8 Day Uluru to Adelaide Tour

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This 8-day outback adventure tour through the Australian outback is rated by most passengers as one of the best experiences of their lives.

This amazing adventure from Uluru to Adelaide takes us to some amazing sites: Uluru (Ayers Rock), Kata Tjuta (The Olgas), Kings Canyon in Wattarka National Park, West Macdonnell Ranges, Flinders Ranges, Oodnadatta Track, William Creek, Lake Eyre, the Painted Desert and the opal mining town of Coober Pedy.

Includes

Camping in Swags under the stars
Air-conditioned 4WD Vehicles
Breakfast, lunch & dinner
Sleep Underground at Coober Pedy

Real Outback camping adventure
Knowledgable & Experienced Guide
All Camping Equipment
Vegetarians OK

Flinders Ranges National Park
Uluru National Park
Coober Pedy
Oodnadatta Track

Trip length: 8 Days
Group size: Max 20
Start: Uluru
End: Adelaide

Vehicle: Airconditoned 4WD Mini Bus
Sleep: Real bush camping
Physical Demand:
Comfortlevel:

Highlights

Meet your guide

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Pictures / Videos

Itinerary

See Map

Day 1: Yulara & Uluru Sunset (Sunday)

Your eight-day adventure begins at 2 pm, where you’ll meet your Storyteller Guide in front of the Desert Gardens Hotel. After a meet and greet, visit the Cultural Centre in Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park to soak up its mesmerising natural beauty and rich culture. Uluru and Kata Tjuta both hold great spiritual significance as they are places where many creation stories converge.

Many of these stories are kept secret from outsiders however, you’ll learn a little about the local Anangu culture and appreciate the beauty of their land through exhibits and free presentations with Anangu and park rangers.

After setting up camp this evening, head to a viewing platform to experience the famous changing colours of the magical Uluru at sunset. This is a great time to contemplate the vastness of the desert. Tonight, get to know your fellow travellers over our first campfire dinner. And roll out your Aussie swag for the first time underneath a sky full of sparkling stars.

Today we only drive around 60 km.

* For those passengers who wish to book a bus transfer from Alice Springs to Yulara, please see the Know Before You Go information below.

Accommodation
Swag camping at Ayers Rock Resort Campground

Meals Included
- | - | D

Day 2: Uluru (Monday)

Rising early, breathe deep and soak up the serenity of a sunrise over Uluru. As the sunlight plays with the landscape, the rock formations change colour before your eyes. Next, it’s time to get close to Uluru, one of the world’s greatest natural wonders. At 348 metres high and some 550 million years old, feel a powerful presence the moment you set eyes on it.

A guided 10 km Uluru base walk is your best opportunity to connect with the rock and learn its stories. Relax beside tranquil waterholes, take a break under a magnificent Sheoak tree and peer into hidden caves.

After lunch, return to camp for some free time. Relax by the pool or engage in some of the activities at Ayers Rock Resort, such as a didgeridoo performance, a guided garden walk or discovering artefacts at the museum. Enjoy a tasty dinner at camp tonight.

Today we only drive around 50 km. You may walk up to 10 km today if you do the full Uluru base-walk. However, shorter Uluru walks are available.

Accommodation
Swag camping at Ayers Rock Resort Campground

Meals Included
B | L | D

Day 3: Yulara to Kings Canyon / Watarrka (Tuesday)

This morning, we depart Yulara and make our way towards Watarrka National Park and Kings Canyon. But first, it’s time for another untamed moment as Kata Tjuta materialises before you. Rising 546 metres above the ground, this sacred site is a defining feature of the Red Centre. Translating to the Pitjantjatjara word for ‘Many Heads’, the site’s ridges and ravines are closely connected with numerous Indigenous creation-time stories.

Embark on the Valley of the Winds guided walk for a moment in nature you will never forget. A sanctuary for plants and animals, including wallabies and gorgeous wildflowers, we’ll wander along the narrow creek valley between two of Kata Tjuta’s largest domes.

