Day 65: Sun 26 Jul 26 - Alice Springs to Curtain Springs

July 26, 2026

Sun 26 Jul 26 - Alice Springs to Curtain Springs (356km)

We left Canberra to escape the cold - it was actually warmer there this morning than at Alice Springs. -3.2 (feels like -5.7) at Alice Springs versus 1.9 in Canberra. At least the sun was out all day and it did eventually warm up to 15 Deg. Thank goodness for the diesel heater, and Olli who gives off some nice warmth. Beanies, jumpers and tracky pants were a necessity today (for us at least).

Because of the cold start, we weren't in a rush to step outside. We did eventually pack up and drive away before 10:00am, then stopped for a late mornos along the Stuart Highway at the Desert Oaks Rest Area shortly before midday. We then continued to Erldunda, the Centre of Australia where I refuelled again (not because I needed to, but at $2.89/lt, it was cheaper than what we would have to pay later at Yulara (which is currently $3.15/lt). We Continued towards Curtain springs, stopping at a rest stop on the Lasseter Highway for the views across to Mount Connor. Mount Conner, located about 100km east of Uluru is a massive Mesa rising about 300m above the outback plains. It's located on the privately owned Curtain Springs station, so its not accessible to the public. Although Mount Connor is not quite as high as Uluru, it is apparently significantly longer around the base (32km) than Uluru, and larger in total area. Even from a distance, it looks massive. Walking into the red desert dunes across the road from the carpark provided a fantastic vantage point for photos. After a 15minute stop, we continued to Curtain springs free camp and quickly setup by 3pm, had a cuppa then went for a stroll to check out the place. A few more photos of Mount Connor in the distance at sunset, then dinner (I was duty cook and knocked up a snappy chicken, pumpkin and broccollini risotto), then we had a very quiet night.