How to have an ultimate couples driving adventure in the Red Centre

Jennifer Ennion Jennifer Ennion
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Stay in the good books with this challenging but fun Red Centre holiday for couples.

With desert sunrises, star-smattered night skies and remote hiking trails, the Red Centre couldn’t be more romantic for Outback-loving couples. Follow our seven and 14-day itineraries to make the most of a visit.

Uluru – Days 1-3

Capturing the hearts of Australians for decades, there’s no better place to kick off your Red Centre holiday than at Uluru. There are a tonne of activities to choose from and one that should be at the top of your list is a hike around Uluru’s base.

 

The morning Mala Walk is a fantastic choice, as not only will you have a ranger as a guide but it’s a great way to gain an understanding of how significant this place is to the Anangu people.

 

You’ll also get to see rock art and won’t have to work up a sweat, either, as it’s only a two-kilometre return. During your time at Uluru, you should also head out to Kata Tjuta , also known as the Olgas. Only 59 kilometres away, a journey to this collection of 36 rock domes is worth a morning excursion. The 7.4-kilometre Valley of the Winds walk is the highlight, so pack a picnic, slip on some sunscreen and hit the trail.

 

The activities don’t stop at nightfall, and couples will love getting lost in the beauty of the Field of Light art installation, as well as the magic of the Sounds of Silence dinner overlooking Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park.

Highlight of the day:

Learning about Indigenous culture and why Uluru needs to be respected.

Uluru to Kings Canyon – Day 4

320 kilometres

Red centre holiday Uluru
Stunning Uluru.

Come face to face with Uluru one more time by rising early for an iconic sunrise camel tour. As the sun and sky awaken, watch shadows dance across ‘the rock’ as you explore this ethereal desert landscape. Afterwards, have a hearty breakfast before hitting the road with Kings Canyon in your sights.

 

You’ll want to relax by the time you reach this Red Centre highlight, so what better time to enjoy the pool and restaurants at Kings Canyon Resort ?

Need tips, more detail or itinerary ideas tailored to you? Ask AT.

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Highlight of the day:

Watching the desert come alive while atop a camel.

Kings Canyon – Day 5

Lace up your hiking boots and grab your water bottle for a morning of exploring the star attraction of Watarrka National Park. Fit couples will want to tackle the six-kilometre Kings Canyon Rim Walk, with impressive views of the 100-metre-high sandstone walls that have made the canyon famous. Be sure to also check out the weathered rock formations nicknamed The Lost City.

Highlight of the day:

Viewing the canyon from the seat of a chopper, perfect for couples celebrating special occasions or those who feel like splashing out. The scenic flights are organised by Kings Canyon Resort.

Kings Canyon to Alice Springs – Day 6

330 kilometres

If you wake early, watch the sun rise over Kings Canyon before continuing your road trip north to Alice Springs . Once you arrive in town, get the lay of the land by heading up to the Anzac Hill lookout, the most visited landmark in Alice. In the evening, give yourself a night off cooking by booking a table at one of the handful of restaurants at Lasseters .

Alice Springs – Day 7

On your final day in the Red Centre get a bird’s-eye view of Alice in a hot air balloon. Float silently above the desert town with Outback Ballooning as you soak in the dawn views of the beautiful MacDonnell Ranges.

You’ll then want to spend some time exploring the stores and art galleries of Todd St Mall, before having lunch at the hip and cosy Page 27, hidden down a laneway. In the afternoon, make your way to The Kangaroo Sanctuary, home to rescued and orphaned roos.

Highlight of the day:

Holding a kangaroo joey at the Kangaroo Sanctuary in what will make the ultimate holiday snap.

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If you have 14 days…

Alice Springs to West MacDonnell Ranges – Days 8 & 9

Leave the car behind and see the Red Centre in a new light by joining an overnight Outback Cycling adventure that goes deep into the West MacDonnell Ranges . Soak up the solitude of the desert as you and your partner snake along tracks while making your way to a quintessential Aussie bush camp. The tours are for experienced riders, so if they sound too much then opt for one of Outback Cycling’s new four-hour electric mountain-bike tours to Simpsons Gap.

