Road trip Adelaide to Alice: exploring outback SA and the Red Centre
The journey to Australia’s Red Centre is nothing short of iconic.
As anyone who has made the trek will tell you, the raw, natural beauty of the outback is what makes Australia so unique.
Beginning in Adelaide, the below itinerary takes you over 1,600km all the way to the Red Centre and includes some of our favourite stops. Consider this your green light to start planning your own iconic road trip through the middle of this incredible country.
ROAD TRIP ADELAIDE TO ALICE SPRINGS: EXPLORING OUTBACK SA AND THE RED CENTRE
TABLE OF CONTENTS
- ADELAIDE TO PORT AUGUSTA
- PORT AUGUSTA TO COOBER PEDY
- COOBER PEDY TO KINGS CANYON
- KINGS CANYON TO WEST MACDONNELL RANGES
- GLEN HELEN TO ALICE SPRINGS
ADELAIDE TO PORT AUGUSTA VIA CLARE VALLEY
311km – 3.5hrs
No trip through South Australia is complete without a stop at one (or a few) wineries.
Luckily, the world-class wine region of the Clare Valley is part of your journey north, and one unique way to taste some of the awesome local produce available here is to hire a bike and set off along the Riesling Trail!
The Riesling Trail is a world-class day out. Credit: SATC
This easily manageable 35km path guides you through some of Clare’s best cellar doors, and you can be sure that each one will welcome you with open arms.
If you’ve had one too many vinos, or the beauty of Clare is too good to leave, Discovery Parks - Clare has you covered. Conveniently located along the above-mentioned Riesling Trail, the park even has e-bikes for hire if you prefer to exert a little less energy on your leisurely ride.
Scenes like this are typical of Clare. Credit: SATC
Alternatively, continue your journey north towards Discovery Park - Port Augusta, the first major stop of our Red Centre road trip.
An ideal spot to rest your weary head and stargaze the South Australian night sky, Port Augusta’s position at the gateway to some of SA’s most spectacular scenery is often underrated.
WHYALLA'S GIANT CUTTLEFISH
Only a short detour from Port Augusta is the seaside town of Whyalla, another gateway to SA's Eyre Peninsula and part of the ‘Iron Triangle’ along with Port Pirie.
Fascinatingly, the waters just off Whyalla are home to one of Mother Natures' most spectacular events – the annual migration of Giant Cuttlefish!
Reaching up to 100cm in length, tens of thousands of these majestic creatures come together each year in what is a stunning display throughout their breeding season from May – August.
If you’re game enough, take the opportunity to get up close through one of many local snorkel and dive tours.
Feel like staying longer? Book in at Discovery Parks - Whyalla Foreshore!
PORT AUGUSTA – COOBER PEDY
538km – 5.5hrs
Upon waking up in Port Augusta, fuel up for the day just down the road from our park at Archer’s Table, who offer the best coffee, bagels and homemade cakes in Port Augusta!
After that, the Australian Arid Lands Botanic Gardens are a must-see. Here you can learn about the weird and wonderful plant life found exclusively in the Aussie outback - worth keeping an eye on throughout your travels.
ACCOMMODATION IN PORT AUGUSTA
Discovery Parks - Port Augusta is at the gateway to some of SA's most spectacular destinations. If you're visiting the Flinders Ranges or the SA outback, look no further!
Next door to our park is the Acacia Ridge Motor Inn, which has comfortable motel-style rooms with all the in-room facilities you'd expect.
Driving into the endless red of Coober Pedy, you’d be forgiven for thinking you’ve taken a wrong turn and ended up on Mars! Dubbed the Opal Capital of the World, a trip to an underground opal mine is a must.
Enter the underground world of opal mining Coober Pedy. Credit: SATC
Tom’s Opal Mine is a fully functioning opal mining operation and even gives you the chance to noodle for your very own opals. If you’ve got more time, take an extended tour through the popular Umoona Opal Mine and Museum.
Coober Pedy’s rich indigenous heritage can be explored at Josephine’s Gallery and Kangaroo Orphanage. Established in 2008, the centre features rare Aboriginal art and the friendly staff are always up for yarn.
It's a sign! Time to hit the road. Credit: SATC
After a hard day on the tools, the Opal Inn Caravan Park offers a welcome reprieve with comfortable rooms, powered sites and a large restaurant and bar. Park up for a cold brew and trade stories with other travellers before retreating for the night!
KANKU-BREAKAWAYS CONSERVATION PARK
30 minutes from the Coober Pedy township, Kanku-Breakaways Conservation Park is a range of colourful hills nestled against an arid desertvbackdrop - a true sight to behold with the famed Dog Fence running nearby.
The Dog Fence was thrust into the spotlight back in the early 2000s when the SA-made film Rabbit Proof Fence hit the big screen.
COOBER PEDY – KINGS CANYON
764km – 7.5hrs
This is the longest and most challenging section of your trip.
A stop at the picturesque Painted Desert, not too far from Coober Pedy, will help you ease into the drive which as the name suggests, is as pretty as a picture.
The Kings Canyon Rim Walk is a must-do. Credit: Tourism NT
Those hours of driving will be forgotten once the magic of the Red Centre begins to unfold in front of you.
