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Alice Springs, Australia

8 Days: Red Centre to Coral Coast, Northern Territory & Western Australia

Alice Springs, Australia · 8 days, 7 nights · mid-range · from about $2200 per person · best in April, May, June

Drive the Australian outback from the Red Centre to the Indian Ocean, passing through ancient Aboriginal lands, remote cattle stations, and untouched turquoise bays. A true remote-road journey for experienced outback drivers and adventurers seeking isolation and raw beauty.

What to expect

Day by day

Day 1: Alice Springs Arrival & MacDonnells

Arrive in Alice Springs; pick up high-clearance 4WD; stock supplies.

Drive to West MacDonnells; hike Simpsons Gap (3 km return; river red gums).

Camp near Ellery Creek; sunset from the creek's waterhole.

Day 2: Uluru Sacred Landscape

Drive to Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park; watch sunrise from designated viewpoint.

Walk the Uluru Base Track (9.4 km; 3.5 hours) at a leisurely pace.

Sunset viewing at Uluru; camp in the park.

Day 3: Kata Tjuta & Outback Base

Hike the Walpa Gorge Trail to Kata Tjuta's domed peaks (2.6 km; 1.5 hours).

Drive towards a remote cattle station near Kings Canyon; arrive by dusk.

Experience outback hospitality; traditional dinner under stars.

Day 4: Tanami Track North

Depart the station; drive the Tanami Track (northern section).

Stop at rock carvings and wildflower springs; red dunes stretch endlessly.

Camp at a remote bush camp; night sky unobstructed by any light.

Day 5: Across the Border to WA

Continue on Tanami Track crossing into Western Australia.

Detour to Mount Liebig (sacred site); scenic gorge and red cliffs.

Camp near the Papunya turnoff; prepare for the drive to the coast.

Day 6: Great Northern Highway to Exmouth

Drive north on sealed roads towards Exmouth; landscape transitions to spinifex and acacia.

Arrive at Exmouth (Ningaloo region); explore the town and settle accommodation.

Dinner on the foreshore; prepare for water activities.

Day 7: Ningaloo Reef & Coral Bay

Drive to Coral Bay; snorkel the reef (walk straight in; coral 100 m offshore).

Kayak through shallow turquoise waters; spot reef sharks and giant groupers.

Return to Exmouth; sunset drinks at a beach bar.

Day 8: Departure

Optional sunrise beach walk; return rental 4WD in Exmouth.

Fly out from Exmouth or drive back to Perth (1,270 km; splits into 2 days).

Depart or settle in Perth for onward travel.

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