Immerse yourself in the ancient landscapes of Uluru and Kata Tjuta on a three-day tour from Alice Springs. You'll see the highlights of Uluru (Ayers Rock), including the unforgettable sights of an Uluru sunset and sunrise, and have the opportunity to walk the rim of the magnificent Kings Canyon.
Highlights
- Two-day tour from Alice Springs to Uluru and Kata Tjuta
- Driving through the vast open spaces of Outback Australia
- Ride a camel (own expense)
- Guided walks at Uluru and Mutitjulu Waterhole
- Learn about the Aboriginal Tjukurpa (Dreaming) and see ancient rock art
- Witnessing the sun set and rise over Uluru
- Guided walk to the rim of Kings Canyon
- Choice of easy or challenging walks
Useful Information
Alice Springs to Uluru (Ayers Rock) via Kings Canyon 3-Day Tour
Depart Alice Springs and travel through 'Outback' landscapes by the West MacDonnell Ranges. This ancient, twisted range is thought to be the oldest in Australia. Stop to visit the Camel Farm. You'll have the opportunity to try riding one (own expense). Stop to view the flat-topped Mt Conner before arriving at Ayers Rock Resort. Join a tour to Kata Tjuta and walk into Olga Gorge and keep an eye out for ancient stone carvings. Enjoy a complimentary glass of wine and watch the golden rays of the setting sun strike Uluru.
Day 2: Uluru Sunrise - Mutitjulu Waterhole - Uluru Climb - Kings Canyon
Rise early and enjoy as the day's first light strikes Uluru. Warm up with a coffee or tea as you take in the quiet of the Australian Outback. Take a tour the base of Uluru with your guide or climb the rock. Next, travel to Mutitjulu waterhole and see cave paintings and hear the legends of Python Dreaming. Visit the Uluru-Kata Tjuta Cultural Centre where you can learn more about the indigenous history and culture, and see traditional arts and crafts on display.
Please note: There is no opportunity to purchase food while on tour. Please arrange with your hotel to have breakfast earlier or to provide a breakfast box to take with you.
Day 3: Kings Canyon Guided Rim Walk - Alice Springs
Enjoy a guided walk to the rim of Kings Canyon and through the 'Lost City' and 'Garden of Eden' (requires a good degree of fitness). See the towering walls and unique plant life. An alternative easy walk along the canyon floor is available. This afternoon travel through the vast cattle properties of Central Australia stopping at Kings Creek Station before arriving in Alice Springs at approximately 6.30pm.
Respecting Indigenous Culture
Visits to Indigenous sites may change at short notice, due to the cultural and ceremonial obligations. The Anangu (Aboriginal landowners) regard Uluru as a sacred site and strongly discourage climbing the rock.
Itinerary
Outback Pioneer Lodge (Budget- shared facilities) - The Outback Pioneer Lodge has a true outback, pioneering atmosphere that gives our guests a real taste of traditional Australian hospitality. Cook up some outback delights on the barbecue or come and share a few yarns about your adventures in the Red Centre over a beer and some hearty bush tucker in the Bough House Restaurant.
Desert Gardens Hotel (First Class) - Set amidst magnificent ghost gums and flowering native shrubs, the recently refurbished Desert Gardens hotel offers a range of stylish accommodation. Desert Gardens is the superior hotel at Ayers Rock Resort and is centrally located to all resort and touring facilities.
Sails In The Desert (Deluxe) - Sails in the Desert is the premier hotel at Ayers Rock Resort, with spacious, airy and exquisitely furnished rooms set in lush park-like grounds. Deriving its name from the distinctive sail-like structures, which provide shade and a touch of elegance to its design, Sails in the Desert is the ultimate in luxury in the Red Centre.
Kings Canyon Resort - Located just seven kilometers from Watarrka National Park, the home of the extraordinary sandstone formation of Kings Canyon. Designed with the utmost sensitivity to the environment, the Resort is a single-storey construction that blends in quietly with the surrounding area while providing a range of quality accommodation. There is a restaurant for fine dining, a cafe for affordable light meals and an outdoor BBQ area.
Due to operational requirements, Hotel Lists are subject to change by the tour operator without notice.
Reviewed by Marius M, December 2012
Excellent tour that provides the opportunity to admire both the natural wonders of Red Centre and the aboriginal culture. Kings Canyon offer the most spectacular views.
Reviewed by Dorothy H, USA, August 2012
The trip to Kata Juka and Ayers Rock on the the second day of the tour was wonderful. The Rock is quite a sight and the guide who conducted the tour of the base was outstanding. We enjoyed seeing Kata Juka almost more than Ayers Rock. The King's Canyon tour was equally as interesting and the sights just as awesome. The two hotels (Sails in the Desert and the King's Canyon Lodge) were both as good as described with beautiful rooms and comfortable beds. Unfortunately the area is in the middle of nowhere and, as a result, the food was outrageously expensive though it was good.
