8 Day Uluru to Adelaide Tour

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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.

AccommodationSwag 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.

AccommodationSwag camping at Ayers Rock Resort Campground

Meals IncludedB | 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.

AccommodationSwag camping at Kings Creek Station

Meals IncludedB | 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.

AccommodationUmoona Opal Mine – underground bunk, multi-share

Meals IncludedB | – | –

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.

AccommodationSwag camping at William Creek

Meals IncludedB | – | 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.

AccommodationSwag camping at Skytrek Willow Springs Station

Meals IncludedB | – | 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.

AccommodationSwag camping at Skytrek Willow Springs Station

Meals IncludedB | 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 IncludedB | L

See Map

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.

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 and can be hired if you don't have one.
• Torch
• Camera

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.

Preparing for the trip

Private tours and families

Booking the trip

Who travels with us

Cost and Fees

Whilst on tour