4 Day Uluru & Kings Canyon to West MacDonnell - from Alice Springs

Day 1: Alice Springs to Uluru

Departing from either Alice Springs we head towards 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 Aboriginal interpretive cultural center. 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 elders’ cave, and the world's oldest pantry. 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. Meals: Lunch, Dinner. Accom: Uluru Coach Campground - Permanent Safari Tents or Bush Swags (communal facilities). Driving Distance: 350km. Hike Distance: 2-3 km / 2-3.hours

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 2: Uluru to Kata Tjuta to Kings Canyon

It's an early rise and light breakfast as we 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 Canyon Campground - Permanent Safari Tents or Bush Swags (communal facilities). Driving Distance: 406 km (4.5 Hours). Hike Distance: 2-6 km / 2-4 hours (*weather dependent).

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 3: Kings Canyon to West MacDonnell Ranges

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 Safari Tents or Bush Swags (private portable facilities). Driving Distance: 370km (4 hours). Hike Distance: 2-4 km / 2-4 hours.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 4: Standley Chasm to West MacDonnell Ranges to Alice Springs

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.

Meals: Lunch

Departs: Mon, *Wed, Sat  (*Jun-Sep)

Pick Up: Aurora/Alice Springs Hotel - 11 Leichhardt Terrace Alice Springs at 7:00am.

Returns: Alice Springs around 17:30pm-18:00pm.

What to Bring

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

Extra Costs

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.
Travel insurance is highly recommended
Hotel transfers pre/post tour itinerary to a nominated pickup point.
Personal expenses