7-Day Red Centre Guided Tour from Alice Springs: Uluru, Kata Tjuta & West MacDonnell Ranges
Difficulty
moderate
Duration
7 days
Fitness Level
Suitable for travelers with moderate fitness: able to manage multiple short walks and long coach transfers.
Overview
A week-long loop from Alice Springs delivers the Red Centre in sharp focus: Uluru at sunset, the domes of Kata Tjuta, the cool gorges of the West MacDonnell Ranges, and a rare stand of red cabbage palms in Finke Gorge. Practical, guided, and steeped in local history, this tour is an efficient way to experience Central Australia.
7-Day Red Centre Guided Tour from Alice Springs: Uluru, Kata Tjuta & West MacDonnell Ranges
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Dusty road, dry heat, a horizon that keeps its distance — arrive in Alice Springs and the landscape announces itself in broad strokes. The tour begins with a short, purposeful walk through town: red dirt underfoot, anthemic gum trees sketching shade, and local guides who move between hard-won fact and lived memory. Over seven days, the coach becomes a slow-moving lens across the Red Centre, pausing for sudden concentrations of history and geology — Simpsons Gap’s cool cleft, the palm pockets of Finke Gorge, and then the great, solitary presence of Uluru.
Adventure Photos
Adventure Tips
Hydrate before and during the day
Carry at least 1–2 litres of water for daily walks; refill at tour stops and don’t wait until you’re thirsty.
Sun protection is non-negotiable
Bring a wide-brim hat, UV sunglasses and SPF 30+ sunscreen for long exposed sections at Uluru and Kata Tjuta.
Sturdy, broken-in shoes
Expect rocky, uneven paths and short hikes (Walpa Gorge ~2.6km, Uluru base ~10.6km) so wear supportive footwear.
Respect cultural sites
Follow guide instructions at Uluru-Kata Tjuta Cultural Centre and avoid restricted areas; photography and access rules protect sacred places.
Local Insights
Wildlife
- Red kangaroo
- Wedge-tailed eagle
History
The region is the traditional country of Arrernte and Anangu peoples and later drew European explorers and missionaries who recorded its landscapes in painting and text.
Conservation
Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park is jointly managed with Anangu owners and Palm Valley palms are highly sensitive to visitor impact — stick to marked paths and guidance.
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Adventure Hotspots in Alice Springs
Recommended Gear
Sturdy hiking shoes
Support and traction for rocky tracks and uneven surfaces.
1–2L reusable water bottle
Keeps you hydrated between stops; refill at provided points.
Wide-brim sun hat & sunglasses
Protects from intense desert sun during exposed walks.
summer specific
Light layers and a warm jacket
Evening temperatures can drop sharply, so pack a warm layer.
winter specific