4 Day Uluru Safari
Go camping in the Australian outback on this 3 night stay visiting Uluru (Ayers Rock), Kata Tjuta and Kings Canyon
Want to see the Red Centre’s greatest natural attractions in less than 4 days? Easy. Jump on this trip, and you’ll get to admire Uluru by sunrise and sunset, explore the natural wonders of Watarrka National Park/Kings Canyon – the Lost City, Amphitheatre, Garden of Eden and North and South Walls – and weave through the gigantic boulders and gullies of Kata Tjuta (the Olgas).
The ‘Uluru Adventure, Alice Springs to Yulara’ has just the right amount of time to see everything you’ll explore the highlights of the area, having you start from Alice Springs and finishing at Yulara, which is only minutes away from both the Ayers Rock Airport and Uluru.
- Permanent safari tents with twin beds
- Real Aboriginal Culture
- Air-conditioned Vehicle
- All meals Included
- Vegetarians catered for
- Ayers Rock sunrise & sunset
- Hot showers & flushing toilets
- Electric plugs for charging
- Knowledgable & Experienced Guides
- Camping equipment
- Entry Fees Included
- Uluru Cultural Centre
- Maruku Arts cultural experience
- Kings Canyon Rim Walk
- Trip length:
- 4 Days
- Group size:
- Max 21
- Start:
- Alice Springs & Uluru
- End:
- Uluru
- Vehicle:
- Airconditioned Mini Bus
- Sleep:
- Furnished Safari Tents
- Physical Demand:
- Comfortlevel:
Itinerary
Day 1: Uluru
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 (The Olga’s), only a short drive from its counterpart. 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
- Powered camp (with shared facilities)
Meals Included
- Dinner
Special Information
The total driving time today is around 2.5 hours. Total walking time is approximately 2-hour.
Day 2: Uluru Sunrise
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
- Powered camp (with shared facilities)
Included Activities
- Uluru Cultural Centre
- Maruku Arts cultural experience (only included when travelling before 31st March 2024)
Meals Included
- Breakfast
- Lunch
- Dinner
Special Information
The 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).
Uluru is considered a living cultural landscape and home to the spirits of the ancestors making it a sacred place for the Anangu peoples. The Anangu people have dissuaded visitors from climbing Uluru for decades; as traditional owners of the land, they feel a deep responsibility for everyone who travels to the area. In 1998, Adventure Tours Australia were among the first tour operators to stop climbing Uluru. We are proud to be involved with local communities in Uluru, and to have an ongoing commitment in contributing to employment for the Anangu people.
Day 3: Kings Canyon Rim Walk
The main attraction of Watarrka National Park is undoubtedly Kings Canyon – a humungous 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 – the Lost City, the Garden of Eden, Amphitheatre, and ofcourse the North & South Walls of the canyon. After lunch, we hit the road again for a three-hour drive to Yulara. This evening, you have choice to enjoy one of the following optional activities; a Sunset Camel Cruise, the Field of Lights, Sounds of Silence, the Wintjiri Wiru Drone display; or if you’d like to experience the Uluru sunset from a different perspective (and free of charge), tonight is the opportunity to do it! After dinner, relax at your camp for a night under the stars.
Accommodation
- Powered camp (with shared facilities) (1 night)
Included Activities
- Kings Canyon Rim Walk
- Ewings Lookout, sunset viewing area
Meals Included
- Breakfast
- Lunch
- Dinner
Special Information
Total driving time today is around 3 hours. Total walking time is approximately 3.5 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. If you would like to do one of the optional activities we highly recommend booking this directly with the supplier and well in advance of your tour.
Day 4: Departure Day
After a short sleep-in, enjoy a hearty breakfast at our exclusive camp. Depending on your departure time, choose to take our free 10-minute transfer direct to Yulara’s Desert Gardens Hotel, or Uluru Airport (Ayers Rock Airport, airport code: AYQ). If you have plenty of spare time before your flight, you have the opportunity to leave your luggage at the Desert Gardens Hotel, and spend some time in Yulara Resort shopping at your leisure. Please note: There’s regular free airport shuttles from the Desert Gardens Hotel to the Ayers Rock Airport.
Meals included
- Breakfast
Special Information
The total driving time today is around 15 minutes. The total walking time is approximately 3.5 hours.
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
- 13:10 - Desert Gardens hotel
- 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.
Tour Finishes
Uluru Only
- 9:00 - Uluru
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
- Sleeping bag are needed. If you dont have one you can purchase from us for $50.
- Mp3 Player / iPod
- Rechargers
- Torch
- Camera
- Bincolars
What is included
TRANSPORT
- Aircondition Mini Bus
ACCOMMODATION
- 3 nights camping in furnished safari tents
- Outback campfire
- Shower and toilet facilities
MEALS
- 3 breakfasts
- 2 lunches
- 3 dinners
EQUIPMENT
- Camping equipment and utensils
- Safari Tents
- Sleeping Bags - not required.
- Reference books
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.