After a lunch stop, travel to Kings Creek, where we will enjoy the one-hour Karrke Aboriginal Cultural Experience. Learn about areas of importance for the Luritja and Pertame (Southern Arrernte) people as they share stories about bush tucker and art. This afternoon, arrive at our camp at Kings Creek Station and enjoy some chill time before dinner at your leisure.

Today you will cover about 325 km.

Accommodation
Swag camping at Kings Creek Station

Meals Included
B | L | –

Day 4: Kings Canyon to Coober Pedy (Wednesday)

It’s an early start this morning for the spellbinding Kings Canyon Rim Walk, which is guaranteed to be one of the most magical experiences of your life. With its 300-metre-high sandstone walls, hidden waterholes, fern forests, chasms, canyons and caverns, Watarrka National Park is central Australia’s answer to an oasis.

Take in the 360-degree views and journey through Priscilla’s Crack, made famous by the classic Australian movie Priscilla Queen of the Desert. From there, see the sandstone domes known as the Lost City and the lush greenery and watering hole of the aptly named Garden of Eden.

Rest your legs and settle in for a long drive today as we travel across the Northern Territory and South Australian border. There are plenty of stops along the way before we arrive in Coober Pedy, ‘The Opal Capital of the World’. Due to scorching temperatures, most of the town is underground, with residents living in cave-like houses carved into the hillsides.

Tonight, you will stay in a unique underground bunkhouse and have some free time to explore and grab dinner at one of the many eateries. It’s big numbers today, covering approximately 760 km.

Accommodation
Umoona Opal Mine – underground bunk, multi-share

Meals Included
B | – | –

Day 5: Coober Pedy to William Creek (Thursday)

After breakfast, spend time with some rescued joeys at Josephine’s Gallery and Kangaroo Orphanage. Established in 2008 to take in orphaned kangaroos from the far north of South Australia, it is about the size of Germany! It just so happens the gallery here is a world-class Aboriginal Art Gallery and you’ll have some time to browse. It has an extensive range of Aboriginal artefacts and significant works by many of Australia’s best-known Indigenous artists.

Our next stop is the Umoona Opal Mine and Museum. Here you will learn about Aboriginal and European settlement, see how the early miners lived, and try your hand at ‘noodling’ for opals.

Next, travel into areas seldom seen by most tourists as we leave the sealed roads of the Stuart Highway behind us and travel on unsealed roads to one of the remotest towns in the world, William Creek.

On the way, travel through the largest cattle station in the world, Anna Creek. Gaze out at the endless horizons as we pass by the lake with the longest name in the world, Lake Cadibarrawirracanna. Arriving in town, set up camp and have a hearty counter meal at the heritage-listed William Creek Hotel.

Fall asleep as you count shooting stars snuggled up in your swag.

Today we travel approximately 170 km.

Accommodation
Swag camping at William Creek

Meals Included
B | – | D

Day 6: William Creek to Flinders Ranges via the Oodnadatta Track* (Friday)

Today, continue off the beaten path and travelling along a section of one of Australia’s most iconic unsealed roads, the Oodnadatta Track. Drive through eerie lunar-like landscapes and, along the way, uncover highlights such as the mind-bending Mutonia Sculpture Park and Lake Eyre, Australia’s largest salt lake.

Grab lunch at one of the quirky outback towns along the way before we arrive at Skytrek Willow Springs Station in the magnificent Flinders Ranges. This 70,000-acre working sheep station features secluded bush camping, walking trails, natural springs and Aboriginal rock etchings.

The Flinders Ranges is famed as having some of the Southern Hemisphere’s clearest skies. So, for the next two nights, enjoy front-row seats to one of Earth’s most spectacular light shows. After a campfire dinner, roll out your swag under a sea of stars blanketing the ancient landscape and spend the evening marvelling at the Milky Way and counting constellations.

Today we drive approximately 500 km.

