Your ten-day adventure through the southern half of the Northern Territory begins and ends in Alice Springs, a city rich in culture, art, and history. On the first half of the drive, you'll explore the East MacDonnell Ranges, where you can fossick for gems. Then you're off to the Glen Helen in the West MacDonnell Ranges, home of the impressive Glen Helen Gorge. Day three takes you to Watarrka National Park, famous for Kings Canyon and the beginning of the Red Centre region. Midway through your trip you'll spend a few days in the Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park, where you will explore the iconic Ayers Rock (Uluru) and The Olgas (Kata Tjuta). Making your way back to Alice Springs, your journey takes you to one of the only Aboriginal-owned Roadhouses in Erldundo, and then back up to the West MacDonnell Ranges where you can explore the relaxing bicycle paths and picturesque swimming holes. Bon Voyage!

The length of your drive to the East MacDonnell Ranges depends on where you plan to stay. This itinerary is based on your stay at the Gemtree Caravan Park, 140 km (about two hours) from Alice Springs via the Stuart and Plenty Highways. However, if you prefer to stay at the Ross River Resort, your drive would be about 85 km.

Less visited than the West MacDonnell Ranges, the East MacDonnell Ranges are a camper's dream, with beautiful scenery, unique culture and history, and attractions that are fun for the whole family. The eastern Ranges stretch more than 100 km east of Alice Springs, and are considered the Dreamtime birthplace by the Eastern Arrente people. Visit the ghost town at the Arltunga Historical Reserve, fossick for gems in the fields near Gemtree, and explore the natural beauty of Jessie and Emily Gap, and the Trephina Gorge.

Where to Stay

Gemtree Caravan Park

Located 140 km northeast of Alice Springs, this park is situated on 250 acres and features an orchard, fossicking and other activities for children and adults, laundry facilities, a mini-store, and campfires. Choose from self-contained, air-conditioned cabins, and private powered and unpowered sites. Leashed pets are welcome; mention when booking. (www.gemtree.com.au)

Ross River Resort

Located 85 km east of Alice Springs, this park was once the Loves Creek Homestead, a working cattle station built in 1898. Amenities include a swimming pool and spa, cafe bistro, Stockman's bar, general store and kiosk, airstrip and helipad, BBQs, laundry facilities, and a tour desk. Choose from air-conditioned ensuite cabins, bunkhouse, and powered sites for caravans and campers. (www.rossriverresort.com.au)

Don't Miss

Trephina Gorge

The scenery within the gorge is magnificent. Take one of the many marked hiking routes. The John Hayes Rock Hole is actually a chain of ponds within sheer quartzite cliffs. Take a dip, if you like. The road to Trephina Gorge is sealed, but one lane, so you must pull over to permit oncoming traffic to pass.

Other Attractions

Arltunga Historical Reserve

Founded in 1887, Arltunga was Central Australia's first town. Because of a gold rush, the town was once home to as many as 3,000 people. Now you can visit the ruins of mines, miner's camps, and stone buildings, some of which have been restored. You can even pan for gold at the visitor centre; ask about ranger-guided walks. (The last 33 km to Arltunga is a gravel road.) (www.nt.gov.au/nreta/parks)

Frontier Camel Tours

Tour the Todd River with views of the MacDonnell Ranges while riding a camel! Various tours are available, including a sunset tour, dinner tour, and a breakfast tour. Visit the Frontier Camel Farm and explore the Camel Museum and gift shop, included in the price of your tour. Children at least five years of age can ride along with you. (www.ananguwaai.com.au/)

Assuming you stayed at Gemtree, drive 273 km west (a little over three hours) via the Plenty and Stuart Highways and Namatjira Drive toward the West MacDonnell Ranges. One of only six permanent water holes along the historic Finke River, Glen Helen is situated at the far western end of the MacDonnell Ranges. Known for the nearby Glen Helen Gorge and the Glen Helen Nature Park, the area is rich in natural beauty and offers numerous opportunities for outdoor recreation. Whether viewed on foot as you walk the trails, or from above as you tour the area via helicopter, Glen Helen is a stop not to be missed.

