The 8-day Uluru to Adelaide tour takes place in the outback of South Australia. It ends in Adelaide. You will travel through the Red Centre, Australia’s spiritual heart. You’ll have the chance to have Indigenous experiences and see desert landscapes and rock formations. The tour includes sleeping in an underground dugout, noodling for opals, and crossing cattle stations. It takes iconic outback tracks and explores the ancient Flinders Ranges. During the day, there will be unforgettable adventures. At night, you’ll experience magical sunsets, campfires, and stargazing.
Highlights
- Uluru is considered a significant natural wonder and is suggested for visitors looking for a memorable experience.
- Gain knowledge about First Nations culture through educational experiences.
- Visit the distinct landscapes of Kata Tjuta and Kings Canyon.
- Observe the stunning sunsets and sunrises of the Red Centre.
- The Oodnadatta Track is an unsealed road located in South Australia that is popular among travellers.
- Coober Pedy provides visitors with the chance to experience staying in underground dugouts.
- The Ikara-Flinders Ranges National Park allows visitors to discover its rich history and stunning natural landscapes.
- Hiking in natural surroundings offers several benefits.
- There are opportunities for volunteering in conservation efforts in the Flinders Ranges.
Full Itinerary
Day 1: Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park
The adventure starts at 2 pm. You will meet your Storyteller Guide in front of the Desert Gardens Hotel. You will visit the Cultural Centre in Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park. Here, you will appreciate the natural beauty and rich culture. Uluru and Kata Tjuta hold spiritual significance due to their role in creation stories.
Some stories are kept secret, but you will learn a little about the local Anangu culture.
Visitors can also enjoy the land’s natural beauty through exhibits and presentations with Anangu and park rangers.
Tonight, there is the opportunity to camp and watch the sunset at a viewing platform in Uluru. Take advantage of this time for reflection as you observe the vast desert. Additionally, a communal campfire dinner with fellow travellers and sleeping outdoors under the stars in your Australian swag are options available.
Today’s estimated travel distance is approximately 60 kilometres.
Passengers who wish to arrange a bus transfer from Alice Springs to Yulara are encouraged to review the Know Before You Go details provided below.
Camping at the Campground is a potential accommodation choice at Ayers Rock Resort.
Meals Included: Dinner
Day 2: Uluru
Wake up early to watch the sunrise over Uluru. The rock formations change colour with sunlight. Uluru is a natural wonder, 348 meters high and 550 million years old. Take a guided 10km walk around the base to connect with the rock and learn its stories. Relax at waterholes, rest under a Sheoak tree, and explore caves. After lunch, camp attendees have leisure time. They can relax by the pool or participate in activities at Ayers Rock Resort, like a didgeridoo performance or guided walk. Dinner will be provided at camp. Today’s itinerary involves a 50km drive and the option of a 10km Uluru base walk. Shorter walks are also available. Meals included are breakfast, lunch, and dinner.
After lunch, return to camp for leisure time. Relax by the pool or join activities at Ayers Rock Resort, like a didgeridoo performance or stroll through the garden. Dinner will be served at camp tonight. Today’s itinerary includes a 50km drive and the option of a 10 km Uluru base walk. Shorter walks are available. The recommended accommodation is camping at Ayers Rock Resort Campground. Meals included are breakfast, lunch, and dinner.
Day 3: Kings Canyon/Watarrka
We are heading towards Watarrka National Park and Kings Canyon from Yulara. Kata Tjuta is, in our view, towering 546 meters above ground. This sacred site holds significance in Indigenous creation-time stories and is called ‘Many Heads’. We will embark on the Valley of the Winds guided walk, with wildlife and wildflowers surrounding us. We will traverse through a narrow creek valley between two of Kata Tjuta’s largest domes.
After lunch, go to Kings Creek. You can participate in the Karrke Aboriginal Cultural Experience, which lasts one hour and provides insight into the cultural significance of specific areas for the Luritja and Pertame people. It includes stories about bush tucker and art. Then, go to the Kings Creek Station campsite and relax before dinner. The estimated travel distance for today is 325 kilometres.
Kings Creek Stationoffersswagcampingasapotentiallodgingchoice.
They provide meals consisting of breakfast and lunch, without dinner being included.
