4 Day Red Centre Kings Canyon West MacDonnell from Alice Springs
4.8
18 Ratings
Alice Springs
Experience the best of the Red Centre in just four days with this small group adventure. Explore iconic locations like Uluru, Kings Canyon, Kata Tjuta, and the West MacDonnell Ranges. Choose between twin share safari tents or a traditional swag experience.
Duration: 4 days
Cancellation: 6 days learn more
Highlights

Day 1: Alice Springs to Ayers Rock (Uluru)

Alice Springs - On our way to Ayers Rock from Alice Springs, we stop off at the Mt Connor lookout (false Uluru) for a view of the mighty red mountain and Curtin Springs for a toilet stop before turning in to our campground for lunch. Following lunch, we make our way to the Aboriginal cultural centre of the Red Centre. Cultural, ecological, historical, and geological aspects of this park are fascinating to learn about. We are blown away by Uluru’s sheer size and magnificence after a short drive, which we are able to experience up close and personal for the first time. We visit sacred rock art sites and hear creation stories of Kuniya and Liru during our base walk to Kuniya Piti. During our journey through Kantju Gorge, we visit sacred sites, the highest waterfalls in Central Australia, an elders’ cave, and one of the world’s oldest pantry. We retreat to the panoramic viewpoint in the afternoon for one of the most stunning sunsets on earth after seeing the world’s largest rock up close and personal.

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

Kata Tjuta - The Olgas - In the morning we wake up early and have a light breakfast before heading to the Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park for a spectacular sunrise. When you think Uluru couldn’t get any more majestic than it already is, you just can’t help but think when you approach Kata Tjuta, with its stunning silhouette, that it could get any more stunning. Here, we embark on a hiking adventure through the Valley of the Winds or Walpa Gorge admiring the mighty conglomerate rock formations along the way. In the afternoon we move away from Kata Tjuta to the Kings Canyon region so that we can enjoy a magnificent outback sunset followed by a hearty meal around the campfire after a day exploring Uluru Kata Tjuta National Park.

Day 3: Kings Canyon to West MacDonnell Ranges

Kings Canyon - 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. Arriving at the jewel in the crown at the centre of Watarrka National Park (Kings Canyon) we find ourselves surrounded by towering 100-metre cliff faces, views of sandstone chasms and jaw-dropping backdrops that will make the hairs stand up on the back of your neck. Grab your water, hat and sturdy shoes as we set off on foot to explore (the most seasonally applicable part of) the canyon in more detail. Rest up in the bus as we head back up north, passing through Alice Springs and heading out towards the West MacDonnell Ranges for an evening of stargazing at our bush camp.

Day 4: West MacDonnell Ranges to Alice Springs

Tjoritja/West MacDonnell National Park - Known traditionally as Angkerle Atwatye, meaning \

What's Included
  • Accredited outback driver guide
  • Traditional Bush Single Swag (Swag option)
  • Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Parks pass included
  • Lunch
  • Dinner
  • Breakfast
  • Bed linen, mattress and pillow provided (Safari Tent option)
  • Standley Chasm Gorge pass included
  • Guided bush walks (up to 10-12 km of walking, subject to fitness level)
  • On board drinking water (please provide your own bottle)
What's Not Included
  • Any meal, not indicated within the itinerary
  • Personal expenses
Additional Information

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.

  • 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 70 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.
  • While we endeavour to cater to most dietary needs, passengers must advise dietary requirements to their booking agent at the time of booking. As we are venturing to remote areas we are very limited in what we can source once the tour departs, therefore prior notice is required.
  • ​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.
  • Limited storage space in our vehicles. Baggage must be kept to 1 x 15kg travel bag, 1 x 5kg day bag. Not suitable for mobility-impaired travellers, wheelchairs, walkers or strollers.
  • Please ensure you have checked the average temperatures for the time of year you are travelling and have packed adequate clothing.
  • ​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.
Location
Stay at Alice Springs Hotel
Leichhardt Terrace
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 us.
Cancellation Policy

If you cancel at least 7 day(s) before the scheduled departure time, you will receive a full refund.
If you cancel between 3 and 6 day(s) before the scheduled departure time, you will receive a 50% refund.
If you cancel within 2 day(s) of the scheduled departure, you will receive a 0% refund.

