carpark and a short track to the least-known Uluru Lookout of all, located on a gorgeous little sand dune  Dinner in camp or head back to the Outback Pioneer hole-in-the-wall

Day 4: Kata Tjuta – The Olgas

25 Driving Alice Springs-Uluru/Ayers: A Complete Itinerary

 If you’re after a special photo of Kata Tjuta with some glorious red dirt and don’t mind a few corrugations, take a short drive down the Docker River (Western Australia) Road for about 5km turn around and look back  Return to Yulara  In the afternoon, if you haven’t already done so, drive all the way around Uluru  Return to the Yulara Town Square, and see the Putitja Dancers (traditional Aboriginal Dance) at 4pm. It’s free, but bookings are essential here  For dinner, head to Ayers Wok, an Asian fusion hole-in-the-wall take-away (take-out) in the Yulara Town Square, near Gecko’s Restaurant. Mains are about $16

Day 5: Heading Off

 If you insist, check out the Uluru Sunrise Viewing Platform (Talinguru Nyakunytjaku). It’s not a TOUCH on the old sunrise viewing platform and is not in the best place for photos. Our tip is to do the Kata Tjuta – Olgas sunrise if you haven’t already done so  Retrace your path to Alice Springs along the Lasseter Highway, head south on the Stuart Highway for home, OR head up the Luritja Road to Kings Canyon - Watarrka National Park and travel back to Alice via the RED CENTRE WAY

26 Driving Alice Springs-Uluru/Ayers: A Complete Itinerary

Itinerary 2: Nature & Culture (Our TOP Recommendation)

Time recommended: 6 days

Includes: Alice Springs, destinations along the way, Uluru & Kata Tjuta (the Olgas)

This itinerary is the one WE recommend to anyone who wants to have the most unforgettable, deep, life changing experience from visiting Central Australia. It’s the one for those of you who want to truly connect with the landscape and begin to understand it as country – in the way that Aboriginal people AND locals do.

Yes, there are some paid tours and attractions, but we’ve ONLY included those so good, you’ll want to tell your great-grandchildren about them.

Day 1: Alice Springs

 Alice Springs Desert Park (you’ll need at least 3 hours – read about this AMAZING, all- encompassing Aboriginal cultural, wildlife and living natural history museum here)  Watertank Café for lunch (local secret: a funky café in the industrial area, on Milner Road & Elder Street, next to Desert Dwellers camping/outdoor shop)  Flynn’s Grave  Drive out to Simpsons Gap. Stop at the ranger station/interpretive centre and learn about the landscape, plants and animals. Keep following the road, park your car at the end and take a leisurely stroll in Simpson Gap itself (entry to the West MacDonnell National Park is FREE). More about Simpsons Gap here  Sunset on Anzac Hill  Dinner at Monte’s Lounge (this is a fave with locals and gets very busy on Friday and Saturday nights)

Alternative Itinerary:

 Alice Springs Desert Park - allow at least 3 hours  Lunch at the Bean Tree Café in Olive Pink Botanic Garden /OR Page 27 in Reg Harris Lane at the southern end of Todd Mall  Visit the Alice Springs Reptile Centre or take a Royal Flying Doctor Service tour (both of these attractions are across the road from each other, so you could do both)  Riverside Walk to visit the Alice Springs Telegraph Station - an easy 2.5km from Todd Mall along the shady banks of the Todd River  Sunset on Anzac Hill  Dinner at Monte’s Lounge

27 Driving Alice Springs-Uluru/Ayers: A Complete Itinerary

Day 2: Travel to Uluru

 Head south from Alice Springs as per the Driving Itinerary in this guide, and stop at Stuarts Well Roadhouse, 90km south. Take a look at the emus, read about pioneer history and the role of the Cotterill family in establishing tourism in Central Australia  Pull up at the Finke River Roadside Rest Area and take a stroll down to the Finke River, which geologists say is the oldest river in the world  Take the 11km side tour at the Ernest Giles Road (the Kings Canyon turnoff) and visit Henbury Meteorite Craters Conservation Reserve (free entry)  Take a break at Erldunda Roadhouse  Stop at the Mt Conner (Atila) Lookout on the Lasseter Highway

Cultural tour option 1 (this option adds an extra day):

 Take the Mt Conner tour from Curtin Springs Station - you will NEED to stay overnight here. This is an amazing tour and will give you unique photographs, Aboriginal and European history and opportunity to see Mt Conner up close on private property. Bookings and information here

Continuing on:

 About 20km after Curtin Springs, keep your eye on the LEFT side of the road and you’ll get your first glimpse of Uluru  Arrive at Yulara (the little resort town where ALL the Uluru accommodation is), check in & take a breather  Watch the sunset at Uluru. Leaving Yulara, head to the Uluru sunset viewing area, pass through the park entrance gates and buy your 3 day pass (you’ll need this to get up close to Uluru)  Dinner at the Outback Pioneer Hotel – grab an outback burger ($15) or meal deal from the little hole-in-the-wall counter behind the bar at the Outback Pioneer (look for the pool tables and it’s nearby to them). Most other ‘outback travel’ websites tell you about the far more expensive $25 cook-your own BBQ. That’s cos they’re not locals! Our tip is to have the burger cooked for you and save ten bucks! If you’re buying a drink here, you’ll need your room key or campground pass as there are strict rules about alcohol sales here

28 Driving Alice Springs-Uluru/Ayers: A Complete Itinerary

Day 3: Around Uluru

Cultural Tour Option 2: Cave Hill Aboriginal Cultural Tour (this adds an extra day)

 This is simply THE best Aboriginal cultural tour that you can take. We don’t say that lightly. The Cave Hill tour is an all day (8-9 hours) tour that takes you out onto Aboriginal Land, approximately 130km south west of Uluru to a sacred place that tourists can’t go alone. You’ll meet Traditional Yankunytjatjara/Pitjantjatjara Elders who will teach you about Aboriginal Law and culture. You’ll see sacred rock art, sample bush tucker and sit down and have the chance to have a genuine, relaxed chat with Aboriginal people. It’s worth EVERY cent – and no, we don’t get a commission for promoting this – it’s simply so good, like the Alice Springs Desert Park, we just can’t help but tell people to GO DO IT. Bookings here

Alternative itinerary if you don’t do the Cave Hill Tour:

 Catch the sunrise at the KATA TJUTA DUNE VIEWING AREA for an amazing sight that’s nowhere near as crowded as the Uluru sunrise (local tip: the new sunrise viewing platform at Uluru is NOT the best for photography and not really worth the effort)  After breakfast, head into the park and visit the Cultural Centre. You’ll need a couple of hours here to take it all in  Take a walk to really appreciate Uluru’s majesty. If you’re NOT a walker, or need wheelchair access, try the very short Mutitjulu Waterhole walk on the south side of the Rock. For the ultimate experience, spend 3-4 hours and do the 9km super easy Uluru Base Walk  Dot painting with Maraku Arts – learn how to paint in a ‘traditional’ style with Aboriginal ladies from nearby Mutitjulu Community. You’ll walk away with your own ready to mount & frame canvas and it’s a great opportunity to actually meet Aboriginal people and talk to them in a relaxed, open atmosphere. Bookings essential here  Grab dinner at Ayers Wok or Gecko’s in the Yulara Town Square  Head out with one of the visiting astronomers for an Uluru Astronomy night. View the incredible outback night sky through telescopes and learn from experts. We can’t recommend this relatively inexpensive activity enough. Book here

Day 4: Kata Tjuta and More

 Have a sleep in  Drive 50km out to Kata Tjuta (Mt Olga). We really cannot stress this enough: the 8km Valley of the Winds Walk is one of THE BEST WALKS in Australia. Don’t be lazy. Do it!

29 Driving Alice Springs-Uluru/Ayers: A Complete Itinerary

 Another option is to walk to the second lookout/gap on the Valley of the Winds Walk. This is the place where all the tour groups stop, take photos then turn around and head back to the carpark, so it’s easy to find  If you’re not able to walk 8km, then the very short, 2km return Walpa Gorge Walk is the alternative  If you’re after a special photo of Kata Tjuta with some glorious red dirt and don’t mind a few corrugations, take a short drive down the Docker River (Western Australia) Road for about 5km turn around and look back  Return to Yulara  Head to the Mani Mani Cultural Theatre and see a dramatic sensory retelling of the Aboriginal Dreaming Story of Walawuru, the Eagle Man (free). Details here  Take a sunset camel ride at the Ayers Rock Camel farm. Details here

ALTERNATIVE TO CAMEL RIDE:

 Grab a quick dinner  Take the 45 minute Field of Light self-guided tour (includes pick up and drop off from your accommodation). The Field of Light display has been extended until March 2018. Details here

Day 5: Heading Off

 If you insist, check out sunrise at the Uluru Sunrise Viewing Platform (Talinguru Nyakunytjaku). It’s not a TOUCH on the old sunrise viewing platform and is not in the best place for photos. Our tip is to do the Kata Tjuta – Olgas sunrise if you haven’t already done so  Before you leave, catch a free Bush Yarn with a local Aboriginal storyteller, where you’ll learn about culture, hunting, and bush tucker. More info here  Retrace your path to Alice Springs on the Lasseter Highway, head south on the Stuart Highway for home, OR head up the Luritja Road to Kings Canyon - Watarrka National Park and travel back to Alice via the RED CENTRE WAY  If you’re heading up the Red Centre Way to Kings Canyon, then we HIGHLY recommend that you call in at Karrke Aboriginal Cultural Tours, right near Kings Creek Station. Karrke is run by local Luritja man and former park ranger, Peter Abbott, and his family. This is another of our MUST-DOs. Learn more here

30 Driving Alice Springs-Uluru/Ayers: A Complete Itinerary

Itinerary 3: Adventure Calls

Time recommended: 5-7 days

Includes: Alice Springs, Owen Springs OR Rainbow Valley plus other destinations along the way, Uluru & Kata Tjuta (the Olgas)

This itinerary is for people who want to see the outback like we locals do, have a SUV or 4WD, love campfires under the stars, and don’t mind a few short walks. In fact, we INSIST you do some walking, because we know you’re spending far too long sitting on your butt in the car between destinations!

Day 1: Alice Springs Highlights

 Alice Springs Desert Park (you’ll need at least 3 hours – read about this AMAZING, all- encompassing Aboriginal cultural, wildlife and living natural history museum here)  Lunch at the Bean Tree Café in Olive Pink Botanic Garden /OR Page 27 in Reg Harris Lane at the southern end of Todd Mall  Drive up to the Alice Springs Telegraph Station and visit the historic precinct (there is a charge). Once finished exploring the old buildings that were the first European settlement in Alice, take the Trig Hill Walk for an AMAZING view of the town and its surround. Continue on this loop to the tiny pioneer cemetery and then return to the car park (less than an hour in total to do the Trig Hill/Cemetery loop).  Head up to Anzac Hill for sunset  Drive back down Anzac Hill, and turn RIGHT instead of left. Drive about 400m and head to the Alice Springs RSL for dinner (look for the cannon). Children are welcome, there is a small museum and historical displays inside. Meals are around $18-$25

Day 2: Travel to Rainbow Valley OR Redbank Waterhole

This is a relatively short travel day (maximum of 100km from Alice if you head out to Rainbow), so we’ve added a few extra Alice Springs delights for you.

