Alice Springs To Uluru Tour

4-Day Alice Springs Uluru Tour is our small group safari adventure that allows you to witness the three most amazing aspects of Red Centre.
One tour combines Tjoritja West MacDonnell Ranges, Kata Tjuta, Kings Canyon, and Uluru, all wrapped up into four full days.
Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park is included on the UNESCO World Heritage List for important reasons. In 1987, the park was added to this list because of its amazing geological formations, rare plants and animals and stunning natural beauty, which were recognized by the international community.
Uluru, or Ayers Rock, is an enormous sandstone monolith that rises from the desert floor to a height of 348 meters. It is of considerable cultural significance to the Anangu people, who are traditional landowners. Kata Tjuta (also known as The Olgas) is another landmark with dome-shaped boulders that will leave you in awe.
To explore the Red Centre, you will be guided by an experienced and professional guide who will give a detailed explanation of the area, enriched with historical content and some unique stories that have been passed down through generations. Besides ancient indigenous tales relating to this landscape, find out about diverse plant life species along with animal communities living in these peculiar surroundings.
This tour offers comfortable twin-share safari tents that provide additional privacy, convenience, and safety. Alternatively, you can have a taste of the traditional swag experience (a bedroll covered by canvas).

Highlights

Kings Canyon Watarrka National Park
Uluru sunset can be seen from a lookout.
Go to the cultural centre of Uluru-Kata Tjuta.
Aboriginal Sacred Rock Art Site
Visit Mutitjulu Waterhole, Kuniya Piti, Kantju Gorge
Immerse yourself in Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park
Go across the Valley of the Winds or Walpa Gorge
The Olgas-Kata Tjuta is stunning
Visit Tjoritja – West MacDonnell Ranges
Explore Standley Chasm, Ochre Pits, and Ellery Creek Big Hole

What you can actually see

Full Itinerary

Day 1: Alice Springs to Uluru/Ayers Rock

Day 1 Highlights:

Uluru (Ayers Rock)
Red Centres Indigenous Interpretive Cultural Centre
Aboriginal sacred rock art site
Mutitjulu Waterhole
Kuniya Piti
Kantju Gorge
Watching the sunset at Uluru Lookout

Starting from Alice Springs or Yulara (Uluru Airport), we then move towards Uluru (Ayers Rock) with stopovers at Mt Connor (false Uluru) outlook for a good view of this great red mountain and Curtin Springs for a toilet break before getting to our camping ground and have lunch there. Then, we go to the Red Centre’s Indigenous Interpretive Cultural Centre, where we learn about various things such as culture, ecology, history and geology that make this national park very special. Full of excitement, we take a short drive towards the base of Uluru, which helps us appreciate the sheer size and beauty of this enormous natural rock formation, which we can explore more closely. On our way to the Mutitjulu waterhole, we come across sacred rock art sites in family caves and hear stories of the creation of Kuniya and Liru as we keep walking towards Kuniya Piti. From here, we move around spiritual areas to Kantju Gorge, where the highest waterfall in Central Australia is (a sight to behold, especially during rainfall events), followed by an elder’s cave and the oldest pantry in the world. Having enjoyed a close encounter with one of the world’s most imposing rocks, we move back a bit to watch one of the most astonishing sunsets on earth and to have dinner prepared for you as well, which serves as a feast for your hungry eyes and gives you an opportunity to get acquainted with other travellers. Meals: Lunch and dinner are provided. Accommodation: Ayers Rock Coach Campground features permanent tents or bush swags with communal facilities. Driving Distance: 350 km. Hiking Distance: 2-3 km, taking about 2-3 hours. (*Please note that lunch on Day 1 is not included for guests joining Ayers Rock.)

Day 2: Uluru to Kata Tjuta to Kings Canyon

Day 2 Highlights:

Stunning Sunrise at Uluru
The Olgas – Kata Tjuta
Trek Valley of the Winds or Walpa Gorge
Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park

We wake up early and have a light breakfast, then go out for a fantastic sunrise in the Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park. At first, Uluru appears to be an amazing thing to you, and when you think it couldn’t be more majestic, we encounter Kata Tjuta’s stunning silhouette. Here, one can embark on a hike through the Valley of the Winds or Walpa Gorge, where they will see mighty conglomerate rock formations. After exploring Kata Tjuta, we head towards the Kings Canyon region just in time for a splendid outback sunset followed by a nice dinner around the campfire. Meals: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner are provided. Accommodation: Kings Creek Station offers permanent tents or bush swags with communal campground facilities. Driving Distance: 406 km, approximately 4.5 hours. Hiking Distance: 2-6 km, taking about 2-4 hours (*depending on weather conditions).

Day 3: Kings Canyon to West MacDonnell Ranges

Day 3 Highlights:

In the Outback –Drive through the distant middle Australian landscape from Kings Canyon, heading north via Alice Springs to Standley Chasm, where we will spend our night.
Enjoy a guided walk through this unique place, Kings Canyon Watarrka National Park, to learn about the flora, fauna, and geology.
Relax over a rich dinner with your new friends.
Marvellous stargazing in remote outback Australia.