Highlight of the day:

Feasting on damper under a million-star sky.

The Larapinta Trail – Days 10-12

It’s time to head off the beaten track again with one final Red Centre adventure – the famous Larapinta Trail. This 223-kilometre trek, which begins on Alice Springs Telegraph Station Historical Reserve and heads into the West MacDonnell Ranges, isn’t for the faint-hearted.

 

But don’t fret, you don’t need to go the whole hog (about two weeks) to experience Larapinta’s magic. Australian Walking Holidays offers three-day assisted self-guided treks, which include food drops, route maps, camping gear, emergency support and transport.

Highlight of the day:

Red centre holiday West MacDonnell Ranges
Larapinta Trail and West MacDonnell Ranges, Central Australia

Wandering through narrow canyons and around beautiful waterholes.

Alice Springs – Days 13 & 14

Take it easy for your final two days in the Red Centre by exploring some of Alice Springs’ most popular attractions. These include Alice Springs Desert Park, which runs a fantastic wedge-tailed eagle encounter between March and October; Alice Springs School of the Air visitor centre, where you can learn about Australia’s original home-schooling program; and eclectic Todd Mall Markets (held every second Sunday, Feb-Dec).

For more information on things to do in the NT, visit the official Northern Territory website at northernterritory.com

Jennifer Ennion
Jennifer Ennion is a freelance travel and ski journalist who loves encouraging people to spend more time outdoors. From snorkelling with belugas in sub-Arctic Canada to hiking the Himalayas, Jennifer is constantly searching for stories that inspire readers to push their boundaries.
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8 experiences to restart and inspire your senses for 2026

    Katie Dundas Katie Dundas
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    Be invigorated by the sights, sounds and landscapes of the Northern Territory.

    If your 2026 travel goals focus on visiting inspiring and meaningful destinations, look no further than the Northern Territory. Rich in Indigenous culture, national parks and unique local cuisine, a journey deep into the Red Centre and Top End will awaken all your senses and leave you with lifelong memories. But you don’t need to do it on your own, as AAT Kings’ Small Group tours offer expertly led itineraries. They’re designed to take the guesswork out of travel planning and help you access remote regions in comfort while connecting with fellow guests, allowing you to delve deeper into destinations with insights from knowledgeable Travel Directors and local Indigenous guides.

    As Small Group tours with AAT Kings have an average of just 16 guests, there’s ample opportunity to ask questions and make meaningful connections on every visit. Here are just a few of the experiences on offer, with adventures designed to invigorate every sense.

    1. Under a Desert Moon dinner

    Under a Desert Moon dinner in northern territory
    Watch the stars come out over five courses.

    Over five courses, dine under the stars during an unforgettable Outback dining experience. As day fades to night, lit only by the moon and the crackling fire, this outdoor dinner features locally sourced seasonal produce, matched with Australian wines.

    It’s an intimate experience, showcasing the quiet grandeur of the Outback after nightfall. As you dine, feel connected to the land and its unique flavours, introduced by your impeccable waitstaff.

    Part of the Northern Territory Dreaming tour, the Under a Desert Moon dinner is the ideal way to connect with your small group of fellow travellers after an invigorating day in the Red Centre.

    2. Karrke Aboriginal Cultural Experience

    Karrke Aboriginal Cultural Experience
    Learn stories of the Red Centre at Karrke. (Image: Tourism & Events NT/ 75vibes)

    The best way to learn the stories of the Red Centre is by connecting with the land’s Traditional Owners. At the Karrke Aboriginal Cultural Experience, visited on AAT Kings Northern Territory Dreaming and Outback Contrasts tours, you’ll meet with members of the local Wanmarra community in Kings Canyon.

    On this immersive AAT Kings MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience you’ll walk on Country to learn firsthand about bush tucker, Indigenous medicine, wooden artefacts and the art of dot painting. Passionate guides will share stories that have been passed down for generations.