Where to Stay

Glen Helen Resort

Surrounded by the West MacDonnell Ranges, this park features a restaurant and gallery, bar, outdoor beer garden, BBQ areas, laundry facilities, camper's kitchen, natural swimming hole, kiosk, tour desk, 4WD tours and transfers, helicopter rides, and entertainment five nights a week. Choose from motel rooms, or powered and unpowered sites. (www.glenhelen.com.au)

Wallace Rockhole Tourist Park

Located on Urana Land Trust along the James Range of the West MacDonnell Ranges, this park is a Western Aranda Aboriginal Community offering guests an opportunity to experience Aboriginal culture. See ancient rock art, learn about bush medicine and bush tucker, and take a tour to see native animals in their natural setting. Amenities include a childrens playground, laundry facilities, and BBQs. Choose from self-contained cabins and powered and unpowered sites. (www.wallacerockholetours.com.au)

Don't Miss

Glen Helen Gorge

Here the West MacDonnell Ranges part, with steep pacoota sandstone cliffs towering over the Finke River and one of its six permanent waterholes. View the gorge from the Glen Helen Nature Park, or take the 20-minute walk down to the waterhole for some sightseeing and swimming. The Finke River is often referred to as the oldest river in the world.

Other Attractions

Ochre Pits

Located just north of Glen Helen, the Ochre Pits is the spectacular face of a multi-colored cliff. Here Aboriginal people mined the fine ochre for use in paintings, and also ground the pigment with Emu fat for use in ceremonial body decoration.

Ormiston Gorge and Pound

Located in West MacDonnell National Park, the Ormiston Gorge and Pound is known for its breathtaking scenery and series of walking trails, including the full-circuit, 7-km Ormiston Pound walk. Other popular walks include a 100-metre blindfold sensory walk, and the two-hour Ghost Gum Walk. Considered one of the most beautiful gorges in Central Australia, the Gorge impresses with sections that rise above 300 metres.

Drive 260 km south (about three hours) to the beginning of the Uluru-Kata Tjuta region. (The trip could be longer depending on which road you take.) Home to the Luritja people for more than 20,000 years, the area around Watarrka National Park was first explored by a European in 1872. With sandstone formations dating back 360 million years, more than 600 species of flora and fauna, and 100-metre red rock above palm forests dubbed The Garden of Eden, this truly is one of the most spectacular environments on earth.

Where to Stay

Voyages Kings Canyon Resort

Located just seven km from Watarrka National Park, this well-appointed resort features a mini-mart, souvenir shop, tennis court, two swimming pools, a tennis court, sunset viewing platform, laundry facilities, children's playground, and outdoor BBQs. Dining options include a restaurant, cafe, outback BBQ and grill, grill bar, and the romantic outdoor dining experience for two, Sounds of Firelight. Choose from spa and standard rooms at the lodge, and powered and unpowered sites at the campground. Reservations are required for powered sites. A number of tours are also available. (www.kingscanyonresort.com.au)

Kings Creek Station Safari Cabins

Located 36 km from Kings Canyon, Kings Creek Station is a working cattle and camel station and has been featured in 36 documentaries. Amenities include a swimming pool, grassed picnic areas, gas BBQs, laundry facilities, and a camper's kitchen. A Bushman's-style breakfast is available, as well as full menu for dinner. Choose from Safari Cabins - permanent canvas cabins with steel frame construction - and grassed or concrete sites, with or without power. Breakfast is included with cabin rental. The Stockcamp offers live demonstrations of animal handling, followed by a traditional Billy tea and Damper supper. (www.kingscreekstation.com.au)

Don't Miss

Kings Canyon

Part of the Watarrka National Park and situated at the far western end of the George Gill Range, Kings Canyon is one of Australia's most popular tourist destinations. Take one of the two walking trails to explore the ancient sandstone canyon walls, and the lush vegetation at the Kings Creek bed at the bottom of the gorge, known as The Garden of Eden. Ask the National Park Rangers at the Visitor's Information Centre for advice about which trail would suit your abilities. (www.nt.gov.au/nreta/parks)

Other Attractions

Kathleen Springs

If you are traveling with children or have limited mobility, take the moderate 2.6-km walk at Kathleen Springs. Signs along the path give you insight into Aboriginal life and the recent cattle industry; take a break at the waterhole at the head of Kathleen Gorge, were you will also find BBQs.