Option 1: Morning visit to the Kangaroo Sanctuary. Meet Brolga (aka Kangaroo Dundee) and Roger the buff alpha male ‘roo. Pet kangaroos and learn about the work that the Sanctuary does. More info about opening hours and costs here

Option 2: Visit Emily and Jesse Gaps. These Gaps are both called Anthwerrke (un-DORR-kuh) in Arrernte, and were two of the most sacred places for local Aboriginal Men. Women were not traditionally permitted into either Gap to view the paintings, and sacred objects were stored here in caves (do NOT let your kids climb into caves here – it is VERY disrespectful!). Both Emily

31 Driving Alice Springs-Uluru/Ayers: A Complete Itinerary and Jesse are sacred sites associated with caterpillar ancestor spirits. Turn off is just south of Alice Springs, look for the Ross Highway signs. More here

Option 1: Camp Overnight at Redbank Waterhole

 Head south along the Stuart Highway. After about 60km, you’ll come to the Owen Springs Reserve turn off.  If you’re planning on camping at Redbank Waterhole, take this turn. Travel for about 3.8km along the track and look CAREFULLY for the brown NT Parks sign that says: “Redbank Waterhole 2km”. From there, it’s 1km to the first part of the waterhole along a narrow track.  Redbank Waterhole is an ephemeral waterhole within the Hugh River. This means that there may not be water here all the time – best time for water is during Jan-March  Camping is FREE – but do note that this is bush camping and there are no facilities  You can camp anywhere along the banks of the Hugh River here, and yes, your dog is welcome  Firewood can be collected within the stream banks of the camping areas in Owen Springs Reserve

32 Driving Alice Springs-Uluru/Ayers: A Complete Itinerary

Option 2: Camp Overnight at Rainbow Valley

 Head south along the Stuart Highway. After about 80km, you’ll come to the Rainbow Valley Conservation Reserve turnoff  It’s a 20km trip in on a reasonable dirt road. There are corrugations, but keep in mind that we drove a 2WD Toyota Camry in here, with no problems whatsoever  There are two camping areas at Rainbow, one close to the claypan and one behind a sand dune  Whilst the claypan camping area is closer to the dramatic sandstone feature, it is very small and gets crowded in winter time and on weekends  There are gas BBQs, fireplaces, long drop toilets and picnic shelters at Rainbow  There is a small fee to camp here, but entry to the Reserve is free  There are several short walks to do at Rainbow  We have an entire article dedicated to Rainbow Valley, filled with details and local tips. Read it here

Day 3: Travel to Uluru

 Return to the Stuart Highway and continue south from either Rainbow Valley or Redbank Waterhole  Pull up at the Finke River Roadside Rest Area and take a stroll down to the Finke River, which geologists say is the oldest river in the world to have maintained its original course  Take the 11km side tour at the Ernest Giles Road (at the Kings Canyon turnoff) and visit Henbury Meteorite Craters Conservation Reserve (free entry)  Take a break at Erldunda Roadhouse  Stop at the Mt Conner (Atila) Lookout on the Lasseter Highway. BEFORE YOU LEAVE, cross the road and climb the SAND DUNE opposite the Mt Conner Lookout for a view of something very special that many people won’t bother to see. No, we’re not going to tell you what it is, you’ll have to get out and see it for yourself!  About 20km after Curtin Springs, keep your eye on the LEFT side of the road and you’ll get your first glimpse of Uluru  Arrive at Yulara (the little resort town where ALL the Uluru accommodation is), check in & take a breather  Watch the sunset at Uluru. Leaving Yulara, head to the Uluru sunset viewing area, pass through the park entrance gates and buy your 3 day pass (you’ll need this to enter)  Dinner at the Outback Pioneer Hotel – grab an outback burger ($15) or a meal deal ($18) from the little hole-in-the-wall counter behind the bar at the Outback Pioneer (look for the pool tables and it’s nearby to them). If you’re buying a drink here, you’ll

33 Driving Alice Springs-Uluru/Ayers: A Complete Itinerary

need your room key or campground pass as there are strict rules about alcohol sales here

Day 4: Exploring Uluru

 Catch the sunrise at the KATA TJUTA DUNE VIEWING AREA for an amazing sight that’s nowhere near as crowded as the Uluru sunrise (local tip: the new sunrise viewing platform at Uluru is NOT the best for photography and not really worth the effort)  After breakfast, head back into the park and visit the Cultural Centre. You’ll need a couple of hours here to take it all in  Take a walk to really appreciate Uluru’s majesty. For the ultimate experience, spend 3- 4 hours and do the 9km super easy Uluru Base Walk. You will experience ‘country’ and Uluru in a way that you will never experience by sitting in your car  Contrary to popular belief, the Uluru Climb IS STILL OPEN (unless weather conditions or Aboriginal cultural business close it), so this is an alternative option to the Base Walk. Please be aware that Traditional Owners request that you do not climb Uluru  After lunch, take a helicopter ride over the Rock. No, they’re not cheap, but you’ll get a view that you’ll never forget. More info here  Alternatively, head over to Uluru Camel Tours and take a camel ride. More info here  Return to the Yulara Town Square, and see the Putitja Dancers (traditional Aboriginal Dance) at 4pm. It’s free, but bookings are essential here  For dinner, head to Ayers Wok, an Asian fusion hole-in-the-wall take-away (take-out) in the Yulara Town Square, near Gecko’s Restaurant. Mains are about $16

Day 5: Kata Tjuta & More

 Have a sleep in  Drive 50km out to Kata Tjuta (Mt Olga). We really cannot stress this enough: the 8km Valley of the Winds Walk is one of THE BEST WALKS in Australia. Don’t be lazy. Do it!  If you’re after a special photo of Kata Tjuta with some glorious red dirt and don’t mind a few corrugations, take a short drive down the Docker River (Western Australia) Road for about 5km turn around and look back  Return to Yulara  Drive back out to Uluru and do the Mutitjulu Waterhole Walk (access is past the cultural centre, on the southern side of Uluru as if you’re going to drive right around the Rock) – this short walk is one of the best in Central Australia. We cannot stress that enough!

34 Driving Alice Springs-Uluru/Ayers: A Complete Itinerary

 For a different, hidden sunset view of Uluru from Yulara, head down Napala Road as if you’re going to the Uluru Camel Farm. Do NOT turn right down Kunia Street where the Camel Farm is, but keep going for about another 50 metres, and on the LEFT, you’ll find a little carpark and a short track to the least-known Uluru Lookout of all, located on a gorgeous little sand dune  Grab dinner at Ayers Wok or Gecko’s in the Yulara Town Square  Head out with one of the visiting astronomers for an Uluru Astronomy night. View the incredible outback night sky through telescopes and learn from experts. We can’t recommend this relatively inexpensive activity enough. Book here

ALTERNATIVE EVENING OPTION:

 Grab a quick dinner at Ayers Wok or Gecko’s  Take the 45 minute Field of Light self-guided tour (includes pick up and drop off from your accommodation). The Field of Light display has been extended until March 2018. Details here

Day 6: Heading Off

 If you wish, check out sunrise at the Uluru Sunrise Viewing Platform (Talinguru Nyakunytjaku). It’s not a TOUCH on the old sunrise viewing platform and is not in the best place for photos. Our tip is to do the Kata Tjuta – Olgas sunrise if you haven’t already done so  Before you leave, catch a free Bush Yarn with a local Aboriginal storyteller, where you’ll learn about culture, hunting, and bush tucker. More info here  Retrace your path to Alice Springs along the Lasseter Highway, head south on the Stuart Highway for home, OR head up the Luritja Road to Kings Canyon - Watarrka National Park and travel back to Alice via the RED CENTRE WAY  If you’re heading up the Red Centre Way to Kings Canyon, then we HIGHLY recommend that you call in at Karrke Aboriginal Cultural Tours, right near Kings Creek Station. Karrke is run by local Luritja man and former park ranger, Peter Abbott, and his family. This is another of our MUST-DOs. Learn more here

35 Driving Alice Springs-Uluru/Ayers: A Complete Itinerary

36 Driving Alice Springs-Uluru/Ayers: A Complete Itinerary

Itinerary 4: The Grand Tour - Once in A Lifetime Trip

Time recommended: 7-10 Days

Includes: Alice Springs, destinations along the way, Uluru & Kata Tjuta (the Olgas), plus Kings Canyon – Watarrka (4WD/SUV options included)

This itinerary is for people who know the real secret of outback travel: TRAVEL SLOW, TRAVEL DEEP. This means you know that to really get to a feel for a place, you need to spend a bit of extra time, slow down and hang out with the locals.

Day 1: Alice Springs

Day 2: Alice Springs – Erldunda (4WD options also)

 Drive up to the Alice Springs Telegraph Station and visit the historic precinct (there is a charge). Once finished exploring the old buildings that were the first European settlement in Alice, take the Trig Hill Walk for an AMAZING view of the town and its surround. Continue on this loop to the tiny pioneer cemetery and then return to the car park (less than an hour in total to do the Trig Hill/Cemetery loop)  Lunch at the Bean Tree Café in Olive Pink Botanic Garden /OR Page 27 in Reg Harris Lane at the southern end of Todd Mall  Head south from Alice Springs as per the Driving Itinerary in this guide.  Stop at Stuarts Well Roadhouse, 90km south. Take a look at the emus, read about pioneer history and the role of the Cotterill family in establishing tourism in Central Australia

37 Driving Alice Springs-Uluru/Ayers: A Complete Itinerary

 Pull up at the Finke River Roadside Rest Area and take a stroll down to the Finke River, which geologists say is the oldest river in the world to have maintained its original course  Take the 11km side tour at the Ernest Giles Road (the Kings Canyon turnoff) and visit Henbury Meteorite Craters Conservation Reserve (free entry)  Stay overnight at Erldunda Roadhouse (motel rooms, budget rooms, backpackers accommodation and camping). Make sure you have dinner in the bar and chat to the locals. Get the best rates and book here

4WD/SUV Camping Option 1: Redbank Waterhole on Owen Springs Reserve

Option 2: Camp Overnight at Rainbow Valley

38 Driving Alice Springs-Uluru/Ayers: A Complete Itinerary

Day 3: Travel to Uluru

 Leave Erldunda and turn right onto the Lasseter Highway  Stop at the Mt Conner (Atila) Lookout. BEFORE YOU LEAVE, cross the road and climb the SAND DUNE opposite the lookout for a view of something very special that many people won’t bother to see. No, we’re not going to tell you what it is, you’ll have to get out and see it for yourself!

