3 Day Uluru Adventure
The Outback and its attractions may be big, but that doesn’t mean you need heaps of time to see them. This trip makes it possible to see the region’s best-known attractions in a short amount of time.
Get to know Uluru guided or on your own, navigate the boulder-strewn landscape of Kata Tjuta on a Valley of the Winds Walk and discover lost cities and a Garden of Eden on the Rim Walk through Kings Canyon. The Outback’s never been so accessible.
- Start Alice Springs or Uluru
- Visit Ayers Rock / Uluru
- Visit Kings Canyon
- Visit Kata Tjuta
- 100% Outback Experience
- Small Groups of 21
- Electric Plugs for Charging
- Camping in Swags
- Air-Conditioned Vehicle
- Experienced Tour Guide
- Quality Healthy Meals
- Hot Showers & Flushing Toilets
- Trip length:
- 3 Days
- Group size:
- Max 21
- Start:
- Alice Springs & Uluru
- End:
- Alice Springs
- Vehicle:
- Airconditoned Mini Bus
- Sleep:
- Swags
- Physical Demand:
- Comfortlevel:
Itinerary
Day 1: Kata Tjuta and Uluru Sunse
Alice Springs is really where you need to go to understand the heart and soul of Australia. Meet your tour guide and fellow travelers at the Alice Springs pick-up point this morning and set off to explore the Red Centre. For those starting their tour from Ayers Rock, pick up time is 2pm.
Uluru is the heart of Australia and represents so much about this country; its size, its beauty and its culture. Shortly after you arrive, the unmistakable Uluru will emerge from the earth as one giant boulder. Walk off your lunch at Kata Tjuta which is only a short drive away. With its 36 various-sized domes, it provides quite a contrast to Uluru. You’ll get to know the landscape pretty well on an afternoon hike between the domes. As the evening unfolds, enjoy a light snack as the sun slowly sets casting a variety of earthy tones across Uluru. The perfect end to a remarkable day is awaiting you back at camp, as you enjoy a delicious spread of food with your group. If the weather permits, sit outside under the stars.
Accommodation
- Swag camping (with shared facilities) (1 night)
Included Activities
- Uluru & Kata Tjuta National Park Entrance Fee
Meals Included
- Lunch
- Dinner
Special Information
Total driving time today is around 7 hours. Total walking time is approximately 2 hours.
Day 2: Uluru
An early start this morning is rewarded with an Uluru sunrise as the sun hits the icon like a beacon, before the light floods the surrounding landscape. Your guide will take you to one of the significant cultural sights of Uluru, outlining Anangu rock art and passing on one of the creation stories of the site. While the morning is fresh, the time is yours to enjoy the self-guided, full base walk of Uluru, taking in all of the textures and valleys up-close, which isn’t evident from afar. Once you’ve had lunch, perhaps purchase some art at the Cultural Centre, hand-crafted by local First Nation Peoples of the Western and Central Deserts. Travel onto our exclusive campsite near the Watarrka National Park (Kings Canyon), where the group will have dinner and enjoy the stars.
Accommodation
- Swag camping (with shared facilities) (1 night)
Included Activities
- Uluru Cultural Centre
- Uluru Base Walk
Meals Included
- Breakfast
- Lunch
- Dinner
Special Information
Total driving time today is around 3.5 hours. Total walking time is approximately 2.5 hours (or up to 3.5 if you do the full 10km base walk).
Day 3: Kings Canyon Rim Walk
The main attraction of Watarrka National Park is undoubtedly Kings Canyon – a huge gorge enclosed by sheer rock walls many meters high. With its porous sandstone, deep gullies and hidden rock pools, it provides shelter to more than 600 species of native plants and animals. Your guide will point these out on a trek that takes in the canyon’s most famous locations such as the Lost City, the Garden of Eden, Amphitheatre, and of course North & South Walls of the canyon. After lunch we drive back to Alice Springs to say our farewells.
Included Activities
- Kings Canyon Rim Walk
Meals Included
- Breakfast
- Lunch
Special Information
Total driving time today is around 5 hours. Total walking time is approximately 3 hours. For the Kings Canyon Rim Walk it is a requirement that you have a minimum of three litres of water with you. Please consider bringing your own refillable water bottles.
