Fast facts
- Depart Alice Springs 7 am return Alice Springs 5 .30 pm
- Includes 3 breakfasts 4 lunches 3 dinners
- this is basic swag camping adventure
- All park fees included
- Sleeping bag hire $40
- This tour can also depart Uluru airport please contact our call centre before booking on 1800993069
This small-group tour includes the very best of what the Red Centre has to offer. In one tour, four iconic locations (Uluru, Kings Canyon, Kata Tjuta, and Tjoritja West MacDonnell Ranges) are explored over four days.
Departing from Alice Springs we head towards Uluru (Ayers Rock). Stopping off at Mt Connor (false Uluru) lookout for a view of this mighty red mountain and Curtin Springs for a toilet stop. Before arriving at our campground for lunch. After lunch, we head to the Red Centre’s indigenous interpretive cultural centre where we have a chance to learn about the cultural, ecological, historical and geological significance of this very special national park.
With the anticipation and excitement growing we make a short drive towards the base of Uluru. As we begin to comprehend the sheer size and magnificence of the giant monolith, getting up close and personal to explore further. Walking to Mutitjulu waterhole we discover sacred rock art sites in family caves and hear the creation stories of Kuniya and Liru as we continue our base walk towards Kuniya Piti. From here we drive around sacred sites towards Kantju Gorge where we envisage the highest waterfall in Central Australia, (truly a spectacle to behold, even more so when raining) an elder’s cave and the world’s oldest pantry.
Sunset Views
After exploring the world’s most impressive rock up close and personal, we retreat for panoramic views to witness one of the most incredible sunsets on the planet, all whilst having dinner cooked for you, to feed those hungry eyes and allow you to get to know your fellow travelers.
Day 1 Highlights
- Uluru (Ayers Rock)
- Red Centre’s cultural centre
- Sacred Rock Art Site
- Mutitjulu Waterhole
- Kuniya Piti
- Kantju Gorge
- Sunset at Uluru lookout
Meals: Lunch, Dinner. Accom: Ayers Rock Coach Campground – Permanent Tents or Bush Swags (communal facilities). Driving Distance: 350km. Hike Distance: 2-3 km / 2-3 hours
. After exploring the world’s most impressive rock up close and personal, we retreat for panoramic views to witness on Ayers Rock Coach Campground – Permanent Tents or Bush Swags (communal facilities). Driving Distance: 350km. Hike Distance: 2-3 km / 2-3 hours.
Day 2 Highlights:
- Spectacular Sunrise at Uluru
- The Olgas – Kata Tjuta
- Hike the Valley of the Winds or Walpa Gorge
- Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park
We wake early for a light breakfast and head off for a spectacular sunrise in Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park. You thought Uluru was special and just when you think it couldn’t get any more majestic we approach the stunning silhouette of Kata Tjuta. Here we set off on a hike through the Valley of the Winds or Walpa Gorge marveling at the mighty conglomerate rock formations. After exploring Kata Tjuta we make our way towards Kings Canyon region just in time to experience a glorious outback sunset followed by a hearty meal around the campfire.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner. Accom: Kings Creek Station – Permanent Tents or Bush Swags (communal campground facilities). Driving Distance: 406 km (4.5 Hours). Hike Distance: 2-6 km / 2-4 hours (*weather dependent).
Day 3 Highlights:
- Outback Scenery – Travel through the remote central Australian countryside from Kings Canyon on route north through Alice Springs towards our campsite for the evening at Standley Chasm
- Kings Canyon Watarrka National Park- Engage in a guided walk and learn about the flora, fauna and geology of this very special place
- Enjoy a hearty dinner and unwind with your new mates
- Spectacular Stargazing in remote outback Australia
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. Arriving at the jewel in the crown at the centre of Watarrka National Park (Kings Canyon) we find ourselves surrounded by towering 100-metre cliff faces, views of sandstone chasms and jaw-dropping backdrops that will make the hairs stand up on the back of your neck. Grab your water, hat and sturdy shoes as we set off on foot to explore (the most seasonally applicable part of) the canyon in more detail. Rest up in the bus as we head back up north, passing through Alice Springs and heading out towards the West MacDonnell Ranges for an evening of stargazing at our bush camp.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner. Accom: West MacDonnell Ranges – Permanent Tents or Bush Swags (private portable facilities). Driving Distance: 370km (4 hours). Hike Distance: 2-4 km / 2-4 hours.
Day 4 Highlights:
- Tjoritja West MacDonnell
- Standley Chasm
- Ellery Creek Bighole
- Ormiston Gorge
- Simpsons Gap
Known traditionally as Angkerle Atwatye, meaning “Gap of Water”, Standley Chasm is a 3-metre-wide, 80-metre-high gorge amongst the West MacDonnell Ranges. At dawn, we hope to spot the native wildlife as we enjoy breakfast and look forward to the day ahead. Tracking west you are welcome to enjoy a dip in Ellery Creek Bighole, known traditionally as Udepata, surrounded by tall red cliffs and sandy Ellery Creek. Onwards to where massive geological forces created the towering red walls of Ormiston Gorge. Spend time here admiring nature and its finest before we begin our leisurely journey back towards Alice Springs, with our final stop at another amazing feature of the Tjoritja West MacDonnell region, Simpsons Gap, where several dreaming trails and stories cross.
Featuring a permanent waterhole this is also a great place to spot resident wildlife. Now we’ve had our fix of the best of central Australia’s natural icons, we deliver you back to Alice Springs to your chosen accommodation and evening plans as you reminisce your four days of exploration and new friends made.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch. Accom: N/A. Driving Distance: 250km (3 hours). Walking Distance: ~3km / 4km.
*Autopia Tours reserves the right to alter the route or itinerary schedule during seasonal weather fluctuations and/or during park closures due to traditional landowner ceremonies.
Inclusions
- 3 Nights Permanent Campsites (Uluru, Kings Creek, West MacDonnell)
- Includes: 3 x breakfasts, 4 x lunches, 3 x dinners
- Guided bush walks (~12km, subject to fitness level)
- Onboard drinking water (bring your own bottle)
- All National Park pass entry fees
- Bed linen, mattress and pillow provided (Safari Tent option)
- Accredited outback driver guide & host
- Comprehensive local tour commentary
- Air-conditioned 4×4 off-road bus travel
- Selected pick-up Alice Springs or Ayers Rock points/drop-off Alice Springs ONLY.
Exclusions
- Sleeping bags can be hired from us onboard for $40 AUD, this includes cleaning costs. You are more than welcome to bring your own. Payment is made directly to the tour operator.
- Any meals not indicated within the itinerary. For those with special dietaries, we recommend you bring snacks as options are limited in the outback.
- Hotel transfers pre/post tour itinerary to a nominated pickup point.
- Travel insurance is highly recommended
- Personal expenses
Looking for a shorter trip ? Check out the 3 day rock trip
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