Cultural tour option 1 (this option adds an extra day to the itinerary):

Continuing on from Curtin Springs:

 About 20km after Curtin Springs, keep your eye on the LEFT side of the road and you’ll get your first glimpse of Uluru  Arrive at Yulara (the little resort town where ALL the Uluru accommodation is), check in & take a breather  Watch the sunset at Uluru. Leaving Yulara, head to the Uluru sunset viewing area, pass through the park entrance gates and buy your 3 day pass (you’ll need this to get up close to Uluru)  Dinner at the Outback Pioneer Hotel – grab an outback burger ($15) or meal deal ($18) from the little hole-in-the-wall counter behind the bar at the Outback Pioneer (look for the pool tables and it’s nearby to them). Most other ‘outback travel’ websites tell you about the far more expensive $25 cook-your own BBQ. That’s cos they’re not locals! Our tip is to have the burger cooked for you and save ten bucks! If you’re buying a drink here, you’ll need your room key or campground pass as there are strict rules about alcohol sales here

Day 4: Exploring Uluru

39 Driving Alice Springs-Uluru/Ayers: A Complete Itinerary

 Take a walk to really appreciate Uluru’s majesty. For the ultimate experience, spend 3- 4 hours and do the 9km super easy Uluru Base Walk. You will experience ‘country’ and Uluru in a way that you will never experience by sitting in your car  Contrary to popular belief, the Uluru Climb IS STILL OPEN (unless weather conditions or Aboriginal cultural business close it), so this is an alternative option to the Base Walk. Please be aware that Traditional Owners request that you do not climb Uluru  After lunch, take a helicopter ride over the Rock. No, they’re not cheap, but you’ll get a view that you’ll never forget. More info here  Alternatively, head over to Uluru Camel Tours and take a camel ride. More info here  Return to the Yulara Town Square, and see the Putitja Dancers (traditional Aboriginal Dance) at 4pm. It’s free, but bookings are essential here  For dinner, head to Ayers Wok, an Asian fusion hole-in-the-wall take-away (take-out) in the Yulara Town Square, near Gecko’s Restaurant. Mains are about $16

ALTERNATIVE EVENING OPTION:

Day 5: Kata Tjuta or Cave Hill Aboriginal Cultural Tour

NB. If you choose to do both Kata Tjuta and Cave Hill, please ADD an extra day to your itinerary.

Kata Tjuta option:

 Have a sleep in  Drive 50km out to Kata Tjuta (Mt Olga). We really cannot stress this enough: the 8km Valley of the Winds Walk is one of THE BEST WALKS in Australia. Don’t be lazy. Do it!  Another option is to walk to the second lookout/gap on the Valley of the Winds Walk. This is the place where all the tour groups stop, take photos then turn around and head back to the carpark, so it’s easy to find  If you’re not able to walk 8km, then the very short, 2km return Walpa Gorge Walk is the alternative  If you’re after a special photo of Kata Tjuta with some glorious red dirt and don’t mind a few corrugations, take a short drive down the Docker River (Western Australia) Road for about 5km turn around and look back  Return to Yulara

40 Driving Alice Springs-Uluru/Ayers: A Complete Itinerary

 Drive back out to Uluru and do the Mutitjulu Waterhole Walk (access is past the cultural centre, on the southern side of Uluru as if you’re going to drive right around the Rock) – this short walk is one of the best in Central Australia. We cannot stress that enough!  For a different, hidden sunset view of Uluru from Yulara, head down Napala Road as if you’re going to the Uluru Camel Farm. Do NOT turn right down Kunia Street where the Camel Farm is, but keep going for about another 50 metres, and on the LEFT, you’ll find a little carpark and a short track to the least-known Uluru Lookout of all, located on a gorgeous little sand dune

 Grab dinner at Ayers Wok or Gecko’s in the Yulara Town Square  Head out with one of the visiting astronomers for an Uluru Astronomy night. View the incredible outback night sky through telescopes and learn from experts. We can’t recommend this relatively inexpensive activity enough. Book here

Cave Hill Aboriginal Cultural Tour Option:

41 Driving Alice Springs-Uluru/Ayers: A Complete Itinerary

about Aboriginal Law and culture. You’ll see sacred rock art, sample bush tucker and sit down and have the chance to have a genuine, relaxed chat with Aboriginal people. It’s worth EVERY cent – and no, we don’t get a commission for promoting this – it’s simply so good, like the Alice Springs Desert Park, we just can’t help but tell people to GO DO IT. Bookings here

Day 6: Uluru to Kings Canyon - Watarrka

 If you wish, check out sunrise at the Uluru Sunrise Viewing Platform (Talinguru Nyakunytjaku). It’s not a TOUCH on the old sunrise viewing platform and is not in the best place for photos. Our tip is to do the Kata Tjuta – Olgas sunrise if you haven’t already done so  Before you leave, catch a free Bush Yarn with a local Aboriginal storyteller, where you’ll learn about culture, hunting, and bush tucker. More info here  Retrace your path back along the Lasseter Highway and turn LEFT at the Luritja Road/Red Centre Way. A detailed driving itinerary is available in our RED CENTRE WAY GUIDE  We HIGHLY recommend that you call in at Karrke Aboriginal Cultural Tours, right near Kings Creek Station. Karrke is run by local Luritja man and former park ranger, Peter Abbott, and his family. This is another of our MUST-DOs. Learn more here  Stop and grab a camel burger at Kings Creek Station. Kings Creek is also an alternative place to stay if you do not want to pay the higher prices for accommodation at Kings Canyon Resort. More here about Kings Creek Station  Arrive Kings Canyon. Do the short Creek walk to get a feel for the Canyon’s size and majesty

Day 7: Kings Canyon – Alice Springs

NB. There is an added option after this, travelling to Alice Springs via the Red Centre Way/Old Mereenie Loop Road

 Depart accommodation early and do the 3-4 hour Kings Canyon Rim Walk. This is one of THE BEST short walks in Central Australia, if not the entire country. Do NOT miss out on doing it. Read all about this spectacular walk here  When you’re finished the Rim Walk, return to Alice Springs on sealed roads via the Luritja Road, Lasseter Highway and Stuart Highway, retracing your original route

Day 7 (Extended Option):

42 Driving Alice Springs-Uluru/Ayers: A Complete Itinerary

This assumes you have a 4WD or SUV and are returning to Alice Springs via the Red Centre Way/old Mereenie Loop.

 Grab our RED CENTRE WAY GUIDE for a detailed driving itinerary like the one you’re reading  You now have two choices. You can either STAY an additional night at Kings Canyon, which will give you time to visit nearby Kathleen Springs and or head to the campground and catch the spectacular sunset on the Canyon from the viewing platform  ALTERNATIVELY, head off and start travelling the Red Centre Way

Days 8-10: Red Centre Way/West MacDonnell Ranges

 Following the detailed trip itinerary set out in our Red Centre Way Guide, spend a couple of days exploring the West MacDonnell Ranges before finishing your adventure in Alice Springs  Get the guide here

43 Driving Alice Springs-Uluru/Ayers: A Complete Itinerary Alice Springs – Uluru/Ayers Rock Driving Itinerary

Start Here: Alice Springs

As Alice Springs is our home, we have an entire section on our website devoted to it.

Click here to read about accommodation, shopping and must see places in Alice Springs

From Alice Springs, head south on the Stuart Highway through Heavitree Gap (pictured below).

To do this, you’ll need to pass through the big intersection with traffic lights near the railway crossing on the Stuart Highway. It’s the busiest intersection in the town – so it won’t take you long to find it!

After that, keep heading south towards the MacDonnell Ranges. You’ll need to take care driving around the big, busy Tom Brown Roundabout, and make sure you take the correct turn off (3rd left if you’re coming from the town centre) to drive through Heavitree Gap.

44 Driving Alice Springs-Uluru/Ayers: A Complete Itinerary

Heavitree Gap is known by Alice locals as ‘the Gap’. It’s an important sacred site for the local Arrernte (arr-UHN-da) people, and is called Ntaripe (un-DAR-i-puh) in their language.

Many Dreaming ancestors pass through or cross over Heavitree Gap, including the famous Yeperenye caterpillars and the green Ilperenye (stinky) beetle who the caterpillars had a great battle with in Dreaming stories.

Traditionally, as Ntaripe is a Men’s Sacred Site, Aboriginal women were not allowed to pass through it. They had to travel out to Honeymoon Gap (about 17km west), and cross through the Gap there to travel through the ranges.

Pass through Heavitree Gap and head south for about 5km and then turn right at the signs which say ‘Adelaide’ (10km south of town).

If you continue straight ahead, you’ll end up at the airport!

If you do this, simply drive around the airport roundabout and head back until you see the ‘Adelaide/Stuart Highway’ signs and turn left.

45 Driving Alice Springs-Uluru/Ayers: A Complete Itinerary

If you see the sign in the picture above, you’re on the RIGHT road!

This is the Stuart Highway proper, and you’ll be driving on this road for the next 2 hours, until you reach Erldunda.

Of course, there’s a plenty of things to see and do along the way.

46 Driving Alice Springs-Uluru/Ayers: A Complete Itinerary

60km: Mt Polhill Roadside Rest Area

Mt Polhill is a roadside stop where you can camp for free for up to 24hrs.

There’s some a shade shelter, picnic tables, a toilet, a watertank and some good sunrise views of the Waterhouse Range.

There is also a FREE wi-fi hotspot here, too.

There is a well-known Geocache nearby.

It’s only tiny and it does fill up very quickly in the winter months, you may want to get here by 3pm if you plan to stay.

If it’s busy, you’d prefer a bit more space and you don’t mind a little bit of dirt, turn the page for the next destination and a magic campsite!

47 Driving Alice Springs-Uluru/Ayers: A Complete Itinerary

67km: Owen Springs Reserve Turn Off

Owen Springs Reserve is one of the Red Centre’s best-kept secrets.

Not only are there glorious, free shady campsites -even a dog friendly campsite – there’s a 50km long 4WD track that winds through the Reserve and takes you back to Alice Springs via Larapinta Drive.

However, the reason we’re mentioning it here is that there is a gorgeous campsite at a semi- permanent waterhole, just minutes off the Stuart Highway, inside the Reserve – Redbank Waterhole.

This is a FREE campsite and a favorite with Alice locals, and dogs are welcome here.

If you’re visiting at the right time of year, you’ll find Redbank looking like this:

Located about 7km off the highway, the last part of the track to get in to Redbank is a little bumpy so you will need to drive with care, but we’ve seen caravans and ordinary 2WD vehicles camped there.

Owen Springs is full of history, Aboriginal rock art sites, great birdwatching, and free bush camping. There’s also a number of Geocaches hidden throughout the Reserve.

48 Driving Alice Springs-Uluru/Ayers: A Complete Itinerary

We’ve created an entire guide to Owen Springs Reserve which you can read more about here.