Customer Ratings
4.8
(18 Ratings)
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X6423seannah
May 17, 2024
A fascinating way to explore the Central Australian majestic features and culture - I was part of the group that undertook the 4D/3N trip which included visiting Uluru, Kata-Tjuta, King's Canyon and West MacDonnell Ranges of Central Australia. What can I say... The tour was simply an amazing experience. The tour guide I happened to have assigned to my tour, Misty, is clearly very passionate about the stuff she talks about. They way she describes not only the indigenous history, but also addresses the importance of preservation of the local culture and knowledge and the passing of the stories we are allowed to know as visitors to the country makes you appreciate the very same land you are standing on in a way you would not otherwise have. Especially, if you are a visitor from other parts of the world. And I feel that this is true not only for foreigners visiting Australia, but for Aussies too. You can clearly see that when Misty talks, she talks from the heart, which makes her an amazing guide. Our group was not only privileged to be let on some of the stories of dreaming (that are allowed to be shared in a condensed form) but were also also educated by Misty on some amazing geological features we were able to witness at Uluru, Kata-Tjuta and at Kings Canyon, which she excitedly pointed out. The tour offers plenty of time to rest when travelling between the camps, which also makes a perfect time to watch the country passing by while relaxing on the bus. The first day starts early in the morning with departure from Alice Springs. Arrival at Yulara is approximately at 1pm, where you are then introduced to your camp and the camp host. You have the option to stay in the tent or a swag (depending which option you pay for). You are treated to a delicious lunch and afterwards you are taken to the base of Uluru where you visit the Cultural and Arts Centre. This visit is then followed by two short walks which are easy to participate in, regardless of one’s age or fitness ability. You visit a beautiful waterhole in which you are invited to silently appreciate and witness the country and amazing nature you are in. For the sunset, you visit an observation spot where you are treated to a glass of sparkling / juice and some snacks and are welcome to participate in group photos. The sunset over Uluru is always stunning, and it truly highlights the natural redness of the rock itself. Later you return to camp at Yulara where dinner has been prepared for you. There is an opportunity to sit around the bonfire under the stars and chat to your group-mates. The second day you wake up early in the morning, have brekky and take about half-hour long transfer trip to an observation site where you are treated to an amazing sunrise over Uluru and Kata-Tjuta range, which you travel to afterwards. Kata-Tjuta is a stunning place that fills you with a sense of wonder and mystery, as you traverse the great Valley of the Winds walk. This experience was yet again enriched by Misty’s informative talks and little mentions of interesting features here and there. After the walk concludes, you are then headed back to Yulara camp where you help pack up and clean up, have lunch and leave for Kings Canyon. The transfer to Kings Canyon takes about 4.5 hours give or take and the campsite there was by far my favourite. It has unapologetically the best bush shower in Australia (literally some corrugate sheets, a small wood-fired boiler to heat up the water and the most amazing views if you decide to shower during the sunset!) The camp was nestled in a little valley, far from the road, yet close enough to Kings Creek Station that you had a little bit of Telstra reception for basic internet stuff. There was also a lookout to watch the sunset from. The stars were amazing too and I was lucky enough to witness a shooting star or two! We had dinner and chatter over a fire before headed to bed for an early morning hike at Kings Canyon! Kings Canyon itself is a beautiful, easily hiked location. You walk up the steep stairway at first, which brings you at the top of the canyon plateau, which you continue over until reaching the gorge, taking you down to a spot called The Gargen of Eden, a shaded waterhole at the bottom of the gorge. This is yet another amazing location where you have a short break, allowing you to admire and silently appreciate the beauty and serenity of the place around you. After Kings Canyon, you will travel to the majestic West MacDonnell Ranges, which on their eastern side nearly touch Alice Springs. You make this journey via the so-called Mereenie loop, a corrugated dirt road which really does shake you around at places. Nonetheless, it is all part of the adventure and a great experience and insight into what it is like driving of many of the remote roads in the NT, if you’ve not done or experienced so before. Once you hit bitumen again, it is only a short drive to a stunning Ormiston Gorge, where you can walk up the Ghost Gum lookout for some spectacular views of the gorge itself, and afterwards you are welcome to treat yourself to a swim in the gorge’s own waterhole. You then follow up with a short trip to the third camp, where a BBQ and the last night around the bonfire with your new tour friends awaits. The last day is very much about making way towards Alice Springs, with stops at Ochre Pits, Ellery Creek Big Hole, which presents another opportunity for a swim, or just a relaxing time by the water, followed by visiting Standley Chasm and Simpsons Gap, all spectacular locations, practically on the outskirts of Alice Springs. The tour concludes by entering Alice Springs and dropping everyone off at their accommodation. Yet again, I want to highlight that tour companies need more guides like Misty. Her insight, knowledge, and genuine care about the things she tries to educate and inform people about are a great enhancement of the tour itself and make one understand a lot more about how the indigenous people see the country and why it is important to preserve it. Thank you Autopia Tours for one absolutely remarkable experience! I hope many more people visiting central Australia get to have one similar to mine!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Ka_d