Departure/Finish Times:
- Tour Departs Alice Springs at 5:30am. Ayers Rock 1-2pm.
- Tour Ends in Alice Springs approx 6pm
Why you’ll love this trip
Witnessing an Uluru sunset is a once-in-a-lifetime experience. Have your camera ready when taking in this spectacular sight.
Sleep under the stars in an authentic way, in an Australian swag.
Wander through the iconic domes of Kata Tjuta, gaze in awe at the sacred rock of Uluru and hike through natural amphitheaters, rocky chasms, and lush oasis in Kings Canyon.
Eat under the stars and camp within privately owned sites on the red earth of the Outback and experience the true magic of the Red Centre.
Is this trip right for you?
Are you starting and finishing for tour in Alice Springs? If so, this is the trip for you! The ‘Rock The Centre’ allows you to extend your stay before or after this tour to enjoy the many optional activities and experiences this historic outback town of Alice Springs has to offer.
Please note: If the start and finish locations do not suit your plans, please select one of Adventure Tours Australia’s other three options, which allows you to;
- Start and finish in Yulara
- Start in Yulara and finish in Alice Springs
- Start in Alice Springs and finish in Yulara
- To see these options please visit here
This is a basic camping experience sleeping in a swag. A swag in an Australian invention. It’s a bed roll with a thinner mattress and a canvas cover. You hop inside with your sleeping bag then zip yourself up, only allowing enough space to view the amazing stars above you.
Camping out in the open may not appeal to some people, so if you’re joining this tour you need to be sleeping in a swag, in the open and under the stars.
Temperatures in the Red Centre can be extreme. During the day the weather can be more than 40 degrees Celsius in the shade (the Australian sun is very strong) so please bring appropriate clothing, use sun protection, and drink plenty of water. During the months of June, July and August the evening temperatures can drop below zero degrees Celsius, so bring some thick socks, layers and a warm jacket.
This trip requires a moderate level of fitness as it involves a lot of walking, allowing you to really get among nature. Please bring sturdy, comfortable walking shoes and comfortable clothing.
On most days of the trip, you’ll spend several hours driving through very remote areas of the desert. Crank up the tunes and sit back to enjoy landscapes that you would miss in any other form of travel.
Camping out in the open may not appeal to some people, although a comfortable mattress, linen and power for your devices are provided.
Group participation is important on this trip, so you’ll be required to help with the preparation of meals and cleaning up. These are the kind of tasks that bring a group closer together.
Departs
Tour Starts:
Alice Springs or Yulara ( Ayers Rock / Uluru )
- 06:40 - Alice Lodge Backpackers
- 06:40 - Alice Motor Inn
- 06:40 - Stay at Alice Springs Hotel (formerly Aurora)
- 06:40 - YHA Alice Springs (meet at Aurora Hotel)
- 06:40 - Alice Airport Motel
- 06:40 - Alice in the Territory
- 06:40 - Alice on Todd
- 06:40 - Alice Springs Tourist Park
- 06:40 - Alices Secret
- 06:40 - Crowne Plaza Hotel Lasseters
- 06:40 - Double Tree by Hilton
- 06:40 - Diplomat Motel
- 06:40 - Elkira Motel
- 06:40 - G'day Mate Tourist Park
- 06:40 - Gapview Hotel
- 06:40 - Jump Inn
- 06:40 - Mercure Alice Springs
- 06:40 - Quest
- 06:40 - Swagmans Rest
- 06:40 - Desert Palms Alice Springs
- 13:00 - Ayres Rock Airport
- 14:00 - Ayres Rock Airport
- 13:45 - Desert Gardens hotel
- 13:40 - Outback Pioneer
My Hotel Not Listed: Let us know where you will be staying and we will arrange the nearest pick up location for you.
Airport Pickups: You can start this tour directly from Ayers Rock Airport on the same day you arrive. Flights must arrive before 1:40pm. Pick up is from the front of the airport.
Please be aware that any pick up times after 12:45pm during summer ( Oct-March ) will not include lunch on day 1.
Those wanting to arrive on the 1:40pm flight are OK.
