Autopia Tours Kings Canyon & West MacDonnell Ranges - 4WD Eco Tent Adventure (from Yulara / ends Alice Springs)

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A 3-day 4WD trip through the Red Centre from Yulara to Alice Springs along the Mereenie Loop, taking in Kings Canyon and the West MacDonnell Ranges, with two nights at permanent eco tent campsites.

Days

3 days, 2 nights

Age

8 years and over

Group size

Small group

Start / finish

Yulara / Alice Springs

Return

See itinerary for details

Accommodation

Permanent eco tents at Kings Canyon and the West MacDonnell Ranges, 2 nights, shared bathrooms
Or sleep in a swag

Transport

Air-conditioned 4x4 off-road bus with a driver guide

Meals

2 breakfasts, 2 lunches and 2 dinners; guests help prepare meals

Route

Map of Autopia Tours Kings Canyon & West MacDonnell Ranges - 4WD Eco Tent Adventure (from Yulara / ends Alice Springs)

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Included experiences

Kings Canyon — Watarrka National Park
Mereenie Loop — 4WD outback route
Standley Chasm
Ormiston Gorge
Ochre Pits
Ellery Creek Big Hole
Camping under the outback stars

Autopia Tours Kings Canyon & West MacDonnell Ranges - 4WD Eco Tent Adventure (from Yulara / ends Alice Springs)

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Itinerary

Map

DAY 1: YULARA TO KINGS CANYON COUNTRY

Pick-up is around midday in Yulara, so have lunch before you board. The bus then runs north-east for about four and a half hours, with Uluru shrinking behind you and the red sand plains opening up ahead. Late in the day there's a walk of 2 to 6 km, depending on the heat, as the afternoon sun turns the ranges deep red. Camp is at Kings Creek Station, a working cattle and camel station on the edge of Watarrka National Park. Everyone helps with dinner around the fire, and with no town lights for hundreds of kilometres the Milky Way is bright enough to cast shadows.

Overnight: Kings Creek Station (safari tent or bush swag)

DAY 2: KINGS CANYON AND THE MEREENIE LOOP

An early start beats the heat for a guided walk of 4 to 6 km in Kings Canyon, where sandstone walls rise about 100 metres above Kings Creek. Look closely at the rock and you'll find ripple marks left by an ancient sea floor. The afternoon is the Mereenie Loop, the unsealed Red Centre Way that crosses Aboriginal land and links Kings Canyon to the West MacDonnell Ranges. It's about 370 km of red dirt, desert oaks and big skies, and it saves the long run back via the highways. Camp tonight is a remote site in the West MacDonnell Ranges in sight of Mount Sonder, at 1,380 metres one of the highest peaks in the Northern Territory.

Overnight: Remote campsite near Mount Sonder, West MacDonnell Ranges (safari tent or bush swag)

DAY 3: GORGES OF THE WEST MACDONNELLS TO ALICE SPRINGS

Dawn is the time for wildlife, so keep an eye out over breakfast. The ranges were once as high as the Himalayas, worn down over 300 million years, and today's gorges cut straight through them. At Ormiston Gorge the cliffs glow red above a permanent waterhole. Udepata (Ellery Creek Big Hole) is the swim stop, a deep pool that stays bracing cold even in summer. Angkerle Atwatye (Standley Chasm) is a slot barely wider than a person, where the walls light up orange when the midday sun reaches the bottom. The last stop is Simpsons Gap, home to black-footed rock wallabies, before you roll into Alice Springs in the early evening.

Map

Good to know

Meeting point: Selected pick-up points in Yulara or Ayers Rock Airport. Be at the pick-up point on Yulara Drive at least 10 minutes before departure. Guests on earlier flights can take the complimentary shuttle to Yulara Resort or Ayers Rock Campground. Lunch isn't provided on day 1, so eat before joining.
Finishes: Alice Springs. We recommend not booking a flight out on the final day of the tour.
Minimum age: 8 years. Children 8 to 17 must be with an adult or legal guardian at all times.
Fitness: Moderate to advanced fitness is needed. Walks are 2 to 6 km each day, often over steep rocky sections in direct sun, about 9 to 15 km in total. Over 75s need a doctor's certificate at least 30 days before travel. Not suitable for travellers using wheelchairs, walkers, prams or strollers.
Dietary needs: Tell us your dietary requirements when booking — options are very limited once the tour leaves, so bring snacks if you have special dietary needs.
Please note: Guests help with cooking, clean-up and loading the vehicle. Baggage is limited to one 23 kg bag and one 5 kg day bag. If the Mereenie Loop is closed by weather or safety assessments, the tour goes via the Sturt and Lasseter Highways, which takes much longer. Passenger names, dates of birth and flight details are needed at booking.

What to bring

3 litre refillable water bottle
Wide-brimmed hat, sunglasses and sunscreen
Swimwear, beach and shower towels and toiletries
Sturdy closed-toe hiking shoes with good tread
Clothing for all weather — wind, heat and cold, day and night
23 kg soft bag and small day pack
Tropical strength insect repellent, and a fly net in summer
Torch or headlamp, and camera
Personal first aid kit and medicine
Money for snacks and meals
Sleeping bag and pillow if staying in a swag
Power bank — there is limited power for charging

What is included

2 nights at permanent outback eco tent campsites (Kings Canyon and West MacDonnell)
2 breakfasts, 2 lunches and 2 dinners, with guest participation
Guided bush walks
All national park entry fees
Accredited outback driver guide and local commentary
Air-conditioned 4x4 off-road bus
Fitted and top sheet, mattress, pillow and case (safari tent option)
Onboard drinking water (bring your own bottle)
Pick-up from selected Yulara or Ayers Rock points; drop-off in Alice Springs

Not included

Sleeping bag — bring your own or hire one from us for $40 (includes cleaning)
Lunch on day 1, and any meals not on the itinerary
Hotel transfers to the pick-up point before or after the tour
Travel insurance
Personal spending

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.