Autopia Tours Red Centre Uluru-Kata Tjuta Overnight - Eco Tent Adventure (from Alice Springs / ends Yulara)

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An overnight small-group introduction to Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park from Alice Springs, sleeping in permanent eco tents and ending in Yulara (Ayers Rock) on day 2.

Days

2 days, 1 night

Age

8 and over

Group size

Small group, max 23

Start / finish

Alice Springs / Yulara (Ayers Rock)

Return

See itinerary for details

Accommodation

1 night in a permanent eco tent at an outback campsite near Uluru, shared bathrooms; swag option

Transport

Air-conditioned small-group bus with an outback driver-guide, Alice Springs pick-up

Meals

1 breakfast, 2 lunches and 1 dinner, cooked together at camp

Route

Map of Autopia Tours Red Centre Uluru-Kata Tjuta Overnight - Eco Tent Adventure (from Alice Springs / ends Yulara)

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Included experiences

Uluru — sunset viewing
Uluru — Mutitjulu Waterhole, Kuniya Piti and Kantju Gorge
Uluru-Kata Tjuta Cultural Centre — Anangu culture
Kata Tjuta — Walpa Gorge and Valley of the Winds
Uluru and Kata Tjuta — Aboriginal rock art
Outback camp — bush cooking around the campfire

Autopia Tours Red Centre Uluru-Kata Tjuta Overnight - Eco Tent Adventure (from Alice Springs / ends Yulara)

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Itinerary

Map

DAY 1: ALICE SPRINGS TO ULURU

Your guide collects you from your Alice Springs accommodation at first light for the long run south-west to Uluru, about 460 km. The first break is the Mount Connor lookout. Atila, as the local people call it, is a flat-topped mesa about 300 metres high, and nearly everyone mistakes it for Uluru at first sight. Next comes Curtin Springs, a cattle station the Severin family has run since 1956, for a stretch and a coffee. You reach camp near Uluru in time for lunch.

DAY 1 AFTERNOON: AROUND THE BASE OF ULURU

At the Uluru-Kata Tjuta Cultural Centre the Anangu, who were handed back the title to this park in 1985, tell the story of the land in their own words. Then your guide walks you along the base of Uluru, which rises 348 metres from the plain and is 9.4 km around. At Mutitjulu Waterhole and Kuniya Piti (open in some seasons), marks on the rock tell of the fight between Kuniya, a woman python, and Liru, a poisonous snake warrior. You'll pass rock art in the shelters along the way, then reach Kantju Gorge, where waterfalls pour off the rock after heavy rain. The day ends at the sunset viewing area as the rock turns from orange to deep red.

Overnight: Uluru (private campsite at the Ayers Rock Campground, Yulara, permanent eco tent, shared bathrooms)

DAY 2: SUNRISE AND KATA TJUTA

Up before dawn for sunrise at Uluru, with the domes of Kata Tjuta on the skyline to the west. Kata Tjuta is a cluster of 36 domes, and the highest, Mount Olga, stands 546 metres above the plain, almost 200 metres taller than Uluru. Your guide picks the walk on the day: the Valley of the Winds, a loop between the domes to the Karu and Karingana lookouts, or Walpa Gorge, a 2.6 km return walk into the cleft between the two tallest domes. On very hot days the Valley of the Winds closes beyond the first lookout, so the choice often comes down to the forecast.

DAY 2 MIDDAY: FINISH AT YULARA

After the walk it's back to Yulara, about 20 km from Uluru, where the tour finishes around the middle of the day at the resort or the Ayers Rock Campground. The town was built in the 1980s so the hotels could move out of the national park, and it has the region's only airport, so this is an easy place to fly out from or stay on.

Map

Good to know

Meeting point: Pick-up from selected Alice Springs accommodation from 6:00am. The tour leaves early, so arrive in Alice Springs the day before and stay a night. Be ready at least 10 minutes before pick-up.
Finishes: Ayers Rock (Yulara) on day 2. Don't book a departing flight on the last day of the tour, in case of delays.
Minimum age: Not suitable for children 7 and under. Children 8 to 17 must be with an adult or guardian at all times.
Fitness: Moderate to high. Walks are 2 to 3km at a time, often over steep rocky ground in direct sun, about 4 to 8km 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: Give any dietary needs when booking — options are very limited once the tour leaves. Those with special diets should bring snacks.
Please note: Guests help with meals, clean-up and loading the vehicle. Luggage on one-way tours is one 23kg bag and one 5kg day bag. The tour goes ahead in rain unless the operator contacts you, and sites can close for cultural reasons.

What to bring

2L refillable water bottle
Wide-brimmed hat, sunglasses and sunscreen
Swimwear, beach and shower towels and toiletries
Comfortable sturdy closed-toe hiking shoes
All-weather clothing
15kg soft bag and small day pack
Tropical strength insect repellent
Mosquito or fly net (summer months)
Torch or headlamp, and camera
Personal first aid kit and medicine
Money for snacks and meals
Your own sleeping bag and pillow if staying in a swag (optional)
Power bank — power is limited

What is included

1 night in a permanent outback eco tent campsite (Uluru)
1 breakfast, 2 lunches and 1 dinner (guest participation)
Guided bush walks (about 5km, depending on fitness)
Onboard drinking water (bring your own bottle)
Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park pass
Accredited outback driver-guide with local commentary
Air-conditioned small-group bus
Fitted and top sheet, mattress, pillow and case (eco tent option)
Pick-up in Alice Springs and drop-off at Ayers Rock (Yulara)

Not included

Sleeping bag hire, $40 including cleaning — or bring your own
Meals not shown on the itinerary
Hotel transfers to the nominated pick-up point
Airport transfers before or after the tour
Travel insurance (highly recommended)
Personal spending money

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

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.

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.

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.