Contents
Day Trip To Uluru From Alice Springs
| DAYS | 4 |
| DEPARTS | 06:00 |
| RETURNS | 18:30 |
| PRICE | $1150-1295 AUD |
Highlights of Uluru tours from Alice Springs
- Visit Kings Canyon in Watarrka National Park to experience its grandeur.
- Experience the sunset view at Uluru (Ayers Rock) and explore the
- Uluru-Kata Tjuta cultural centre.
- Explore the sacred Indigenous Rock Art sites.
- Visit Mutitjulu Waterhole, Kuniya Piti, and Kantju Gorge.
- Visitors can explore Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park and enjoy hiking through the Valley of the Winds or Walpa Gorge.
- Witness the sunrise at the majestic Olgas – Kata Tjuta.
- The West MacDonnell National Park, known as Tjoritja by the indigenous custodians, is worth exploring.
- Visitors can explore the 80m high gorge and marvel at Standley Chasm, also known as ‘Angkerle Atwatye’ in traditional terms.
- One can swim at Ellery Creek Big Hole, one of Central Australia’s most significant and stunning swimming spots.
- You can visit the UNESCO-listed Ochre Pit mineral rockface and observe the coloured ochre clay still used in traditional ceremonies.
*This itinerary is subject to change due to seasonal conditions and access restrictions. The Red Centre has diverse landscapes, cultures, and extreme weather conditions, requiring flexibility and adaptability. The itinerary highlights should be used as a rough guideline. Expert guides will ensure everyone has a fantastic adventure.
Itinerary for the Uluru to Alice Springs tour
Day 1: Alice Springs / Yulara - Uluru
The tour starts from Alice Springs or Yulara (Uluru Airport) and heads towards Ayers Rock (Uluru). Along the way, we stop at Mt Conner lookout, the false Uluru or Fool-Uru, for a beautiful view of the red mountain. After stopping at Curtin Springs for a restroom break, we settled in at our campground for lunch. Please note that only guests from Alice Springs will be provided with lunch, while those joining from Ayers Rock must arrange their lunch beforehand.
We went to the Red Centre’s indigenous interpretive cultural centre after lunch. We learned about the national park’s cultural, historical, ecological, and geological significance. We were excited as we arrived at the base of Uluru. We were amazed by its magnificence and grandiosity. We explored the Mutitjulu waterhole and discovered sacred rock art sites in family caves. We listened to ancient creation stories and Dreamtime myths of Kuniya and Liru. We hiked towards Kuniya Piti. We drove to Kantju Gorge, passing through sacred sites. We saw the highest waterfall in Central Australia. We retreated to witness a spectacular sunset and enjoyed dinner with panoramic views of Uluru.
Highlights:
- Uluru (Ayers Rock)
- The Red Centres Indigenous Interpretive Cultural Centre is
- located in the Red Centre.
- Sacred Rock Art Site
- Mutitjulu Waterhole
- Kuniya Piti
- Kantju Gorge
- Sunset at Uluru lookout
Meals are provided for lunch and dinner.
Accommodation is at Ayers Rock Coach Campground (Uluru) in Safari Tents or Bush Swags with communal facilities.
The driving distance is 350km.
The hike distance is 2-3 km and takes 2-3 hours.
Lunch is only included for those departing from Alice Springs.
Those collected from Ayers Rock need their lunch before joining the tour.
Day 2: Uluru - Kata Tiuta - Kings Canyon
We wake up early for a light breakfast. Then, we go to Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park to see the sunrise. Kata Tjuta is even more magnificent than Uluru. We hike through the Valley of the Winds or Walpa Gorge and admire the rock formations. After exploring Kata Tjuta, we go to Kings Canyon. We witnessed a beautiful sunset and had a delicious meal around the fire at our camp.
Highlights:
- Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park
- You can hike the Valley of the Winds or Walpa Gorge.
- The Olgas- Kata Tjuta
- Glorious Sunrise at Uluru
The meals provided are breakfast, lunch, and dinner.
The accommodation options are Kings Creek Station Campground with safari tents or bush swags and communal facilities at the campground.
The driving distance is 406 km, which takes approximately 4.5 hours. The hike distance is 2-6 km, and the duration is 2-4 hours, depending on the weather.
