Our small group safari adventure tour offers a unique opportunity to explore the most notable attractions of the Red Centre.
During the tour, we visited Uluru, Kings Canyon, Kata Tjuta, and Tjoritja West MacDonnell Ranges, three iconic locations, over four days.
Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park was designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1987 because of its geological formations, diverse plant and animal life, and stunning natural scenery.
Your tour guide will provide detailed commentary as you explore the Red Centre, revealing ancient stories, myths, secrets, and hidden gems.
The tour provides lodging options including twin-share safari tents or traditional swag experiences.
| DAYS | 4 |
| DEPARTS | 06:00 |
| RETURNS | 18:30 |
| PRICE | $ 1150 – 1295 AUD |
Highlights
- Visit Kings Canyon in Watarrka National Park to witness its grandeur.
- Visitors can enjoy the sunset lookout at Uluru (Ayers Rock) and immerse themselves in the Uluru-Kata Tjuta cultural centre.
- Experience the cultural significance of Indigenous Rock Art sites.
- Visit Mutitjulu Waterhole, Kuniya Piti, and Kantju Gorge.
- Visitors have the opportunity to explore Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park and engage in activities like hiking through the Valley of the Winds or Walpa Gorge.
- Witness the sunrise at the breathtaking Olgas – Kata Tjuta.
- The West MacDonnell National Park, also known as Tjoritja by the indigenous custodians, is worth considering for exploration.
- Experience the awe-inspiring Standley Chasm, also known as ‘Angkerle Atwatye’, as you wander through the impressive 80m high gorge.
- One can enjoy swimming at Ellery Creek Big Hole, one of Central Australia’s most significant and stunning swimming spots.
- You can visit the UNESCO-listed Ochre Pit mineral rockface and witness the use of coloured ochre clay in traditional ceremonies.
This itinerary is subject to change due to seasonal conditions and access restrictions. The Red Centre’s landscape, culture, and weather require flexibility and adaptability. The itinerary highlights are a rough guideline. Expert guides will ensure a fantastic adventure for everyone.
What you can actually see!
Itinerary
Day 1: Alice Springs / Yulara - Uluru
From either Alice Springs or Yulara (Uluru Airport), the journey begins towards Ayers Rock (Uluru). Along the way, we stop at Mt Conner’s lookout (known as the False Uluru or Fool-Uru) to admire the breathtaking views of this unique red mountain. A brief restroom break is made at Curtin Springs before arriving at our designated campground for lunch. (Please note that only guests from Alice Springs will be provided with lunch. Guests from Ayers Rock must arrange their lunch before joining the tour.)
We went to the Red Centre’s indigenous interpretive cultural centre after lunch. There, we learned about this national park’s cultural, historical, ecological, and geological significance. We were excited as we arrived at the base of Uluru, amazed by its magnificence. We explored the Mutitjulu waterhole and discovered sacred rock art sites in family caves. We listened to ancient creation stories and Dreamtime myths as we hiked towards Kuniya Piti. We then drove to Kantju Gorge, passing through sacred sites. We saw the highest waterfall in Central Australia, a breathtaking sight. After a full day of exploration, we witnessed a spectacular sunset and enjoyed dinner with panoramic views of Uluru.
Highlights:
- Uluru(Ayers Rock)
- The Red Centre Indigenous Interpretive Cultural Centre is a cultural centre.
- SacredRock ArtSite
- Mutitjulu Waterhole
- Kuniya Piti
- Kantju Gorge
- Sunset at Uluru lookout
Meals provided are lunch and dinner. Accommodation is at Ayers Rock Coach Campground (Uluru) in Safari Tents or Bush Swags with communal facilities. The driving distance is 350km. The hike distance is 2-3 km or 2-3 hours. Lunch is only provided for those departing from Alice Springs. Individuals who have collected from Ayers Rock must locate their lunch prior to joining the tour.
Day 2: Uluru - Kata Tiuta - Kings Canyon
We wake up early and have a light breakfast. Then, we go to Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park to see the sunrise. Kata Tjuta is even more magnificent than Uluru. We hike through the Valley of the Winds or Walpa Gorge and admire the rock formations. After exploring Kata Tjuta, we visit Kings Canyon for a beautiful sunset. Finally, we have a delicious meal around the fire at our camp.
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 include breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Accommodation is provided at Kings Creek Station Campground in Safari Tents or Bush Swags with communal facilities. The driving distance is 406 km, which takes about 4.5 hours. The hike distance is 2-6 km and takes 2-4 hours, depending on the weather.
Day 3: Kings Canyon - McDonnell Western Ranges
We start early to explore Kings Canyon, a sacred place in Watarrka National Park. Bring your hat, water, and hiking shoes. The canyon has cliffs over 100 meters high. We’ll take a guided walking tour to see the unique sandstone chasms and enjoy the views. After a rest, we head north, passing through Alice Springs. We’ll camp at Standley Chasm in the West MacDonnell Ranges for a stargazing experience. Highlights include the outback scenery, learning about the flora and fauna, and enjoying a meal around the campfire. It’s a chance to immerse yourself in a dazzling stargazing experience in remote outback Australia.
Meals provided include breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Accommodations consist of either safari tents or bush swags with basic outback facilities at the West MacDonnell Ranges remote campsite. The driving distance is 370km (4 hours), and the hiking distance is 2-4 km / 2-4 hours.
