Alice Springs is the launch pad to the wider Red Centre region which encompasses Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park and Watarrka National Park, home to the spectacular Kings Canyon. The jewel in the regions’ crown is undoubtedly Uluru, formerly known as Ayers Rock, which is probably Australia’s best known natural icon, but there is so much more to do and see here that you’ll want at least two or three nights to properly explore. For Uluru and Kata Tjuta (the Olgas), base yourself at one of the accommodation options at Ayers Rock Resort and plan your day’s activities at dawn and dusk when it’s coolest, leaving the heat of midday for lazing around the hotel pool.

Uluru is almost 10km around at its based and at 348m, it’s taller than The Shard! Kata Tjuta means ‘many heads’ in the local Pitjantjatjara language and no wonder as it’s made up of 36 rock domes, the tallest, Mt Olga, being taller than Uluru. These two formations are both located in the same national park, located approx. 50km apart.