Alice Springs to Uluru tour
Our small group safari adventure tour allows you to explore the major attractions of the Red Centre.
During the four-day tour, participants will visit three iconic locations in Uluru: Kings Canyon, Kata Tjuta, and Tjoritja West MacDonnell Ranges.
Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park was added to the UNESCO World Heritage List in 1987 due to its impressive geological formations, unique flora and fauna, and stunning natural beauty, which were recognized and appreciated by the international community.
An experienced tour guide will provide comprehensive commentary as they take you on a tour of the Red Centre, highlighting ancient stories, myths, secrets, and hidden gems along the way.
The tour offers comfortable twin-share safari tents for added privacy, comfort, and security, or you can opt for a traditional swag experience with a canvas-covered bed roll.
- Duration: 4 Day
- Departure: 06:00
- Returns: 18:30
- PRICE: $1150-1295 AUD
Highlights
- Visitors can experience the grandeur of Kings Canyon in Watarrka National Park.
- Visitors can enjoy the sunset lookout at Uluru (Ayers Rock) and immerse themselves in the Uluru-Kata Tjuta cultural centre.
- Explore the sacred Indigenous Rock Art sites.
- Visit Mutitjulu Waterhole, Kuniya Piti, and Kantju Gorge.
- Visitors can explore Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park and experience hikes through the Valley of the Winds or Walpa Gorge.
- Witness the sunrise at the stunning Olgas – Kata Tjuta.
- The West MacDonnell National Park, also known as Tjoritja by the indigenous custodians, is a recommended destination for exploration.
- Explore the impressive Standley Chasm, also known as ‘Angkerle Atwatye,’ by walking through its 80-meter-high gorge.
- Visitors can enjoy a refreshing swim at Ellery Creek Big Hole, one of Central Australia’s largest and most picturesque swimming spots.
- You can visit the UNESCO-listed Ochre Pit mineral rockface and observe the use of coloured ochre clay in traditional ceremonies.
Itinerary
Day 1: Alice Springs / Yulara - Uluru
The tour begins from Alice Springs or Yulara (Uluru Airport) and heads towards Ayers Rock (Uluru). We stop at Mt Conner’s lookout to enjoy the beautiful views of this unique red mountain. After a quick break at Curtin Springs, we settle down at our campground for lunch. (Please note that lunch is provided for guests from Alice Springs only. Guests from Ayers Rock will need to arrange their lunch.)
We visited the Red Centre’s indigenous interpretive cultural centre after lunch. There, we learned about the national park’s cultural, historical, ecological, and geological significance. We felt excited and curious as we approached Uluru. Standing at its base, we were amazed by its size and grandeur. We hiked to the Mutitjulu waterhole and explored the sacred rock art sites in family caves. We also listened to ancient creation stories and Dreamtimes myths of Kuniya and Liru as we continued our hike to Kuniya Piti. After a short drive to Kantju Gorge, we passed through sacred sites, including an elder’s cave and the world’s oldest pantry. The highest waterfall in Central Australia was breathtaking, especially when it rained. After a full day of exploration, we witnessed a stunning sunset over Uluru and enjoyed a delicious dinner.
Highlights
- Uluru(Ayers Rock)
- The Red Centres Indigenous Interpretive Cultural Centre is a place of cultural significance.
- SacredRock ArtSite
- Mutitjulu Waterhole
- Kuniya Piti
- Kantju Gorge
- Sunset at Uluru lookout
Meals provided are lunch and dinner. Accommodation options include Ayers Rock Coach Campground (Uluru) Safari Tents or Bush Swags with communal facilities. The driving distance is 350km. The hike distance is 2-3 km, taking 2-3 hours. Please note that lunch is only provided for those departing from Alice Springs. If you are being collected from Ayers Rock, you must organize your lunch before joining the tour.
Day 2: Uluru - Kata Tjuta - Kings Canyon
We wake up early and have a light breakfast. We go to Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park to see the sunrise. Kata Tjuta is even more impressive than Uluru. We hike through the Valley of the Winds or Walpa Gorge and admire the rock formations. After exploring Kata Tjuta, we go to Kings Canyon. We watched another beautiful sunset and had a meal at our campfire.
Highlights
- Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park
- You can hike the Valley of the Winds or Walpa Gorge.
- The Olgas- Kata Tjuta
- Glorious Sunrise at Uluru
Meals provided include breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Kings Creek Station Campground accommodations consist of Safari Tents or Bush Swags with communal facilities. The driving distance is 406 km and takes approximately 4.5 hours. The hike distance varies from 2-6 km and can take 2-4 hours, depending on the weather conditions.
Day 3: Kings Canyon - McDonnell Western Ranges
We start early and explore Kings Canyon in Watarrka National Park. Bring your hat, water, and hiking shoes. The canyon has steep, towering cliff faces and unique sandstone chasms. After resting, we head north, passing through Alice Springs, and reach our remote campsite in the West MacDonnell Ranges. On Day 3, we travel through remote Central Australian countryside, visit Standley Chasm, take a guided walking tour of Kings Canyon, and enjoy a campfire meal. Finally, we experience a dazzling stargazing experience in the outback.
