4 Day 4WD Red Centre Explorer
We'll take you to the heart of the Red Centre on this four day tour camping in the outback. Starting at Alice Springs, this tour checks off all the must-see sites in the area, including: Glen Helen, Gosse Bluff, Kata Tjuta (the Olgas), Kings Canyon, Mereenie Loop Track, Ormistorn Gorge, Palm Valley, Western MacDonnell Ranges and of course Uluru itself. You'll also experience an Uluru cultural experience and see the sun rise over the great rock. This tour has the lot!
Highlights
| Fitness | |
| Vehicles | |
| Accommodation |
| Tour Code | AR4 |
| Duration | 4 days |
| Tour Style | Explorer |
| Route | Alice Springs , Uluru (Ayers Rock) to Alice Springs |
| Maximum Passengers | 16 |
| Price (adult) | AUD $880.00EUR €735.00GBP £590.00 |
| Valid | 31 March 2013 - 30 March 2014 |
| Download |
Itinerary and trip notes
Itinerary: day by day
Day 1 – Alice Springs to Kata Tjuta and Uluru
DEFAULT PICK UP (begin Alice Springs): Haven Backpacker Resort, 06:10am
DEFAULT PICK UP (begin Ayers Rock): Desert Gardens Hotel, 1:45pm**
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. After lunch, we explore fascinating Kata Tjuta (the Olgas) on a guided walk through the Valley of the Winds. We make it back in time for an enthralling desert sunset at Uluru. After dinner, curl up in your permanent tent or try sleeping in a swag (Aussie bedroll) and watch the stars come out to play in the darkening sky. (LD)
Day 2 – Uluru to Kings Canyon
Sunrise over Uluru is magical and it’s an early start to catch it. While the morning’s fresh (and your legs are too) enjoy an unguided walk around the base of Uluru. You will then deepen your understanding of the land and the Mala people as you take a cultural interpretive walk with an Aboriginal guide (and interpreter)*. It is a unique opportunity to share experiences, connect with and learn about the oldest culture on earth. Afterwards, you will have the opportunity to purchase Aboriginal arts and crafts at the Cultural Centre before we travel to our exclusive campsite within the Watarrka National Park (Kings Canyon) where we sleep for the night. (BLD)
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 at the western end of the MacDonnell Ranges. (BLD)
Day 4 – Glen Helen to Alice Springs
During a morning hike you will discover the spectacular geological features of Ormiston Gorge and spot for wallabies and other wildlife. Then we travel along the 4WD tracks of the Finke River to access the remarkable 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. (BL)
B = Breakfast | L = Lunch | D = Dinner
Travel Insurance is compulsory for all travellers on all tours and details must be presented to tour guide before departure. Please refer to terms and conditions for more details.
Departures
Departure location : Select Alice Springs accommodation from 5:45am - Default pick up: Haven Backpacker Resort at 06:10am. OR Ayers Rock Resort 1:45pm** from Desert Gardens Hotel, for tours departing before October 6th. Please see 'Important notes' for pick ups for departures on or after October 6th.
Arrival location : Alice Springs accommodation early evening day 4
Tour Departs:
Year round: Mon, Sat
To check out departures dates and availability, just click the BOOK NOW button on this page
Included
- Experienced tour guide
- National Park entry
- Meals as indicated
- Accommodation transfers
- Permanent campsites including twin share tents, camping fees and equipment
- Aboriginal cultural interpretive walk*
What to bring
- Sturdy walking shoes
- Hat and sunscreen
- Toiletries
- Towel
- Warm clothing in winter
- Water bottle
- Torch/flashlight
- Insect repellent
- Camera
- Pillow
- Sleeping bag (can be purchased for $30)
Notes
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** Pick ups from Ayers Rock:
Tours departing before October 6th:
The Yulara Airport Shuttle (free) is available to catch from the airport to the Desert Gardens Hotel. No bookings are required, just look for the shuttle out the front of the airport once luggage has been collected. Lunch is not included on Day 1.
Qantas QF1851, 0955am – pick up from Desert Gardens Hotel at 1345 (catch airport shuttle)
Virgin VA1627, 1305pm – pick up from Desert Gardens at 1345 (catch airport shuttle)
Jetstar JQ660, 1335pm – pick up is from Ayers Rock Airport at 1415 (do not catch shuttle)
Qantas QF1941, 1450pm – no pick up available.
Tours departing on and after October 6th:
There will be no 1345 Desert Gardens Hotel pick up from 6th October onwards. Lunch will be included on Day 1 for all passengers.
Qantas QF1851, 0950am – pick up from Desert Gardens Hotel at 1310 (catch airport shuttle). This 1310 pick up will not be available for any other flight, and so may not operate all days.
Virgin VA1627, 1145am – pick up is from Ayers Rock Airport at 1300 (do not catch shuttle)
Jetstar JQ660, 1235pm – pick up is from Ayers Rock Airport at 1300 (do not catch shuttle)
Qantas QF1941, 1450pm – no pick up available.
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- Itineraries may vary and/or attractions be substituted for any cause including seasonal conditions, weather extremes, traditional owner and national park requirements. Please see terms and conditions of travel for full details.
- Travel insurance is compulsory for all travellers on all tours and details must be presented to tour guide before departure.
- A STRICT luggage limit of 15kg applies. Excess baggage should remain at your Alice Springs accommodation.
- B = Breakfast, L = Lunch, D = Dinner.
- Tour must be reconfirmed 48hrs prior to departure by phone on 1300 654 604 (within Australia).
- It is your responsibility to contact Adventure Tours with your preferred accommodation pick up point. If we do not hear from you, we will assume you will make your way to our default pick up point as listed in the itinerary and the PDF document on the website. We will not be responsible for missed pick-ups (and a missed tour) if we do not receive notification from you or your travel agent, and if you are not at the default pick up point at the appropriate time.
- * Where Aboriginal guide is unavailable an Adventure Tours guide will lead the interpretive cultural walk.