Quad, Camel or Helicopter Tours

Take a tour of cattle country at Kings Creek Station, where you can explore the area on a quad, camel, or helicopter tour. (www.kingscreekstation.com.au)

Today, drive 304 km south and west (about four hours) to Ayers Rock. Located in the Uluru - Kata Tjuta National Park, Ayers Rock (Uluru) is one of the most iconic sites in Australia. Made of arkosic sandstone, Uluru is one of the largest monoliths in the world at 348 metres high and a circumference of over nine km. Extending six km into the ground, the formation of Uluru began 500 million years ago. Protected and managed by the Anangu Aboriginal people, Uluru is believed to be the sacred ancestral site where the world was formed.

Where to Stay

Voyages Ayers Rock Resort Campground

Located in the Voyages Ayers Rock Resort complex at the gateway to the Uluru - Kata Tjuta National Park, this resort campground features BBQ facilities, camper's kitchen, postal service, medical services, Internet access, laundry facilities, two full-sized tennis courts, swimming pool, jogging track, tour desk and information centre, shuttle service throughout the resort complex, live entertainment, self-guided walks to seven lookouts on the grounds, a shopping centre, and petrol station.

The resort offers four dining options: a restaurant, BBQ and bar, cafe, and budget-priced kiosk with an all-day menu. Home to the Mulgara Art Gallery, the Ayers Rock Designs gift store, the resort offers numerous tours, including helicopter flights, Harley Davidson tours, morning and afternoon tours to Uluru and Kata Tjuta, camel rides, and the award-winning Sounds of Silence tour, which includes a gourmet meal served at sunset at Ayers Rock. Choose from fully self-contained, air-conditioned cabins, and shady, grassed powered and unpowered sites. (www.ayersrockresort.com.au)

Don't Miss

Uluru-Kata Tjuta Cultural Centre

Located in Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park, this should be your first stop before exploring Ayers Rock. The building itself is a site worth seeing, built from locally made mud bricks to resemble the Kuniya and Liru snakes. Learn about the Anangu way of life and system of beliefs known as Tjukurpa, which encompasses knowledge, law, philosophy and religion. Eat at the Ininti Cafe, where you can also pick up a souvenir, book an Anangu tour with an Aboriginal guide, and stop in Maruku Arts, which showcases the work of hundreds of Aboriginal artists. Maruku also has a workshop open to the public. (www.maruku.com.au)

Other Attractions

Sounds of Silence

This four-hour tour run by Voyages Ayers Rock Resort has been entered into the Australian Tourism Hall of Fame, and should not be missed if your budget allows. After a short walk, guests enjoy a 360 degree view of the landscape known as the Red Centre: Uluru to the front and Kata Tjuta behind. As you enjoy the sunset, sparking wine and canapes are served, followed by an authentic Australian barbecue. Dine on barramundi, kangaroo, crocodile, bush salads, desserts, and Australian wine. The evening wraps up with an astronomer-guided stargazing tour, and an after dinner tea, coffee or port. (www.ayersrockresort.com.au/sounds-of-silence/)

Ayers Rock Observatory Night Sky Show

Operated by Discovery Ecotours in Yulara, the Ayers Rock Observatory offers you a tour of the night sky from one of the best stargazing locations at Ayers Rock. Look through large telescopes as an astronomer serves as your night sky tour guide. (www.discoveryecotours.com.au)

A day trip from Voyages Ayers Rock Resort, The Olgas, or Kata Tjuta to the Aboriginal people is a group of 36 red domes about 50 km west of the resort. The massive monoliths are thought to have been one giant monolith larger than Ayers Rock, but separated and diminished due to erosion. Covering approximately 3500 hectares, the tallest dome at The Olgas reaches 546 metres high.