* See the disclaimer in Know Before You Go information regarding road/weather conditions.

Accommodation
Swag camping at Skytrek Willow Springs Station

Meals Included
B | – | D

Day 7: Ikara-Flinders Ranges National Park (Saturday)

This morning, it’s time to unearth the magnificent Ikara-Flinders Ranges National Park. Experience the geological grandeur forged over more than 540 million years. Ancient gorges invite exploration, and beauty reveals itself at every turn. So, pull on your hiking boots for a hike through tall river red gums and pines, past waterholes and a historic ruined homestead, culminating with breathtaking views over the surrounding wilderness.

Regeneration is at our core, so meet with a Park Ranger to learn about conservation efforts within Ikara-Flinders Ranges National Park. Then, give back by participating in meaningful conservation work, which will vary depending on the time of year.

After a picnic lunch, take a beautiful scenic drive at Brachina Gorge, Finally, head back to camp to relax and have our final dinner together. The total driving distance today is approximately 160 km.

Accommodation
Swag camping at Skytrek Willow Springs Station

Meals Included
B | L | D

Day 8: Flinders Ranges to Adelaide (Sunday)

After our final breakfast together, roll up your swag one last time and set out on the Arkaroo Rock Trail, which has impressive views over the Chace Range. Arkaroo Rock is also a significant cultural site for the Adnyamathanha people. It has an incredible example of Adnyamathanha rock art depicting the Yura Muda (Dreaming or creation story) of Ikara.

Enjoy a picnic lunch before travelling to Alligator Gorge in the Southern Flinders Ranges. Located in Mount Remarkable National Park, this is the perfect way to end the tour. Our last stint on the road will see us travel through the picturesque Clare Valley wine region before arriving in Adelaide at around 6 pm.

Today we travel approximately 450 km.

Meals Included
B | L

See Map

Before You Go

General

This 8-Day Adelaide to Uluru tour commences in Adelaide on day one at approximately 6 am and finishes in Yulara (Uluru) on day eight at approximately noon. Please book onward travel with this in mind.
Transfers from Uluru or Yulara to Alice Springs depart from the Desert Gardens Hotel at 12:30 pm (October – March) or 1 pm (April – September). These are operated by AAT Kings and cost approximately $189 per person. You can visit their website for more details.
To get the most from this adventure, you need to enjoy the outdoors, hike, and be able to cope with extreme weather conditions.
A moderate fitness level is required, and you need to be prepared for walks between 3-12 kilometres on some days. This may involve rough ground and perhaps getting wet.
Please advise of any special dietary requirements when you book. We offer plenty of variety and do our best to provide fresh products. Snacks, soft drinks and alcohol are not included.
Bags are restricted to 1 × 15 kg backpack / soft travel bag per person, plus one small piece of hand luggage.
As part of our COVID-Safe protocols, all passengers must complete online check-in, including a ‘Fit for Travel’ self-declaration to confirm they are free from illness. This is mandatory and must be completed at the latest 24 hours before departure.
This tour requires a minimum of six people to operate. In the unlikely event your departure is cancelled because minimum numbers have not been met, we will transfer all monies paid onto a future departure date. If this is not suitable, we will refund your tour price in full.
Please read our full Booking Terms & Conditions before booking.

Camping

This is a camping tour, and involvement from the passengers is required. This can include helping with meals and packing up camp.
Camping on this tour is at a mixture of national parks and campgrounds. All campgrounds do have basic toilet and shower facilities.
When camping under the stars, we use single swags. Swags are ‘Aussie Bed Rolls’ made from sturdy canvas with a mattress built into the swag. Passengers need to provide a sleeping bag and pillow to insert into the swag.
Swag Upgrade – if you would like to upgrade to a deluxe double swag that comfortably sleeps up to two people, you can pay a $300 upgrade fee during the booking process. This swag features a high-density foam mattress and mesh windows. Due to the size of this swag, there is limited availability, so it is first in best dressed.
Our wet weather option is a 3-person dome tent shared by two people.

