Alice Springs To Uluru Tour
Our small group safari adventure tour offers a comprehensive experience of the key attractions in the Red Centre.
During the tour, we visited Uluru, Kings Canyon, Kata Tjuta, and Tjoritja West MacDonnell Ranges, three iconic locations, over four full days.
Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park became a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1987 because of its geological formations, flora, fauna, and natural beauty.
A tour guide will provide extensive knowledge and insights as they take you through the Red Centre, sharing ancient stories, myths, secrets, and hidden gems.
This tour offers fully accommodated options, including comfortable twin-share safari tents for privacy, comfort, and security. Alternatively, you can try a traditional swag experience with a canvas-covered bed roll.
| DAYS | 4 |
| DEPARTS | 06:00 |
| RETURNS | 18:30 |
| Price | 1150-1295 AUD |
Highlights
- Discover the majestic beauty of Kings Canyon in Watarrka National Park.
- Visitors can enjoy the sunset lookout at Uluru (Ayers Rock) and immerse themselves in the Uluru-Kata Tjuta cultural centre.
- Explore sacred Indigenous Rock Art sites.
- Visit Mutitjulu Waterhole, Kuniya Piti, and Kantju Gorge.
- Visitors can explore Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park and engage in hiking activities in the Valley of the Winds or Walpa Gorge.
- One can experience the sunrise at the majestic Olgas – Kata Tjuta.
- The West MacDonnell National Park, also known as Tjoritja, is worth a visit.
- Visitors can explore the 80m high gorge and be astonished by Standley Chasm, traditionally called ‘Angkerle Atwatye’.
- Visitors can swim at Ellery Creek Big Hole, one of Central Australia’s most significant and stunning swimming spots.
- The Ochre Pit mineral rockface, listed by UNESCO, offers a chance to observe the coloured ochre clay still used in traditional ceremonies.
The itinerary may be altered due to seasonal conditions and access restrictions in specific areas. The Red Centre’s diverse landscape, culture, and extreme weather conditions demand flexibility and adaptability. Use these itinerary highlights as a rough guideline only. Expert guides will ensure everyone has a fantastic adventure.
What you can actually see!
Itinerary
Day 1: Alice Springs / Yulara - Uluru
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, also known as the False Uluru or Fool-Uru, where we can admire the breathtaking views of the red mountain. We settled at our campground for lunch after a brief toilet break at Curtin Springs. (Please note that lunch will be provided for guests from Alice Springs, but for those joining from Ayers Rock, lunch will need to be arranged independently before joining the tour.)
After lunch, we went to the Red Centre’s indigenous interpretive cultural centre. We gained knowledge about the cultural, historical, ecological, and geological significance of the national park. We were excited and curious as we approached Uluru. We were amazed by its size and grandeur as we stood near it. We hiked to the Mutitjulu waterhole and explored sacred rock art sites in family caves. We listened to ancient creation stories and Dreamtime myths while walking to Kuniya Piti. We drove to Kantju Gorge, passing sacred sites along the way. We saw the highest waterfall in Central Australia, which was especially impressive when it rained. After a full day of exploration, we watched a stunning sunset over Uluru while enjoying a cooked dinner.
Highlights:
- Uluru(Ayers Rock)
- The cultural centre is in the Red Centre.
- SacredRock ArtSite
- Mutitjulu Waterhole
- Kuniya Piti
- Kantju Gorge
- Sunset at Uluru lookout
Meals provided are lunch and dinner.
Stay at Ayers Rock Coach Campground (Uluru) in Safari Tents or Bush Swags with shared 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.
Those collected from Ayers Rock must find their lunch before 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 impressive 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. Finally, we have a delicious meal around the campfire.
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 provided: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner.
Accommodation at Kings Creek Station Campground in Safari Tents or Bush Swags with communal facilities.
The driving distance is 406 km, taking approximately 4.5 hours.
The hike distance varies from 2-6 km and typically takes 2-4 hours, depending on the weather conditions.
Day 3: Kings Canyon - McDonnell Western Ranges
We start early to explore Kings Canyon in Watarrka National Park. Bring your hat, water, and hiking shoes. The canyon has cliff faces over 100 meters high. Take in the unique sandstone chasms and stunning views. Rest up before heading north through Alice Springs to the West MacDonnell Ranges. Stargaze at our remote campsite. Highlights include the outback scenery, a guided walking tour of Kings Canyon, and a campfire meal. Experience dazzling stargazing in remote outback Australia.
The itinerary includes breakfast, lunch, dinner, and accommodation at the West MacDonnell Ranges remote campsite in safari tents or bush swags with basic outback facilities. 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, a narrow gorge in the West MacDonnell ranges. We explore the area and look for wildlife. Then, we go to Ellery Creek Bighole, a waterhole surrounded by cliffs and sandy banks. We swim and cool off there. Afterwards, we go to Ormiston Gorge to see the towering red walls. Our last stop is Simpsons Gap, a sacred place with a waterhole and native wildlife. Finally, we return to Alice Springs and drop you off at your accommodation for the evening.
Meals: Breakfast and Lunch.
Accommodation: Not applicable. Driving Distance: 250km (approximately 3 hours).
Walking Distance: Approximately 3km to 4km.
Details
Aditional Information
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
Exclusions
- Any meals not previously indicated in the itinerary
- We highly recommend purchasing travel insurance
- Pre/post tour hotel transfers
- Additional personal expenses
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 at 6:00-7:00am.
From Alice Springs:
- 6:00 am – To Be Advised – Please call 48hrs prior to 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
- 7:00 am – Alice Springs YHA – Cnr Parsons St Leichhardt Terrace
- 7:00 am – Alices Secret Travellers Inn – 6 Khalick St East Side NT
- 7:00am – 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
- 7:00am – 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
- 7:00am – 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:
- 13:50pm – Ayers Rock Airport [AYQ] – Coote Rd Yulara NT
- 13:50pm – Ayers Rock Campground – 173 Yulara Dr Yulara NT
Drop Off Time & Location
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.
What 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)
FAQ
How long does it take to travel from Alice Springs to Uluru?
What are the best times of year to visit Uluru?
Can I visit Uluru as a day trip from Alice Springs?
Are there guided tours available at Uluru?
Yes, there are many different guided tour options available. Indigenous guides, for example, offer insightful commentary on the cultural and historical significance of Uluru and the surrounding area.