Outback camping tour · Alice Springs or Yulara
This 3-day camping trip links Uluru, Kata Tjuta and Kings Canyon in the Northern Territory, starting from Alice Springs or Yulara. You sleep in swags under the stars, there are guided walks at Uluru, Kata Tjuta and Kings Canyon, and the park entry fees and meals are covered, per the listing.
Three days is a good fit for the Red Centre. You see Uluru at both ends of the day, walk between the domes of Kata Tjuta and finish on the Kings Canyon Rim Walk; guests say the guide also drives and cooks. Nights are spent in a traditional Aussie swag, a canvas bedroll, at campsites with basic shared facilities. The sleeping bag is included; the pillow is not.
The best part may be what you don't have to sort out. The listing includes the Watarrka and Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park entry fees, so there is no separate NT Parks Pass to buy for Kings Canyon. All meals are included too, and the operator can cater for dietary needs with 48 hours' notice. Guests say there is plenty of food, and one called the camps well set up, with hot showers.
Two start options change the shape of the trip. From Alice Springs you are picked up at about 6am and the 2-night version ends back in Alice at about 6pm on day 3. From Yulara or Uluru Airport the pickup is between 1:40 and 2pm, and the 3-night version ends in Yulara at about 9am on day 4. Groups go up to 24 people. Kings Canyon here is the one in Watarrka National Park, not the California park; the Uluru to Kings Canyon guide explains the routes.
From Alice Springs it is a 6am pickup and a drive of about 4.5 hours to Yulara, with an early lunch on the way. From Yulara or Uluru Airport the pickup is 1:40 to 2pm, and your flight must land before 1:45pm.
A guided hike between the domes of Kata Tjuta, then a light snack while the sun sets over Uluru. Dinner is at camp.
Sunrise at Uluru, a cultural site with Anangu rock art and creation stories, then the full Uluru Base Walk at your own pace.
After lunch you visit the Cultural Centre, then drive to a campsite near Watarrka National Park for dinner and a night under the stars.
A guided Rim Walk takes in the Lost City, the Garden of Eden and the Amphitheatre, per the listing. The NT Government rates the loop Grade 4, 6 km, 3 to 4 hours.
The 2-night tour ends in Alice Springs at about 6pm on day 3; the 3-night tour ends in Yulara at about 9am on day 4.
★★★★★Excellent. It was a great experience with an amazing group of people. Hannah did an awesome job, getting us from place to place and sharing with us history, stories, identification of plants and generally keeping us safe. Walking the base of Uluru, seeing it at its best times, visiting Kata Tjuta and doing the Rim Walk at Kings Canyon were all a WOW for me. [...] It was a first for me, camping and sleeping in a swag . I loved it.
★★★★★The best experience ever! [...] Our tour guide Ryan was super friendly, fun, and explained everything really well. We had plenty of food and snacks, with regular toilet stops along the way. The camps had everything we needed, including hot showers, sleeping bags and etc.
★★★★★James was a brilliant guide; knowledgeable but fun. He managed to cater for a diverse group very well. A very good leader. He looked after his chickens admirably. A great experience!
★★★★★James is a energetic, easy going, cheerful young guide who happily shares his insight and knowledge about the australian way of living, the environment, history and nature which makes him an amazing guide for all agegroups.
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Yes. The listing includes the Watarrka and Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park entry fees, so you don't need to buy a separate NT Parks Pass for Kings Canyon or a park ticket for Uluru.
In an Aussie swag, a canvas bedroll, at campsites with basic shared facilities. The sleeping bag is included; bring your own pillow if you want one. Guests mention hot showers at the camps.
Day 3. After two days around Uluru and Kata Tjuta you sleep at a campsite near Watarrka National Park, then walk the Rim Walk with your guide. This is Kings Canyon in the Northern Territory, not the national park in California.
Yes, with a full refund up to 7 days before the start. That is longer than the 24 hours on the Kings Canyon day tour, so check your dates early.
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Uluru, Kata Tjuta and the Kings Canyon Rim Walk in three days, with swags, all meals and park fees included.
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