Day 4: Standley Chasm and Tjoritja Western Ranges McDonnell - Alice Springs
We visit Standley Chasm, also known as ‘Angkerle Atwatye.’ It is a narrow gorge in the West MacDonnell Ranges. We explore the area and look for wildlife. Then, we head to Ellery Creek Bighole, known as ‘Udepata.’ We swim in the water surrounded by red cliffs and sandy banks. Next, we go to Ormiston Gorge, where we admire the towering red walls. Our final stop is Simpsons Gap, a sacred place with a waterhole. We may see black-footed-rock-wallabies there. After a full day, we returned to Alice Springs. You can reflect on your adventures at your accommodation.
Meals: Breakfast and lunch. Accommodation: Not applicable. Driving distance: 250km (approximately 3 hours). Walking distance: Approximately 3km to 4km.
Details
Optional Extras
Drop-Off Time & Location
From Alice Springs:
5:30 pm – at select Alice Springs Accommodation in the central part of town
From Ayers Rock / Yulara:
This tour finishes in Alice Springs; we do not offer Ayers Rock/Yulara drop-offs, only on the 3-day touring option.
These are approximate drop-off times, and we recommend guests not to book a flight out on the final day of the tour. You must book an additional night’s accommodation in Alice Springs and fly out the following day.
Aditional Information
Exclusions
- Any meals not previously indicated in the itinerary
- We highly recommend purchasing travel insurance
- Pre/post-tour hotel transfers
- Additional personal expenses
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)
Camping Amenities
NightPricing OptionsFacilitiesIncludes1st 2ndSingle Swag
(under the stars)
ppUnpowered outback campsite, hot showers, toilets and shared facilities. Self-contained canvas-covered bush bed roll with mattress to sleep on the ground outdoors1st
2nd
Safari Tents
Twin Share (sleeps 2)
ppUnpowered outback campsite, hot showers, toilets and shared facilities.
Permanent tented campsite, inflatable mattress, bed linen supplied, lantern, protected from the elements
Pickup Time & Location
Our main meeting point for this tour will be outside the front of Aurora Alice Springs Hotel – 11 Leichhardt Terrace Alice Springs from 6:00 to 7:00 am.
From Alice Springs:
- 6:00 am – To Be Advised – Please call 48 hours before reconfirming
- 7:00 am – Alice Motor Inn – 25-27 Undoolya Rd East Alice Springs
- 7:00 am – Alice on Todd Apartments – 1 Strehlow St The Gap
- 7:00am – Alice Springs YHA – Cnr Parsons St Leichhardt Terrace
- 7:00 am – Alices Secret Travellers Inn – 6 Khalick St East Side NT
- 7:00 am – A Good Rest B and B – 51 Dixon Rd Alice Springs NT
- 7:00 am – Alice Springs Tourist Park – 70 Larapinta Dr Araluen NT
- 7:00 am – Best Western Elkira Court Motel – 65 Bath St Alice Springs
- 7:00 am – Crowne Plaza Lasseters – 93 Barrett Dr Alice Springs
- 7:00 am – Desert Palms Alice Springs – 74 Barrett Dr Alice Springs
- 7:00 am – DoubleTree Hilton Alice Springs -82 Barrett Dr Alice Springs
- 7:00 am – Discovery Parks – Alice Springs 25 Palm Place Ross NT
- 7:00 am – Gday Mate Tourist Park – 23 Palm Circuit Ross Alice Springs
- 7:00 am – Gap View Hotel – 123 Gap Rd The Gap NT
- 7:00 am – Haven Backpacker Resort – 3 Larapinta Dr Alice Springs
- 7:00 am – Heritage Caravan Park – 40 Ragonesi Rd Alice Springs, NT
- 7:00 am – Jump Inn Alice Budget Accommodation 4 Traeger Ave The Gap NT
- 7:00 am – Lemon Gum Apartments – 11 Gap Rd The Gap NT
- 7:00 am – Mercure Alice Springs Resort -34 Stott Terrace Alice Springs
- 7:00 am – Quest Alice Springs – 10 South Terrace Alice Springs
- 7:00 am – Stay at Alice Springs Hotel Aurora – 11 Leichhardt Terrace Alice Springs
- 7:00 am – Swagmans Rest Apartments The – 67 Gap Rd Alice Springs
- 7:00 am – The Diplomat Motel – 20 Gregory Terrace, Alice Springs
- 7:00 am – Wintersun Cabin n Caravan Park – 1 Stuart Hwy Alice Springs
From Ayers Rock / Yulara:
- 1:50 pm – Ayers Rock Airport [AYQ] – Coote Rd Yulara NT
- 1:50 pm – Ayers Rock Campground – 173 Yulara Dr Yulara NT
Weather
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 from 2km to 4km each, 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 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, cleaning up, 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.
Online Booking
FAQ
What are the key attractions included in an Ayers Rock tour from Alice Springs?
How long does it take to travel from Alice Springs to Uluru, and what is the distance?
What are some unique activities offered on these tours?
What is the best time of year to visit Uluru?
The best time to visit Uluru is during the cooler months from April to September. The weather is more moderate, making outdoor activities more pleasant. However, visiting during the off-peak summer months can also be rewarding, with fewer crowds and potential discounts on tours and accommodations.