4 Day Uluru Kings Canyon West MacDonnell NP to/from Alice Springs, Alice Springs

About this activity

Four days, exploring four iconic locations (Uluru, Kings Canyon, Kata Tjuta and Tjoritja West MacDonnell Ranges) all wrapped up in one tour. This small group adventure encompasses the very best the Red Centre has to offer. There is a very good reason why Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park is included on the UNESCO World Heritage List. In 1987, the international community recognized the park's spectacular geological formations, rare plants, and exceptional natural beauty. A few of the highlights include exploring Ormiston Gorge, Ochre Pits and Ellery Creek Big Hole, hiking through the Valley of the Winds or Walpa Gorge, and exploring Mutitjulu Waterhole, Kuniya Piti, and Kantju Gorge.

We provide two different sleeping options at our permanent campsites, with twin share safari tents, or you can try out a traditional swag experience. (canvas-covered bedroll)

This tour starts and finishes in Alice Springs only, please advise us of your accommodation at the time of booking.

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At a glance

Duration: 4 days
Confirmation: Instant confirmation
Ticket: Mobile or paper ticket accepted
Group: Up to 21 people
People per booking: 1–21
Guide: English
Operated by: Autopia Tours

Ages: Children (8–12 years) · Adults (13–70 years)

What is included

Included

Included: Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Parks pass included
Included: 3 Nights Permanent Outback Campsites (Uluru, Kings Canyon, West MacDonnell)
Included: Lunch
Included: Accredited outback driver guide with extensive tour commentary
Included: Dinner
Included: Breakfast
Included: Air-conditioned 4x4 off-road bus so we can travel off-the-beaten tracks
Included: Standley Chasm Gorge pass included
Included: Guided bush walks* (*up to 10-12 km of walking, subject to fitness level)
Included: On board drinking water (please provide your own bottle)
Included: Bed linen, mattress and pillow provided (Safari Tent option) OR Traditional Bush Swag (Swag option)

Not included

Not included: Any meal, not indicated within the itinerary
Not included: Personal expenses

Itinerary

Day 1 · Alice Springs to Ayers Rock (Uluru)

Alice Springs

12 hours

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.

Uluru Campground - Exclusive camp, shared showers & toilets, kitchen & dining areas powered by solar, unpowered tents.

Day 2 · Uluru Kata-Tjuta National Park to Kings Canyon

Kata Tjuta - The Olgas

12 hours Admission included

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.

Kings Canyon Campsite - Unique location, off grid outback showers & toilets, kitchen & dining areas, unpowered tents.

Day 3 · Kings Canyon to West MacDonnell Ranges

Kings Canyon

12 hours

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.

Staying at West MacDonnell Ranges (Glen Helen), with 2 fare options: a) Twin Share Safari Tents b) Single Swag Camping

Day 4 · West MacDonnell Ranges to Alice Springs

Tjoritja/West MacDonnell National Park

12 hours Admission not included

Our West MacDonnell National Park exploration unfolds amidst the towering red walls of Ormiston Gorge. Fuel up with some breakfast surrounded by awe-inspiring natural wonder, and appreciate the 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) and 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.

We return to Alice Springs around 18:00pm.

Meeting point and pickup

Everyone meets at the meeting point.

Meeting point

This is our main pickup point for this tour, we ask guests to be ready and waiting outside the accommodation. Alternatively, if you wish to be collected from another location please call our reservations team.

End point

This is our main pickup point for this tour, we ask guests to be ready and waiting outside the accommodation. Alternatively, if you wish to be collected from another location please call our reservations team.

Using your ticket

Mandatory Details: Passenger information is required at booking: first name, surname, date of birth, flight details (e.g. AYQ / QF728 12:35 on 01/04/23), and lead passenger’s contact number (Australian or international).

Dietary Requirements: Advise dietary needs at the time of booking. Due to remote travel, we cannot accommodate last-minute requests after tour departure.

Medical Conditions: Notify us of any medical conditions when booking. The tour is physically demanding; travel insurance is strongly recommended.