49 Driving Alice Springs-Uluru/Ayers: A Complete Itinerary

77km: Rainbow Valley Turn Off

Rainbow Valley is a short detour that’s well worth the 22km drive along the unsealed road that leads in to it.

There’s a great camping area there with picnic tables, gas BBQs and long drop toilets, a couple of interesting walks, and of course THIS fabulous rock formation:

A high clearance vehicle is recommended (the road can be quite corrugated at certain times of the year), although I will admit I have driven a 2WD Toyota Camry sedan in here with no difficulty.

And yes, LOTS of Wicked vans, Britz Campers and other 2WD vehicles seem to make it here just fine.

We’ve written a complete guide to Rainbow Valley for you here. Steeped in living Aboriginal culture, it really is worth the extra 40km round trip to visit this very, very special place.

50 Driving Alice Springs-Uluru/Ayers: A Complete Itinerary

92km: Stuarts Well Roadhouse

Even if you don’t stop at any other roadhouse when driving from Alice Springs to Ayers Rock, we recommend that you stop at Stuarts Well.

At Stuarts Well, you’ll find a caravan park, shady camping area, a restaurant, pool, toilets, emus and kangaroos.

During the winter months, you can have a fabulous Sunday roast there (on a Sunday, of course).

Stuarts Well was the home of Dinky the singing Dingo – an outback legend in his own right.

And of course, his owner, Jim Cotterill; was another outback legend.

Jim Cotterill’s father, Jack, was instrumental in opening Kings Canyon – Watarrka up for tourists. He also owned the famous and much-missed Wallara Ranch, near the corner of the Ernest Giles and Luritja Roads.

If you take your time at Stuarts Well, you’ll find Jack’s story along with other interesting historical information about the area.

51 Driving Alice Springs-Uluru/Ayers: A Complete Itinerary

Sadly, Dinky the Singing Dingo passed away in May 2014, but his memory lives on in You Tube clips, photos, and the hearts of all who met him.

There’s also a Geocache at Stuarts Well – which you’ll need to ask for at the bar.

Next door is the Camel’s Australia camel farm where you can take a short camel ride, buy some snacks and souvenirs. It’s FREE to visit and pat some camels or have a photo taken with them.

52 Driving Alice Springs-Uluru/Ayers: A Complete Itinerary

98km: Cannonball Run Memorial

This roadside rest area is only a few minutes on from Stuarts Well, on the eastern side of the highway.

It’s a barren, open place with little shade.

It does have an interesting story.

In 1994, during a car race event called ‘The Cannonball Run’, a Ferrari F40 crashed into a checkpost at this point, killing its Japanese driving team and two track officials.

Needless to say, there were no further Cannonball Runs in the Northern Territory after this.

If you’re a Geocacher, there is a cache here, on the opposite side of the highway.

53 Driving Alice Springs-Uluru/Ayers: A Complete Itinerary

127km: The Finke River Crossing

Just before the bridge is a tiny rest area located on the eastern side of the highway.

It’s a popular stop for people driving from Alice Springs to Ayers Rock.

The rest area has a toilet, some water, a couple of picnic tables, fire places and shade shelters. In winter time, this rest area is packed full of camper trailers.

Why?

The location is superb: right next to the mighty Finke River (which only flows a couple of times each year). If you’re there at the right time, you might see the river looking like this:

The rest area has a 24 hour limit on camping, so no long term camping.

If you wish to camp here during PEAK TOURIST SEASON, arrive by 3pm as after that, it will be packed. We’ve seen more than 20 separate vehicles along with their campers and caravans here during the winter months.

And yes, there is a Geocache here, too.

54 Driving Alice Springs-Uluru/Ayers: A Complete Itinerary

132km: Ernest Giles Road/Kings Canyon turnoff

This is the quickest way to Kings Canyon (Watarrka) from Alice Springs.

It’s 100km across the Ernest Giles Road from the Stuart Highway to the Luritja Road (a sealed road) and you come out at a point approximately 100km south of Kings Canyon.

However, the Ernest Giles Road is a recommended 4WD only road if you wish to travel all the way across it.

Don’t be fooled by the ‘4WD Recommended’ signs. There are sand dunes 2/3 of the way along this road, and whilst the first half is now good gravel, the second half is corrugated and sandy.

We don’t recommend taking a 2WD on this road past the Henbury Metorite Craters turn off.

A quick side trip along the Ernest Giles Road is to the small but interesting Henbury Meteorite Craters Conservation Reserve, located 11km off the Stuart Highway (yes, you can do in a 2WD).

55 Driving Alice Springs-Uluru/Ayers: A Complete Itinerary

Around 4700 years ago, a meteorite roughly the size of a 44 gallon drum crashed to Earth, shattering into fragments and creating the 12 craters which the Henbury Meteorite Craters Conservation Reserve preserves.

The largest crater is 180m wide and 15m deep, whilst other craters are so small, they’re hard to see. You can walk all around the craters to see them – it takes less than hour to do so.

You can camp at Henbury Craters, but keep in mind that it’s a very barren, exposed place. You’ll need to bring your own firewood and water, and take all your rubbish with you.

There are fire pits, a long drop toilet and a shade shelter, but no other facilities.

56 Driving Alice Springs-Uluru/Ayers: A Complete Itinerary

169km: Free Desert Oaks Rest Area/Campsite

Located on the west side of the road, this spot is set in amongst the sand dunes and (of course) desert oaks.

The Desert Oaks Rest area is one of a number along the Stuart Highway that you can camp overnight for free.

It gets VERY popular in winter time (between June-August in the outback), so our advice would be to get here before 3pm if you’d like to get a spot that’s further back from the road.

The rest area has plenty of room to spread out, water, shade, tables, wood BBQs, toilets and water, however we’d recommend that if you want a campfire, you may have to drive along the road and collect your firewood from elsewhere due to the winter time popularity of this place.

57 Driving Alice Springs-Uluru/Ayers: A Complete Itinerary

You’ll find a Geocache nearby.

58 Driving Alice Springs-Uluru/Ayers: A Complete Itinerary

201km: Erldunda Roadhouse & Ayers Rock/Uluru turnoff.

Erldunda Roadhouse is a very popular stop for people driving from Alice Springs to Ayers Rock.

In fact, you’ll often find this roadhouse crowded with all manner of tourist buses, camper vans, 4WDs, cars and people travelling up and down the Stuart Highway!

Erldunda has a caravan park, cafe, tavern, service station, a Geocache, and some interesting things like a giant concrete Echidna and (live) emus.

There’s mobile phone reception here – the last reception you’ll get until you reach Yulara (Ayers Rock Resort).

There is an ATM here, a bakery and great coffee, a small, basic supermarket, a separate bar, good meals, tourist information and souvenirs.

There are also emus, kangaroos and various other animals you can walk up to and pat or have your photo taken.

For some reason we’ve never been able to fathom, the FLIES like Erldunda a lot. You can often find yourself inundated by flies here, but then see almost none elsewhere!

59 Driving Alice Springs-Uluru/Ayers: A Complete Itinerary

If you decide to stay at Erldunda, there’s a variety of accommodation options – camping, powered and unpowered caravan sites, backpacker’s accommodation (very basic) and very nice motel rooms.

We have stayed here in the basic motel rooms, in the backpacker’s accommodation and in the camping area. Although it’s busy at certain times of the year, it’s clean and we have always enjoyed our stay.

Book rooms, get the best rates and read reviews for Erldunda Roadhouse here

Once you’re finished at Erldunda, turn right onto the Lasseter Highway.

From here, it is 245km to Uluru. The road is sealed all the way.

60 Driving Alice Springs-Uluru/Ayers: A Complete Itinerary

257km Mt Ebenezer Roadhouse

Mt Ebenezer Roadhouse re-opened in mid-2013. There’s fuel, drinks, meals, camping and basic motel style accommodation there.

Many people do not realise that Mt Ebenezer is owned by the nearby local Aboriginal community, Imanpa.

Money you spend here goes back into Aboriginal hands.

Here, you can buy local Aboriginal art and artefacts made by the people from Imanpa Community (you’ll probably see a few of them, too).

The roadhouse has a new, low cost camping area with powered and unpowered sites, along with some very basic motel style accommodation.

There’s a Geocache here, too, of course.

61 Driving Alice Springs-Uluru/Ayers: A Complete Itinerary

301km: Kernot Range Roadside Rest Area

The first of several free roadside rest areas on the Lasseter Highway, the Kernot Range Roadside Rest Area is a small drive-through rest area set amongst a stand of Desert Oaks (Allocasuarina decaisneana).

As you can see from the photo, there’s not a lot here. There’s a shade shelter, a picnic table and fireplace. Water from the tank needs to be boiled before drinking.

The NT Government has kindly provided rubbish bins and you’re allowed to bring your dog to stay with you.

62 Driving Alice Springs-Uluru/Ayers: A Complete Itinerary

307km: Kings Canyon/Luritja Road Sealed Road Turnoff

Not long after the Kernot Range Roadside Rest Area, you’ll come to the well signposted Kings Canyon-Watarrka turnoff.

This is the ONLY sealed road to Kings Canyon (the Canyon is 165km from the turnoff).

If you’re planning on visiting Watarrka (the name we locals use for Kings Canyon!) and you don’t have a 4WD or an off-road van, you’ll then you’ll need to take the Luritja Road and backtrack to this intersection once you’ve visited.

You’ll probably notice the huge RED CENTRE WAY signs at the intersection, too.

An unofficial free campsite has sprouted around this intersection in the last few years, with bush campsites set out through the mulga scrub. It’s become VERY messy with a lot of visitors leaving their toilet paper strewn through the bush.

Please don’t do this.

By all means, enjoy a serene and sublime pee or poo in the bush, but do take your loo paper with you in a sealed bag or bury it rather than leaving it to blow around in the wind.

63 Driving Alice Springs-Uluru/Ayers: A Complete Itinerary

332km Curtin Springs East Rest Area

A short drive from the Kings Canyon turnoff is a very pretty free roadside rest area set amongst a grove of stunning Desert Oaks.

You will find several shade shelters, picnic tables, a water tank (water must be boiled to drink

it), fire pits and plenty of space for large caravans.

As it’s a free rest stop, you can only stay here for 24 hours. Dogs are also allowed.

As this is another VERY popular roadside rest stop in the winter months with travellers, we really do recommend you stop here by 3pm.

Also, there is very little firewood left at this campsite.

Our local’s secret is to collect firewood in the mulga BEFORE reaching this site. An even sneakier hint is to turn up the Luritja Road (the Kings Canyon road), go a couple of kilometres and then you’ll find plenty of fabulous, long burning mulga wood.

64 Driving Alice Springs-Uluru/Ayers: A Complete Itinerary

338km Mt Conner Lookout & Roadside Rest Stop

This is what we locals like to call “FOOL-URU”, as it tricks many people into thinking it’s Uluru. Don’t be fooled: this is Mt. Conner (it’s name is ‘Atila’ in Yankunytjatjara) not Uluru!