Tour Finishes
Alice Springs Only
- 18:00 - Alice Springs
What to bring
CLOTHING
- Comfortable hiking/walking shoes ( no flip flops! ). Sandles are OK.
- 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
- Pillow
- Insect repellent
- Refillable water bottle
- Mp3 Player / iPod
- Rechargers
- Torch
- Camera
What is included
TRANSPORT
- Airconditioned mini bus
ACCOMMODATION
- 2 nights camping in swags
- Outback campfire
- Shower and toilet facilities
MEALS
- 2 breakfasts
- 3 lunches
- 2 dinners
EQUIPMENT
- Camping equipment and utensils
- Swags
- Sleeping Bag ( for hire )
- Sleeping Mattress
ACTIVITIES
- Uluru Base Walk
- Uluru sunset drinks
- Uluru Cultural Centre
- Valley of the Winds walk
- Kings Canyon Rim Walk
OTHER
- Plenty of drinking water and snacks
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 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?
You may bring a backpack and suitcases and it will be stored securely in our trailer or under the bus during the trip. We recommend bring a smaller day pack to store your daily essentials such as drinks, jackets and sunscreen while on tour.
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?
Generally you will not have enough time to do laundry whilst on tour. You will be having far too much fun! However, for longer tours heading towards Adelaide involving hostel style accommodation you may have the opportunity to wash your clothes if really need. Please enquire by contact us directly via email or phone.
Do I need a sleeping bag?
For all camping tours in the Northern Territory you will need a sleeping bag. The Northern Territory can get very cold at night, especially during the months of June and July. If you don't have one then they are available for hire. Please refer to the "What to bring" section of the tour page for pricing.
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.
This will vary from tour to tour so please contact us directly for more accurate information.
For camping tours internet will not be available.
Will I be able to use my mobile whilst on tour?
If you are using Telstra as your mobile service provider than most likely yes! Their coverage of Australia is quite extensive so you shouldn't have too much trouble.
Private tours and families
Is it possible to travel in a private group?
Definitely! Just choose an existing itinerary or destination and contact us we can help you arrange the trip as a private tour.
If your looking for a customised itinerary we can tailor make a tour to suit your requirement.
Over the years we have worked with families, groups of friends, schools, clubs and charities to put together the perfect trip. Our team can help you decide on destinations best suits your needs and give you additional information on the best time to visit, cultural expectations, weather conditions and so fourth.
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 45, 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 Australia 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.
What type of groups go on these tours?
Onboard our tours there are usually around 5 - 24 people ( depending on the tour and destination ). Lost In Australia's travellers want to explore the country and develop a real sense for the land, nature and its people. We travel in small groups which allows us to get from destination to destination quickly and effortlessly whilst being flexible and free!
Is it ok to travel alone on one of these tours?
We have many travellers jumping onboard our tours by themselves. Those travelling by themselves are very much welcomed and encouraged. During your outback adventure you'll meet new and interesting people and forge relationships that will last a life time.
Those who do travel by themselves will probably be sharing 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. For camping tours, generally there are enough tents available that you can have your own if you choose to.
For more information please contact us directly.
How many people will be on tour?
Group sizes vary from tour to tour. You can find the size of your group by checking out information at the top right hand corner of the tour page. Group sizes range of 5 - 24 people.
Is there an age limit?
We get a large range of travellers from all over the world and from a very large age range. We get people of all ages joining these trips; generally our travellers vary between 21 - 45 though we also get many happy travellers in their 60s and 70s. Some tours however have a restriction on children under the age of 16 - 18. This will depend on the destination so please email us for more info.
Do I need to be able to swim?
Not really. The centre of Australia is quite dry and there is very few places where we are allowed to swim. However, for tours heading upwards towards Darwin there may be areas for swimming. If you aren't able to swim then you don't need to go into the water. In many cases there may be shallow areas when you can still get wet without having to actually swim. Please contact us for more information.
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 in Australia 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?
Definitely - We know Australia inside and out and would be happy to give you good recommodations.
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?
Our tour guide picks up from all major hotels and hostels. For pick locations in suburban or rural areas please contact us to arrange a meeting point and time.