Starting from
$1380 AUD
Overview
"This small-group 4WD adventure encompasses the very best that Central Australia has to offer. Jump onboard and enjoy four days, exploring four iconic locations (Uluru, Kings Canyon, Kata Tjuta and Tjoritja West MacDonnell Ranges) all wrapped up in one tour that finishes in Alice Springs. "
HIGHLIGHTS:
- Our 4WD vehicles provide access to the breathtaking wonders of the Red Centre that are otherwise off-limits
- Uluru Sunset Lookout – Watch the sun drop like a fiery mic as Uluru steals the spotlight in a dazzling outback performance.
- Uluru-Kata Tjuta Aboriginal Cultural Centre – Dive into a world of ancient stories, where legends are the real outback rock stars.
- UNESCO Rock Art Sites – Take a peek at the ultimate Aboriginal art gallery – these masterpieces have been around for centuries, no ticket required!
- Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park – Get fully immersed in this natural wonderland that’s basically Mother Nature’s greatest hits album.
- Mutitjulu Waterhole, Kuniya Piti & Kantju Gorge – Sacred waterholes, stunning views, and secret gorges – because the outback loves a good hidden gem.
- Hike the Valley of the Winds or Walpa Gorge – Lace up and take on these epic hikes. The views? Absolutely worth every step.
- Kata Tjuta (The Olgas) – Prepare to have your mind blown by these colossal beauties that’ll leave you saying “Wow!” at every turn.
- Kings Canyon Watarrka National Park – An adventure through Kings Canyon that'll have your Insta followers asking, “Where is that?!”
- Mereenie Loop or Red Centre Way – Go rogue and venture off the beaten track like a true outback trailblazer (weather dependent)
- Tjoritja (West MacDonnell Ranges) National Park – Discover jaw-dropping beauty at every turn, with landscapes that look too good to be real.
- Standley Chasm, Ormiston Gorge, Ochre Pits & Ellery Creek Big Hole – These show-stopping sights are guaranteed to leave you speechless. (Don't worry, you can thank us later!)
- Tour ends in Alice Springs – And just like that, the adventure wraps up with one final bow in Alice Springs. Time to soak it all in!
Itinerary
Alice Springs to Ayers Rock/Yulara to Uluru
Your adventure begins early as we depart from Alice Springs and head towards Uluru. Along the way, we’ll stop at the Mt Connor lookout (often mistaken for Uluru) to take in the views of this impressive red mountain, followed by a quick stop at Curtin Springs. After lunch, arrivals from Yulara Resort, Ayers Rock Campground, or Ayers Rock Airport (AYQ) will join the rest of the group.
The afternoon brings a visit to the Red Centre’s Aboriginal Interpretive Cultural Centre where we dive into the rich cultural, ecological, and geological wonders of the national park. As anticipation builds, we get up close and personal with the mighty Uluru, uncovering its sacred rock art, family caves, and ancient stories on a base walk. Don’t miss the mesmerising Mutitjulu Waterhole or Kantju Gorge with its secret waterfall and the world’s oldest pantry. Finish the day with a knockout sunset and a dinner that’ll fuel those “wow” moments you’re about to have with your fellow adventurers.
Day 1 Highlights:
Uluru (Ayers Rock)
Red Centre’s Aboriginal Cultural Centre
Sacred Aboriginal rock art
Mutitjulu Waterhole, Kuniya Piti (seasonal), Kantju Gorge
Uluru sunset and dinner
Meals: Lunch, Dinner (Ayers Rock arrivals: Dinner only)
Camping: Ayers Rock Coach Campground (tents or bush swags, communal bathrooms)
Driving Distance: 460 km
Hike Distance: 2-3 km (2-3 hours)
Uluru to Kata Tjuta to Kings Canyon
Rise and shine for an early brekkie and a dazzling sunrise over Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park. Just when you thought Uluru was jaw-dropping, in struts the majestic Kata Tjuta. We’ll hike the Valley of the Winds or Walpa Gorge and be in awe of these massive, otherworldly rock formations.