Mt Conner is a striking flat-topped mesa that’s about 859m (2821ft) high, and like Uluru, is a sacred site for Yankunytjatjara and Luritja people.

It’s name is Atila, and it’s associated with the Seven Sisters and Ice Man Dreamings (sometimes called ‘songlines’) which travel from west to east across several hundred kilometres of country.

Mt Conner is a VERY sacred site for Aboriginal men. It’s associated with the Seven Sisters and Ice Man Dreamings (sometimes called ‘songlines’) which travel from west to east across several hundred kilometres of country.

The mountain is located on Curtin Springs Station, and the only way to visit it is to book a tour at Curtin Springs Station (next section).

Believe me when I say this: there is no public access.

65 Driving Alice Springs-Uluru/Ayers: A Complete Itinerary

We have heard rumours that Curtin Springs Station has planted tyre spikes on the tracks which lead to the massif to stop the public visiting. You WILL get a flat tyre or two if you attempt to drive to it.

Tours to Mt Conner can be arranged via Curtin Springs Station and SEIT Tours (who we REALLY recommend). Details are here to book a very, very special tour.

This is a MEGA-popular lookout and roadside rest area. You can take excellent pictures (like the one above) from this rest stop, and from an even better vantage point on the dune lookout which is on the opposite side of the road.

If you drive down the dirt road toward Mt Conner (the Mulga Park Road) a kilometre or so, you’ll find a Geocache and a place to take awesome sunset photos of Mt Conner.

The dune lookout directly across the road is worth checking out, because it will reveal a magnificent salt lake that you can’t really see from the road or the Mt Conner-side lookout.

You can camp overnight at the rest stop, but be WARNED, it may be busy.

We have driven past this rest stop over winter and been amazed at the number of RVs, campervans and camper trailers stopped there.

The rest stop has toilets, picnic tables and a water tank.

66 Driving Alice Springs-Uluru/Ayers: A Complete Itinerary

360km: Curtin Springs Roadhouse

Owned by the Severin family, Curtin Springs has a roadhouse, with fuel, meals, a pub and basic donga-style accommodation.

There’s also a campground. Unpowered campsites are FREE, whilst powered campsite sites are $3.

If you’re not camping, showers are $3 and before you complain about this, remember that the cost of installing bores to provide water is ASTRONOMICAL.

We’ve stayed here several times as a cheap option to Ayers Rock Resort. The self-contained accommodation is basic but clean and comfortable. Some of the dongas are simple rooms with heaters and air-con, more expensive rooms have ensuites.

We’ve had meals from the camp kitchen, too. They’re ok, but nothing to rave about (i.e. $25 for three sausages, a dollop of mashed potato and some squishy cauliflower and peas is not very good value in our books).

67 Driving Alice Springs-Uluru/Ayers: A Complete Itinerary

There are now a number of VERY special tours and walks that you can take from Curtin Springs. These are well worthwhile, because you access to places that the public CANNOT go, such as a walk right around the base of Mt Conner.

Details about the walks and other exclusive tours can be found here.

And in case you’re wondering, yes, there is a Geocache at Curtin Springs, too.

From Curtin Springs, it’s only 84km to Yulara/Ayers Rock Resort and the end of your journey.

68 Driving Alice Springs-Uluru/Ayers: A Complete Itinerary

416km Sandy Way Free Roadside Rest Stop

The last stop along the way is the FREE roadside campground, located approximately 56km west of Curtin Springs and 32km east of Uluru.

This is the closest FREE and LEGAL campsite to Uluru.

This very basic campsite is located in spectacular sand dune country, and even offers views of Uluru to the west from the top of the sand dune you can see in the photo above (see the 4WD? The dune immediately ABOVE it).

There are a couple of BBQs, a table and chairs and a water tank. There are NO other facilities, so you’ll have to be self-sufficient.

Although this roadside stop doesn’t look much, there is a SECRET, hidden section to this campsite, where you can drive down off the dune (track is located midway along the bitumen rest stop pictured above) and camp in an utterly GORGEOUS bush setting, amongst a grove of mulga.

69 Driving Alice Springs-Uluru/Ayers: A Complete Itinerary

BE WARNED: This campsite gets VERY BUSY in the winter months between May-August! Get here about 3:00 to 3:30pm to beat the rush and claim the best spot!

And if you’re not convinced about stopping here, this is the view from the top of the dune.

70 Driving Alice Springs-Uluru/Ayers: A Complete Itinerary

440km: Uluru Kata Tjuta National Park Information

Before you get to the National Park Boundary, you’ll pass a few ‘unofficial’ campsites further along this road.

None of these have any facilities, and some of them are right on the road in very exposed locations. We’ve noticed that many of these locations change from year to year.

It is legal to camp alongside the road in the Northern Territory, as long as you’re within the road reserve.

Along this part of the Lasseter Highway, the road reserve is 100m wide, or from the centerline of the road, 50m each way. Beyond this is Aboriginal Land and it is ILLEGAL to camp without a permit.

Whilst you’re unlikely to get moved along by anyone, do remember that once you are inside the Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park boundary it is illegal to camp anywhere but at the Ayers Rock Resort’s campground.

Rangers do patrol and do move people on if they’re caught camping illegally

71 Driving Alice Springs-Uluru/Ayers: A Complete Itinerary

447km – Yulara (Ayers Rock Resort)

Yulara, the town that services Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park, is about 85km from Curtin Springs. It’s also the place you’re likely to be staying, or at least, visiting to re-fuel and stock up on supplies.

From Yulara, it’s another 18km to Uluru itself. All visitors wishing to see Ayers Rock – Uluru up close MUST pass through the National Park gates and purchase a 3 day pass ($25 AUD per person).

NB: Many people seem to get the town’s name wrong: the name is not ‘Ulara’, or the one we see all the time, ‘Yalara’, but YULARA.

Yulara is a real town, built to service both visitors and the 1200 or so people who live and work here.

Yulara has an IGA supermarket, a post office, hairdresser, and quite a few overpriced touristy shops. You can also get basic motor vehicle and tyre repairs done here (a few kilometres from the resort).

Ask for directions at the tourist information office in the Yulara town square (where Gecko’s restaurant and all the touristy shops are).

If you’re camping, then you’ll need to go to the Ayer’s Rock Campground, which is also here at Yulara. Just head straight through the roundabout, follow the road around past the police and fire stations, and look for the signs on your LEFT.

A FREE shuttle bus operates every 15 minutes and picks up and drops off from all accommodation points in Yulara.

There is always a lot to see and do around Yulara

72 Driving Alice Springs-Uluru/Ayers: A Complete Itinerary

As we have an entire section on Uluru on the website, we’re not going to repeat all that information here. Instead, here are some links that you will find very useful:

 Uluru Pre-Planning Guide

 Uluru Complete Guide

 Uluru Accommodation

 Our sneaky budget tips

 What to see and do at Ayers Rock

At the very least, plan 2 nights at Uluru. There is LOTS to see and do and you don’t have to spend loads of money doing it. Whilst you can find some very expensive tours at Uluru, you can also find enough self-guided tours.

We especially recommend the Mutitjulu Waterhole Walk (wheelchair accessible) and the Valley of the Winds Walk at Kata Tjuta (the Olgas).The pass into the national park is $25 per person and lasts for 3 days.

73 Driving Alice Springs-Uluru/Ayers: A Complete Itinerary Starting at Uluru

0km Yulara/Uluru

Yulara is the name of the resort town that services Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park (Ayers Rock for those who still use the European name). It’s also the place you’re likely to be staying, or at least, visiting to re-fuel and stock up on supplies if you’ve either flown into Connellan (Ayers Rock) Airport, or driven over from Western Australia along the Great Central Road (Outback Way).

You cannot camp or stay anywhere else within Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park other than Yulara (the $2000+ per night luxury tents at Latitude 131 are the only exception).

Please note that the town’s name is YULARA, not ‘Yuluru’, ‘Ulara’ or ‘Yalara’ – we frequently see people getting this wrong. Not sure why – it’s really easy to spell and say: YOU-lara.

Yulara is a real town with an IGA supermarket, a post office, a police station, hairdresser, and quite a few overpriced touristy shops. Basic motor vehicle repairs are also available.

74 Driving Alice Springs-Uluru/Ayers: A Complete Itinerary

As we have an entire section on Uluru on the website, we’re not going to repeat all that information here. Instead, here are some links that you will find very useful:

 Uluru Pre-Planning Guide

 Uluru Complete Guide

 Uluru Accommodation

 Our sneaky budget tips

 What to see and do at Ayers Rock

At the very least, we really recommend that you plan to spend 2 nights at Uluru. There is LOTS to see and do and you don’t have to spend loads of money doing it. Whilst you can find some very expensive tours at Uluru, you can also find enough self-guided tours.

We especially recommend the Mutitjulu Waterhole Walk (wheelchair accessible) and the Valley of the Winds Walk at Kata Tjuta (the Olgas).

75 Driving Alice Springs-Uluru/Ayers: A Complete Itinerary

The pass into the national park is $25 per person and lasts for 3 days.

And believe us, Uluru is WELL worth the visit even if it’s just to spend a few hours just walking around the base of the Rock or going to the sunset viewing area to take photographs.

Seeing Uluru for the first time is just like seeing Mt Everest for the first time, you NEVER forget your first glimpse of Uluru.

NO Free Camping within Uluru Kata-Tjuta National Park

Whilst you’re unlikely to get moved along by anyone outside the park, do remember that once you are inside the Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park boundary it is illegal to camp anywhere but at the Ayers Rock Resort’s campground.

Rangers do patrol and do move people on if they’re caught camping illegally. If you’re driving Yulara to Alice Springs keep reading on for where to find the closest free camp to Uluru.

76 Driving Alice Springs-Uluru/Ayers: A Complete Itinerary

20km: Uluru Kata Tjuta National Park Information

As you leave the National Park Boundary, you’ll pass a few ‘unofficial’ campsites further along this road.

None of these have any facilities, and some of them are right on the road in very exposed locations. We’ve noticed that many of these locations change from year to year.

It is legal to camp alongside the road in the Northern Territory, as long as you’re within the road reserve.

Along this part of the Lasseter Highway, the road reserve is 100m wide, or from the centerline of the road, 50m each way. Beyond this is Aboriginal Land and it is ILLEGAL to camp without a permit.

Whilst you’re unlikely to get moved along by anyone along the roadsides, do remember that while you are inside the Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park boundary it is illegal to camp anywhere but at the Ayers Rock Resort’s campground.

Rangers do patrol and do move people on if they’re caught camping illegally and you could be fined as well.

77 Driving Alice Springs-Uluru/Ayers: A Complete Itinerary

28km Sandy Way Free Roadside Rest Stop

The first possible stop along the way is the FREE roadside campground, located approximately 28km east of Uluru and 56km west of Curtin Springs.

This is the closest FREE and LEGAL campsite to Uluru.

It’s well out of the Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park boundary.

