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Overview
"Start at Yulara (Ayers Rock) and get to all the big name attractions – Uluru/Kata Tjuta, Kings Canyon the Western MacDonnell Ranges and enjoy the freedom and flexibility to explore the Outback in a small group
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This 5-day small group tour is your chance to meet the outback on your own terms. No set itinerary, no rushing around to pre-established timeframes – just you, your small group, and a well-versed local leader exploring the Red Centre at your own pace. Get to all the big name attractions – Uluru/Kata Tjuta, Kings Canyon, the Western MacDonnell Ranges – and perhaps visit lesser-known sites like Trephina Gorge, Owen Springs, Ruby Gap and the Eastern MacDonnell Ranges.
Why we love this trip:
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Spend five days experiencing the very best that the Red Centre has to offer, including Uluru, Kata Tjuta, Kings Canyon and two days exploring the sites of the MacDonnell Ranges, both East and West:
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Witnessing an Uluru sunset is a once-in-a-lifetime experience. Have your camera ready when taking in this spectacular sight.
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Discover ancient cave paintings near Mutitjulu Waterhole as a local Anangu guide explains the culture and stories behind the art and its connection to the land.
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A combination of both powered camps and swag camping to experience the true magic of the Red Centre.
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Armed with a flexible itinerary and a knowledgeable guide, this itinerary allows you to discover the Red Centre at a more relaxed pace.
Itinerary
Yulara
Uluru is the heart of Australia and represents so much about this country; its size, its beauty and its culture. Shortly after you arrive, the unmistakable Uluru will emerge from the earth as one giant boulder. Only a short drive awa, you’ll be able to walk off your lunch at Kata Tjuta (The Olga’s). With its 36 various-sized domes, it provides quite a contrast to Uluru. You’ll get to know the landscape pretty well on an afternoon hike between the domes. As the evening unfolds, enjoy a light snack as the sun slowly sets casting a variety of earthy tones across Uluru. The perfect end to a remarkable day is awaiting you back at camp, as you enjoy a delicious spread of food with your group. If the weather permits, sit outside under the stars. Total driving time today is around 2.5 hours. Total walking time is approximately 2-hours.
Uluru Sunrise
An early start this morning is rewarded with an Uluru sunrise as the sun hits the icon like a beacon, before the light floods the surrounding landscape. While the morning is fresh, enjoy a walk around the base of Uluru taking in all of the textures and valleys of Uluru up-close, which isn’t evident from afar. Join a First Nation Cultural Experience at the Mutitjulu waterhole where you’ll have the opportunity to learn about the ‘Tjukurpa’ the law and creation stories of the Anangu. Once you’ve had lunch, perhaps purchase some art at the Cultural Centre, hand-crafted by local First Nation Peoples of the Western and Central Deserts. Travel onto our exclusive campsite near the Watarrka National Park (Kings Canyon), where the group will have dinner and enjoy the stars. Accommodation: Powered camp (with shared facilities) (1 night) Total driving time today is around 3.5 hours. Total walking time is approximately 2.5 hours (or up to 3.5 if you do the full 10km base walk).
Kings Canyon
The main attraction of Watarrka National Park is undoubtedly Kings Canyon – a huge gorge enclosed by sheer rock walls many meters high. With its porous sandstone, deep gullies and hidden rock pools, it provides shelter to more than 600 species of native plants and animals. Your guide will point may of these out on a trek that takes in the canyon’s most famous locations such as the Lost City, the Garden of Eden, Amphitheatre, and of course North & South Walls of Kings Canyon. We enjoy lunch before driving during much of the afternoon to our overnight camp in the East MacDonnell Ranges. Today driving time: about 5 hours. Today walking time: about 3 hours. Accommodation: Swag Camping (with basic shared facilities) (1 night) Total driving time today is around 5.5 hours. Total walking time is approximately 3 hours. For the Kings Canyon Rim Walk it is a requirement that you have a minimum of three litres of water with you. Please consider bringing your own refillable water bottles.
East MacDonnell Ranges
Often overlooked for its western counterpart, the Eastern MacDonnell Ranges just might be one of the Outback’s best kept secrets. This is the home of the Arrernte people, the Traditional Owners of the land. Learn about their caterpillar dreamtime story on a short walk to Emily Gap, an important spiritual site to the Arrernte people containing galleries of ancient rock paintings. Drive to Jesse Gap followed by Trephina Gorge, where you’ll set off on a one-hour guided walk to see its quartzite cliffs and rich birdlife. Afterwards, it’s time for lunch; grab a bite at the historical Ross River Homestead. After exploring the best of the Eastern MacDonnell Ranges, we drive to our overnight bush camp in the West MacDonnell Ranges. Accommodation: Swag Camping (with basic shared facilities) (1 night)
West MacDonnell Ranges
Spend the afternoon exploring the Outback scenery of the Western MacDonnell Ranges. Visit one of the most photographed places in the Red Centre; Ormiston Gorge. Keep your eyes peeled for wallabies while admiring the colourful, sweeping walls surrounding its waterhole. Continue to Redbank Gorge and Ellery Creek Big Hole, a popular spot for a refreshing dip. After a satisfying day spent exploring the West MacDonnell Ranges, we head back to Alice Springs where our epic five-day adventure ends.Total walking distance: up to 10 kms. Total driving time: about 3 hours
Essential Packing List
Water bottle (at least 2 litres)
Sturdy walking shoes
Hat and sunscreen
Towel and toiletries
Camera/phone and batteries or charger
Headlight or torch
Insect repellent/flynet
Sleeping bag
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