Adventure Tours Uluru Tour with Kata Tjuta, Kings Canyon & MacDonnell Ranges (Alice Springs to Alice Springs)

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Experience the Red Centre at a relaxed pace on this five-day small group tour from Alice Springs. With a flexible itinerary and a local guide, you visit Uluru, Kata Tjuta, Kings Canyon, and both the West and East MacDonnell Ranges.

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Days

5 days, 4 nights

Age

8 and over

Group size

Small group, 8 to 24

Start / finish

Alice Springs / Alice Springs
Alice Springs, about 6pm on Day 5

Return

Alice Springs, about 6pm on Day 5

Accommodation

2 nights in permanent eco tents with shared facilities, 2 nights in swags under the stars

Transport

4WD tour bus with a local guide

Meals

4 breakfasts, 5 lunches and 4 dinners

Included experiences

Uluru — sunrise, sunset and the full base walk
Kata Tjuta — Walpa Gorge Walk
Kings Canyon — Rim Walk
West MacDonnell Ranges — Ormiston Gorge and Ellery Creek Big Hole
West MacDonnell Ranges — First Nations star talk
Arltunga — stargazing at a remote bush camp
East MacDonnell Ranges — Trephina Gorge and Emily and Jessie Gaps

Adventure Tours (ATA) Uluru Tour with Kata Tjuta, Kings Canyon & MacDonnell Ranges (Alice Springs to Alice Springs) (formerly Outback Camping Adventure)

Pictures / Videos

Itinerary

Day 1: Alice Springs to Kata Tjuta and Uluru sunset

Depart Alice Springs early at 6:00am and travel south through the Red Centre on the 4.5-hour drive to Yulara, arriving in time for lunch.

After a short drive, arrive at Kata Tjuta (The Olgas), where the 36 domes rise from the desert landscape. Enjoy the Walpa Gorge Walk, following the natural creek bed between the towering formations.

As evening approaches, head to the Uluru sunset viewing area and enjoy a light snack as the changing light turns the rock rich earthy tones. Return to camp for dinner and an evening under the stars. Driving about 6 hours; walking 3 km (about 1 hour).

Day 2: Uluru to Kings Canyon

Start early with an Uluru sunrise. Visit one of Uluru's culturally significant sites, where your guide shares Anangu rock art and creation stories, before completing the full base walk around Uluru.

After lunch, visit the Cultural Centre to learn more about local First Nations culture and art, then continue to your exclusive campsite near Watarrka National Park (Kings Canyon) for dinner. Driving about 4 hours; walking 10 km (about 3 hours).

Day 3: Kings Canyon to the West MacDonnell Ranges

This morning, tackle the Kings Canyon Rim Walk, taking in the Lost City, Garden of Eden, Amphitheatre, and the North and South Walls.

After lunch, we drive for much of the afternoon to our overnight camp in the West MacDonnell Ranges. Tonight, join a First Nations star talk beneath the vast, uninterrupted skies, stepping into a sky rich with ancient knowledge. Driving 5.5 hours; walking 8 km (about 3 hours).

Day 4: West MacDonnell Ranges to Arltunga

Visit some of the highlights of the West MacDonnell Ranges, with stops at places such as Ormiston Gorge, Redbank Gorge, Ellery Creek Big Hole or the Ochre Pits.

After lunch, travel into the East MacDonnell Ranges and settle into a remote bush camp at Arltunga. In the evening, enjoy guided stargazing under some of Australia's darkest skies. Driving 3 hours; walking 3 km (about 1 hour).

Day 5: East MacDonnell Ranges to Alice Springs

Discover the hidden beauty of the East MacDonnell Ranges with visits to Trephina Gorge and Emily and Jessie Gaps. Learn about the area's cultural significance and enjoy short walks before returning to Alice Springs in the late afternoon. About 3 hours of driving and 3 km of short walks today.

Good to know

Meeting point: Default pick-up at the Mantra Alice Springs Hotel (formerly Stay at Alice Springs Hotel), Leichardt Terrace, at 6:00am. Pick-ups from many other Alice Springs hotels can be arranged if you ask well ahead of departure.
Departure time: Sundays, May to October, between 6:00am and 6:30am.
Finishes: Central Alice Springs accommodation at about 6pm on Day 5. Book onward travel for the following day.
Minimum age: Not suitable for children aged 7 and under.
Fitness: Average fitness (3 out of 5); walks of up to 10 km a day.
Dietary needs: Tell us at booking: no pork, no dairy, vegetarian, vegan and gluten free can be catered for. Requests can't be taken once the trip has started; bring your own staples for other needs.
Accommodation note: No single supplement is available. Luggage limit 15 kg in a soft bag plus a day pack; no hard cases.
Please note: Travel insurance is compulsory for international travellers, with proof on day one. The tour visits remote areas, so give full details of any medical conditions and medication.