To explore the powerful Kings Canyon (Watarrka) comprehensively, we set off early in the morning, entering a place of ancientness and sanctity to the Ulpanyali and Lilla people. Once there, the crown jewel of Watarrka National Park (Kings Canyon) is surrounded by cliffs that reach 100 meters high, sandstone gorges and breathtaking backgrounds that will give you goosebumps. Get your water bottle, cap, and sneakers as we walk around the canyon (the most seasonal part) to see it better. We will rest on a bus back home through Alice Springs, going towards West MacDonnell Ranges for a night of enjoying the stars at the bush camp. Meals: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner are included. Accommodation: West MacDonnell Ranges, with permanent tents or bush swags and private portable facilities. Driving Distance: 370 km, approximately 4 hours. Hiking Distance: 2-4 km, taking about 2-4 hours.

Day 4: Standley Chasm and the Journey from the West MacDonnell Ranges back to Alice Springs

Day 4 Highlights:

Ormiston Gorge
Tjoritja West MacDonnell Ranges
Ellery Creek Bighole
Standley Chasm
Simpsons Gap

The exploration of West MacDonnell Ranges begins at Ormiston Gorge, which is surrounded by very high red walls. It is nice to have breakfast in this natural wonder and marvel at the geological forces that sculpted this landscape. Get ready to see some animals as the sun begins to rise.
After that, we have a cool down by jumping into the Ellery Creek Bighole (Udepata in Arrernte). It is found in an open valley while surrounded by majestic cliffs and covered with sand. This natural pool amidst arid areas offers much-needed relaxation.
We continue our journey and reach Standley Chasm (Angkerle Atwatye). This powerful three-meter-wide, 80 meter tall gorge is a beautiful background for us to explore.
Finally, we will go to Simpsons Gap, which is another impressive site in the Tjoritja West MacDonnells. This place has an everlasting water hole that attracts various types of wild animals and holds a cultural importance as it intersects the Dreaming tracks of several Aboriginal peoples.
In Alice Springs, we leave you in your chosen accommodation as we head back with memories we will never forget and hearts filled with curiosity. Relive your breathtaking four-day journey and stay in touch with new friends you have met.

Meals: Breakfast and lunch are provided.
Accommodation: Not applicable.
Driving Distance: 250 km, approximately 3 hours.
Walking Distance: around 3-4 km.

NOTE: Our tour ends in Alice Springs. In case someone would like to go to Ayers Rock or Yulara, they can take the 2 Day/1 Night Uluru tour option because it finishes at Yulara/Ayers Rock by 12:00 p.m. The company does not refund any airfare change fees that might be incurred due to wrong flights purchased or required changes to the itinerary made to accommodate this, which might affect other passengers aboard.

*During seasonal weather changes and/or indigenous access restrictions, the tour operator may unilaterally modify the route or the itinerary timetable.

Additional information

Inclusions

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 tour
Pick-up/ drop-off from selected inner-city Alice Springs points

Need to bring?

Water Bottle - 2L
Hiking shoes (recommended)
Hat, sunscreen, sunglasses
Prescribed medications
Camera
All-weather clothing
A sense of adventure!

Important Notes

This tour will only depart if we have 8 passengers or more. We will wait until one week before departure to cancel if minimum numbers aren’t met.
The itinerary may be subject to change due to cultural reasons, seasonal weather changes, operational logistics and accessibility.
The minimum age requirements for this tour is 6 years old. This trip is not suitable for children under 6 years of age.
Please email our Reservations Team ([email protected]) at least 48 hours prior to departure to confirm pick-up location and time.
Travel Insurance is highly recommended.
Remember to double-check your exciting tour plans with the tour operator! Just ring them at 03 9393 1300 within seven days of your departure.
Before you embark on your adventure, let the tour perform the operator's pre-existing medical conditions.

Pickup times and locations.

If you are still looking for your desired pickup location, please contact our office for a comprehensive list of sites.

It is highly advisable to arrive at your pickup location at least 10 minutes before the scheduled departure time. Please remain calm and patient if your bus runs a few minutes behind schedule. If your bus has not arrived within 10 minutes of the scheduled departure time, kindly contact our office at 03 9393 1300.

Discover the private tour groups! Reach out to our incredible charters team at [email protected] to unlock unforgettable adventures.

FAQ

Where does the tour start and end?

The tour starts and finishes in Alice Springs, with transport to and from city accommodation included. However, you can also join the tour from Yulara (Ayers Rock).

What is the best way to get to Alice Springs for the tour?

The departure points for this tour are major Australian cities, the Ghan train route, or driving. Participants should make sure they have arranged their travel to Alice Springs before the tour begins.

When is the best time to go?

Usually, between May and September, the weather is better for outdoor activities.

What are the things to do during the tour?

An itinerary normally includes a guided walk, visiting local aboriginal communities, sunrise and sunset viewings of Uluru and Kata Tjuta, and a visit to Kings Canyon.

Is food going to be provided when we go for the tour?

In the trip, there are 2 breakfasts, 3 lunches and 2 dinners included. (There will be 2 luncheons in Yulara) Please let us know if you have any specific dietary requirements.

Are there any extra costs?

Extra costs may include other personal expenses, local tips and optional activities.

How can local communities be supported?

One way of supporting the local communities is by engaging with local guides, buying indigenous art and respecting cultural activities.

What is the required physical fitness level?

The tour requires an average physical fitness level among participants, which may comprise walking on the ground with uneven surfaces. Some hikes, like the Kings Canyon Rim Walk, are difficult and require someone who is very fit, but often there are easier options available.

Check Availability & Book

Choose from a variety of tour lengths to suit your schedule.
Tours start from either Alice Springs [ASP] or Ayers Rock [AYQ] and end in Ayers Rock only.