Day 4: Coober Pedy
The Kings Canyon Rim Walk begins early. Watarrka National Park has tall sandstone walls, waterholes, forests, chasms, canyons, and caverns. It’s like an oasis in central Australia. You can see Priscilla’s Crack and the Lost City’s sandstone domes. The Garden of Eden has lush greenery and a watering hole. It will be a magical experience. With several stops, today’s journey takes us across the Northern Territory and South Australian border. Our destination is Coober Pedy, the ‘Opal Capital of the World’. The town’s unique architecture is due to the hot weather.
Many residences are built underground. Tonight, we’ll stay in an underground bunkhouse. You’ll have free time to explore and dine at nearby eateries. The distance covered today is approximately 760km. The Umoona Opal Mine offers underground bunk accommodation with sharing options. Breakfast is included in the meal plan.
Day 5: William Creek
After breakfast, visit Josephine’s Gallery and Kangaroo Orphanage. The orphanage was established in 2008 to care for orphaned kangaroos. It is located in the north of South Australia. The gallery is a world-class Aboriginal Art Gallery. It has a wide range of Aboriginal artefacts and significant works by famous Indigenous artists from Australia. Spend some time browsing before going to the Umoona Opel Mine and Museum. At the museum, you can learn about Aboriginal and European settlement. You will also have the opportunity to see how early miners lived. Don’t forget to try your hand at ‘noodeling’ for opals.
We will take unsealed roads instead of the sealed Stuart Highway. Our trip will include a stop at William Creek, known as one of the most remote towns in the world. We will also pass by Anna Creek, the largest cattle station globally. In addition, we will see Lake Cadibarrawirracanna, which has the longest name in the world. After reaching our destination, we will set up camp and have a countermeal at the heritage-listed William Creek Hotel.
The journey today spans approximately 170 km. Stargazing in the evening from the comfort of your swag is a memorable activity.
The available accommodation option at William Creek is swag camping.
The package includes breakfast, a meal in between, and dinner.
Day 6: Flinders Ranges using the Oodnadatta Track
Travellers can explore the Oodnadatta Track in Australia, a famous unsealed road known for its unique lunar-like landscapes. Along the way, visitors can also enjoy attractions like the Mutonia Sculpture Park and Lake Eyre, Australia’s largest salt lake. They can also stop by one of the outback towns for lunch before reaching their final destination.
Skytrek Willow Springs Station is a sheep station located in the Flinders Ranges.
It offers bush camping, walking trails, natural springs, and Aboriginal rock etchings on its 70,000-acre property.
The Flinders Ranges is known for its clear skies, which provide a wonderful opportunity to observe a stunning celestial display. Visitors can enjoy a campfire dinner and spend the night stargazing under the Milky Way.
The itinerary for today includes a 500 km drive. Please consult the Know Before You Go information for any disclaimers about road conditions and inclement weather.
The accommodation provided at Skytrek Willow Springs Station is camping, which includes meals for breakfast, lunch, and dinner.
Day 7: Ikara-Flinders Ranges National Park
You can visit the Ikara-Flinders Ranges National Park today. Experience over 540 million years of geological grandeur. The park offers ancient gorges and stunning beauty at every turn. Take a hike through tall river red gums and pines, passing waterholes and a historic ruined homestead. Finally, enjoy breathtaking views of the surrounding wilderness.
Visitors to Ikara-Flinders Ranges National Park can learn about conservation efforts through interactions with Park Rangers and engagement in seasonal conservation work to aid in regeneration.
After lunch, visitors can take a scenic drive at Brachina Gorge. The distance covered during the drive is around 160 km, and guests can then return to camp for relaxation and the final dinner.
The recommended accommodation option is to camp at Skytrek Willow Springs Station.
At Ikara-Flinders Ranges National Park, visitors can engage with a park ranger, learn about conservation efforts, and participate in seasonal conservation work.
After having lunch at a picnic, travellers can take a scenic drive at Brachina Gorge. The day can end with relaxation and a final dinner at the campsite. The estimated driving distance for the day is approximately 160 kilometres.
One of the accommodation options available is swag camping at Skytrek Willow Springs Station.
Day 8: Flinders Ranges to Adelaide
The Arkaroo Rock Trail offers beautiful views of the Chace Range and is culturally important to the Adnyamathanha community. It also showcases Adnyamathanha rock art that depicts the Yura Muda story of Ikara’s creation. After breakfast, it is time to begin the trail and explore the area.
Before visiting Alligator Gorge at Mount Remarkable National Park in the Southern Flinders Ranges, it is recommended to have a picnic lunch. Alligator Gorge is a fulfilling way to end the tour.
The route goes through the Clare Valley wine region, which is a scenic area. We anticipate reaching Adelaide around 6 pm.