What to bring

3 litre water bottle (required by law for the Kings Canyon Rim Walk)
Lightweight, breathable clothing, plus long-sleeved shirts and long pants for sun protection
Warm layers, puffer jacket, gloves and beanie for winter nights (it can drop to 0°C in June to August)
Comfortable closed-in hiking shoes
Hat, sunglasses, sunscreen and insect repellent
Torch or headlamp
Power bank and chargers
Toiletries, personal medication, towel and day pack
Optional: fly net, sleeping bag liner, ear plugs and a travel pillow for the swag nights

What is included

4 breakfasts, 5 lunches and 4 dinners
Transport in a private tour vehicle
2 nights in a permanent tented camp (shared facilities) and 2 nights in an Aussie swag
Sleeping bag
Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park entry
Uluru Cultural Centre
Walpa Gorge Walk at Kata Tjuta
Kings Canyon Rim Walk
Ormiston Gorge, Ellery Creek Big Hole, Trephina Gorge and Emily Gap
East MacDonnell Ranges astronomy experience and West MacDonnell Ranges First Nations astronomy experience
Multilingual audio guide in French, German, Japanese, Korean or Spanish

Not included

Optional activities

FAQ

Preparing for the trip

Do I need travel insurance?

Insurance is important in protecting visitors from loss or damange of goods, medical problems, cancelation by passengers or other casualties. Its highly recommended. Some tours on this website require you to have travel insurance. If you are Australian then it is not necessary.

Where can I get more information about this trip?

If you find that this tour page doesn't answer all your questions, then please get in contact with us! Our passionate team are always available to answer any queries you may have.

What immunisations do I need?

For the latest information on immunisations, we strongly recommend you or contact the Travellers Medical and Vaccination Centre (www.traveldoctor.com.au) to discuss health requirements for your trip. They will advise you about appropriate inoculations.

Do I need to take any medical supplies?

It is not necessary to bring any medical supplies other than any personal items you may require. Each tour carries a first aid box, and the tour guides are all certified in First Aid.

Will I be able to use my mobile whilst on tour?

You can use your mobile while touring in Australia or New Zealand, but coverage may be limited in remote areas. For best connectivity, consider purchasing a local SIM card or an international roaming plan.

How fit do I need to be?

These tours are designed to be fun, informative and active, and can be enjoyed by anyone with a moderate degree of fitness and agility. Travellers should be comfortable with hiking or walking up to 5km each day.

What should I pack?

Depending on where in Australia or New Zealand you decide to visit, your luggage will vary. For exact information please visit the "What to bring" section of each tour page.

Private tours and families

Is it possible to travel in a private group?

If you are looking for a private tour based on one of these trips, please contact us directly and we may be able to help. Over the years we have worked with families, groups of friends, schools, clubs and charities to put together the perfect trip.

Booking the trip

Does the tour price include flights?

No. Tour prices do not include any travel arrangements other than for the duration of the tour itself. If you need assistance with booking flights or buses our travel team and certainly help - Just ask!

How far in advance do I need to book my tour?

As a rule of thumb, try to book at least 2 weeks prior to departure, this will usually get you a seat on the date you want. That being said, we cannot guarantee that spaces will be available at the time of your booking so, if you can, book as soon as possible. Bookings can still be made right up until the departure date of the tour if seats are available. If you know when you'd like to travel, please contact us and we will let you know if you need to book soon or if you have time.

Do I have to book this tour online?

Definitely not. Our website is designed to make is easy and convenient for you to schedule your tour. However we understand sometimes its nice to talk to someone directly. So by all means give us a call and we can organise your trip over the phone.

If I book more than one tour can I get a discount?

Absolutely! If you are booking multiple tours then we may be able to offer you a discount. Send us an email at info@lostinaustralia.org and let us know what you thinking of doing and we can put together a price for you.Also, be sure to look out for monthly specials on tours. We often have some great bargains.

How do I know when a tour is available?

You can check the departure dates of tours by using our calendar on the top right hand corner of the tour page. This will tell you what days the tour departs. For availability of seats please contact us directly at info@lostinaustralia.org or call us.

If I make a deposit only, when will I need to pay the balance?

Balance on tours need to be paid at least 30 days prior to departure. Failure to do so could result is the cancellation of your seat with a fee charged. If you need more time to clear your balance then let us know ASAP and arrangements can be made.

Who travels with us

Is it ok to travel alone on one of these tours?

Plenty of travellers book these tours on their own. Solo travellers are very much welcomed and encouraged. During your outback adventure you'll meet new and interesting people and forge relationships that last a lifetime.Solo travellers will usually share a room with a travelling companion of the same sex, but even if you do get your own room you won't be charged extra. On camping tours there are generally enough tents available that you can have your own if you choose to.For more information please contact us directly.

Cost and Fees

Do I need to tip the guide?

If you had an amazing time on tour and wish to tip your guide, that is completely up to you. Tipping is not customary in Australia and is not at all expected.

Will I need additional money?

Travellers are advised to bring some cash, as ATMs and banks can be few and far between in the remote parts of the trip. It is handy to have some extra cash, as the tour does stop by local shops and cafes.

Are there any hidden fees I need to know about?

Our tour prices are completely transparent. There are no additional fees involved that are not included in the overall tour price shown. If you wish to do optional activities such as helicopter rides or wildlife safaris, then an extra cost may be needed. However, this will always be made clear at the time of your booking.

What does Paid Locally mean?

Some tours require you to pay national park fees directly, in cash, to the tour guide on the morning of departure. Rest assured this will be subtracted from the tour price when reserving your tour.

Whilst on tour

Can I book extra accommodation for the start and end of the tour?

We know our country inside and out and would be happy to give you good recommodations. Please contact us for recommendations.

Where do I meet the tour?

For pick-up times and locations, please check the "Start/Finish" section directly under the itinerary, which lists every pick-up point and its time.There is a lot of information there to help you plan your flights and arrival.Please review it carefully, as pick-ups can vary from tour to tour.