Next stop? Kings Canyon! Tonight, we’re camping at a super-exclusive safari spot situated on the lands of the traditional Wanmarra community, one of the most remote places on earth (you’re closer to the International Space Station than the nearest McDonalds). Round off the day with a campfire feast and outback stargazing – you’ve never seen a sky like this.
Day 2 Highlights:
Spectacular sunrise at Uluru
Kata Tjuta (The Olgas)
Hike Valley of the Winds or Walpa Gorge
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Camping: Private Kings Canyon Campsite - Permanent Tents or Bush Swags (communal bathroom facilities)
Driving Distance: 406 km (4.5 hours)
Hike Distance: 2-6 km (2-4 hours, weather permitting)
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. Get your water bottle and hiking boots ready because Kings Canyon is calling! With its towering cliffs, sandstone chasms, and breathtaking views, this ancient canyon is the ultimate hiker’s dream. Conditions permitting, we’ll set off on foot to explore the canyon, including the iconic rim walk, on the most seasonally suitable section of the trail.
Rest up in the bus as we head back up north, travelling off-the-beaten track via the Mereenie Loop Tourist Drive or Ernest Giles Road and heading out towards the West MacDonnell Ranges for an evening of stargazing at our private bush camp located near Mount Sonder.
Day 3 Highlights:
Kings Canyon Watarrka National Park
Mereenie Loop Drive (or Ernest Giles Road, depending on conditions)
Spectacular stargazing in the West MacDonnells
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Camping: Private West MacDonnell Ranges Campsite - Permanent Tents or Bush Swags (toilets only)
Driving Distance: 370 km (4 hours)
Hike Distance: 4-6 km (3-4 hours)
Standley Chasm and Tjoritja West MacDonnell Ranges to Alice Springs
Our West MacDonnell National Park exploration unfolds amidst the towering red walls of Ormiston Gorge. Fuel up with some breakfast while nestled within this awe-inspiring natural wonder, taking a moment to appreciate the immense geological forces that sculpted this landscape. Keep your eyes peeled for native wildlife emerging with the rising sun.
Next, we cool off with a refreshing dip in the Ellery Creek Bighole (Udepata in Arrernte). Surrounded by dramatic cliffs and sandy Ellery Creek, this permanent waterhole offers a welcome respite in the arid outback. Continuing our journey, we arrive at Standley Chasm (Angkerle Atwatye). This dramatic 3-meter-wide, 80-meter-high gorge provides a stunning backdrop for our exploration.
Our final stop is Simpsons Gap, another remarkable feature of the Tjoritja West MacDonnells. This significant
site boasts a permanent waterhole attracting diverse wildlife and holds cultural significance as the
intersection of several Aboriginal dreaming trails.
With hearts full of wonder and unforgettable memories, we return to Alice Springs, dropping you off at your
chosen accommodation. Relive your incredible four-day exploration and connect with the new friends
you've made along the way.
Day 4 Highlights:
Ormiston Gorge & Ochre Pit
Ellery Creek Big Hole
Standley Chasm
Simpsons Gap
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Driving Distance: 250 km (3 hours)
Walking Distance: 3-4 km
*Autopia Tours reserves the right to alter the route or itinerary schedule during seasonal weather fluctuations and/or during park closures due to traditional landowner ceremonies.
Essential Packing List
3L Refillable water bottle
Wide brimmed hat, sunglasses & sunscreen
Swimwear, beach towel & toiletries
Comfortable sturdy hiking shoes (tread closed toe shoes)
All-weather clothing (extreme conditions inc wind, heat, cold, day/night)
Raincoat, windbreaker, warm clothes in the evening
15kg soft bag or backpack & small day pack
Tropical strength insect repellent
Mosquito or fly net (summer months)
Flashlight, headlamp or torch, camera
Money for snack and meals
Bring your own sleeping bag & pillow (optional - if staying in a swag)
Recharge power bank (limited access to power to charge phone or cameras)