3-Day Red Centre Tour Packages

Insider tips: Recommended 3-day Red Centre tour itineraries

Compiled by

MelissaRed Centre travel expert at TourRadar

• 3 Day Uluru Itinerary, incl. Kata Tjuta and Field of Light

  

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  • Day 1

    Uluru Sacred Sites & Sunset

    Book a morning flight from Sydney or Melbourne to arrive at Ayers Rock Airport before 1:30 PM. A free shuttle takes you to your accommodation in about 15 minutes. Start at the Uluru-Kata Tjuta Cultural Centre to learn about the site's spiritual importance. Take the base tour of Uluru featuring spots like the Mutitjulu Waterhole. Wear shoes with good grip since the red dirt paths can get slippery. Watch the sunset from the designated viewing area and bring warm clothes for when temperatures drop after dark.

    
  • Day 2

    Kata Tjuta & Double Uluru Views

    Get up early for sunrise at Talinguru Nyakunytjaku viewing platform (5 AM in summer, 6:30 AM in winter). The 20-minute drive in the dark is worth it for the morning light show. Bring water and breakfast since there are no cafes at the viewing spot. Drive 45 minutes to Kata Tjuta and walk the 1.3km Walpa Gorge trail before it gets too hot. The massive red rock domes offer little shade. Rest at your accommodation during the afternoon heat then go out for another Uluru sunset.

    
  • Day 3

    Field of Light & Departure

    Start your last day around 4:30 AM to see Bruce Munro's Field of Light installation. Walk among 50,000 glowing glass spheres before watching one final Uluru sunrise from the dune viewing area. Book flights after 9:30 AM to fit everything in. Bring a light source for walking the dark paths through the installation.

    

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• 3 Day Australia's Red Centre Itinerary, incl. Uluru and Kata Tjuta

  

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  • Day 1

    Arrival at Uluru & Field of Light

    Try to book a morning flight into Ayers Rock Airport to make the most of your first day. The desert heat gets intense by afternoon, so you'll want to rest during peak heat hours when temperatures can go above 40°C/104°F in summer. In the evening, you'll be taken to a remote desert spot for the Field of Light display. Remember to bring a light jacket since desert temperatures drop quickly after dark. You'll see 50,000 glowing glass spheres spread across the desert floor, creating an unforgettable sight.

    
  • Day 2

    Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park

    Get an early start today. You'll need to be up before dawn (around 5:00 AM in summer, 6:30 AM in winter) to reach the Talinguru Nyakunytjaku viewpoint. Wear closed-toe shoes with good grip since morning dew can make rocks slippery. After watching the sunrise at Uluru, take the 45km drive to Kata Tjuta for the Walpa Gorge walk. This moderate one-hour walk requires at least 1.5 liters of water per person, even in cool weather. Spend your afternoon exploring Uluru's base. You can see ancient Aboriginal rock art and learn about the site's spiritual importance. Remember that climbing Uluru isn't allowed anymore to respect Aboriginal cultural beliefs. For sunset viewing, get there at least 30 minutes early to find a good spot.

    
  • Day 3

    Optional Scenic Flight & Departure

    Book your helicopter flight for early morning if you're interested (around $220 USD for 25 minutes). Morning flights offer the calmest air and best visibility. You'll fly over Lake Amadeus and see parts of Kata Tjuta you can't reach on foot. Book an afternoon departure flight if possible to fit in one last morning activity.

    

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• 3 Days in Australia's Red Centre, incl. Uluru and Kings Canyon

  Uluru sunrise walks, Kings Canyon's Garden of Eden, and Kata Tjuta's 36 domes highlight this three-day tour. Cultural experiences at Maruku Arts complement comfortable camping under desert stars. The tour covers 4 major destinations for approx. $210 per day.

  

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  • Day 1

    Yulara to Uluru

    Begin your Red Centre adventure in Yulara, which connects you to Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park. Your first stop should be Kata Tjuta (the Olgas) where you can take an afternoon hike through the 36 ancient domes. The walk takes about an hour. Pack lots of water and wear sturdy shoes with good grip since the rocks can get slippery. Around 5:30 PM (time changes with seasons), head to the sunset viewing area to see Uluru's color show. A previous visitor shares: "Watching the rock transform from ochre to deep red as the sun set was mesmerizing – definitely arrive early to get an unobstructed view spot."

    
  • Day 2

    Uluru Sunrise and Base Walk

    Get up early for sunrise. You'll need to leave at least 90 minutes before dawn to reach the viewing platform. Bring warm clothes since desert mornings can be surprisingly cold. After sunrise, take on the 10 km base walk around Uluru. This usually takes 3-4 hours. Start clockwise from the Mala carpark to tackle the most exposed section while it's cool. Stop by the Uluru Cultural Centre before the tour buses arrive at noon. In the afternoon, drive 3.5 hours to Kings Canyon so you arrive before sunset.

    
  • Day 3

    Kings Canyon to Alice Springs

    Start the Kings Canyon Rim Walk early. In summer you need to begin before 9 AM because of the heat. One visitor notes: "The guide insisted we carry 3 liters of water each, and we needed every drop on the 6 km loop." You'll climb about 500 steep steps at the start, but the views of the Lost City and Garden of Eden are worth the effort. After lunch, take the 5-hour drive to Alice Springs. You should arrive around 6 PM.

    

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