Uluru Kings Canyon to West MacDonnell 4 Day - Basic Swag from Ayers Rock
What your day looks like
This small group adventure encompasses the very best the Red Centre has to offer. Four days, exploring four iconic locations (Uluru, Kings Canyon, Kata Tjuta, and Tjoritja West MacDonnell Ranges) all wrapped up in one tour. There is a very good reason why Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park is included on the UNESCO World Heritage List. The park was first added to the list in 1987 when the international community recognized its spectacular geological formations, rare plants and animals, and outstanding natural beauty. Your expert local guide will uncover some of the incredible secrets the Red Centre has to offer with guided -commentary, stories, and hidden gems that really bring this place to life.
The experience, in brief
- Visit Kings Canyon Watarrka National Park
- See Uluru (Ayers Rock) lookout at Sunset
- Visit the UluruKata Tjuta Cultural Center Sacred Rock Art Site
- Visit Mutitjulu Waterhole, Kuniya Piti, Kantju Gorge
- Immerse yourself in UluruKata Tjuta National Park
- Hike the Valley of the Winds or Walpa GorgeThe OlgasKata Tjuta
- Visit Tjoritja West MacDonnell Ranges
- Explore Standley Chasm, Ochre Pits, and Ellery Creek Big Hole
- Highlights are a guideline, the Red Centre’s diverse landscape, culture and weather
Your day, step by step
Yulara
Transportation at Uluru Rock. Ayers Rock Airport to Uluru Departing from Ayers Rock/Yulara (Uluru Airport).
Yulara
Eco Tour at Uluru Rock. We join the group in Uluru (Ayers Rock) before we head to the Red Centre’s Indigenous interpretive cultural centre where we have a chance to learn about the cultural, ecological, historical and geological significance of this very special national park. With the anticipation and excitement growing we make a short drive towards the base of Uluru as we begin to comprehend the sheer size and magnificence of the giant monolith, getting up close and personal to explore further.
Yulara
Hiking at Kantju Gorge. Walking to Mutitjulu waterhole we discover sacred rock art sites in family caves and hear the creation stories of Kuniya and Liru as we continue our base walk towards Kuniya Piti. From here we drive around sacred sites towards Kantju Gorge where we envisage the highest waterfall in Central Australia, (truly a spectacle to behold, even more so when raining) an elders cave and the world's oldest pantry.
Yulara
Leisure at Mutitjulu. After exploring the world's most impressive rock up close and personal, we retreat for panoramic views to witness one of the most incredible sunsets on the planet, all whilst having dinner cooked for you, to feed those hungry eyes and allow you to get to know your fellow travellers.
Yulara
Other at Uluru Rock. Meals: Dinner.
Yulara
Other at Uluru Rock. Accommodation: Ayers Rock Coach Campground (Uluru) Basic Swags (communal campsite facilities). Driving Distance: 350km. Hike Distance: 2-3km / 2-3 hours.
Yulara
Hiking at Uluṟu-Kata Tjuṯa National Park. Uluru to Kata Tjuta to Kings Canyon We wake early for a light breakfast and head off for a spectacular sunrise in Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park. You thought Uluru was special and just when you think it couldn’t get any more majestic we approach the stunning silhouette of Kata Tjuta. Here we set off on a hike through the Valley of the Winds or Walpa Gorge marveling at the mighty conglomerate rock formations.
Yulara
Sightseeing at Kata Tjuta. After exploring Kata Tjuta we make our way towards Kings Canyon region just in time to experience a glorious outback sunset followed by a hearty meal around the campfire.
Alice Springs
Other at Kings Canyon (Northern Territory). Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner.
Alice Springs
Other at Kings Canyon (Northern Territory). Accommodation: Kings Canyon Campground Basic Swags (communal campsite facilities). Driving Distance: 406 km (4.5 Hours). Hike Distance: 2-6 km / 2-4 hours (*weather dependent).
Alice Springs
Sightseeing at Kings Canyon (Northern Territory). Kings Canyon to West MacDonnell Ranges We head off early to explore the mighty Kings Canyon (Watarrka) venturing into the ancient landscape and sacred grounds of the Ulpanyali and Lilla people.
Yulara
Hiking at Watarrka National Park. Arriving at the jewel in the crown at the centre of Watarrka National Park (Kings Canyon) we find ourselves surrounded by towering 100-metre cliff faces, views of sandstone chasms and jaw-dropping backdrops that will make the hairs stand up on the back of your neck.
Darwin
Eco Tour at Tjoritja / West MacDonnell National Park. Grab your water, hat and sturdy shoes as we set off on foot to explore (the most seasonally applicable part of) the canyon in more detail. Rest up in the bus as we head back up north, passing through Alice Springs and heading out towards the West MacDonnell Ranges for an evening of stargazing at our bush camp.
Darwin
Other at Tjoritja / West MacDonnell National Park. Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner.
Darwin
Other at Tjoritja / West MacDonnell National Park. Accommodation: West Macdonell Ranges Campground Basic Swags (communal campsite facilities). Driving Distance: 370km (4 hours). Hike Distance: 2-4 km / 2-4 hours.
Alice Springs
Eco Tour at MacDonnell Ranges. Standley Chasm and Tjoritja : West MacDonnell Ranges to Alice Springs Known traditionally as Angkerle Atwatye, meaning “Gap of Water”, Standley Chasm is a 3-metre-wide, 80-metre-high gorge amongst the West MacDonnell Ranges. At dawn, we hope to spot the native wildlife as we enjoy breakfast and look forward to the day ahead.
Darwin
Eco Tour at Tjoritja / West MacDonnell National Park. Tracking west you are welcome to enjoy a dip in Ellery Creek Bighole, known traditionally as Udepata, surrounded by tall red cliffs and sandy Ellery Creek. Onwards to where massive geological forces created the towering red walls of Ormiston Gorge. Spend time here admiring nature and its finest before we begin our leisurely journey back towards Alice Springs, with our final stop at another amazing feature of the Tjoritja West MacDonnell region, Simpsons Gap, where several dreaming trails and stories cross. Featuring a permanent waterhole this is also a great place to spot resident wildlife. Now we’ve had our fix of the best of central Australia’s natural icons, we deliver you back to Alice Springs to your chosen accommodation and evening plans as you reminisce your four days of exploration and new friends made.
What to know before booking
Included
Guided bush walks (~12km, subject to fitness level) All National Park pass entry fees Fitted sheet & pillowcase Accredited Outback driver guide & host Comprehensive tour commentary Air-conditioned mini-coach travel
Not Included
Any meals not indicated within the itinerary Travel insurance is highly recommended Hotel transfers pre/post tour itinerary to a nominated pickup point Personal expenses
Restrictions
Limited storage space on our vehicle, baggage kept to 1 x 15kg travel bag, 1 x 5kg day bag. Not suitable for infants or children 7 years and under. Children aged between 8 to 17 years old, must be accompanied by an adult or legal guardian at all times and must stay in private twin rooms.
Meeting & Pickup
Meeting point at, Northern Territory. Pickup Locations: Ayers Rock Airport [AYQ] - Coote Rd Yulara NT - (0 Minutes before) Ayers Rock Campground - 173 Yulara Dr Yulara NT - (-30 Minutes before)
Languages Offered
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Before Booking
Mandatory passenger details required at time of booking: Flight number details [ie. ASP/AYQ], Airport arrival/departure point, Date of birth, and Contact phone number.
Planning Notes
Minimum age: 8 Hotel pickup offered: Yes Confirmation: Automatic