There are a couple of BBQs, a table and chairs and a water tank. There are NO other facilities, so you’ll have to be self-sufficient.

Although this roadside stop doesn’t look much, there is a SECRET, hidden section to this campsite, where you can drive down off the dune (track is located midway along the bitumen

78 Driving Alice Springs-Uluru/Ayers: A Complete Itinerary rest stop pictured above) and camp in an utterly GORGEOUS bush setting, amongst a grove of mulga.

BE WARNED: This campsite gets VERY BUSY in the winter months between May-August! Get here about 3:00 to 3:30pm to beat the rush and claim the best spot!

And if you’re not convinced about stopping here, this is the view from the top of the dune.

79 Driving Alice Springs-Uluru/Ayers: A Complete Itinerary

84km: Curtin Springs Roadhouse

Owned by the Severin family, Curtin Springs has is a roadhouse, with fuel, meals, a pub and basic donga-style accommodation.

There’s also a campground. Unpowered campsites are FREE, whilst powered campsite sites are $3.

If you’re not camping, showers are $3 and before you complain about this, remember that the cost of installing bores to provide water is ASTRONOMICAL.

We’ve stayed here several times as a cheap option while travelling to Ayers Rock Resort but it could be a cheaper option allowing you to stay another half day before leaving the area.

The self-contained accommodation is basic but clean and comfortable. Some of the dongas are simple rooms with heaters and air-con, more expensive rooms have ensuites.

80 Driving Alice Springs-Uluru/Ayers: A Complete Itinerary

Details about the walks and other exclusive tours can be found here.

And in case you’re wondering, yes, there is a Geocache at Curtin Springs, too.

From Curtin Springs, it’s only 361km to Alice Springs and the end of this leg of your journey.

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106km: Mt. Connor Lookout and Rest Area

Mt Conner is a striking flat-topped mesa that’s about 859m (2821ft) high, and like Uluru, is a sacred site for Yankunytjatjara and Luritja people.

The mountain is located on Curtin Springs Station, and the only way to visit it is to book a tour at Curtin Springs Station (next section).

Believe me when I say this: there is no public access.

82 Driving Alice Springs-Uluru/Ayers: A Complete Itinerary

Tours to Mt Conner can be arranged via Curtin Springs Station and SEIT Tours (who we REALLY recommend). Details are here to book a very, very special tour.

If you drive down the dirt road toward Mt Conner (the Mulga Park Road) a kilometre or so, you’ll find a Geocache and a place to take awesome sunset photos of Mt Conner.

The dune lookout directly across the road is worth checking out, because it will reveal a magnificent salt lake that you can’t really see from the road or the Mt Conner-side lookout.

You can camp overnight at the rest stop, but be WARNED, it may be busy.

We have driven past this rest stop over winter and been amazed at the number of RVs, campervans and camper trailers stopped there.

The rest stop has toilets, picnic tables and a water tank.

83 Driving Alice Springs-Uluru/Ayers: A Complete Itinerary

112km: Curtin Springs East Rest Area

Just another few minutes on from the Mt. Connor Lookout is a very pretty, free roadside rest area set amongst a grove of stunning Desert Oaks.

You will find several shade shelters, picnic tables, a water tank (water must be boiled to drink it), fire pits and plenty of space for large caravans.

As it’s a free rest stop, you can only stay here for 24 hours. Dogs are also allowed.

As this is another VERY popular roadside rest stop in the winter months with travellers, we really do recommend you stop here by 3pm.

Also, there is very little firewood left at this campsite.

***Our local’s secret is to collect firewood in the mulga BEFORE reaching this site. Pick a wooded area and collect wood from the ground. Please don’t pull trees down or pick up hollow logs as this is prime habitat for animals living in the area.

84 Driving Alice Springs-Uluru/Ayers: A Complete Itinerary

137km: Kings Canyon/Luritja Road Sealed Road Turnoff

In 25km or so you’ll come to the well signposted Kings Canyon-Watarrka turnoff.

This is the ONLY sealed road to Kings Canyon (the Canyon is 165km from the turnoff).

You’ll probably notice the huge RED CENTRE WAY signs at the intersection, too.

Please don’t do this.

By all means, enjoy a serene and sublime pee or poo in the bush, but do take your loo paper with you in a sealed bag or bury it rather than leaving it to blow around in the wind.

85 Driving Alice Springs-Uluru/Ayers: A Complete Itinerary

143km: Kernot Range Roadside Rest Area

There are several free roadside rest areas on the Lasseter Highway, the Kernot Range Roadside Rest Area is a small drive-through rest area set amongst a stand of Desert Oaks (Allocasuarina decaisneana).

As you can see from the photo, there’s not a lot here. There’s a shade shelter, a picnic table and fireplace. Water from the tank needs to be boiled before drinking.

The NT Government has kindly provided rubbish bins and you’re allowed to bring your dog to stay with you, too.

86 Driving Alice Springs-Uluru/Ayers: A Complete Itinerary

187km Mt Ebenezer Roadhouse

Another forty kilometres east, and you’ll find yourself at Mt Ebenezer Roadhouse.

Mt Ebenezer Roadhouse re-opened in mid-2013. There’s fuel, drinks, meals, camping and basic motel style accommodation there.

Many people do not realise that the nearby local Aboriginal community, Imanpa, owns Mt Ebenezer Roadhouse.

Any money you spend here goes back into Aboriginal hands.

Here, you can buy local Aboriginal art and artefacts made by the people from Imanpa Community (you’ll probably see a few of them, too).

The roadhouse has a new, low cost camping area with powered and unpowered sites, along with some very basic motel style accommodation.

There’s a Geocache here, too, of course.

87 Driving Alice Springs-Uluru/Ayers: A Complete Itinerary

243km: Erldunda Roadhouse & Ayers Rock/Uluru turnoff.

Erldunda Roadhouse is a very popular stop for people driving from Alice Springs to Ayers Rock.

In fact, you’ll often find this roadhouse crowded with all manner of tourist buses, camper vans, 4WDs, cars and people!

Erldunda has a caravan park, cafe, tavern, service station, a Geocache, and some interesting things like a giant concrete Echidna and (live) emus.

There’s mobile phone reception here – the last reception you’ll get until you reach Alice Springs.

There is an ATM here, a bakery and great coffee, a small, basic supermarket, a separate bar, good meals, tourist information and souvenirs.

There are also emus, kangaroos and various other animals you can walk up to and pat or have your photo taken.

For some reason we’ve never been able to fathom, the FLIES like Erldunda a lot. You can often find yourself inundated by flies here, but then see almost none elsewhere!

88 Driving Alice Springs-Uluru/Ayers: A Complete Itinerary

If you decide to stay at Erldunda, there’s a variety of accommodation options – camping, powered and unpowered caravan sites, backpacker’s accommodation (very basic) and very nice motel rooms.

Book rooms, get the best rates and read reviews for Erldunda Roadhouse here

Once you’re finished at Erldunda, turn left onto the Stuart Highway.

From here, it is 199 km to Alice Springs. The road is sealed all the way.

89 Driving Alice Springs-Uluru/Ayers: A Complete Itinerary

276km: Free Desert Oaks Rest Area/Campsite

Located approximately 30km north of Erldunda on the west side of the road, the Desert Oaks Rest Area is set in amongst the sand dunes and (of course), the desert oaks.

The Desert Oaks Rest area is one of a number along the Stuart Highway that you can camp overnight for free.

It gets VERY popular in wintertime (between June-August in the outback), so our advice would be to get here before 3pm if you’d like to get a spot that’s further back from the road.

You’ll find a Geocache nearby.

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313km: Ernest Giles Road/Kings Canyon turnoff

This is the quickest way to Kings Canyon (Watarrka) from Alice Springs.

If you’ve changed your plans and decided to visit the Kings Canyon now then it’s 100km across the Ernest Giles Road from the Stuart Highway to the Luritja Road (a sealed road) and then another approximately 100km to Kings Canyon.

However, the Ernest Giles Road is a recommended 4WD only road if you wish to travel all the way across it. So if you’re in a 2wd car then we say forget it.

There are sand dunes 2/3 of the way along this road, and whilst the first half is now good gravel, the second half can be corrugated and sandy. It is getting better but plenty of people have come unstuck.

We don’t recommend taking a 2WD on this road unless you have chosen to just visit the Henbury Meteorite Craters.

A quick side trip along the Ernest Giles Road is to the small but interesting Henbury Meteorite Craters Conservation Reserve, located 11km off the Stuart Highway.

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The largest crater is 180m wide and 15m deep, whilst other craters are so small, they’re hard to see. You can walk all around the craters to see them – it takes less than hour to do so.

You can camp at Henbury Craters, but keep in mind that it’s a very barren, exposed place. You’ll need to bring your own firewood and water, and take all your rubbish with you.

There are fire pits, a long drop toilet and a shade shelter, but no other facilities.

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318km: The Finke River Crossing

Slow down as you come down the hill to the Finke River – you’ll want to stop and take a look even if you’re not planning to stay the night.

Just after the bridge is a tiny rest area located on the eastern (right) side of the highway.

It’s a popular stop for people driving along the Stuart Highway.

The rest area has a toilet, some water, a couple of picnic tables, fire places and shade shelters. In winter time, this rest area is packed full of camper trailers an caravans.

Why?

The location is superb: right next to the mighty Finke River (which only flows a couple of times each year). If you’re there at the right time, you might see the river looking like this:

The rest area has a 24 hour limit on camping, so no long term camping.

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And yes, there is a Geocache here, too.

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347km: Cannonball Run Memorial

This roadside rest area is located just a few kilometres from Stuarts Well on the eastern (right) side of the highway.

It’s a barren, open place with little shade.

It does have an interesting story however.

In 1994, during an international car race event called ‘The Cannonball Run’, a Ferrari F40 crashed into a checkpoint at this location, killing its two Japanese drivers and also two track officials staffing the checkpoint.

Needless to say, there were no further Cannonball Runs in the Northern Territory after this.

If you’re a Geocacher, there is a cache here, on the opposite side of the highway.

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353km: Stuarts Well Roadhouse

Even if you don’t stop at any other roadhouse when driving from Ayers Rock to Alice Springs, we recommend that you stop at Stuarts Well.

At Stuarts Well, you’ll find a caravan park, shady camping area, a restaurant, pool, toilets, emus and kangaroos.

During the winter months, you can have a fabulous Sunday roast there (on a Sunday, of course).

Stuarts Well was the home of Dinky the singing Dingo – an outback legend in his own right.

And of course, his owner, Jim Cotterill was another outback legend. Jim has sold the property now and moved into Alice Springs and helps out his son driving one of the local tourist buses.

If you take your time at Stuarts Well, you’ll find Jack’s story along with other interesting historical information about the area.

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Sadly, Dinky the Singing Dingo passed away in May 2014, but his memory lives on in You Tube clips, photos, and the hearts of all who met him.

There’s also a Geocache at Stuarts Well – which you’ll need to ask for at the bar.