    3. Kungkas Can Cook

    Kungkas Can Cook set up at Simpson's Gap
    Taste local bush delicacies. (Image: Tourism & Events NT/ Mel Brautigam)

    The powerful senses of smell and taste are awakened on this exclusive experience led by Indigenous chef Rayleen Brown. Included in the Northern Territory Dreaming and Outback Contrasts tours, this is a unique opportunity to savour local bush delicacies and learn about Indigenous culture through the lens of food.

    Brown, a recipe author and guest judge for MasterChef Australia, works solely with native ingredients directly harvested by women from the Alice Springs community. It’s a 100 per cent Indigenous owned and run business.

    4. Karlu Karlu (Devils Marbles)

    woman walking by Karlu Karlu (Devils Marbles)
    See striking Karlu Karlu. (Image: Tourism & Events NT/ Dom And Jesso)

    Appearing out of nowhere, the huge granite boulders of Karlu Karlu seem to precariously balance on the barren Outback landscape. You’ll come across these geological formations as you cruise the Stuart Highway on the Northern Territory Explorer tour.

    Your AAT Kings Travel Director will share expert insight on the history and culture of Karlu Karlu, recognised as a sacred site of the Warumungu people. As you walk in awe amongst these stunning formations, formed many millennia ago, you’ll hear some of the stories behind why this place is so important to Indigenous storytelling and culture.

    5. Pudakul

    Pudakul Aboriginal Cultural Tours
    Experience this family-owned Indigenous experience. (Images: Tourism & Events NT/ Helen Orr)

    Make authentic cultural connections when you visit Pudakul, a family-owned Indigenous experience on the Adelaide River Flood Plains. On your Small Group Northern Territory Explorer tour your senses will be inspired by the sounds of First Nations music, the taste of local bush tucker and the beauty of art.

    This AAT Kings MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience is designed to take you deeper into the destination, helping guests learn from the people of the Limilngan-Wulna Land.

    6. Corroboree Billabong Wetland Cruise

    Corroboree Billabong Wetland Cruise
    Spot the wildlife of the billabong. (Image: Tourism & Events NT)

    Observing the unique wildlife of the Northern Territory – from formidable crocs to hearing gentle melodies from the many endemic bird species – is always one of the most memorable parts of your Northern Territory Dreaming tour.

    Travel in the comfort of your premium coach, taking in the stunning landscapes, before arriving at Corroboree Billabong. This special place is part of the Mary River Wetlands and is home to the world’s largest concentration of saltwater crocodiles. Your comfortable boat is designed to maximise wildlife viewing, giving you a front row seat to this spectacular ecosystem.

    7. Aboriginal Bush Traders

    artist at Aboriginal Bush Traders in darwin
    Visit for the art, stay for a bite. (Image: Tourism & Events NT/ Shaana McNaught)

    A visit to Aboriginal Bush Traders is the ideal introduction to the vibrant city of Darwin. This non-profit gallery, cafe and retail space supports Indigenous employment and is the perfect place to find a curated selection of ethical Indigenous gifts, including artwork and organic skincare.

    Your Northern Territory Top End National Parks and Northern Territory Dreaming tours include an exclusive native flavour tasting, offering cultural insight before travelling deeper into the Top End.

    8. Leliyn (Edith Falls)

    woman swimming in Leliyn (Edith Falls)
    Cool off at Leliyn (Edith Falls). (Image: Tourism & Events NT/ As We Wander)

    There’s something about a mighty waterfall that invigorates the soul like nothing else, with the picturesque Leliyn (Edith Falls) the perfect place to refresh on a hot day.

    On your Northern Territory Top End National Parks and Northern Territory Dreaming visit to Nitmiluk National Park, known for its epic sandstone gorges, you’ll pay a visit to the oasis that is Leliyn. It’s the ideal place for a swim, but it’s also home to ancient Indigenous rock art. And as your Travel Director will explain, it’s an impressive place of cultural significance, too.

    Make 2026 the year to discover the flavours, culture and beauty of the Northern Territory at aatkings.com.