Where to Stay

It's best to base at Voyages Ayers Rock Resort to see The Olgas, as it is the most convenient place to stay in Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park. However, you may also enjoy staying at the following accommodation as you explore the park and all it has to offer:

Curtin Springs Station

Located on the Lasseter Highway 84 km from Yulara, this park is a working cattle station with legendary Outback hospitality. Amenities include a convenience store with takeaway, licensed restaurant and bar, cafe, petrol station, tour desk with booking assistance, swimming pool and spa, BBQs, disabled facilities, Internet booth, and laundry facilities. Choose from budget rooms, family rooms; twin, double, triple or quad ensuite rooms, free unpowered camping, and powered sites. Enjoy meals served under the Bough Shed, the original homestead. Tours are also available. (www.curtinsprings.com)

Don't Miss

Sunset or Sunrise at The Olgas

Take one of the tours offered by Voyages Ayers Rock Resort to see the spectacular landscape at sunrise or sunset. Sunset tours often include a dinner under the stars, a once-in-a-lifetime experience. (This is a must-do for Ayers Rock as well.)

Other Attractions

Uluru Motorcycle Tours

Enjoy a tour of The Olgas as a passenger on a motorcycle! Uluru Motorcycle Tours will pick you up from Voyages Ayers Rock Resort for a tour lasting approximately two hours. Jackets, helmets, and gloves are provided, and self-ride tours are available for experienced riders. The sunrise tour includes tea and muffins upon arrival at The Olgas; take the sunset tour and toast the view with a glass of champagne. Tours to Uluru are also available. (www.ulurucycles.com/)

Helicopter Tours

A number of companies provide scenic flight tours over The Olgas, Ayers Rock, Lake Amadeus, and even Kings Canyon. Request tour-booking assistance from the tour desk at your accommodation, or book one in advance.

The next leg aims to get you close to the Rainbow Valley Conservation Reserve, which has limited accommodations. Drive 266 km east (about 3 1/2 hours) via the Lasseter and Stuart Highways to Erldunda. Budget-minded travelers often choose to stay in Erldunda when visiting Ayers Rock and The Olgas, despite the drive.

Where to Stay

Desert Oaks Motel & Caravan Park

Located at the intersection of the Stuart and Lasseter Highways, this park features laundry facilities, BBQs, swimming pool, tennis court, 100-seat restaurant and tavern, fast food and provisions, fauna park, souvenirs, and Aboriginal artifacts. Choose from motel rooms, backpacker rooms, powered and unpowered sites, and campsites. (www.interbed.com.au/listings/desert-oaks.htm)

Rainbow Valley Conservation Reserve

The Rainbow Valley Conservation Reserve has a campground with pit toilets, a picnic area and BBQ facilities. However, 4WD vehicles are recommended, as the last 22 km are sand and gravel roads. (www.nt.gov.au/nreta/parks/find/rainbowvalley.html)

Don't Miss

Rainbow Valley Conservation Reserve

Take the Stuart Highway to the Rainbow Valley Conservation Reserve, just 100 km south of Alice Springs. Named for the colors of the sandstone bluffs and cliffs that resemble a rainbow in the light of sunrise and sunset. Take the 40-minute walk to Mushroom Walk with its natural tunnel. (www.nt.gov.au/nreta/parks/find/rainbowvalley.html)

Other Attractions

4WD Tours of Rainbow Valley

Once you veer off of the Stuart Highway, the last 22 km to Rainbow Valley is a sandy, gravel road that is best accessed via 4WD vehicle. There are several tours available that enrich your experience with experienced guides, Australian wines and snacks. (http://www.redcentre.com.au/) and (www.emurun.com.au)

Drive 214 km north-west (about 2 1/5 hours) via the Stuart Highway, Larapinta Drive, and Namatjira Drive to the West MacDonnell Ranges. The remarkable natural landscape seems older than time, with deep gorges, unexpected swimming holes, ancient rivers, and giant cliffs. Stretching 400 km from east to west, there is no shortage of panoramic views or challenging bushwalks. Stay in Alice Springs, or nearby.

Where to Stay

MacDonnell Range Holiday Park

Located about 4km from Alice Springs with great views of the MacDonnell Ranges, this park is the most awarded holiday park in the Northern Territory. Amenities include separate bathrooms for babies, adults, and disabled persons, mini mart with provisions, laundry facilities, tour booking service, camp kitchens, and wireless and Internet facilities.