Day 3: Kings Canyon - McDonnell Western Ranges
We start early and explore Kings Canyon in Watarrka National Park, the crown jewel in the centre. Remember to bring your hat, water, and good hiking shoes. We hiked surrounded by cliff faces over 100 meters high and enjoyed the unique sandstone chasms. After resting, we head north, passing through Alice Springs and continuing to the West MacDonnell Ranges to stargaze at our remote campsite. Highlights of the day include the outback scenery, a guided walking tour of Kings Canyon, and a delicious meal around the campfire. End the day with a stunning stargazing experience in the remote Australian outback.
Meals available include breakfast, lunch, and dinner.
Accommodation options include West MacDonnell Ranges remote campsite Safari Tents or Bush Swags with basic outback facilities.
The driving distance is 370km (4 hours), and the hiking distance is 2-4 km / 2-4 hours.
Day 4: Standley Chasm and Tjoritja Western Ranges McDonnell - Alice Springs
We go straight from Standley Chasm, also known as ‘Angkerle Atwatye,’ a narrow gorge in the West MacDonnell Ranges. We explore the natural beauty and look for wildlife. Then we head west towards Ellery Creek Bighole, or ‘Udepata,’ where we swim surrounded by red cliffs and sandy banks. Next, we visit Ormiston Gorge, admiring the towering red walls created by nature. Our final stop is Simpsons Gap, a sacred waterhole with native wildlife and indigenous dream time trails. After a full day, we return you to Alice Springs for the evening.
Meals: Breakfast and lunch. Accommodation: Not applicable.
Driving distance: 250km (approximately 3 hours).
Walking distance: Approximately 3km to 4km.
Tour Ditaly
Aditional Information
Important Notes
- Mandatory passenger details that are required when booking include; date of birth, dietary requirements and phone number.
- We do our best to cater for most dietary needs and/or food allergies, however passengers MUST notify the tour operator of any special requirements or medical conditions at the time of booking.
- Hiking included in this tour requires a moderate/ advanced level of fitness and a doctor’s certificate is required for people over 70 years (30-days prior to travel). The walks vary from each day from 2km to 4km, often over steep rocky areas and in direct sunlight with high humidity. An approximate total of 9-11 kms walk is included throughout the 3 day tour.
- Hiking is always embarked on at the guide’s discretion to ensure safety of passengers.
- Children between the ages of 8 to 17 years old must be accompanied at all times by an adult or legal guardian and must stay in private twin rooms. This tour is not suitable for infants or children 7 years and under.
- Private rooms are available on request and subject to availability.
- Our vehicles have limited storage space, therefore baggage must be kept to 1 x 15kg travel bag and 1 x 5kg day bag.
- This terrain is unsuitable for mobility impaired travellers with wheelchairs, walkers, prams or strollers.
- This itinerary is interchangeable and may vary to accommodate seasonal weather conditions and fluctuations or park closures due to ceremonies or events held by traditional custodians.
- Occasionally sites within the parks close or do not allow swimming for safety purposes. We plan accordingly to make sure our guests always have the best experience possible on tour.
- Guests are asked to participate in the preparation of meals, cleaning up and the loading/unpacking of the vehicle.
- All tours MUST be re-confirmed with the tour operator within 7 days of departure on 03 9393 1300.
- Private charter tours are available upon request.
Covind Safety Measures
The weather conditions in the Red Centre can fluctuate rapidly and be quite intense at times. Temperatures can soar to over 50+ degrees Celsius in the dry season and drop dramatically in the evening. Prior to your journey, we recommend checking the average temperatures for the time of year you’re travelling and pack suitable clothing. In the case of rain or harsh weather, expect that your tour will still go ahead, unless otherwise advised by the provider.
Weather
The weather conditions in the Red Centre can fluctuate rapidly and be quite intense at times. Temperatures can soar to over 50+ degrees Celsius in the dry season and drop dramatically in the evening. Prior to your journey, we recommend checking the average temperatures for the time of year you’re travelling and pack suitable clothing. In the case of rain or harsh weather, expect that your tour will still go ahead, unless otherwise advised by the provider.
Pickup Time & Location
Our main meeting point for this tour will be outside the front of Aurora Alice Springs Hotel – 11 Leichhardt Terrace Alice Springs at 6:00-7:00am.
