Uluṟu’s new hike just got luxe accommodation to match

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This multi-day hike just got even better thanks to its exclusive new accommodation offering.

To complete its new Uluru-Kata Tjuta Signature Walk, Tasmanian Walking Company is constructing a suite of luxury accommodation along the route, which snakes through Australia’s Red Centre.

Each night, guests will retreat to the stunning eco-sensitive lodgings to recharge before hitting the trail again come morning – the ultimate finishing touch to this quintessential Aussie outback experience.

All about the new accommodation

The new accommodation offering from the Tasmanian Walking Company will open to guests on the four-night Uluru-Kata Tjuta Signature Walk in 2026. It will include two environmentally conscious camps and the exclusive Luxury Lodge, all nestled deep within the World Heritage-listed Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park.

Uluṟu-Kata Tjuṯa Signature Walk Accommodation in the Northern Territory
The exclusive accommodation is part of the new Uluṟu-Kata Tjuṯa Signature Walk.

On the first night, hikers will hunker down at Camp One, which offers sweeping vistas of the iconic red-dirt landscape. Wash your first day on the trail away with a hot shower before getting snug in your thoughtfully designed canvas tent for a good night’s rest.

Camp Two, where guests stay on their second night, is similar in style and offers the same amenities, including flushing toilets. Here, you can treat yourself to a foot spa before heading out onto the designated stargazing deck to see the Milky Way in all its glory. Keen cosmic observers can even opt to camp out under the stars in a cosy swag.

Uluṟu-Kata Tjuṯa Signature Walk Accommodation in the Northern Territory
Spacious canvas tents allow for full immersion in the ancient landscape.

Nights three and four of the Uluru-Kata Tjuta Signature Walk will be spent at Tasmania Walking Company’s impressive new Luxury Lodge. Guests are invited to rejuvenate with a massage or facial at the onsite Wellness Centre before relaxing with new friends in the communal lounge or retreating to private sleeping quarters.

While full details are yet to be released, the lodge is designed specifically to spotlight the surrounding scenery in all its raw, unfiltered beauty and integrate unique features that will work to fully immerse guests throughout their stay. Uninterrupted views of Uluru also allow for thoughtful reflection on your journey, amplifying a real sense of connection to and respect for Country.

Uluṟu-Kata Tjuṯa Signature Walk Accommodation in the Northern Territory
Reflect on your transformative five-day journey at the Luxury Lodge.

It’s important to note that all accommodation along the way is twin share, so most solo travellers will need to bunk up with a fellow hiker. While single rooms can be requested upon booking, 75 per cent of your full fee is required as a supplementary payment.

What to expect along the way

The Uluru-Kata Tjuta Signature Walk has been developed in close consultation with the Yankunytjatjara and Pitjantjatjara people (Anangu), the Traditional Owners of the land. All up, the hike spans 54 kilometres across this vast and ancient landscape, earning itself a place among Australia’s most unforgettable hikes before it even opens to the public.

Uluṟu-Kata Tjuṯa Signature Walk in the Northern Territory
The Uluṟu-Kata Tjuṯa Signature Walk span 54 kilometres.

During the day, guests will tackle different sections of the trail with an experienced guide, from the soaring domes of Kata Tjuta to the 550-million-year-old Uluru, the sacred heart of Australia. Along the way, you’ll witness ochre-rich dunes, mulga woodlands and ancient outcrops, as well as hear Ancestral stories and learn about caring for Country. If five days isn’t enough (and it rarely is in this magical place), tack on an extra week or so to experience everything else Uluru has to offer.

Bookings for the Uluru-Kata Tjuta Signature Walk are now open, with availability from April 2026 to September 2026. Prices start at $5395 per person and include all accommodation, transfers, meals and a selection of beverages, as well as a mandatory national park pass.

Taylah Darnell
Taylah Darnell is Australian Traveller's Writer & Producer. She has been passionate about writing since she learnt to read, spending many hours either lost in the pages of books or attempting to write her own. This life-long love of words inspired her to study a Bachelor of Communication majoring in Creative Writing at the University of Technology Sydney, where she completed two editorial internships. She began her full-time career in publishing at Ocean Media before scoring her dream job with Australian Traveller. Now as Writer & Producer, Taylah passionately works across both digital platforms and print titles. When she's not wielding a red pen over magazine proofs, you can find Taylah among the aisles of a second-hand bookshop, following a good nature trail or cheering on her EPL team at 3am. While she's keen to visit places like Norway and New Zealand, her favourite place to explore will forever be her homeland.
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8 Red Centre locations to explore after seeing the new movie, Kangaroo

Spend a few days visiting the real-life Central Australian locations that inspired the new film everyone is talking about, and discover why Alice Springs is such an important part of Australian culture.

In the credits of the new Australian film Kangaroo , the first name under ‘cast’ should read ‘The Northern Territory ’. Not only is Alice Springs (and the surrounding landscape) integral to the movie itself, but the spiritual heart of Australia and its local Indigenous owners also inform the look and feel of every frame, explains Producer Trisha Morton-Thomas of Brindle Films, who also plays Charlie’s grandmother Gwennie.

“By setting Kangaroo in Alice Springs (Mparntwe), the film embraces how visible Aboriginal people are here, and the living Aboriginal culture that is woven through this community,” she explains.

still from kangarro film
See Kangaroo, then visit the real-life filming locations.

And while shooting in such a sacred part of the Northern Territory required extra planning, it was something the cast and crew were highly invested in.

“There are incredibly significant sacred sites and places of deep cultural stories in the area, that at times are very gender-specific, which we’ve kept out of the production,” she explains. “Even if overhead drone footage captures a sacred site that isn’t meant to be seen by other people outside of that clan, we’ve made sure to omit it from the film.”

