Alice Springs to Uluru Tour
Our small group safari adventure Alice Springs to Uluru tour allows you to experience the main attractions of the Red Centre.
During a four-day tour, we visited three iconic locations in Australia: Uluru, Kings Canyon, and Kata Tjuta, as well as the Tjoritja West MacDonnell Ranges.
Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park was included in the UNESCO World Heritage List in 1987 due to its remarkable geological formations, unique flora and fauna, and stunning natural beauty.
Your knowledgeable tour guide will lead you through the Red Centre, providing detailed commentary and uncovering ancient stories, myths, secrets, and hidden gems.
The tour offers accommodation options, including twin-share safari tents and traditional swags for a comfortable and secure experience.
| DAYS | 4 |
| DEPARTS | 06:00 |
| RETURNS | 18:30 |
| PRICE | $1150-1295 AUD |
Highlights of Uluru tours from Alice Springs
- Discover the beauty of Kings Canyon in Watarrka National Park.
- Visitors can view the sunset at Uluru (Ayers Rock) and the Uluru-Kata Tjuta cultural centre.
- Explore the sacred Indigenous Rock Art sites.
- Visit Mutitjulu Waterhole, Kuniya Piti, and Kantju Gorge.
- You can explore Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park by hiking through the Valley of the Winds or Walpa Gorge.
- Witness the sunrise at the stunning Olgas – Kata Tjuta.
- The West MacDonnell National Park, also known as Tjoritja by the indigenous custodians, is a noteworthy destination for exploration.
- Visitors can explore the impressive Standley Chasm, also known as ‘Angkerle Atwatye’, and be awestruck by its 80m high gorge.
- Visitors can swim at Ellery Creek Big Hole, one of Central Australia’s most significant and stunning swimming spots.
- Visitors can explore the UNESCO-listed Ochre Pit mineral rockface and witness the continued use of coloured ochre clay in traditional ceremonies.
This itinerary is subject to change due to seasonal conditions and access restrictions. The Red Centre’s landscape, culture, and extreme weather conditions require flexibility and adaptability. The itinerary highlights are just a rough guideline. Your expert guides will ensure everyone has a fantastic adventure.
Itinerary
Day 1: Alice Springs / Yulara to Uluru
- Uluru(Ayers Rock)
- The Red Centre Indigenous Interpretive Cultural Centre is a cultural centre.
- SacredRock ArtSite
- Mutitjulu Waterhole
- Kuniya Piti
- Kantju Gorge
- Sunset at Uluru lookout
Meals provided are lunch and dinner. The accommodation is located at Ayers Rock Coach Campground (Uluru) and offers 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. Individuals who have visited Ayers Rock must locate their lunch before joining the tour.
Day 2: Uluru to Kata Tjuta to 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 arrive in time for a beautiful sunset and have 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
Meals include breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Accommodation is available at Kings Creek Station Campground in Safari Tents or Bush Swags with communal facilities. The driving distance is 406 km, which takes approximately 4.5 hours. The hike distance ranges from 2-6 km and takes about 2-4 hours, depending on the weather.
Day 3: Kings Canyon to West MacDonnell Ranges
We start early to explore Kings Canyon in Watarrka National Park. Bring a hat, water, and hiking shoes. The canyon has cliff faces and unique sandstone chasms. After resting, we head north towards the West MacDonnell Ranges to stargaze at our remote campsite. On Day 3, the itinerary includes travelling through the Central Australian countryside, a guided walking tour of Kings Canyon, and having a meal around the campfire. Experience dazzling stargazing in remote outback Australia.
The meals provided are 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 West MacDonnell Ranges to Alice Springs
We visit Standley Chasm, a narrow gorge in the West MacDonnell Ranges. We explore the area and look for wildlife. Then, we head west towards Ellery Creek Bighole, where we can swim and relax. Next, we go to Ormiston Gorge and admire the stunning red walls. Our final stop is Simpsons Gap, a sacred place with a waterhole and native wildlife. After a full day, we return to Alice Springs and drop you off at your accommodation.
Meals: Breakfast and lunch. Accommodation: Not applicable. Driving distance: 250km, approximately 3 hours. Walking distance: Approximately 3km to 4km.
Details
Pricing Options
| Fare Type | Retail | Allocation | Release |
| Basic Single Swag – Adult/Child | AUD 950 pp | FS | 45 Days |
| Safari Tent Twin Share – Adult/Child | AUD 1,095 pp | FS | 45 Days |
Camping Amenities
| Night | Pricing Options | Facilities | Includes |
| 1st 2nd | Single Swag (under the stars) pp | Unpowered outback campsite, hot showers, toilets and shared facilities. | Self-contained canvas-covered bush bed roll with mattress to sleep on the ground outdoors |
| 1st 2nd | Safari Tents Twin Share (sleeps 2) pp | Unpowered outback campsite, hot showers, toilets and shared facilities. | Permanent tented campsite, inflatable mattress, bed linen supplied, lantern, protected from the elements |
Optional Extras
| Option Name | Description | RRP |
| Optional Extra | Sleeping Bag Hire | 40 AUD |
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 from 6:00 to 7:00 am.