Itinerary Changes

Weather conditions in the Australian outback can change quickly and dramatically. Our experienced guides will always put the safety of our passengers first and stay abreast of weather conditions.
Itinerary changes may occur to ensure we provide the best possible experience. For example, in the hot summer months, from December to March, we may change the times of hikes to earlier in the day. Any itinerary changes will be communicated to the group in advance.
The Oodnadatta Track accessibility is strongly dependent on weather conditions. See below for further information.

Oodnadatta Track Closure Alternate Itinerary

The Oodnadatta Track is an unsealed dirt road, and the conditions of the track depend heavily on the weather. If the road is deemed unsafe to drive on, or there is a possibility that sections of the road will close after we have commenced driving on the track, our Guide reserves the right to alter the itinerary and take a different route. If, for safety reasons, the decision is made not to travel on the track, the itinerary for day three will be changed as follows;
Port Augusta | Coober Pedy via Stuart Highway | Josephine’s Kangaroo Orphanage & Gallery | Coober Pedy township | Umoona Opal Mine & Museum | Overnight Coober Pedy.

what to bring

CLOTHING

Comfortable hiking/walking shoes
Warm jacket and long pants. Night times temperatures can drop down 5 degrees celcius
Long Sleeve shirt for protection from the Sun and Mosquitoes
Shorts and T Shirts for daytime hikes and walks
Swimwear
Hat and sunglasses

Passengers need to take caution during December/January period where temperaturs in Central Australia can get quite high. Its advised to prepare accordingly.

EQUIPMENT / OTHER

Sunscreen
Towel & toiletries
Insect repellent
Refillable water bottle
Sleeping bag are needed
Torch
Camera

What is included

TRANSPORT

4WD - Custom-prepared airconditioned mini bus

ACCOMMODATION

Bush Camping in swags and sleeping bags
Underground accommodation at Coober Pedy
Shower and toilet facilities (where noted)

MEALS

7 breakfasts
4 lunches
5 dinners

EQUIPMENT

Camping equipment and utensils
All activities and experiences
Swags
Sleeping Mattress

OTHER

Plenty of drinking water and snacks
Experienced and knowledgable tour guide
All park and entrance fees

Personal travel insurance is not included but visitors are advised to have it. This can be organised through your travel agent.

Trip Info

Preparing for the trip

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 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.

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 will carry an first aid box and our guides are all certified in First Aid.

How much luggage can I take?

We don't have an exact policy when it comes to luggage though we just ask our customers to be mindful that we have limited space. Generally we recommend people to bring a large backpack/suitcase with all their gear and another smaller backpack to keep on the bus and hold their daily items ( phone, water bottle, towel, sunscreen etc ) and which they used to take on walks etc. If you have a lot of luggage is best to leave the things you don't need at your hotel/hostel where they will store it for free.

Where can I store my luggage whilst on tour?

During the tour your main luggage will be stored in our trailer. This trailer is always locked however we cannot guarantee the complete safety of your gear from theft or damage. This is why it is so important to purchase a good travel insurance. If you need to store your luggage whilst away on tour, this can be done through your accommodation. Most hostel and hotels will store your luggage safely free of charge.

Will I be able to do any laundry whilst on tour?

For camping tours there will be no time to do laundry. However, for longer cross country tours involving hostel or hotel style accommodation you may have the opportunity to wash your clothes.

Do I need a sleeping bag?

For all camping tours require you to have a sleeping bag. If you don't have one they may be available for hire via the "join tour" button.

How fit do I need to be?

Our tours are made 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/walking up to 5km each day.

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.

Can I get online whilst travelling?

For tours incorporating hostel/hotel style accommodation you may have the opportunity to use wireless internet or use of nearby internet cafe. If you have a mobile plan with internet then that should be ok except for more remote regions. This will vary from tour to tour so please contact us directly for more accurate information.

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.

