Alice Springs to Uluru tour

Our small group safari adventure tour offers a comprehensive exploration of the significant attractions in the Red Centre.

During the four-day tour, we will visit three iconic locations in Australia: Uluru, Kings Canyon, and Kata Tjuta, as well as the Tjoritja West MacDonnell Ranges.

Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park was added to the UNESCO World Heritage List in 1987 due to its geological formations, flora and fauna, and natural beauty.

An experienced tour guide will lead you through the Red Centre, providing detailed commentary and sharing ancient stories, myths, secrets, and hidden gems along the way.

This tour offers fully accommodated options, including comfortable twin-share safari tents for added privacy, comfort, and security or a traditional swag experience with a canvas-covered bed roll.

DAYS4
DEPARTS06:00
RETURNS18:30
Price$1150-1295 AUD

Tour Highlights

  • Visit Kings Canyon in
  • Watarrka National Park to experience its grandeur.
  • 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 have the opportunity to hike through the Valley of the Winds or Walpa Gorge at Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park.
  • Witness the sunrise at the awe-inspiring Olgas – Kata Tjuta.
  • Explore the West MacDonnell National Park, also known as Tjoritja, by the indigenous custodians.
  • Visitors can explore the 80m high gorge and marvel at Standley Chasm, also known as ‘Angkerle Atwatye’.
  • One can enjoy a swim at Ellery Creek Big Hole, one of the largest and most picturesque swimming spots in Central Australia.
  • You can visit the UNESCO-listed Ochre Pit mineral rockface and observe the coloured ochre clay that is still utilized in traditional ceremonies.

*This itinerary is subject to change due to seasonal conditions and access restrictions in certain areas. The Red Centre’s diverse landscape, culture and extreme weather conditions require much flexibility and adaptability. These itinerary highlights are to be used as a rough guideline only. Your expert guides will ensure the most fantastic adventure is had by all!

Tour Itinerary

Departing from either Alice Springs or Yulara (Uluru Airport), our journey begins towards the magnificent Ayers Rock (Uluru). En route, we pause at the Mt Conner lookout to marvel at the stunning vistas of this unique red mountain, often mistaken for Uluru and humorously called Fool-Uru. A brief stop at Curtin Springs allows for a restroom break before we continue to our campground, where lunch awaits (Note: Guests joining from Ayers Rock Airport should arrange their own lunch prior to the tour).

Post-lunch, we delve into the heart of the Red Centre at the indigenous interpretive cultural centre. Here, we delve deep into the rich tapestry of the national park’s cultural, historical, ecological, and geological stories. The anticipation heightens as we approach the base of Uluru, an awe-inspiring monolith, revealing its grandeur as we get closer. Our exploration leads us to the Mutitjulu waterhole, where we uncover ancient rock art in family caves and listen to timeless tales and Dreamtime legends of Kuniya and Liru. Our journey continues towards Kuniya Piti, punctuated by a brief drive to Kantju Gorge. We pass through sacred spaces, including an elder’s cave and an ancient pantry, before reaching Central Australia’s tallest waterfall – a remarkable sight, particularly during rain.

After an enriching day immersed in the presence of the world’s most iconic rock, we settle to witness an unparalleled sunset. As Uluru is bathed in the day’s last light, we enjoy panoramic views while savouring a freshly prepared dinner, concluding a day of memorable experiences.

  • Meals: *Lunch, Dinner.
  • Accom: Ayers Rock Coach Campground (Uluru) Safari Tents or Bush Swags with campground communal facilities.
  • Driving Distance: 350km.
  • Hike Distance: 2-3 km / 2-3 hours. (*Lunch is only provided for those departing from Alice Springs. Those being collected from Ayers Rock will need to source their own lunch prior to joining the tour.)

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 massive rock formations. After exploring Kata Tjuta, we go to Kings Canyon. We arrive just in time for a beautiful sunset and have a delicious meal around the campfire.

  • Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner.
  • Accom: Kings Creek Station Campground (Kings Canyon) Safari Tents or Bush Swags with campground communal facilities.
  • Driving Distance: 406 km (4.5 Hours).
  • Hike Distance: 2-6 km / 2-4 hours (*weather dependent).

We start early to explore Kings Canyon in Watarrka National Park. It is a sacred land of the Ulpanyali and Lilla people. Bring your hat, water, and hiking shoes as we walk through towering cliff faces and admire the sandstone chasms. After resting, we head north, past Alice Springs, to our campsite in the West MacDonnell Ranges. There, we will enjoy stargazing in the remote outback.

  • Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
  • Accom: West MacDonnell Ranges remote campsite Safari Tents or Bush Swags with basic outback facilities.
  • Driving Distance: 370km (4 hours)
  • Hike Distance: 2-4 km / 2-4 hours. 

On the fourth day, we go straight from Standley Chasm, also known as ‘Angkerle Atwatye,’ a narrow gorge in the West MacDonnell Ranges. We explore the area and look for wildlife. Then, we head west towards Ellery Creek Bighole, or ‘Udepata,’ where we cool off and swim in surrounded by red cliffs and sandy banks. After that, we go to Ormiston Gorge, where we admire the natural forces that created the towering red walls. Our final stop is Simpsons Gap, a waterhole where we can see native wildlife and where indigenous dreamtime trails cross. After a full day, we return to Alice Springs, leaving you at your accommodation for the evening.

  • Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
  • Accom: N/A
  • Driving Distance: 250km (3 hours)
  • Walking Distance: ~3km / 4km. 

Details​

  • 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
  • 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)
  • Any meals not previously indicated in the itinerary
  • We highly recommend purchasing travel insurance
  • Pre/post-tour hotel transfers
  • Additional personal expenses

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 reconfirm
  • 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:

  • 13:50 pm – Ayers Rock Airport [AYQ] – Coote Rd Yulara NT
  • 13:50 pm – Ayers Rock Campground –
  • 173 Yulara Dr Yulara NT

From Alice Springs:

  • 17:30 pm – at select Alice Springs Accommodation in the main part of town

From Ayers Rock / Yulara:

  • This tour finishes in Alice Springs. We do not offer drop-offs in Ayers Rock/Yulara, only on the 3-day touring option.

These are approximate drop-off times and we recommend guests do not book a flight out on the final day of the tour. You will need to book an additional night’s accommodation in Alice Springs and fly out the following day. 

FAQ

Departure Times: From March to November, tours depart at 6:00 am, and from December to February, they depart at 7:00 am. Return Times: Approximately 12:00 a.m. from March to November and around 1:00 a.m. from December to February.
The tour includes a packed lunch, a BBQ dinner at sunset, National Park entry fees, admission to the Cultural Centre, a selection of beverages, including wine or juice, an informative guide, and travel in air-conditioned coaches.
Yes, the tour can accommodate various dietary needs, including vegetarian, gluten-free, and dairy-free options. Guests with specific food allergies, such as a peanut allergy, should inform the office team during booking.
The tour features a scenic drive through West MacDonnell Ranges, a visit to Kata-Tjuta National Park and Uluru, a trek through Walpa Gorge, a cultural walk at Uluru, a visit to the Mutitjulu Waterhole and Aboriginal rock paintings, and a sunset BBQ with a view of Uluru.

The cost for the one-day tour is $329. Other available tours include multi-day trips with various activities like sunrise and sunset viewings at Uluru and Kata Tjuta, a visit to Kings Canyon, and a 7-day tour from Alice Springs to Darwin.

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