From Alice Springs:
- 6:00 am – To Be Advised – Please call 48 hours before reconfirmingreconfirm
- 7:00 am – Alice Motor Inn – 25-27 Undoolya Rd East Alice Springs
- 7:00 am – Alice on Todd Apartments – 1 Strehlow St The Gap
- 7:00am – Alice Springs YHA – Cnr Parsons St Leichhardt Terrace
- 7:00 am – Alices Secret Travellers Inn – 6 Khalick St East Side NT
- 7:00 am – A Good Rest B and B – 51 Dixon Rd Alice Springs NT
- 7:00 am – Alice Springs Tourist Park – 70 Larapinta Dr Araluen NT
- 7:00 am – Best Western Elkira Court Motel – 65 Bath St Alice Springs
- 7:00 am – Crowne Plaza Lasseters – 93 Barrett Dr Alice Springs
- 7:00 am – Desert Palms Alice Springs – 74 Barrett Dr Alice Springs
- 7:00 am – DoubleTree Hilton Alice Springs -82 Barrett Dr Alice Springs
- 7:00 am – Discovery Parks – Alice Springs 25 Palm Place Ross NT
- 7:00 am – Gday Mate Tourist Park – 23 Palm Circuit Ross Alice Springs
- 7:00 am – Gap View Hotel – 123 Gap Rd The Gap NT
- 7:00 am – Haven Backpacker Resort – 3 Larapinta Dr Alice Springs
- 7:00 am – Heritage Caravan Park – 40 Ragonesi Rd Alice Springs, NT
- 7:00 am – Jump Inn Alice Budget Accommodation 4 Traeger Ave The Gap NT
- 7:00 am – Lemon Gum Apartments – 11 Gap Rd The Gap NT
- 7:00 am – Mercure Alice Springs Resort -34 Stott Terrace Alice Springs
- 7:00 am – Quest Alice Springs – 10 South Terrace Alice Springs
- 7:00 am – Stay at Alice Springs Hotel Aurora – 11 Leichhardt Terrace Alice Springs
- 7:00 am – Swagmans Rest Apartments The – 67 Gap Rd Alice Springs
- 7:00 am – The Diplomat Motel – 20 Gregory Terrace, Alice Springs
- 7:00 am – Wintersun Cabin n Caravan Park – 1 Stuart Hwy Alice Springs
From Ayers Rock / Yulara:
- 1:50 pm – Ayers Rock Airport [AYQ] – Coote Rd Yulara NT
- 1:50 pm – Ayers Rock Campground – 173 Yulara Dr Yulara NT
Drop-off time and location
From Alice Springs:
- 5:30 pm – at select Alice Springs Accommodation in the central part of town
From Ayers Rock / Yulara:
- This tour finishes in Alice Springs; we do not offer Ayers Rock/Yulara drop-offs, only on the 3-day touring option.
These are approximate drop-off times, and we recommend guests not to book a flight out on the final day of the tour. You must book an additional night’s accommodation in Alice Springs and fly out the following day.
Weather
The weather conditions in the Red Centre can fluctuate rapidly and sometimes be quite intense. Temperatures can soar to over 50+ degrees Celsius in the dry season and drop dramatically in the evening. Before the journey, we recommend checking the average temperatures for the time of year you’re travelling and packing clothing. In the case of rain or harsh weather, expect your tour to go ahead unless otherwise advised by the provider.
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 the tour
- Pickup/ 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 towels, 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 snacks 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)
Exclusions
- Any meals not previously indicated in the itinerary
- We highly recommend purchasing travel insurance
- Pre/post-tour hotel transfers
- Additional personal expenses
Important Notes
- Mandatory passenger details required when booking include date of birth, dietary requirements and phone number.
- We do our best to cater for most dietary needs and food allergies. However, passengers MUST notify the tour operator of any special requirements or medical conditions when booking.
- Hiking included in this tour requires a moderate/ advanced level of fitness, ss and a doctor’s certificate for people over 70 years (30 days before travel). The walks vary from 2km to 4km each, often over steep rocky areas and in direct sunlight with high humidity. An approximate 9-11 km walk is included throughout the three-day tour.
- Hiking is always embarked on at the guide’s discretion to ensure the safety of passengers.
- Children between the ages of 8 and 17 must be accompanied by an adult or legal guardian and stay in private twin rooms. This tour is not suitable for infants or children seven 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 preparing meals, cleaning up, and loading/unpacking the vehicle.
- All tours MUST be reconfirmed with the tour operator within seven days of departure on 03 9393 1300.
- Private charter tours are available upon request.
Online Bookings
FAQ
What is the best time of year to visit Uluru from Alice Springs?
The ideal time to visit Uluru is during the spring (September to November) and fall (March to May) months, which offer pleasant weather and fewer crowds. Summer (December to February) can be very hot, while winter (June to August) brings cooler temperatures but more tourists.
How long does it take to travel from Alice Springs to Uluru?
The journey from Alice Springs to Uluru typically takes about 5 to 6 hours by road, depending on the number and duration of stops along the way.
Are there any physical requirements for the Uluru tours?
Most tours require moderate physical activity, such as walking on uneven terrain or hiking. It’s important to consider your fitness level and any medical conditions you might have. Always inform your tour operator of any special needs or restrictions.
What should I pack for a day tour to Uluru from Alice Springs?
Essential items include comfortable shoes, appropriate clothing for hot or cold weather, a water bottle, sunscreen, a hat, sunglasses, snacks, a camera, insect repellent, and a small first aid kit.
Can I learn about Aboriginal culture on these tours?
Yes, many Uluru tours from Alice Springs include educational components about the Aboriginal culture and traditions of the region. Guides often share insights into the history, significance of the landscape, and rock art created by the traditional custodians of the land.