The distance travelled on today’s journey is around 450 km.
The provided meals consist of breakfast and lunch.
Tour Details
Inclusions
- The accommodation comprises of six nights of camping in swag with amenities and one night in a multi-share dormitory in an underground bunk house.
- All activities and experiences
- The meal plan consists of 7 breakfasts, 4 lunches, and 5 dinners.
- Fees are required for admission to national parks and other attractions.
- Storyteller Guide
- Air-conditioned vehicle
General
- The tour begins at Yulara (Ayers Rock Resort) at 2 pm on day one. AAT Kings provides transfers from Alice Springs to Yulara, arriving by 1 pm. Alternatively, you can take a flight to Uluru Airport that morning and catch a free transfer bus to the Resort. Your Guide will meet you there at 2 pm.
- The tour ends in Adelaide on the eighth day, usually at approximately 6:00 pm.
- To fully enjoy this experience, it is recommended to have an appreciation for outdoor activities, including hiking, and be prepared for challenging weather conditions.
- Adjust and handle extreme weather conditions.
- To take part, individuals should possess a moderate level of fitness and be ready for walks that range from 3 to 12 kilometers on specific days. These walks may entail irregular terrain and the possibility of exposure to moisture.
- On some days, the distance traveled may be quite long and could include walking on rough ground or even crossing bodies of water.
Please notify us of any dietary restrictions you may have when making your reservation. While we offer a variety of fresh products, snacks, soft drinks, and alcohol are not part of the package. - Our company provides fresh products, but snacks, soft drinks, and alcohol are not included in the package.
- The allowed baggage for passengers includes one backpack or soft travel bag weighing up to 15 kg, plus a small piece of hand luggage.
- In order to adhere to COVID-Safe guidelines, passengers must complete online check-in and a ‘Fit for Travel’ self-declaration indicating their health status, no later than 24 hours prior to departure. This is a mandatory requirement.
- To ensure health safety, travelers are required to complete a self-declaration called ‘Fit for Travel’ to confirm their absence of illness.
- This task must be completed at least 24 hours prior to departure.
LI 12 words 41% similar Edit
To ensure the tour operates, a minimum of six people is required. In the event of cancellation due to insufficient numbers, all payments will be transferred to a future departure date or refunded in full if necessary. - The event was cancelled because it did not meet the minimum attendance requirements. All received funds will be transferred.
- In the event that the scheduled departure dates are not suitable, a full refund of the tour price will be provided.
What to bring
- Weather-appropriate clothing
- Your sense of adventure
- Waterproof rain jacket
- Water bottle &/or Camelbak (2L minimum)
- Comfortable walking or hiking shoes
- Swimmers and beach towel
- Hand sanitiser and insect repellent
- Hat and sunscreen
- Torch or headlight
- Snacks for the bus in your day bag
- In cooler months (Oct, Nov, March & April), pack thermals, bed socks, warm clothes and a hot water bottle
- Reusable facemasks
- Sleeping Bag
Where to meet
Desert Gardens Hotel at 2 pm.
Camping
- This camping tour requires passenger participation, including possible tasks such as meal preparation and campsite packing.
- The tour offers camping opportunities in various national parks and campgrounds that have basic toilet and shower amenities.
- Single swags are commonly used as sleeping arrangements during camping trips. They are also referred as “Aussie Bed Rolls” and are made from durable canvas material, equipped with a built-in mattress. Passengers are expected bring their own sleeping bags and pillows for the swag.
- As part of the booking process, customers can opt for an upgrade fee of $ 300 for a deluxe double swag that fits up to two people. This swag features a high-density foam mattress and mesh windows. Availability is limited due to its size and will be assigned on a first come, first serve basis.
- In the case of inclement weather, a dome tent designed for three people may be utilized by two individuals.
Itinerary Changes
- The Australian outback experiences rapid and significant weather changes. Our guides prioritize safety by closely monitoring weather conditions.
- Adjustments to the itinerary may be necessary for optimal experience, such as rescheduling hikes earlier in the day during the hot summer season from December to March. The group will be notified of any changes in advance.
- The accessibility of the Oodnadatta Track is impacted significantly by weather patterns. Further details can be found below.
Oodnadatta track closure alternate itinerary
The Oodnadatta Track is a dirt road that weather conditions could impact. The tour guide reserves the right to modify the itinerary or take an alternative route to ensure safety. Modifications to day three’s itinerary will be made if the road is unsafe.
