Alice Springs to Uluru Tour
Our small group safari adventure tour provides an opportunity to explore the main attractions of the Red Centre. During our Uluru Ayers Rock tour, we visited three iconic locations over four days – Uluru, Kings Canyon, Kata Tjuta, and the Tjoritja West MacDonnell Ranges. Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park was recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1987 due to its geological formations, diverse plant and animal life, and stunning natural landscapes. Your tour guide will provide thorough commentary as they take you through the Red Centre, sharing ancient stories, myths, secrets, and hidden gems. The tour offers two accommodation options: comfortable twin-share safari tents for those seeking privacy, comfort, and security or a traditional swag experience with a canvas-covered bed roll.
- DAYS 4
- DEPARTS 06:00
- RETURNS 18:30
- PRICE $1150-1295 AUD
The highlights of Uluru tours from Alice Springs.
- Visit Kings Canyon in Watarrka National Park to witness its impressive grandeur.
- Experience the sunset view at Uluru (Ayers Rock) and visit the Uluru-Kata Tjuta cultural centre to learn more about the local culture.
- Explore sacred Indigenous Rock Art sites.
- Visit Mutitjulu Waterhole, Kuniya Piti and Kantju Gorge for a unique exploration experience.
- Visitors can explore Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park and choose between hiking through the Valley of the Winds or Walpa Gorge.
- You can experience the sunrise at the stunning Olgas – Kata Tjuta.
- The West MacDonnell National Park, known as Tjoritja by the indigenous custodians, is a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts.
- Visitors can explore the impressive Standley Chasm, also called ‘Angkerle Atwatye’, which features an 80m high gorge.
- Visitors can enjoy swimming at Ellery Creek Big Hole, one of the most significant and stunning swimming spots in Central Australia.
- Visitors can explore the UNESCO-listed Ochre Pit mineral rockface, where they can witness the utilization of coloured ochre clay in traditional ceremonies.
The itinerary is subject to change due to seasonal conditions and access restrictions. The Red Centre’s diverse landscape, culture, and extreme weather conditions require flexibility and adaptability. The itinerary highlights are a rough guideline only. Expert guides will ensure a fantastic adventure for all.
Itinerary
Day 1: Alice Springs / Yulara - Uluru
Starting from either Alice Springs or Yulara (Uluru Airport), we begin our journey towards Ayers Rock (Uluru). Along the way, we stop at Mt Conner’s lookout, sometimes referred to as the False Uluru or Fool-Uru, to take in the breathtaking views of this unique red mountain. We quickly stopped at Curtin Springs for a restroom break before reaching our campground for lunch. Note that this lunch option is only available for guests starting from Alice Springs; those joining the tour from Ayers Rock will need to arrange their meal beforehand.
We visited the Red Centre’s indigenous interpretive cultural centre after lunch. We discovered the significant cultural, historical, ecological, and geological value of the park. Then, we arrived at the base of Uluru and admired its magnificence up close. We trekked to the Mutitjulu waterhole and discovered sacred rock art sites in family caves. We also heard ancient creation stories and DreamTime myths. Next, we hiked to Kuniya Piti and drove to Kantju Gorge, passing through sacred sites. We saw the highest waterfall in Central Australia. We watched a stunning sunset over Uluru and enjoyed dinner.
Highlights
- Uluru(Ayers Rock)
- The Red Centre Indigenous Interpretive Cultural Centre is a notable establishment.
- SacredRock ArtSite
- Mutitjulu Waterhole
- Kuniya Piti
- Kantju Gorge
- Sunset at Uluru lookout
Meals are available for lunch and dinner. Accommodations are offered 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 and takes about 2-3 hours. Lunch is provided for those departing from Alice Springs. However, those visiting Ayers Rock must have lunch before the tour.
Day 2: Uluru - Kata Tiuta - Kings Canyon
We wake up early for a light breakfast and see the sunrise at Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park. Uluru is unique, but wait until you see Kata Tjuta. We hike through the Valley of the Winds or Walpa Gorge and admire the vast rock formations. After exploring Kata Tjuta, we visit Kings Canyon to witness another beautiful sunset and have a delicious meal around the campfire.
Highlights
- Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park
- Consider hiking the Valley of the Winds or Walpa Gorge.
- The Olgas- Kata Tjuta
- Glorious Sunrise at Uluru
Meals include breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Accommodations are provided at Kings Creek Station Campground in Safari Tents or Bush Swags with campground communal facilities. The driving distance is 406 km, which takes approximately 4.5 hours. The hike distance ranges from 2-6 km and takes approximately 2-4 hours, depending on the weather.
Day 3: Kings Canyon - McDonnell Western Ranges
We start early and explore Kings Canyon, a sacred place for the Ulpanyali and Lilla people. Remember your hat, water, and hiking shoes as we hike through cliff faces and admire the beautiful views. After resting, we head north and pass through Alice Springs towards the West MacDonnell Ranges for a stargazing experience at our campsite. Highlights include the outback scenery, a guided walking tour of Kings Canyon, and enjoying a meal around the campfire. Immerse yourself in a stunning stargazing experience in the remote outback of Australia.
Meals for the trip include breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Accommodations include West MacDonnell Ranges remote campsite Safari Tents or Bush Swags with basic outback facilities. The driving distance is 370km (4 hours), and the hiking distances range from 2-4 km and take 2-4 hours.
Day 4: Standley Chasm and Tjoritja Western Ranges McDonnell - Alice Springs
We start our fourth day by heading to Standley Chasm, also known as ‘Angkerle Atwatye,’ a narrow gorge within the West MacDonnell ranges. We take time to explore the beautiful surroundings and look for native wildlife. Then, we move west to Ellery Creek Bighole, or ‘Udepata,’ where we can cool off and swim in the creek surrounded by red cliffs and sandy banks. Next, we visit Ormiston Gorge to admire the incredible geological formations of the towering red walls. Our final stop is Simpsons Gap, a waterhole known for its wildlife and sacred significance. After a day full of natural wonders, we return to Alice Springs for you to reflect on your adventures.
Meals: Breakfast and lunch. Accommodation: Not applicable. Driving distance: 250km, approximately 3 hours. Walking distance: Approximately 3km to 4km.
Details
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 |
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Optional Extras
| Option Name | Description | RRP |
| Optional Extra | Sleeping Bag Hire | 40 AUD |
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
Covind Safety Measures
- Mandory 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 (330 days before travel). The walks vary from 2 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, 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.
Weather
The weather conditions in the Red Centre can fluctuate rapidly and sometimes be quite intense. Temperatures can soar to over 50+ degrees Celsius in the dry season and drop dramatically in the evening. Before the journey, we recommend checking the average temperatures for the time of year you’re travelling and packing clothing. In the case of rain or harsh weather, expect your tour to go ahead unless otherwise advised by the provider.
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.