Next door is the Camel’s Australia camel farm where you can take a short camel ride, buy some snacks and souvenirs. It’s FREE to visit and pat some camels or have a photo taken with them.

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368km: Rainbow Valley Turn Off

Rainbow Valley is a short detour that’s well worth the 22km drive along the unsealed road that leads in to it.

There’s a great camping area there with picnic tables, gas BBQs and long drop toilets, a couple of interesting walks, and of course THIS fabulous rock formation:

A high clearance vehicle is recommended (the road can be quite corrugated at certain times of the year), although I will admit I have driven a 2WD Toyota Camry sedan in here with no difficulty.

And yes, LOTS of Wicked vans, Britz Campers and other 2WD vehicles seem to make it here just fine.

We’ve written a complete guide to Rainbow Valley for you here. Steeped in living Aboriginal culture, it really is worth the extra 40km round trip to visit this very, very special place.

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378km: Owen Springs Reserve Turn Off

Owen Springs Reserve is one of the Red Centre’s best-kept secrets.

However, the reason we’re mentioning it here is that there is a gorgeous campsite at a semi- permanent waterhole, just minutes off the Stuart Highway, inside the Reserve – Redbank Waterhole.

This is a FREE campsite and a favorite with Alice locals, and dogs are welcome here.

If you’re visiting at the right time of year, you might find Redbank looking like this:

Owen Springs is full of history, Aboriginal rock art sites, great birdwatching, and free bush camping. There’s also a number of Geocaches hidden throughout the Reserve.

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We’ve created an entire guide to Owen Springs Reserve which you can read more about here.

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385km: Mt Polhill Roadside Rest Area

Mt Polhill is a roadside stop where again, you can camp for free for up to 24hrs.

There’s a shade shelter, picnic tables, a toilet, a watertank and some good sunrise views of the Waterhouse Range.

There is also a FREE wi-fi hotspot here, too.

There is a well-known Geocache nearby.

It’s only tiny and it does fill up very quickly in the winter months, so you may want to get here by 3pm if you plan to stay.

If it’s busy, Alice Springs is just 60km away (about 35 min drive). Note that there is really no suitable place to camp between Mt Polhill and Alice.

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Finish Here: Alice Springs

As Alice Springs is our home, we have an entire section on our website devoted to it.

Click here to read about accommodation, shopping and must see places in Alice Springs

As you get closer to Alice Springs you will drive over a railway bridge where the famous Ghan Railway enters or departs the town.

On the right you will also pass the start/finish line of the famous Finke offroad race that is held annually in June.

You will then find yourself coming to a T-junction, on the right is to the Alice Springs Airport and left takes you into Alice Springs.

There is a small information bay on the left that you may choose to pull into to get your bearings and, if you have already made accommodation bookings, work out where to next.

Looming another few kilometres on is Heavitree Gap, the entrance to Alice Springs and where the train passes through along with the normally dry Todd River.

East and west of you, either side of the Gap, stretch the East and West MacDonnell Ranges. Take care driving around the Tom Brown Roundabout and make sure you take the 2nd exit to continue on into the town.

Once you come to the big intersection with traffic lights near the railway crossing you will have reached the busiest intersection in town – you’ve made it!

Heavitree Gap is known by Alice locals as ‘the Gap’. It’s an important sacred site for the local Arrernte (arr-UHN-da) people, and is called Ntaripe (un-DAR-ee-puh) in their language.

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Many Dreaming ancestors pass through or cross over Heavitree Gap, including the famous Yeperenye caterpillars and the green Ilperenye (stinky) beetle who the caterpillars had a great battle with.

Learn more about the Alice Springs Desert Park here

Heading though Heavitree Gap, to reach the centre of Alice Springs you simply need to stay on the road you’re on, the Stuart Highway for approximately 3km.

Go onto the roundabout and take the SECOND exit on your left.

Continue straight ahead to the second set of traffic lights (the first set is for the ambulance station/pedestrian crossing).

To get to the town centre:

The big intersection with traffic lights near the railway crossing is the busiest intersection in the town – be aware that there is a RED LIGHT CAMERA here.

Here, you can either turn RIGHT at this intersection, and then LEFT at the next set of traffic lights (near KMART), or you can go straight on though the big intersection, get into the right hand lane, and turn RIGHT at the traffic lights near McDonald’s.

If you miss the McDonald’s turn, then don’t panic! Get into the right lane, and turn RIGHT at the traffic lights near the Peter Kittle Car Dealership.

Alice Springs town centre is laid out on a grid of 6 main streets, and is very easy to navigate.

As Alice Springs is our home, we have an entire section on our website devoted to it.

Click here to read about accommodation, shopping and must see places in Alice Springs

103 Driving Alice Springs-Uluru/Ayers: A Complete Itinerary Vehicle Preparation Guide

Your vehicle is the most critical piece of equipment you’ll need for your outback trip.

So it should go without saying that before you go on a trip, your vehicle needs to be prepared and ready.

Sure, you say. I’ll just get it serviced and it’ll be fine.

WRONG!

If you’re heading outback, you’ll not only be travelling for longer periods of time, you’re also more likely to be driving over challenging terrain.

So when it comes to vehicle preparation, there’s a few extra things you’ll need to think about and do before you go.

The last thing you want to do is to ruin your holiday or trip and, potentially, put yourself and or your family into a life-threatening situation.

To help you out, I’ve written this no-nonsense, beginner’s guide to outback vehicle preparation.

1. Get your vehicle serviced

About three to four weeks before you go, have your vehicle professionally serviced. We ALWAYS do before any trip longer than a weekend.

Why 3-4 weeks? It gives you time to be able to fix anything that might need fixing, your mechanic to order in spares, and you to save the extra money you might need for repairs.

2. Specific Preparation for Outback Travel

These are things you can do yourself:

 Check and tighten any screw, bolt and nut which is not done up properly. Many outback roads (ie. Red Centre Way, Sandover Highway, Gibb River Road) are renown for screw- loosening corrugations. Check for loose fittings regularly whilst travelling.

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 Make sure your car’s exhaust system is adequately attached to the vehicle body or chassis to support it under severe conditions.  Check your suspension and replace shock absorbers if worn or leaking. This is one area of your vehicle that gets a beating - ignore it at your peril!  Make sure all lights are functioning, especially if you’re towing a camper or caravan. Just because the lights were working the last time you used the trailer doesn’t mean they’ll work the next time you hook it up. It’s happened to me!  I always install dual batteries, particularly if using several accessories such as fridge or inverter, but if you don’t have a major energy drain you may not need to do this.  If you’re going to travel through dust or drive through water a snorkel is a good idea; or, at the very least take a bonnet skirt to prevent water entry into the air cleaner intake.  Get a workshop manual for your vehicle, either in paper form or digitally so you can view it on an iPad or similar. Even if you’re not able to, someone else may be able to assist if you have the right gear.

3. Spare Parts

It’s easy to get carried away trying to take every spare part you can think of.

A good rule of thumb is to consider the age of your vehicle, and what might or might not have been changed over recently. Then, take into account what you can reasonably carry.

Our suggestions for spare parts to take with you are:

 Fan, alternator and air conditioner belts (note: some of these may be just one belt these days).  Spare fuses, some extra wiring, extra light bulbs and insulating tape.  Radiator hoses, depending on how old your car is, might be a good idea.  A length of heater hose (1m), some ring clamps and an assortment of bolts, nuts and washers.  Plastic cable ties and a bit of tie wire are always a good idea so you can make a temporary fix.  Fuel, oil and air filters (if your vehicle has been serviced just before you go, these won’t be necessary, BUT if you’re on a long trip and need to get your vehicle serviced whilst travelling, carrying these may save your time and money).  Engine oil, maybe some brake and transmission fluids if you’re in an older vehicle.  Glue, e.g. Araldite, and WD40 or equivalent

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 Duct tape. Do not leave home without it!  I like to take a second spare wheel and tyre, but this can take up a lot of extra space. If you don’t have room for a second spare, then make sure you take a puncture repair kit for the type of tyre you may need to fix.

4. Loading your 4WD

Don’t pack every thing PLUS the kitchen sink.

You don’t need five pairs of shoes, and that snazzy camping toilet that looked so good at the caravan & camping expo is far more hassle to cart around and set up than squatting behind a Mulga tree with a tiny plastic spade!

We’ll just come out and say it: overloading is dangerous and impacts how your vehicle handles when driving.

The number one rule when packing your vehicle for the outback is this: keep the weight as low and centrally located as possible.

Another thing to keep in mind is that if you’re using a roof rack don’t overload it - it has a specific weight capacity that’s there for a reason.

Overloading a roof rack or putting too much weight on top of your vehicle raises the centre of gravity and can cause a possible roll-over or increased fuel usage due to the extra wind drag.

It can also cause the rack to break.

Make sure everything is secure so you don’t lose it or find it shifting under heavy braking.

A lot of people like to put their second spare up on the roof rack, me included, but this will depend on how much other weight you have up there.

The alternative to carrying your spare on the roof rack is to fit an ARB Rear Bar with carrier. These are a replacement rear bumper that is fitted to your vehicle and have a swing away spare wheel carrier.

If you want to be able to pack away gear, food, your fridge, then you might want to consider a drawer system for the rear of your vehicle.

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These can be commercially manufactured or, as I did, made them myself, these can be a really useful addition to your vehicle’s kit.

Please also consider what you are going to do with your rubbish, if you carry it in then you can carry it out. One common option is a bag attached to the spare wheel.

5. Love Your Tyres

Tyres do all the hard work when travelling off-road, and they’re also the most common thing that fails.

Punctures and flats are part of life in the outback, so it goes without saying that you should be able to change a tyre before you go.

If you don’t know how to change a tyre, learn! You Tube or an experienced friend are the places to start, then practice in your driveway.

Other must-do tyre preparation:

 Check all tyres and tyre pressures and always carry two spare tyres if you can. Ensure your tyres are in good condition and if not replace them  A tyre pressure gauge is a must have - especially if you have to let tyres down to drive on sand and then re-inflate them. A good quality 12 volt air compressor and fittings will help you out here.  It’s not often a tyre valve lets you down but carrying a couple of spare tyre valves and caps might get you out of a bind.  Make sure you are carrying the right wheel brace, hydraulic jack and a base plate in case you need something to support the jack in soft ground or sand. If you don’t have a metal, wood or plastic base plate, GET ONE.  Hi-lift and exhaust jacks (we’ve used both) are also other options here. If you take a hi- lift (kangaroo) jack, make sure you know how to use it safely.

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6. Other Essentials We Take

These are the additional items we always take. Yes, some of these are a little more personal (i.e. the solar panel), but some, like a first aid kit, are essential.

 A good quality 12 volt fridge (e.g. Engel or Waeco fridge/freezer), to keep things cold.  If you’re staying in one place for a while, then a solar panel might also be worthwhile to charge your batteries.

Maps: Some people like to carry paper maps for all areas they intend to travel to, but there are many digital options on the market these days.