For meals, we will provide breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Accommodations will be at the West MacDonnell Ranges remote campsite, where you can choose between Safari Tents or Bush Swags with basic outback facilities. The driving distance will be approximately 370km, which will take about 4 hours. During the hike, you will cover a distance of 2-4 km, which will take around 2-4 hours.
Day 4: Standley Chasm and Tjoritja Western Ranges McDonnell - Alice Springs
We start our fourth day at Standley Chasm, or ‘Angkerle Atwatye’. It is a narrow gorge in the West MacDonnell ranges. We explore the area and look for native wildlife. Then we head west towards Ellery Creek Bighole, known as ‘Udepata’. It is a place where we can cool off and swim, surrounded by red cliffs and sandy banks. After that, we visited Ormiston Gorge, where we admired the geological forces that created the towering red walls. Our last stop is Simpsons Gap, a waterhole with native wildlife and sacred indigenous significance. Finally, we return and drop you off at your accommodation.
Meals include breakfast and lunch. Accommodation is not available. The driving distance is 250km, which takes approximately 3 hours. The walking distance is around 3km to 4km.
Details
What's Included?
- 3 Nights Outback bush camping (Ayers Rock, Kings Creek Station, West MacDonnell Ranges)
- Includes: 3 x breakfast, 4 x lunch, 3 x dinner
- Guided bushwalking tours (~12km, subject to fitness level)
- Onboard drinking water (BYO refillable bottle)
- All National Park permit entry fees
- Entry fees to Standley Chasm
- Australian native wildlife sightings
- Fitted sheet, pillow & case (tent option only)
- Accredited outback driver-guide
- Travel in air-conditioned mini-coach
- Comprehensive commentary on the tour
- Pickup/ drop-off from selected inner-city Alice Springs points
What do you need to bring?
- Refillable water bottle (at least 3 Litres)
- Sun protection – wide-brimmed hat, sunglasses & sunscreen
- Beach towels, swimwear & toiletries
- Sturdy & comfortable shoes for hiking (tread closed toe)
- Clothing suitable for all weather (extreme conditions inc, wind, rain, heat, cold, day/night)
- Soft luggage (max 15kg) & small day pack
- Insect repellent (tropical strength)
- Mosquito or fly net (summer)
- Flashlight or headlamp
- Cash for extra snacks and meals
- Rechargeable power bank (access to power for charging phones or cameras will be limited)
- Camera
- BYO sleeping bag & pillow (optional – if staying in a swag)
Exclusions
- Any meals not previously indicated in the itinerary
- We highly recommend purchasing travel insurance
- Pre/post-tour hotel transfers
- Additional personal expenses
Important Notes
- Mandatory passenger details required when booking include date of birth, dietary requirements and phone number.
- We do our best to cater for most dietary needs and food allergies. However, passengers MUST notify the tour operator of any special requirements or medical conditions when booking.
- Hiking included in this tour requires a moderate/ advanced fitness level and a doctor’s certificate for people over 70 years old (30 days before travel). The walks vary each day from 2km to 4km, often over steep rocky areas and in direct sunlight with high humidity. An approximate 9-11 km walk is included throughout the three-day tour.
- Hiking is always embarked on at the guide’s discretion to ensure the safety of passengers.
- Children between the ages of 8 and 17 must be accompanied at all times by an adult or legal guardian and stay in private twin rooms. This tour is not suitable for infants or children seven years and under.
- Private rooms are available on request and subject to availability.
- Our vehicles have limited storage space. Therefore, baggage must be kept to 1 x 15kg travel bag and 1 x 5kg day bag.
- This terrain is unsuitable for mobility-impaired travellers with wheelchairs, walkers, prams or strollers.
- This itinerary is interchangeable and may vary to accommodate seasonal weather conditions and fluctuations or park closures due to ceremonies or events held by traditional custodians.
- Occasionally, sites within the parks close or do not allow swimming for safety purposes. We plan accordingly to make sure our guests always have the best experience possible on tour.
- Guests are asked to participate in preparing meals, packing, and loading/unpacking the vehicle.
- All tours MUST be reconfirmed with the tour operator within seven days of departure on 03 9393 1300.
- Private charter tours are available upon request.
Pricing Options
| Fare Type | Retail | Allocation | Release |
| Basic Single Swag – Adult/Child | AUD 950 pp | FS | 45 Days |
| Safari Tent Twin Share – Adult/Child | AUD 1,095 pp | FS | 45 Days |
Camping Amenities
| Night | Pricing Options | Facilities | Includes |
| 1st 2nd | Single Swag (under the stars) pp | Unpowered outback campsite, hot showers, toilets and shared facilities. | Self-contained canvas-covered bush bed roll with mattress to sleep on the ground outdoors |
| 1st 2nd | Safari Tents Twin Share (sleeps 2) pp | Unpowered outback campsite, hot showers, toilets and shared facilities. | Permanent tented campsite, inflatable mattress, bed linen supplied, lantern, protected from the elements |