3 Day Kings Canyon tour to West MacDonnell Ranges 4WD

Join us for a 3 Day Kings Canyon Tour through the West MacDonnell Ranges where you will see stunning scenery and landscapes. Be amazed by some of the best sights, camp in unique locations and experience Uluru, Kings Canyon and the Red Centre like never before.

Your guide will share stories and details about the area and lesser known spots. You can choose small twin safari tents for extra privacy, comfort and safety or classic canvas swags for your sleeping arrangements.

Highlights

  • Our 4WD vehicles get you to the Red Center’s best scenic wonders, which are inaccessible by other means.
  • Travel the Mereenie Loop for more views and less road time.
  • Camp in our exclusive campsites and make memories of a lifetime camping under the stars in the outback.
  • See the geology, waterholes and hiking trails of Kings Canyon National Park and Watarrka National Park, ancient rock formations, oases and cliffs.
  • Experience the ancient landscapes, waterholes and gorges of the West MacDonnell Ranges National Park.
  • Standley Chasm, Ormiston Gorge, Ochre Pits and Ellery Creek Big Hole are just some of the natural art on display.
  • Start in Ayers Rock Yulara and finish in Alice Springs.

Tour Details

  • Duration: 3 days, two nights
  • Operating Days: Tues, Thurs, Fri, Sun
  • Package Options: RK3-B / RK3-S
  • Departure Location: Yulara / Ayers Rock
  • Departure Time: 12:00 PM
  • Arrival in Alice Springs: 5:30 PM
  • Accommodation: 2 nights permanent campsites
  • Guide: Accredited Outback driver guide
  • Vehicle: Air-conditioned 4×4 off-road bus

The Red Centre tour has many options due to the varied landscapes, Aboriginal culture and weather. Our guides have created some great adventures for all.

What you can actually see

Full Itinerary

Get into the Outback in the Kings Canyon region. The tour starts in the afternoon at Yulara/Ayers Rock. Campfire dinner and meet your fellow travellers. As the sun goes down, gaze up at the stars in the desert sky.
  • Kings Canyon views
  • Remote campsite
  • There are no city lights to spoil the starry night sky
  • Meals: Dinner (*lunch not included if arriving from Yulara Airport)
  • Accommodation: Luxury Safari Tents or basic bush Swags in shared campgrounds at Kings Creek Station
  • Driving Distance: 406 km (4.5 hours)
  • Hike Distance: 2-4 hours / 2-6 km (*weather dependent)
We will explore Watarrka, also known as Kings Canyon. Along the way we will learn about the history of the Ulpanyali and Lilla people. See the towering cliffs and sandstone chasm of the canyon. Wear your hiking boots as we drive on the Mereenie Loop Road with reduced distances. End the day stargazing at our safari camp in the West MacDonnell Ranges. Travel from Kings Canyon to Mereenie Loop Red Centre Way, cross the middle of Australia to a campsite in the West MacDonnell Ranges. Kings Canyon Watarrka National Park visitors can join a guided tour to see the local flora, fauna and geology. Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner. Accommodation: Permanent tents or bush swags. Driving Distance: 370 km (4 hours) Hiking Distance: 4-6 km / 3-4 hours
Explore the West MacDonnell Ranges today, starting with Standley Chasm, known as Angkerle Atwatye. For breakfast, while the local wildlife is out and about in the morning, admire the red cliffs of Ormiston Gorge, which are formed by nature. Take a swim in the cool waters of Ellery Creek Bighole, situated between cliffs and sandy banks. On the way back to Alice Springs, stop at Simpsons Gap, which has a permanent waterhole and plenty of native wildlife. As you head back, take a moment to reflect on the last four days of adventure and new friends. Get ready for tonight’s activities at your accommodation.
  • Tjoritja West MacDonnell
  • Ormiston Gorge
  • Ellery Creek Bighole
  • Standley Chasm
  • Simpsons Gap
  • Meals: Breakfast, Lunch.
  • Accommodation: N/A.
  • Distance: 250km (3 hours).
  • Walking: ~3km / 4km.
Autopia Tours may change the itinerary’s route or schedule if weather conditions or park closures due to traditional landowner celebrations.

Additional information

Inclusions

  • 3L Refillable water bottle
  • Wide-brimmed hat, sunglasses & sunscreen
  • Swimwear, beach towels & toiletries
  • Comfortable, sturdy hiking shoes (tread closed-toe shoes)
  • All-weather clothing (extreme conditions inc wind, heat, cold, day/night)
  • 15kg soft bag & small day pack
  • Tropical strength insect repellent
  • Mosquito or fly net (summer months)
  • Flashlight, headlamp or torch, and camera
  • Money for snacks and meals
  • Bring your sleeping bag & pillow (optional – if staying in a swag)
  • Recharge power bank (limited access to power to charge phones or cameras)

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

Pickup times and locations.

Our main meeting point for this tour will be outside the front of Ayers Rock Resort at noon.

  • Noon – Ayers Rock Campground – 173 Yulara Dr Yulara NT (bus stop near campground entrance)
  • Noon – Desert Gardens Hotel – Ayers Rock Resort 1 Yulara Dr Yulara
  • Noon – Outback Hotel Lodge – 2 Yulara Dr Yulara NT
  • 12:00pm – Sails in the Desert – 163 Yulara Dr Yulara NT
  • 12:00pm – The Lost Camel Hotel – Ayers Rock Yulara Dr Yulara NT

*Please arrive 5-10 minutes before your nominated pickup time so as not to delay or miss your tour.

Need to bring?

FAQ

Kings Canyon Rim Walk, Garden of Eden, Kata Tjuta (The Olgas), West MacDonnell Ranges, natural rock pools.

A good level of fitness is required. Children may be restricted. Check with the tour operator.

Boots, sun protection (hat, sunscreen, sunglasses), water bottle, swimwear, camera, comfortable clothing for all weather. If your package includes overnighting, sleeping bag.

Accommodation is included, from camping to lodges. Check what’s in your package.

No 4WD experience is necessary. Guided by experienced drivers who know the terrain and conditions.

Numbers can vary but will be small to ensure a more intimate and comfortable experience. Check with the tour operator for maximum numbers.

April to September is the best time to visit the Outback. The weather is cooler, and outdoor activities are more enjoyable.

Guides are first-aid trained and have emergency protocols in place. Vehicles are equipped with safety gear and comms.

Online Booking​

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