3 days4 Day Uluru Kings Canyon West MacDonnell NP to/from Alice Springs
Length
4 days
Itinerary
4 days planned
Group
Max 21
Guides
English
Overview
Four days, exploring four iconic locations (Uluru, Kings Canyon, Kata Tjuta and Tjoritja West MacDonnell Ranges) all wrapped up in one tour. This small group adventure encompasses the very best the Red Centre has to offer. There is a very good reason why Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park is included on the UNESCO World Heritage List. In 1987, the international community recognized the park's spectacular geological formations, rare plants, and exceptional natural beauty. A few of the highlights include exploring Ormiston Gorge, Ochre Pits and Ellery Creek Big Hole, hiking through the Valley of the Winds or Walpa Gorge, and exploring Mutitjulu Waterhole, Kuniya Piti, and Kantju Gorge.
We provide two different sleeping options at our permanent campsites, with twin share safari tents, or you can try out a traditional swag experience. (canvas-covered bedroll)
This tour starts and finishes in Alice Springs only, please advise us of your accommodation at the time of booking.
Day by day itinerary
1Alice Springs to Ayers Rock (Uluru)⌄
Your adventure begins early as we depart from Alice Springs and head towards Uluru. Along the way, we’ll stop at the Mt Connor lookout (often mistaken for Uluru) to take in the views of this impressive red mountain, followed by a quick stop at Curtin Springs. After lunch, arrivals from Yulara Resort, Ayers Rock Campground, or Ayers Rock Airport (AYQ) will join the rest of the group. The afternoon brings a visit to the Red Centre’s Aboriginal Interpretive Cultural Centre where we dive into the rich cultural, ecological, and geological wonders of the national park. As anticipation builds, we get up close and personal with the mighty Uluru, uncovering its sacred rock art, family caves, and ancient stories on a base walk. Don’t miss the mesmerising Mutitjulu Waterhole or Kantju Gorge with its secret waterfall and the world’s oldest pantry. Finish the day with a knockout sunset and a dinner that’ll fuel those “wow” moments you’re about to have with your fellow adventurers.
Meals: Lunch · Dinner
Overnight: Uluru Campground - Exclusive camp, shared showers & toilets, kitchen & dining areas powered by solar, unpowered tents.
2Uluru Kata-Tjuta National Park to Kings Canyon⌄
Rise and shine for an early brekkie and a dazzling sunrise over Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park. Just when you thought Uluru was jaw-dropping, in struts the majestic Kata Tjuta. We’ll hike the Valley of the Winds or Walpa Gorge and be in awe of these massive, otherworldly rock formations. Next stop? Kings Canyon! Tonight, we’re camping at a super-exclusive safari spot situated on the lands of the traditional Wanmarra community, one of the most remote places on earth (you’re closer to the International Space Station than the nearest McDonalds). Round off the day with a campfire feast and outback stargazing – you’ve never seen a sky like this.
Meals: Breakfast · Lunch · Dinner
Overnight: Kings Canyon Campsite - Unique location, off grid outback showers & toilets, kitchen & dining areas, unpowered tents.
3Kings Canyon to West MacDonnell Ranges⌄
We head off early to explore the mighty Kings Canyon (Watarrka) venturing into the ancient landscape and sacred grounds of the Ulpanyali and Lilla people. Get your water bottle and hiking boots ready because Kings Canyon is calling! With its towering cliffs, sandstone chasms, and breathtaking views, this ancient canyon is the ultimate hiker’s dream. Conditions permitting, we’ll set off on foot to explore the canyon, including the iconic rim walk, on the most seasonally suitable section of the trail. Rest up in the bus as we head back up north, travelling off-the-beaten track via the Mereenie Loop Tourist Drive or Ernest Giles Road and heading out towards the West MacDonnell Ranges for an evening of stargazing at our private bush camp located near Mount Sonder.
Meals: Breakfast · Lunch · Dinner
Overnight: Staying at West MacDonnell Ranges (Glen Helen), with 2 fare options: a) Twin Share Safari Tents b) Single Swag Camping
4West MacDonnell Ranges to Alice Springs⌄
Our West MacDonnell National Park exploration unfolds amidst the towering red walls of Ormiston Gorge. Fuel up with some breakfast surrounded by awe-inspiring natural wonder, and appreciate the geological forces that sculpted this landscape. Keep your eyes peeled for native wildlife emerging with the rising sun. Next, we cool off with a refreshing dip in the Ellery Creek Bighole (Udepata in Arrernte) and dramatic cliffs and sandy Ellery Creek, this permanent waterhole offers a welcome respite in the arid outback. Continuing our journey, we arrive at Standley Chasm (Angkerle Atwatye). This dramatic 3-meter-wide, 80-meter-high gorge provides a stunning backdrop for our exploration. Our final stop is Simpsons Gap, another remarkable feature of the Tjoritja West MacDonnells. This significant site boasts a permanent waterhole attracting diverse wildlife and holds cultural significance as the intersection of several Aboriginal dreaming trails. We return to Alice Springs around 18:00pm.
Meals: Breakfast · Lunch
What's included
- ✓Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Parks pass included
- ✓3 Nights Permanent Outback Campsites (Uluru, Kings Canyon, West MacDonnell)
- ✓Lunch
- ✓Accredited outback driver guide with extensive tour commentary
- ✓Dinner
- ✓Breakfast
- ✓Air-conditioned 4x4 off-road bus so we can travel off-the-beaten tracks
- ✓Standley Chasm Gorge pass included
- ✓Guided bush walks* (*up to 10-12 km of walking, subject to fitness level)
- ✓On board drinking water (please provide your own bottle)
- ✓Bed linen, mattress and pillow provided (Safari Tent option) OR Traditional Bush Swag (Swag option)
Not included
- ✕Any meal, not indicated within the itinerary
- ✕Personal expenses
Good to know
Starts: This is our main pickup point for this tour, we ask guests to be ready and waiting outside the accommodation. Alternatively, if you wish to be collected from another location please call our reservations team.
Ends: This is our main pickup point for this tour, we ask guests to be ready and waiting outside the accommodation. Alternatively, if you wish to be collected from another location please call our reservations team.
Cancellation: If you cancel at least 6 full day(s) before the scheduled departure time, you will receive a full refund.<br>If you cancel between 2 and 6 day(s) before the scheduled departure time, you will receive a 50% refund.<br>If you cancel within 2 day(s) of the scheduled departure, you will receive a 0% refund.
- Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
- Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
- Not recommended for pregnant travelers
- Service animals allowed
- Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
- A minimum moderate to advanced level of fitness is required to complete the walks. Therefore a medium/high level of fitness is required and a doctor's certificate is required for people over 75 years (30 days prior to travel).
- The tour operator must be notified of any known medical conditions at the time of booking. This is a very physical tour and requires a moderate level of fitness and mobility.
- Children aged between 8 to 17 years old must be accompanied by an adult or legal guardian at all times. Not suitable for infants or children 7 years and under, due to safety requirements and the level of fitness required to complete the walk.
- Please advise at time of booking whether you require a hire of a sleeping bag?
- Guests are asked to participate in the preparation of meals, clean up and vehicle unpacking/loading, so everyone can relax together after a long day of touring. It’s also a great way to get to know and connect with your fellow travellers.
- This tour ends in Alice Springs only.
Traveller reviews
4.8(72)
Loading reviews...
Read more reviews on Viator →From
$863