HEMA digital maps on an iPad or similar are a good option, but there are other cheaper options as well, like THIS one, which uses (often free) AUSLIG topo maps.

 A good compass and hand-held GPS loaded with appropriate maps might be handy if you’re really going off the beaten track. This is the GPS Amanda uses for archaeological fieldwork and Geocaching, as well as travelling.  A good quality first aid kit. This should contain a number of triangular bandages, a couple of compression bandages, including something for snake bite, some small adhesive strips, antiseptic, saline, burn cream, cotton wool, Panadol or Aspirin, any personal medication required and if you have the time, attend a first aid course so you know what to do.

Tools: We take spanners, sockets, pliers, wrenches and screwdrivers to fit my vehicle.

Recovery gear. This is one place you can get carried away again, but take at least one snatch strap, rated shackles & winch gear if you have a winch. If you have the space, something like Maxtrax are also handy for sand work.

Adequate water. How much you take will depend on where you can resupply. Our tip is to use several 10L containers as well as several 20 litre containers in case of a leak. Ten litre containers are also easier to lift and pour.

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7. Preparing for Emergencies

The outback can be very safe to drive through – even places that are incredibly remote, like the Anne Beadell Highway or Madigan Line, are tackled by ordinary people every year with little mishap.

However, if something does go wrong, then you need to know what to do.

Before you go, you need to know

The first thing to remember is the age-old advice: stay with your vehicle.

Read through Amanda’s article here about what it’s like to be a woman breaking down alone in the outback, and pay attention to the advice she gives. It’s not just for female travellers; it’s advice for everyone.

In very remote areas, like the Canning Stock Route or Simpson Desert, it’s vital to be able to contact someone in the case of an emergency.

Common emergency contact options are EPIRBs, PLBs or HF radios fitted to your vehicle.

However, more and more people are opting to carry a satellite phone these days (we do). If you don’t wish to buy a sat phone, you can hire them here.

Whatever you decide, the main point is this: make sure you have some means of raising the alarm if something goes wrong.

An UHF radio is always good if travelling in a group or for general road communications. However do not rely on UHF radios or mobile (cellular) phone communications in remote areas. We have been to parts of the outback where there are no UHF repeaters, and it goes without saying that mobile phone coverage is non-existent outside of major towns and highways.

That being said, if you’re travelling to the outback from a city, even on the main routes like Uluru-Alice Springs, you’ll need to get a Telstra sim.

As much as we love to hate them, Telstra rules the bush when it comes to mobile coverage. So we’ll say it again: get a Telstra sim in your mobile. Other phone companies just don’t exist out here.

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Always take a little extra food and water. Throw in some water purification tablets or a pump in case you run out and you find some suspect water.

A space blanket or two never goes astray as does a mirror, a torch and matches in case you need to light a fire.

Finally, there is no use taking all this stuff if you don’t know how to use it.

If you’ve never used a GPS or a snatch strap before, then being stuck in the middle of the desert is NOT the time to learn. Spend a couple of Saturday afternoons unpacking, using and repacking your recovery gear, GPS, hi-lift jacks, winches BEFORE you go.

8. Pre-Planning

We recommend reading our 5 Questions to Ask Yourself Before You Travel Outback article, which contains some provoking and confronting things you need to ask yourself before you go.

Before you go, get your maps or GPS out and plan your travel. Know where you are going and how far it is between fuel stops.

It is important to know the distance your vehicle can get on a full tank of fuel and to remember to allow for the extra weight, driving in 4WD and on rough roads.

You may need to even check that the specific type of fuel is available in some places

Do you require any permits to enter specific locations as you may need to apply in advance as some take some time to process? Then you’ll need to get those sorted before you go, too.

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☐ Check all hoses

☐ Check all drive belts and replace if necessary

☐ Check wheel bearings

☐ Check suspension, springs, coils, shockers

☐ Replace all oils, filters and air filter

☐ Check radiator and hoses for leaks

☐ Grease tailshaft

☐ Check brake pads and fluid level

☐ Check battery levels and ensure electrical system is 100%

☐ Check wiper blades front (and back if you have them)

☐ Check bolts, nuts and any other fasteners to ensure everything is tightened as required

☐ Check your tyres, pressure and if you have the space consider a second spare

☐ Check your jack and wheel brace

☐ Check spotlights or driving lights for proper function and aim

☐ If you’re towing with an auto, consider fitting a transmission cooler

☐ If you are operating in dusty conditions or are expecting water crossings, consider a snorkel

☐ Check first aid kit

☐ Familiarise yourself with all equipment and KNOW how to use it

111 Driving Alice Springs-Uluru/Ayers: A Complete Itinerary What to Pack

To help you plan and pack, we’ve written down everything essential you’ll need to pack for your outback holiday – both summer and winter - using our combined 34 years of outback living, bushwork and camping expertise.

We've written this guide because some of the outback packing lists we’ve seen don’t include warm clothes, nor do they include the very handy essentials we take everywhere - like our Jetboil or the panty liner tips below that are especially for women travellers.

The Essentials

This is our minimalist list of what to pack for the Australian outback.

Yes, you can easily take more, but we are light travellers and we encourage you to do the same.

Also, I’m writing as someone who REALLY feels the cold, this list will include our tried and tested essentials to keep you warm when you’re camping in the winter outback.

REMEMBER: If you’re coming to the outback between May and September, you NEED TO PACK: long pants, track suit pants, a fleece, thermals, beanie and long-sleeved t-shirts.

We frequently get below zero (-1C through to -3C, and occasionally -5C or -6C) temperatures in winter - especially in central Australia.

Don’t believe me? Check the Bureau of Meteorology for July average temperatures in Alice Springs, Yulara (Ayers Rock – Uluru), Giles, Ernabella, or Oodnadatta. You will be shocked.

Pants:

 a pair of jeans, which can double as smart casual wear if you’re going to a restaurant for dinner  zip-off hiking pants – really easy to care for and they double as shorts  Tracksuit pants – to keep you really warm and toasty around the campfire and as pyjamas for those below zero nights. DO NOT come to the outback in winter without them.

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 Shorts – yes, some people will feel warm enough to wear shorts during the day in winter, so bring them two pairs (one pair could be your zip-off hiking pants to save space)

Tops:

 T-shirts – two or three for day times, plus one long sleeved t-shirt for evenings during winter. T-Shirts are great because you can roll them up to save space when you’re packing and you can wear them layered for extra warmth.  A fleece – you WILL need a fleece in winter at night here in the outback.  A long-sleeved thermal if you’re doing a lot of camping and you feel the cold like me  Five pairs of underpants (hand wash them)  Two bras for women (hand wash them every few days)  Pyjamas – use a long sleeved t-shirt or a thermal and track suit pants in winter, and a t- shirt and daggy shorts in summer.  A beanie – Yes, bring a beanie. Even better, visit Alice Springs in late June and go to the biggest Beanie Festival in the world  Gloves for cold, early mornings

Footwear

 Socks: I usually travel with one pair of thick hiking socks, one pair of bed socks and two- three pairs of running socks.  Walking shoes or boots (we prefer Vasque and Merrell hiking shoes)  Runners or cross-trainers - easy, comfortable footwear that's also practical. If you buy trail runners, you can use them as hiking/walking shoes, too.  A pair of adventure sandals  Some people like thongs (flip flops), too but we prefer the adventure sandals as you can wear socks with them more easily (and look like a big dag!).

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Other Clothing:

 Swimmers or board shorts – even during winter in case you’re visiting Dalhousie Springs, or you’re certifiably crazy and want to swim in Ellery Creek Big Hole and end up with hypothermia!  A dark coloured sarong – this can always double as a towel, a head cover to shut out ridiculously bright lights in campgrounds or a full moon when camping, a sheet, a pillow or a shawl.  Fly net –You will NOT generally need one of these in winter. If you’re travelling during the warmer months October to April, then you will need one.

Toiletries & Medicines

Whilst most towns and roadhouses will stock toiletries if you run out, I’m assuming that you’re going on a camping/4WDing trip and you won’t be able to resupply.

 Lip balm – you will not believe how dry your lips get on cold winter’s nights in the outback.  Baby wipes – take a BIG pack. These will be your ‘bush shower’ on those nights when you’re bush camping. They also help to keep you fresh after a toilet stop.  Moisturiser – you will get very dry skin in the winter in the outback.  Razor  Hair brush, hair elastics, mini hair spray – and for ladies, I’ve found that either very short or long hair styles are the BEST for camping trips.

 Insect repellant - you may not need it during winter, but in summer or spring, you will

 Sunscreen

 Panty liners: Ladies, if there’s ONE tip I can give you from years and years of working in the bush, it’s use a panty liner every day and learn to shake after a pee, rather than using reams and reams of toilet paper. I don’t use toilet paper for a bush pee at all. Freshen up at the end of the day with baby wipes.

 Tampons, sanitary pads etc: Make sure you take them if you’re camping and you’re likely to get your period. I usually have a stash of regular tampons & panty liners in my

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pack in case my period comes early or another women I’m travelling with gets in a spot of trouble.

 Panadol and anti-histamines

 A basic, light weight MEDICAL grade first aid kit.

 A supply of any regular prescription medication you take AND your prescription if you're likely to run out

Gadgets

 Waterbottle – It should go without saying, but you’ll need one. Or two.

 Headlamp – we do not go anywhere without our headlamps. We don’t care if we look like nerds – we can see what we’re doing when we’re cooking over the campfire, we can read, we even use them for setting up long exposure photography. This is the EXACT Petzl Tikka XP headlamp we use. They last us forever

 Jetboil stove. Seriously, this the BEST $140 we have ever spent. This handy stove boils water for a cuppa in two and a half minutes – as quick as an electric kettle. What’s more, you can cook on it and save your self mega-bucks in places like Uluru. I don’t know how we ever did without it.

 Camera, camera manual, charger, SD cards – make sure you get a 12v charger if you’re seriously into photography.

 Additional photography gear: a spare camera battery and a good tripod.

 Mobile phone/Iphone & Ipad plus chargers and USB cables – we use the little 12v cigarette lighter USB plugins to charge our I-gadgets up in the car.

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Final Words

Thank you for purchasing our Driving Alice Springs to Uluru Guide. If you’ve found this guide useful, we really hope you’ll consider leaving a review on Amazon, iTunes or Goodreads. Reviews, good and bad, help us to spread the word about the work we do, inspiring and encouraging Australians and other visitors to the outback to get out and see our amazing backyard.

We also have several other guides available. Just click the titles and you’ll go to our website for more details:

 Driving from Adelaide to Alice Springs  The Red Centre Way  The Oodnadatta Track

You can also follow our Facebook page or sign up to our mailing list to receive information about our newest driving guides and destination itineraries.

If you’d like to know more about who we are, you can read all about us here.

Thank you again for reading, and I hope you’ll be back soon!

Gary & Amanda (Travel Outback Australia.com)

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