Fitness Level: Walks range from 2–6 km daily over rocky terrain, heat, and humidity. A 12–15 km walk is included. A moderate to high fitness level is required. Participation is at the guide’s discretion. Travellers over 70 must provide a doctor’s certificate 30+ days before departure.

Age Restrictions: Children 8–17 must be accompanied by an adult/guardian. Not suitable for children under 8 due to safety concerns.

Mobility: This tour is not suitable for mobility-impaired travellers, or those using wheelchairs, walkers, prams, or strollers.

Baggage: Round-Trip Tours: 1 x 15 kg bag + 1 x 5 kg day bag. Larger bags should be stored at your hotel (round-trip only).

Itinerary Variations: Routes may change due to weather, cultural reasons, or safety. We adjust plans to ensure the best guest experience.

Guest Participation: Guests assist with meals, clean-up, and packing/unpacking—it's a great way to bond and share the load.

Reconfirmation: Reconfirm tour details within 7 days of departure by calling 03 9393 1333.

Important: We recommend not booking any flights on the final day of the tour to avoid potential delays.

Cancellation

Free cancellation

If you cancel at least 6 full day(s) before the scheduled departure time, you will receive a full refund.<br>If you cancel between 2 and 6 day(s) before the scheduled departure time, you will receive a 50% refund.<br>If you cancel within 2 day(s) of the scheduled departure, you will receive a 0% refund.

If you cancel	You get back
At least 6 days before	100%
At least 2 days before	50%
Less than a day before	0%

Good to know

Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
Not recommended for pregnant travelers
Service animals allowed
Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
A minimum moderate to advanced level of fitness is required to complete the walks. Therefore a medium/high level of fitness is required and a doctor's certificate is required for people over 75 years (30 days prior to travel).
The tour operator must be notified of any known medical conditions at the time of booking. This is a very physical tour and requires a moderate level of fitness and mobility.
Children aged between 8 to 17 years old must be accompanied by an adult or legal guardian at all times. Not suitable for infants or children 7 years and under, due to safety requirements and the level of fitness required to complete the walk.
Please advise at time of booking whether you require a hire of a sleeping bag?
Guests are asked to participate in the preparation of meals, clean up and vehicle unpacking/loading, so everyone can relax together after a long day of touring. It’s also a great way to get to know and connect with your fellow travellers.
This tour ends in Alice Springs only.

Options

Twin Share Eco Tent [RA4-S]

Twin Share Eco Tent (RA4-S): Guests sleep in permanent tented campsite, twin beds with mattress, bed linen supplied protected from the elements (sleeps 2)

Adventure Camping Style: Enjoy a true outback camping experience, with communal campground shared showers & toilet facilities and an unpowered site.

Duration: 4 days: 4 Days / 3 Nights Outback Camping Experience

Meals Included: 3 x breakfasts, 4 x lunches, 3 x dinners. Prepared by our guide, guests are asked to participate in preparation of the meals.

Touring Route: Starts: Alice Springs around 6:00am

Finishes: Alice Springs around 18:00-18:30pm

4WD Off-Road Outback Vehicle: All-terrain 4x4 mini-coach, comfortable seating, designed to go off-road and explore more of outback Central Australia.

Solo Traveller Bookings: Travelers booking separately in a Safari Tent Twin Share are paired with another solo person, if possible of the same gender.
Bush Single Swag [RA4-B]

Bush Single Swag (RA4-B): Guests sleep under the stars on the ground, in a self-contained canvas-covered bush bed roll with a camp mattress (sleeps 1)

Adventure Camping Style: Enjoy a true outback camping experience, with communal campground shared showers & toilet facilities and an unpowered site.

Duration: 4 days: 4 Days / 3 Nights Outback Camping Experience

Meals Included: 3 x breakfasts, 4 x lunches, 3 x dinners. Prepared by our guide, guests are asked to participate in preparation of the meals.

Touring Route: Starts: Alice Springs around 6:00am

Finishes: Alice Springs around 18:00-18:30pm

4WD Off-Road Outback Vehicle: All-terrain 4x4 mini-coach, comfortable seating, designed to go off-road and explore more of outback Central Australia.

Optional Swag Extras: Sleeping bags can be hired from us onboard for $40 AUD. This includes cleaning costs. You are can bring your own.