The Australian Outback is full of culture and traditions deriving from the Aboriginal community and holds great significance in the country. It’s a place where tourists learn not only about Australian history but also about indigenous culture. This three-day itinerary allows you to take a fascinating Australian Outback tour in the Australian Red Centre, touching sacred spots like Uluru, Kata Tjuta, and Kings Canyon. So, rent a car and take your very own Australian Outback road trip.
Related post: Famous Landmarks in Australia
Day One: Uluru
Uluru is a sandstone monolith in the Australian Northern Territory’s Red Centre, and if you think seeing a simple red rock isn’t that interesting, think again. Uluru is one of the most culturally and spiritually significant spots in the Australian Outback, so it’d be pretty crazy to not hit this place up.
Departure from Alice Springs or Hotel
It’s preferable to visit Uluru when staying at a nearby hotel, as exploring Uluru can get a little exhausting (but in a good way). Some people like to begin from Alice Springs, but it’s a four-hour drive. Uluru is an iconic sight that you’ll be able to spot from a distance, thanks to the iconic red that masks the sky. En route to Uluru, you’ll also be able to visit a few other unmissable stops.
Uluru Kata Tjuta Cultural Centre
This Uluru Kata Tjuta Cultural Centre is an important site to visit if you’re looking to learn about the culture of the indigenous Australians of the area. At the cultural centre, you can request a film show of the actual re-enactment of the experience of the Indigenous people, and the centre also has a wonderful collection of artwork by Indigenous people. Interestingly, it is believed that those who try to steal the spiritual essence of Uluru (by stealing rocks and similar souvenirs) befall misfortune. You can actually see a detailed list of people who had done so in the past with the misfortunes that befell them written alongside in a “sorry” book.
Sunset at Uluru
While you might have hoped to climb Uluru, you can’t actually take the hike since it was banned a few years ago for the protection of the spirituality of the monolith. However, that shouldn’t stop you from enjoying Uluru, and the best way to experience the beauty of the Australian Outback is watching the sunset at Uluru.
Grab a couple of beers–or if you’re going for a romantic night out, wine–pack a basket full of your favorite snacks, and munch while watching the sunset. Seeing the gorgeous array of colors fuse with the red rocks will truly create a moment you can’t describe in words.
Day Two: Kata Tjuta
On the next day, head out to explore the Uluru-Kata Tjuta bushland before making your way to Kings Canyon. If you’re an early bird and wouldn’t mind a few extra scenic glimpses, you can make the drive to the Uluru viewpoint early in the morning to catch the sunrise. If you do make the sunrise, go all out and have a “brekkie” (i.e., breakfast of Australian foods like Weet-Bix and Vegemite) there, too.
Kata Tjuta Dunes Viewing Area
Continue along the Uluru-Kata Tjuta bushland road and you’ll find the Kata Tjuta dunes viewing area where you can easily park for hours. Spend at least an hour here during your Australian Outback tour to take pictures and get lost in the hypnotizing views of the dunes.
Walpa Gorge
About 20 minutes from the Kata Tjuta viewing area is Walpa Gorge, a mesmerizing hiking trail that takes you across red rocks with an occasional, seasonal stream to accompany you. This family-friendly hike is easy and relatively simple, though it can take an hour or two depending on your pace. If you’re lucky, you might even spot a few wallabies along the way! While at the gorge, you can rest for a bit to admire the views and continue to explore the rock formations.
Day Three: Kings Canyon
Located on the western edge of the George Gill Range, Kings Canyon is a place you will want to stop for a day or two. Hike the popular six-kilometer Kings Canyon Rim Walk Plan and spend the night at an eco-friendly property, such as King Canyon Resort, where you can dine and sleep in luxury glamping tents under the stars.
On the next day, make sure you’re up early in the morning for the steep hike to the top. Bring lots of water as it can get very hot within minutes. Once you reach the top, you’ll forget all about the hike’s difficulty and find yourself admiring bright blue skies and a mesmerizing view of the bushland.
Garden of Eden
Kings Canyon is also home to green bushland dubbed the Garden of Eden by locals. The area has a spring of pools that creates a refreshing oasis, and if you hire a tour guide, they’ll surely tell you all about the impressive history of the Anangu people who spent their time hunting at the Garden of Eden.
Back to Alice Springs
The drive back to Alice Springs takes about four to five hours (from the Stuart Highway on the AB7), so you’ll have plenty of time to rest your overworked legs. Upon return to Alice Springs, you’re likely to find yourself covered in red dust after all the exploration, but a relaxing shower will take care of that. For this three-day itinerary, you have the flexibility to add or delete a few activities and days. But if you’re looking for a quick and awesome Australian Outback tour, this is the best way to go!
Have you done an Australian Outback tour? We would love to hear about it.