Jan 31, 2024
Awesome trip - This was a fantastic trip. Including all the classic tourist stops between Alice Springs and Uluru. Our guide was on time, well organized, very knowledgable, kind, funny and safety conscious. We did a lot of hikes no more than 2-3 hours each day in the desert visiting very beautiful and special spots. The food was simple fare and plenty prepared by the guide, customers washed their own dishes. Camping was simple, but adequate in tents or in a swag on the ground. In January it is very hot so we had to hike very early to walk before the heat got bad. There is a lot of driving between places, but the guide stopped each hour or two at a gas station for a stretch and toilet break, but it's a 5 hour drive no matter how you drive it from Alice Springs to Uluru. I found it to be a special visit and a suerr fun group to be with.
Review provided by Viator
Kai
Dec 28, 2023
Fabulos and inspiring experiance in the outback of austrialia - Wow, wonderfull outback with all kinds of animals, mountants, roads, people, sun, weather, slepping, storys, culture... 3 most remabale: At Uluru 1000s of brids all round us; Kings Caves climbing ontop; sleeping under sky full of stars :)
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E3610yrlaural
Dec 26, 2023
Most memorable tour! - This is by far the best tour I have ever been on. The environment was absolutely stunning. The sunrise on King's Canyon is one of the most special things I have ever seen! Special shout-out to Shearna, whose enthusiasm, energy, organisation and knowledge were greatly appreciated! Federico, who also joined us on tour, had some really interesting additions to Shearna's stories as well. Would 100% recommend booking this tour!
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Missharrison1
Nov 24, 2023
Best Red Centre Tour! - This tour well and truly exceeded my expectations. Damien was an excellent guide, with such thorough knowledge and stories, he always went above and beyond. Accommodation was great, and spotless. The safari tent option was perfect for me with little camping experience. I traveled solo but never felt alone, the group was lovely, and being able to cook together and sit around the campfire was amazing. 100% would recommend, covered all the key locations in the red centre that I would have missed out on if I went alone, Kings Canyon was the highlight and shouldn’t be missed!
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Ipeeters
Nov 15, 2023
An experience never to be forgotten - Great experience! Shearna was a most wonderful guide on this 4-day tour around Uluru, Kata Tjuṯa, Kings Canyon and the West Mc Donall ranges. Great sunrises, sunsets and hikes. Shearna was so well organised and always in good spirit. Gave us a lot of information too on all sorts of topics related to the area. I enjoyed every minute of it 🙏
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Barbarasoph
Nov 11, 2023
Best experience in the red centre - 1000% do recommend the 3 or 4 day trip to Uluru/Kata Tjuta. It is such a wonderful experience. Our guide Shearna was very knowledgable on the land, the aboriginals and the flora and fauna. Her enthusiasm, energy and great jokes rubbed off on the entire group. She also managed to connect this group of strangers together. The hike’s are amazing and on some hikes adjustable to your level. Great job, keep up the good work!
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V998upgracel
Nov 7, 2023
our tour girl SHERARA IS A SUPER WOMAN - our tour girl SHERARA IS A SUPER WOMAN!!! she did everything for whole tour: tour us and explain all places: drive all the way for 4 days; preparing all cooking; preparing all cooking equipments,etc. Her knowledge re tour is in super standard, about all aboriginal lands, people, history; about natural plants; birds; animals.etc. She is most greatest tour girl i have ever see!!!
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Marcus_h
Nov 7, 2023
Very good - The guide Sheanna was excellent. Really knowledgeable and enthusiastic and was very sensitive to the varying needs of the party. She always went the extra mile. On the down side the campsite on the first night was underwhelming- dirty toilets a distance from the tents. The light in my tent didn’t work properly- it’s not easy to pack up in the dark at 4am!
Review provided by Viator
Andrew_w
Dec 13, 2023
Red Centre is an awesome experience - Kings canyon rim walk and the Olga’s walk were amazing. Campsites were comfortable and fun. Long journey (7.5 hrs) in bus 1st day, picking up other tourists from hotels and airport. We hadn’t realised group was going to be so large, 21, this is a lot for one guide who is driving, cooking and guiding.
Review provided by Viator
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up to 15 guests
1 Adult
June 2024
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