Starting April 14, 2025, Airnorth will launch a direct Alice Springs–Cairns flight, operating three times a week, making it easier to explore both the Red Centre and the Great Barrier Reef in one trip. This follows the airline’s March 2024 expansion, which introduced a three-times-a-week Alice Springs–Perth service, linking the town to Perth’s major hub and key international routes, including direct Qantas flights to London, Paris, and Rome.

Flight Details :

• Operator: Airnorth
• Aircraft: Embraer E190 (approx. 98 seats)
• Frequency: 3 times per week
  • Cairns → Alice Springs: Tuesday, Thursday, Sunday
  • Alice Springs → Cairns: Monday, Wednesday, Friday

This new route complements Qantas' existing direct flights between Uluru (Ayers Rock) and Cairns, three times a week (a 2 hours and 50 minutes flight). Travelers heading to or from the Red Centre can now choose between Alice Springs or Uluru as their gateway to the region.

Uluru or Alice Springs as an entry point

For those planning an itinerary that includes Uluru and Kings Canyon, a flight to Ayers Rock Airport (Uluru) followed by a road trip to Alice Springs is another interesting option (or vice versa).

Recommended Itinerary :

1. Fly into Uluru (Ayers Rock Airport) from Sydney, Melbourne, or other capitals
2. Explore Uluru and Kata Tjuta on arrival
3. Drive to Kings Canyon (approx. 3.5 hours) and stay overnight at Kings Canyon Resort
4. Continue to Alice Springs (approx. 4 up to 6 hours drive depending on the chosen itinerary - See details at the end of the page)

This route allows for a more immersive exploration of Central Australia before reaching Alice Springs.

Flights from Major Australian Cities to Uluru and Alice Springs

Several airlines operate direct flights from major cities to both Uluru and Alice Springs.

Flights to Uluru (Ayers Rock Airport - AYQ), from Sydney (with Jetstar or Qantas), from Melbourne (with Jetstar or Virgin Australia).

Flights to Alice Springs (ASP), from Sydney, Melbourne, Adelaide, Brisbane or Darwin with Qantas. Airnorth also launched a direct Perth–Alice Springs flight on March 25, 2024. This service operates three times a week—on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays. Flights depart from Perth at 8:15 AM, arriving in Alice Springs at 12:15 PM. The return flights leave Alice Springs at 1:20 PM, landing back in Perth at 3:05 PM.

Driving from Kings Canyon to Alice Springs

Travelers driving from Kings Canyon to Alice Springs have two main route options, each offering a different experience in terms of road conditions, scenery, and accessibility. The choice between them depends on the type of vehicle used and the traveler's preference for either a fully sealed road or a more adventurous off-road experience.

1. Sealed Road Route via Lasseter Highway and Stuart Highway (Recommended for all vehicles)

• Distance: Approximately 475 km
• Estimated Driving Time: Around 5.5 to 6 hours
• Road Conditions: Fully sealed (bitumen), suitable for all vehicle types, including 2WD
• Recommended for: Rental cars, standard vehicles, travelers who prefer a comfortable and straightforward drive

Route Description

1. Depart Kings Canyon via Luritja Road, heading south.
2. Turn left onto Lasseter Highway towards Erldunda (this is the same highway connecting Uluru and Alice Springs).
3. Drive northeast on the Stuart Highway from Erldunda to Alice Springs.

This route is the safest and most commonly used for rental vehicles, as it follows well-maintained highways with fuel stops along the way. Car rental companies require travelers to use sealed roads unless renting a 4WD.

2. Mereenie Loop via the West MacDonnell Ranges (4WD Required – Off-Road Adventure)

• Distance: Approximately 330 km
• Estimated Driving Time: Around 4 to 4.5 hours, depending on road conditions
• Road Conditions: Unsealed, rough gravel roads with sandy and rocky sections
• Recommended for: 4WD vehicles only, adventure travelers, those wanting a scenic Outback experience
• Permit Required: Travelers need a Mereenie Loop permit, available at Kings Canyon Resort or at Alice Springs Visitor Information Centre.

Route Description

1. Depart Kings Canyon heading north via Luritja Road.
2. Turn right onto the Mereenie Loop Road—a rugged and scenic unsealed track through Aboriginal land and part of the West MacDonnell Ranges.
3. Continue towards Glen Helen Gorge and follow Namatjira Drive.
4. Reach Alice Springs via Larapinta Drive.

This shorter but more challenging route is popular among off-road enthusiasts and offers stunning desert landscapes, unique rock formations, and opportunities to stop at Glen Helen Gorge, Ormiston Gorge, and Standley Chasm before arriving in Alice Springs. Standard 2WD vehicles are not permitted on this road.

Which Route to Choose?

Key Considerations

• If renting a 2WD, travelers must take the sealed highway route.
• The Mereenie Loop is only accessible with a 4WD and requires a permit.
• Fuel availability is limited along the Mereenie Loop, so travelers should refuel at Kings Canyon Resort before departing.

Both routes offer unique experiences, with the sealed highway route being the safest and easiest, while the Mereenie Loop provides a rugged Outback adventure for those with a 4WD and proper preparation.