Private tours and families

Is it possible to travel in a private group?

If your looking for a private tour based of one of our 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.

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.

Can I just do a section of this tour and not the whole trip?

Unfortunately it is not possible to only do a part of the tour. Passengers generally need to stay with the tour from start to finish.However, drop off locations at the end of the tour made me negotiated.

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 we generally say 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.

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 this tour for me?

Our tours are made up of small groups with a range of different ages, nationalities and backgrounds. Generally people who travel with us are between 20 and 49, though we also get alot passengers much older onboard - everyone is welcome! On tour we get equally as many males as females and everyone shares an enthusiasm for the out doors, nature, adventure and culture. Our tours are for those wanting to really explore and share the experience with likeminded travellers. Whether we are camping by a billabong in Kakadu National Park or sharing a cabin in Tasmania, our travellers want more than just a site seeing tour. They are chasing a hands on group experience. The trips are packed with many highlights and the pace can be fast. There may be some long drives and passengers should expect to help out when setting up camp or cooking food - this is a group adventure. However, there’s always time to chill out, have a cold beer ( or wine! ) and soak up your surroundings. As always, if in doubt then contact us directly with your concerns.

Cost and Fees

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.

Will I need additional money?

Visitors are advised to bring some cash as ATMs and banks can be few and far between depending on where we are during the trip. Its handy to have some extra cash as we do stop by local shops and cafe.

Do I need to tip our guide?

If you had an amazing time on tour and wish to tip the guide, then that is completely up to you. However, tipping is not customary and is not at all expected.

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.

Whilst on tour

What type of tent will I get?

Tents are generally designed to accommodate a minimum of 2 people. This means there is plenty of room to move about and store your luggage. However, most Uluru tours we try and encourage the use of swags and mattress rather than tents. This is the ideal way to camp in the centre of Australia; Around a campfire, under the stars!

What will the food be like?

Our emphasis is on fresh food wherever possible and our meals are nutritious and varied on these tours. If you are vegetarian or gluten intolerant we can cater for you, but if you have very specific dietary needs you may need to provide your own food, please discuss this at time of booking. For breakfast we supply cereals, fruits, toast, tea and coffee. Lunch is usually a self-serve picnic sandwich and salads; in the evening we have a cooked dinner - This can vary between pastas, bbqs, rices and other hearty food to keep you energized! We always carry water in the vehicle and you will often have the chance to buy your own drinks, ice-creams etc at stops. Please refer to each individual tour/package to establish which meals are included.

Can you cater of special diets?

We can certain cater for most dietary needs. Please advise us at the time of your booking so arrangements can be made. For travellers with more extreme diets we may ask that you bring along additional snacks.

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.

What form of vehicle do we use?

For our Uluru Tours we toss between a Troop Carrier 4WD Landcruise and a 4WD Mini bus. This depends on the size of the group and the amount of days we are out in the park. Each tour varies so please refer to your tour info panel on the top right hand side of the page.

Are there days where we travel for a long time?

During the first day we usually do a couple of hours driving to get out of the city and into the country side. However, once in the national parks, trips between attractions usually take between 30minutes to an hour.For tours heading up to Darwin or down to Adelaide, expect periods where we drive for a few hours at a time. Australia is enormous and the distance between towns and attractions can be quite large. But don't worry, we take plenty of breaks so your able to stretch and move about.For more accurate information please see tour itineraries.

What will the weather be like?

Between the months of April and August Central Australia is quite cold so be sure to bring warm clothing. Temperatures range from about 20c during the day right down to 2c at night.Between October and March temperature are warm, so light clothing during the day is ok. However, night times can still be quite cool so its wise to bring light winter clothing for extra warm.

Where do I meet the tour?

For pick up times and locations, please check out the "Start/Finish" section directly under the itinerary. Here we list everywhere we can pick up from and their respective times.There is a lot of information here to help you plan your flights and arrival.Please review careful as these can vary from tour to tour. 

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