On-site recreation includes a TV room, rec room with table tennis, pool, and video games, adventure playgrounds, BMX track, half court basketball, two jumping pillows, go carts, two swimming pools, and children's wading pool, as well as fun entertainment and activities nearly every day. Choose from deluxe villas, villas, cabins, ensuite cabins, budget cabins, and budget rooms. (www.macrange.com.au)

Don't Miss

Simpson Gap Bicycle Path

This sealed 17km bicycle path is a relaxing ride and introduction to the West MacDonnell Ranges. Panoramic views and 18 information signs enrich the experience. Near the end of the path, take a break from riding and learn about native plants on the Cassia Hill Walk. The path starts at grave of Reverend John Flynn, founder of the Flying Doctor Service and the Australian Inland Mission.

Other Attractions

Ellery Creek Big Hole

A prime picnic location, the Ellery Creek Big Hole is your reward after a three-km Dolomite walk. Go for a swim and enjoy a snack or meal under the Ghost Gums. Located 90km west of Alice Springs, this site is considered a significant geological site on an international scale.

Larapinta Trail

Beginning at the old Alice Spring Telegraph Station and ending at the highest point, Mount Sounder, this 223km walk is a legendary bushwalking adventure. Each of the 12 sections takes 1-2 days to walk, so unless you extend your itinerary, you will not be able to complete more than one section. However, there are numerous walks throughout the West MacDonnell Ranges. Visit the West MacDonnell National Park for trail suggestions. (www.nt.gov.au/nreta/parks/find/westmacdonnell.html)

Today, you will drive back to Alice Springs, which could be anywhere from seven to sixty km depending on where you are staying. Once merely an outpost in the Outback, which is now the old Telegraph Station, Alice Springs is now a thriving city with a rich cultural life. The capital of the Outback, Alice Springs is home to the Arrente Aboriginal people. Start your tour at ANZAC Hill, and shop and dine your way down, and then visit the RSL and War Museum. A host of other museums, shops, and experiences await you in this oasis in the desert!

Where to Stay

Stuart Caravan and Tourist Park

Located in Alice Springs opposite the Alice Springs Cultural Precinct, this park features a camper's kitchen, children's playground, BBQs, bicycle hire, mini-mart, wireless Internet, laundry facilities, TV room, tour desk, and an outdoor swimming pool. Choose from deluxe, budget, or ensuite cabins, grass or concrete slab powered sites, and grassed unpowered sites. (www.stuartcaravanpark.com.au)

Wintersun Cabin and Caravan Park

Located two km north of Alice Springs, this park features a swimming pool, laundry facilities, tour bookings, BBQs and two amenities blocks. Choose from deluxe and standard cabins with ensuites, unpowered grassy sites, and grassy and concrete slab powered sites. (www.wintersun.com.au)

Don't Miss

Alice Springs Cultural Precinct

Plan to spend several hours exploring the Alice Springs Cultural Precinct, encompassing art galleries, historical sites, Aboriginal sacred sites and other areas of cultural significance. Take a walking tour, exploring the Araluen Centre and Galleries, the Namatjira Gallery, The Grand Circle Yeperenye Sculpture, the Sculpture Garden, the Museum of Central Australia, The Kookaburra Memorial, the Strehlow Research Centre, the Central Australian Aviation Museum, and the Territory Craft and Memorial Cemetery. (www.nt.gov.au/nreta/museums/ascp/index.html)

Other Attractions

Alice Springs Telegraph Station

The site of the original European settlement established in 1872, the buildings on the site have been restored with authentic artifacts and furnishings from the early 1900s; visit the Telegraph Station in April and enjoy the period costumes. Picnic areas, BBQs, a cafe, and interpretive center are also on site, as well as bicycle paths and racks. (www.nt.gov.au/nreta/parks/find/astelegraphstation.html)

National Pioneer Women's Hall of Fame

Located in the Old Alice Springs Gaol, this museum was founded in 1993 by Molly Clark and is one of only three women's museums in Australia. Visit exhibitions dedicated to hundreds of women recognized for their special contributions to Australia's heritage. See the 'Women's Work of Yesteryear' exhibit among others, and stop in the gift shop. (www.pioneerwomen.com.au)

End of Trip

Return your campervan and begin working on that scrapbook!