If Kangaroo piqued your interest in a Central Australian holiday, we don’t blame you. Read on to discover eight places featured in the movie that you can visit in real life – and get planning. Don’t forget to pack sunscreen and a hat.

1. Alice Springs/ Mparntwe

artist at Many Hands Art Centre
Visit the galleries of Alice Springs, like Many Hands Art Centre. (Image: Tourism NT/ Helen Orr/ Many Hands Art Centre)

The red and dusty streets of the film’s fictional town of Silvergum were filmed on the outskirts of Alice Springs. And, while the art gallery featured in the film is fictional, Alice Springs is a hub of creativity. See the work of local artists at the Araluen Art Centre , Yubu Napa Art Gallery , Iltja Ntjarra (Many Hands) Art Centre and the famous Tjanpi Desert Weavers .

2. The Kangaroo Sanctuary & Kangaroo Rescue Centre

The Kangaroo Sanctuary Alice Springs, the inspiration for the Kangaroo move
Visit the movie’s inspiration at Kangaroo Sanctuary. (Image: Tourism NT/ Kangaroo Sanctuary)

Kangaroo was inspired by the journey of Chris ‘Brolga’ Barns, who founded the now world-renowned Kangaroo Sanctuary based in Alice Springs. For lead actor, Aussie Ryan Corr, the animals were central to the movie, alongside the landscapes.

“The animals in this story were a real calling point for me,” he explains. “What this story tries to tell us about the connection between humans and animals is beautiful.”

To gain a real insight into the fauna and flora of the Red Centre, you can visit the Kangaroo Sanctuary on a sunset tour, where you might even get the chance to hold a baby kangaroo.

3. Ormiston Gorge

woman walking along the edge of Ormiston Gorge near alice springs
Take a dip in Ormiston Gorge. (Image: Tourism NT/ @domandjesso)

The film captures the raw beauty of the West MacDonnell Ranges, known in the Arrernte language as Tjoritja. This national park is rich in Indigenous culture and stark geological wonders.

Only a 15-minute drive from Alice Springs, Tjoritja offers visitors the chance to camp, hike and swim among ancient landscapes (most attractions are less than a three-hour drive away).

Ormiston Gorge , a cooling oasis in among the red desert sands, is one of the most popular destinations, no doubt because of the permanent swimming hole and towering red cliffs. From here, visitors can also embark on the beautiful Ormiston Pound Walk and the shorter – more accessible – Ghost Gum Walk. Bring your bathers – it’s safe for swimming.

4. Standley Chasm

woman walking through Standley Chasm near alice springs
Wander through Standley Chasm. (Image: Tourism NT)

The 1.2-kilometre walk to nearby Standley Chasm will be a highlight for any visitor as the imposing 40 metre-high chasm walls project strength and ancient wisdom.

Visit at midday to experience the path illumined by the midday sun. Not only will you fill your camera roll with vibrant red images of the gorge and its intoxicating shadows, but you can also camp nearby in a powered or unpowered site so you can watch the brilliance of the desert stars fill the night sky after dusk.

5. Simpsons Gap

three people walking on path through simpsons gap near alice springs
Walk the trails of Simpson’s Gap. (Image: Tourism NT/ Helen Orr)

Closer to Alice Springs, the photogenic Simpsons Gap is the perfect place to spot the endangered Black-footed Rock wallaby near the permanent watering hole. While swimming isn’t permitted, soaking up the sun and views certainly is.

Explore the area’s numerous walking trails, appreciate the soaring cliffs on either side of the ‘gap’ and pick out the shooting locations of Kangaroo in the area.

6. Ellery Creek Big Hole

aerial of Ellery Creek Big Hole near alice springs
Dive into Ellery Creek Big Hole. (Image: Tourism NT/ Tourism Australia)

When it comes to classic Northern Territory landscapes, you can’t go past Ellery Creek Big Hole/ Udepata : tall gum trees sidling up to a refreshing watering hole (fed by the West MacDonnell Ranges and surrounded by rugged red cliffs.

Swim in the cooling waters, hike the cliff tops, watch for birds and even stargaze as you camp here overnight. It’s locations like this that attracted the film’s director Kate Woods to the project.

“It humbles you to be in this environment: it’s so beautiful, so old and so vast,” she explains. “I was thrilled to get a chance to … shoot such a beautiful story in the incredible landscape of the Northern Territory.”

7. Larapinta Drive

aerial of Larapinta Drive into alice springs
Drive along Larapinta Drive. (Image: Tourism NT)

There is no better way to get a feel for how the characters arrived at the fictional Central Australian town of Silvergum than to travel along the iconic state road, Larapinta Drive.

Connecting Alice Springs to the mighty King’s Canyon in the west, via the historic community of Hermannsburg, this road takes in the West MacDonnell National Park, Alice Springs Desert Park and artist Albert Namatjira’s house, among other attractions. Take your time, bring a camera and prepare for numerous stops along the way.

8. Todd River

competitors in Henley on Todd Regatta, alice springs
Join in the fun of the quirky Henley on Todd Regatta. (Image: Tourism NT/ TImparja Creative)

Meandering through Alice Springs like a lazy Western Brown snake, the Todd River is a central part of Alice Springs culture. Known as an ‘intermittent river’, the Todd can go from a dry dusty riverbed to a flowing waterscape in less than 15 minutes after heavy rainfall.

When it’s dry, the famous Henley on Todd Regatta fills the sandy riverbed with handmade ‘boats’ carried by sailors. This is the world’s only dry river boating event, and it’s referenced in the ‘Silvergum Boat Race’ in the movie. Inspired by the real-life event, the characters built quirky “Flintstones-style boats” and competed in teams.

See Kangaroo in cinemas now, and start planning your NT getaway at northernterritory.com.