The best hiking experiences in the Red Centre Explore some of Australia’s best hiking trails

The Red Centre is the heart and soul of Australia’s Outback. It’s known for its rich culture, incredible landscapes and natural wonders that leave visitors in awe. For those interesting in hiking, the region is home to some of the most spectacular walks and multi-day treks in Australia.

1. Larapinta Trail

Where: The Larapinta Trail runs through the West MacDonnell National Park in the Red Centre, stretching from Alice Springs to Mount Sonder.
Duration: 12 to 20 days
Distance: 223km
Grade: Difficult

The Larapinta Trail is one of Australia’s greatest desert hikes, taking walkers through the rugged landscapes of the West MacDonnell Ranges. Spanning 223km, the trail showcases dramatic ridgelines, secluded waterholes, rocky gorges and sweeping outback views.

The trail is divided into 12 sections, allowing hikers to tackle shorter day walks or complete the full end-to-end adventure. Highlights include Ormiston Gorge, Ellery Creek Big Hole and the sunrise climb to Mount Sonder, one of the most iconic viewpoints in the Red Centre.

2. Kings Canyon Rim Walk

Where: Kings Canyon is located in Watarrka National Park in the Red Centre, around a 3-hour drive from Uluru and 4 hours from Alice Springs.
Duration: 3 to 4 hours
Distance: 6km loop
Grade: Moderate to difficult

The Kings Canyon Rim Walk is one of the most spectacular hikes in the Red Centre. This 6km loop takes around 3–4 hours and rewards hikers with incredible views across Kings Canyon and Watarrka National Park.

After a steep climb up rocky steps, the trail follows the canyon rim past sandstone formations known as the Lost City, before descending into the lush Garden of Eden, a permanent waterhole surrounded by native plants and palms.

3. Uluṟu-Kata Tjuṯa Signature Walk

Where: The Uluṟu-Kata Tjuṯa National Park is located in the Red Centre, around a 20-minute drive from Yulara and home to both Uluru and Kata Tjuta.
Duration: 5 days
Distance: 54km
Grade: Moderate

The Uluṟu-Kata Tjuṯa Signature Walk is a guided multi-day hiking experience that journeys between 2 of Australia’s most iconic natural wonders. Developed in partnership with the Anangu, the walk offers an immersive experience through desert landscapes, cultural places and remote walking trails.

Beginning among the towering domes of Kata Tjuta and finishing at the base of Uluru, the trail takes hikers across sand dunes, rocky valleys and ancient desert country rarely accessed by visitors. Along the way, guests stay in eco-camps within the national park and experience guided storytelling, stargazing and cultural experiences.

4. Kata Tjuta Valley of the Winds Walk

Where: Kata Tjuta is located within Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park in the Red Centre, around a 45-minute drive from Yulara and one hour from Uluru.
Duration: 3 to 4 hours
Distance: 7.4km loop
Grade: Moderate to difficult

The Valley of the Winds walk is one of the most breathtaking hikes in Central Australia, weaving through the towering domes of Kata Tjuta. The trail takes hikers through rocky creek beds, narrow valleys and elevated lookouts with sweeping views across the surrounding desert landscape.

The full loop passes through 2 spectacular lookout points, Karu Lookout and Karingana Lookout, with steep and uneven sections along the way. Early morning walks are recommended, particularly during the warmer months.

5. Yeperenye Trail

Where: The Yeperenye Trail is in Emily and Jessie Gaps Nature Park, located just 15 minutes from Alice Springs in the Red Centre.
Duration: 1-2 days
Distance: 17km one way
Grade: Moderate to difficult

The Yeperenye Trail is a scenic desert walk linking Emily Gap and Jessie Gap through the rugged landscapes of the East MacDonnell Ranges. The trail follows sections of the ancient caterpillar dreaming track, known as Yeperenye, and offers a quieter alternative to some of Central Australia’s more well-known hikes.

Walkers can expect rocky ridgelines, sandy creek beds and panoramic views across the desert landscape. Along the way, the trail passes culturally significant sites featuring Aboriginal rock art and important dreaming stories connected to the Arrernte people.