You can either head straight for Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park or continue on to Discovery Parks - Kings Canyon and set up base for the next few days of exploring.
Don't miss the Karrke Aboriginal Experience. Credit: Karrke
The Karrke Aboriginal Experience is a great way to learn about the traditions of the Indigenous Luritja and Pertame people. Led by members of the local community, you’ll find out how they’ve used the land for spiritual and medicinal purposes and the cultural importance it holds.
ACCOMMODATION IN KINGS CANYON
Discovery Parks - Kings Canyon puts you on the doorstep of some of the Red Centre's most amazing attractions. Stay on spacious sites and gain access to all the facilities of the resort next door!
Of course, no trip to the Red Centre would be complete without a visit to Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park.
A three-hour drive from Kings Canyon, the park is an integral part of Australia’s history and any visit here offers the chance for visitors to understand its significance.
Get close to Australia's Red Centre. Credit: Tourism NT
A guided tour around Uluru is a great way to ensure you get the most out of your trip, so for an experience you'll never forget, why not see Australia's most famous icon (sorry Sydney Harbour) on the back of camel!
Afterwards, try your hand at dot painting at the Maruku Arts Centre to round out a great day out.
Camel rides are a unique way to see Uluru! Credit: Tourism NT
Continue your exploration by heading to Kata Tjuta. Meaning ‘many heads,’ Kata Tjuta or The Olgas as it was formerly known, is a 40-minute drive from Uluru and the 7km return through the domes is well worth the extra steps.
DALHOUSIE SPRINGS
If adding an extra hour or two to your drive north from Coober Pedy doesn’t faze you, make a detour on your way to Kings Canyon to Dalhousie Springs
Credit: Parks SA
Dalhousie Springs is a group of over 60 natural artesian springs inside Witjira National Park that bubble away at temperatures between 38 and 43 degrees year-round.
The springs, combined with all manner of native flora and fauna make Witjira one of the outback's most popular national parks.
KINGS CANYON – WEST MACDONNELL RANGES INC. GLEN HELEN
2.5hrs – 226km
Making your way east towards Alice Springs, you’ll pass through the ancient desert plains of the West MacDonnell Ranges (Tjoritja).
Welcome to your next favourite coffee stop. Credit: Tourism NT
Take a private tour of the area with Sandrifter Safaris and see sacred spots such as Ilparpa Range and Yeperenye “Caterpillar” Dreaming, and be guided through the incredible rock formations of the Standley Chasm.
If you’re longing to cool off in some fresh, cool water, you’re in luck. The West Macs, as they’re affectionately known, are surrounded by a number of scenic waterholes, the closest being Glen Helen Gorge, which sits just down the river from the local Discovery Parks - Glen Helen.
Never hike alone! It's more fun anyway. Credit: Tourism NT/ Paddy Pallin
The area is also the finishing point for the world-famous Larapinta Trail.
The 223km total hike stretches from Alice Springs to Mount Sonder, just outside of Glen Helen, and passes through some of the most impressive scenery in the Red Centre. The track is broken into 12 sections of varying difficulty, meaning you can hit the track without having to commit to the full experience.
ACCOMMODATION IN THE WEST MACDONNELL RANGES
Discovery Parks - Glen Helen is the only accommodation inside the West MacDonnell Ranges National Park (Tjoritja).
Known widely as a haven of outback hospitality, guests here can make the most of an expansive campground, 25 motel-style rooms and powered and unpowered sites that look onto the Glen Helen escarpment.
GLEN HELEN TO ALICE SPRINGS
1.5hrs – 133km
Heading out of Glen Helen, you’ll pass several more popular swimming holes.
Ellery Creek Big Hole, Serpentine Gorge and the Ormiston Gorge are all along the way and even if it’s too cold to swim (the water is notoriously chilly), at the very least they all make for unforgettable photo opportunities.
Tours by A local guide will offer you insights you'll never forget. Credit: Tourism NT
Once you arrive in Alice Springs, we recommend heading to Page 27 to refuel. This happening little café brings a Melbourne laneway vibe to the outback and has a range of options from healthy to more indulgent treats.
Known by locals as Mparntwe, there is plenty to do around Alice despite its remote location.
Monthly night markets bring together food, live entertainment and local artisans and you can meet the stars of National Geographic’s Kangaroo Dundee with a trip to the Alice Springs Kangaroo Sanctuary.
ACCOMMODATION IN ALICE SPRINGS
Discovery Parks - Alice Springs is only 5 minutes from the town centre of Alice Springs and is a convenient spot to start any NT adventure. Central to many natural attractions, the park has loads of facilities that keep guests coming back year after year.
Just one hour from Alice lies an important historic site which is home to thousands of prehistoric rock carvings. N’Dharla Gorge Nature Park showcases over 6000 petroglyphs, each giving us a rare insight into the lives of the Eastern Arrernte men and women.
Welcome to Discovery Parks - Alice Springs!
After exploring this amazing outpost of both Indigenous and colonial history, settle in at Discovery Parks - Alice Springs In-in-park activities include astronomer-guided Star Talks, yoga classes and movie nights or simply relax by the pool while the kids test out the newly fitted waterslide!
Congratulations, you made it! Are you ready to plan your journey from Adelaide to Alice Springs?
