Autopia Tours Uluru, Kings Canyon & West MacDonnell - 4WD Swag Adventure (from Yulara / ends Alice Springs)

Map View Full Details

A four-day small group 4WD tour from Ayers Rock (Yulara) through Uluru, Kata Tjuta, Kings Canyon and Tjoritja (West MacDonnell Ranges), sleeping in a traditional bush swag or a permanent eco tent, finishing in Alice Springs.

Days

4 days, 3 nights

Age

8 and over; under 18s with an adult

Group size

Small group, max 21

Start / finish

Ayers Rock (Yulara) / Alice Springs

Return

See itinerary for details

Accommodation

Bush swags or permanent eco tents at outback campsites, shared bathrooms, 3 nights

Transport

Air-conditioned 4x4 off-road bus with an outback driver-guide

Meals

3 breakfasts, 3 lunches and 3 dinners; lunch on day 1 at own cost

Route

Map of Autopia Tours Uluru, Kings Canyon & West MacDonnell - 4WD Swag Adventure (from Yulara / ends Alice Springs)

View map

Included experiences

Uluru — sunset lookout
Uluru base — Mutitjulu Waterhole, Kuniya Piti and Kantju Gorge
Kata Tjuta — Valley of the Winds or Walpa Gorge hike
Kings Canyon — Watarrka National Park
Mereenie Loop — 4WD outback route, weather permitting
Tjoritja (West MacDonnell Ranges) — Standley Chasm, Ormiston Gorge and the Ochre Pits
Ellery Creek Big Hole

Autopia Tours Uluru, Kings Canyon & West MacDonnell - 4WD Swag Adventure (from Yulara / ends Alice Springs)

Pictures / Videos

Itinerary

Map

DAY 1: YULARA TO ULURU

Pick-up is just after lunch in Yulara, the resort town built in the 1980s so the hotels could move out of the national park, and the bus heads straight for the rock. 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, swag under the stars or permanent eco tent, shared bathrooms)

DAY 2: SUNRISE, KATA TJUTA AND THE ROAD TO KINGS CANYON

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.

After a bite at camp it's about 406 km east and north to the Kings Canyon country, roughly four and a half hours on the road, with a stop at Mount Connor, the flat-topped mesa that everyone mistakes for Uluru. Out here the desert is greener than most people expect, with desert oaks, spinifex and stands of mulga, and wedge-tailed eagles often feed on the roadside. You arrive in time to watch the sun go down over Watarrka National Park, where the George Gill Range glows red at dusk. Dinner is cooked over the fire, and with no town lights for well over 100 km the night sky is thick with stars.

Overnight: Kings Canyon area (private campsite on Wanmarra community land or at Kings Creek Station, swag under the stars or permanent eco tent, shared bathrooms)

DAY 3: KINGS CANYON AND THE MEREENIE LOOP

An early start takes you into Kings Canyon, where your guide leads the best section of the canyon walk for the season, usually the Rim Walk if conditions allow. The full loop is 6 km, starting with a climb of about 500 steps, then running along the top of sandstone walls around 100 metres high, past the beehive domes of the Lost City and down to the Garden of Eden, a permanent waterhole ringed by cycads, plants whose family has changed little since the age of the dinosaurs. Expect three to four hours on your feet, with plenty of stops while your guide explains the canyon's geology, plants and animals.

In the afternoon the 4WD earns its keep. The route north follows the Mereenie Loop, a red dirt road across Aboriginal land that needs a permit to drive, when weather and road conditions allow. If rain or road checks close it, the group takes the longer way round on sealed roads. Either way you end the day in the West MacDonnell Ranges at a private bush camp below Mount Sonder. At 1,380 metres it is one of the highest peaks in the Northern Territory, and its Arrernte name is Rwetyepme. There are toilets here and little else, which is exactly why the stars are so bright.

Overnight: West MacDonnell Ranges (private bush camp near Mount Sonder, swag or permanent eco tent, toilets only)

DAY 4: TJORITJA (WEST MACDONNELL RANGES) TO ALICE SPRINGS

Breakfast is at Ormiston Gorge, where Ormiston Creek cuts through the range and the Larapinta Trail, a 223 km walk along these ranges, passes by. At the Ochre Pits, bands of red, yellow and white ochre have been dug by Western Arrernte people for ceremony and medicine for generations. Ellery Creek Big Hole, Udepata to the Arrernte, is a permanent waterhole that stays cold even in summer, so a swim wakes you up. At Standley Chasm (Angkerle Atwatye) the walls are 80 metres high and only about 3 metres apart, and they glow orange when the sun is overhead. The last stop is Simpsons Gap, home to black-footed rock-wallabies, before drop-off at your Alice Springs accommodation in the early evening.

Map

Good to know

Meeting point: Ayers Rock Airport, or the pick-up point on Yulara Drive — be there at least 10 minutes before departure. Guests on earlier flights can take the free shuttle to Yulara Resort or Ayers Rock Campground. Check your flight times fit the tour schedule before booking.
Finishes: Alice Springs. Don't book a flight out on the last 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 ground in direct sun, and one walk is about 12 to 15 km. Travellers over 75 need a doctor's certificate at least 30 days before travel. Not suitable for travellers using wheelchairs, walkers, prams or strollers.
Dietary needs: Give dietary needs when booking — options are limited in remote areas, so bring snacks if you have special requirements.
Accommodation note: Shared bathrooms at the campsites.
Please note: If the Mereenie Loop is closed by weather or road safety checks, the group goes via the Sturt and Lasseter Highways, which takes much longer. Guests help with meals, clean-up and loading the vehicle. Bags are limited to one 23 kg bag and one 5 kg day bag.

What to bring

Sleeping bag and pillow (or hire a sleeping bag)
3 litre refillable water bottle
Wide-brimmed hat, sunglasses and sunscreen
Swimwear, beach and shower towels, toiletries
Comfortable, sturdy closed-toe hiking shoes with tread
All-weather clothing for wind, heat and cold
A soft bag (up to 23 kg) and a small day pack
Tropical-strength insect repellent, and a fly net in summer
Torch or headlamp, and a camera
Personal first aid kit and medicine
Power bank
Money for snacks and meals

What is included

3 nights at permanent outback campsites — Uluru, Kings Canyon and West MacDonnell
With the swag option: Australian bush swag, a canvas-covered bedroll
With the eco tent option: fitted and top sheets, mattress, pillow and pillowcase
3 breakfasts, 3 lunches and 3 dinners, prepared with the group
Guided bushwalks, about 12 km, depending on fitness
Drinking water on board
All national park entry fees
Accredited outback driver-guide and local commentary
Air-conditioned 4x4 off-road bus
Pick-up at Ayers Rock; drop-off in Alice Springs

Not included

Lunch on day 1 — eat before joining the tour
Sleeping bag hire — $40, or bring your own
Meals not listed
Hotel transfers to the pick-up point
Travel insurance
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.