4 Day Ayers Rock, Kings Canyon, MacDonnell Ranges

Summary

"Spend four days exploring the highlights of the Red Centre - Uluru, Kata Tjuta and Kings Canyon in a comfortable 16 seat 4WD vehicle. Get off the beaten track and travel along the less travelled Mereenie Loop road in the majestic Western MacDonnell ranges. Tour ideally suited for 18-39 year olds."

Itinerary

Day 1: Alice Springs to Kata Tjuta and Uluru

Welcome to the Outback! Our first stop is the Outback Camel Farm where you can see the world from the top of a camel if you choose to take a ride (own expense). Next we travel to the Ayers Rock Resort for your first glimpse of Uluru, located in the heart of the Red Centre.

This afternoon Kata Tjuta (the Olgas) will amaze you as you get up close to the majestic features of this ancient landform as you hike the Valley of the Winds. In the  evening, relax with a glass of Australian sparkling wine as the sun sinks slowly behind Uluru (Ayers Rock). Soon the outback sky will darken, and after a delicious dinner you'll be mesmerised by its starry brilliance before falling asleep in your safari accommodation.

Accommodation: Ayers Rock Camp Site
Meals: L, D

Day 2: Uluru to Kings Canyon

It's an early start this morning, but you'll be rewarded with a glorious Uluru sunrise and take the opportunity to stretch your legs with a walk around Uluru's base (unguided). You'll deepen your understanding of the land and its stories at the Cultural Centre. After lunch we travel to our permanent campsite at Kings Canyon. You'll fall asleep contented with a delicious camp oven dinner filling your stomach.

Accommodation:  Kings Canyon  Camp Site
Meals: B, L, D

Day 3: Kings Canyon to Glen Helen

There's a lot to explore at Kings Canyon and we check out the Amphitheatre, Lost City, the lush and ancient Garden of Eden and the sheer outcrops of the North and South walls. After lunch, we travel along the well-known Mereenie Loop Track (also called the Red Centre Way). We pass the 140 million year old meteorite crater, Gosse Bluff as we travel towards Glen Helen where we camp tonight nestled in the western end of the majestic MacDonnell Ranges.

Meals: B, L, D

Day 4: Glen Helen to Alice Springs

Discover the spectacular geological features of Ormiston Gorge, before heading to morning tea at the historic Hermannsburg Mission, established by Lutheran Missionaries in the 1870's. There's time to wander around the old church, school house, museum and the art gallery which features works by renowned Aboriginal artist Albert Namitjira. After a hot 'cuppa' and piece of traditional German cake prepare for some 4WD action! We travel along the ancient track of the Finke River to access the majestic scenery of Palm Valley and Cycad Gorge, exploring what was once a prehistoric inland sea. Keep your eyes out for the Livistonia Mariae, a tropical palm and one of the rarest trees in the world. The spectacular Western MacDonnell Ranges will continue to impress you all the way back to Alice Springs.

Meals: B, L

Additional Information

What's Included: Experienced tour guide, meals as indicated, accommodation transfers, camping fees and equipment.

What to Bring: Sturdy walking shoes (ankle high), hat and sunscreen, water bottle, towel and toiletries, swimming gear, torch, warm clothing in winter, insect repellent/ net, camera, pillow, sleeping bag (can be hired for AUD$20).

Notes: Single travellers will be paired with another single traveller of the same sex in twin share permanent tents.

Further Information

West MacDonnell Ranges

This vast and spectacular section of the MacDonnell Ranges, located west of Alice Springs, is an outstanding example of an ancient landscape sculptured over time by climatic elements. Cool scenic gorges are important refuges for a collection of plants and animals, many of which are found only here and some are relicts of a bygone era of tropical forests., Features of the landscape are significant in the stories of Western Arrernte Aboriginal culture, and have existed for many thousands of years..