From Alice Springs:
- 6:00am – To Be Advised – Please call 48hrs prior to reconfirm
- 7:00am – Alice Motor Inn – 25-27 Undoolya Rd East Alice Springs
- 7:00am – Alice on Todd Apartments – 1 Strehlow St The Gap
- 7:00am – Alice Springs YHA – Cnr Parsons St Leichhardt Terrace
- 7:00am – Alices Secret Travellers Inn – 6 Khalick St East Side NT
- 7:00am – A Good Rest B and B – 51 Dixon Rd Alice Springs NT
- 7:00am – Alice Springs Tourist Park – 70 Larapinta Dr Araluen NT
- 7:00am – Best Western Elkira Court Motel – 65 Bath St Alice Springs
- 7:00am – Crowne Plaza Lasseters – 93 Barrett Dr Alice Springs
- 7:00am – Desert Palms Alice Springs – 74 Barrett Dr Alice Springs
- 7:00am – DoubleTree Hilton Alice Springs -82 Barrett Dr Alice Springs
- 7:00am – Discovery Parks – Alice Springs 25 Palm Place Ross NT
- 7:00am – Gday Mate Tourist Park – 23 Palm Circuit Ross Alice Springs
- 7:00am – Gap View Hotel – 123 Gap Rd The Gap NT
- 7:00am – Haven Backpacker Resort – 3 Larapinta Dr Alice Springs
- 7:00am – Heritage Caravan Park – 40 Ragonesi Rd Alice Springs NT
- 7:00am – Jump Inn Alice Budget Accommodation 4 Traeger Ave The Gap NT
- 7:00am – Lemon Gum Apartments – 11 Gap Rd The Gap NT
- 7:00am – Mercure Alice Springs Resort -34 Stott Terrace Alice Springs
- 7:00am – Quest Alice Springs – 10 South Terrace Alice Springs
7:00am – Stay at Alice Springs Hotel Aurora – 11 Leichhardt Terrace Alice Springs - 7:00am – Swagmans Rest Apartments The – 67 Gap Rd Alice Springs
- 7:00am – The Diplomat Motel – 20 Gregory Terrace Alice Springs
- 7:00am – Wintersun Cabin n Caravan Park – 1 Stuart Hwy Alice Springs
From Ayers Rock / Yulara: - 13:50pm – Ayers Rock Airport [AYQ] – Coote Rd Yulara NT
- 13:50pm – Ayers Rock Campground – 173 Yulara Dr Yulara NT
Exclusions
- Any meals not previously indicated in the itinerary
- We highly recommend purchasing travel insurance
- Pre/post tour hotel transfers
- Additional personal expenses
What's Included?
- 3 Nights Outback bush camping (Ayers Rock, Kings Creek Station, West MacDonnell Ranges)
- Includes: 3 x breakfast, 4 x lunch, 3 x dinner
- Guided bushwalking tours (~12km, subject to fitness level)
- Onboard drinking water (BYO refillable bottle)
- All National Park permit entry fees
- Entry fees to Standley Chasm
- Australian native wildlife sightings
- Fitted sheet, pillow & case (tent option only)
- Accredited outback driver-guide
- Travel in air-conditioned mini-coach
- Comprehensive commentary on tour
- Pick-up/ drop-off from selected inner-city Alice Springs points
What do you need to bring?
- Refillable water bottle (at least 3 Litres)
- Sun protection – wide brimmed hat, sunglasses & sunscreen
- Beach towel, swimwear & toiletries
- Sturdy & comfortable shoes for hiking (tread closed toe)
- Clothing suitable for all weather (extreme conditions inc wind, rain, heat, cold, day/night)
- Soft luggage (max 15kg) & small day pack
Insect repellent (tropical strength) - Mosquito or fly net (summer)
- Flashlight or headlamp
- Cash for extra snack and meals
- Rechargeable power bank (access to power for charging phones or cameras will be limited)
- Camera
- BYO sleeping bag & pillow (optional – if staying in a swag)
FAQs
What is there to see at the Aboriginal Cultural Centre in Uluru National Park?
The Aboriginal Cultural Centre provides insights into the Indigenous people’s ancient stories, traditions, and cultural practices. There, you can see various exhibits, including traditional art and tools.
What can I expect from the Mala Walk?
The Mala Walk takes you around the base of Uluru, where you can see rock art and learn about the creation stories associated with the landscape, as shared by the Anangu people.
What are some tips for packing for a trip to Uluru?
Packaging warm clothing is advisable as temperatures can drop significantly at night, even during warmer months. Also, bring sunscreen, hats, comfortable walking shoes, and plenty of water.
Is it possible to meet the traditional owners during the trip?
Yes, during the dinner at sunset at Ayers Rock Resort, traditional owners often share their ancient stories and traditions, providing a unique cultural experience.
What's unique about the Uluru sunset?
The Uluru sunset is a truly unique experience as the rock changes colour dramatically from fiery red to deep purple as the sun sets, creating an unforgettable spectacle.