4 Day Uluru Safari
Really experience the desert by travelling on dirt roads, staying at remote private camps complete with permanent safari tents, eating quality food cooked over a campfire and sleeping under millions of southern stars.
We'll visit all the best attractions; Uluru (Ayers Rock), Kata Tjuta (The Olgas), Kings Canyon and the West MacDonnell Ranges. All the while, hiking, swimming and exploring the ancient landscapes of the Australian Outback.
- Camping in swags or safari tents
- Visit all the Best Highlights
- Breakfast, lunch & dinner
- Vegetarians OK
- Uluru sunrise & sunset
- Hot showers & flushing toilets
- Electric plugs for charging
- Experienced tour guide
- Air-Conditioned Vehicle
- 100% Outback Experience
- Trip length:
- 4 Days
- Group size:
- Max 20
- Start:
- Alice springs / Uluru
- End:
- Alice springs
- Vehicle:
- Purpose Built 4-wheel Drive
- Sleep:
- Safari Tents or Swags
- Physical Demand:
- Comfortlevel:
Itinerary
Day 1 - Alice Springs to Uluru
(Lunch / Dinner) After picking you up from your accommodation in Alice Springs bright and early, we hit the road on our adventure of a lifetime. (For those commencing the tour at Uluru we will collect you from the Outback Pioneer Hotel or meet you from your flight at the airport).
Our journey begins heading south to Erldunda travelling through the Waterhouse and James Ranges with a stop at the Camel Farm for refreshments and a Camel ride if you're keen (own expense). On the way to Uluru we stop to view Atila (Mount Connor), a mesa tableland and the first significant rock formation of our trip.
After a stop for lunch and our arrival at the Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park, we travel to the base of Uluru where your guide will lead you on an interpretive walk, hearing of the Aboriginal law and religion (Tjukurpa). Continuing on, we meet our local Aboriginal Guide who will provide a once in a lifetime authentic Indigenous cultural experience sharing stories and passing on traditional methods of painting that plays an important part in the sustainability of Aboriginal Culture. Starting with a walk to the cave paintings near Mutitjulu Waterhole, at the base of Uluru, be guided by the Anangu hearing stories of this unique landscape and the connection between the art, culture and connection to the land. We conclude at the Cultural Centre, where you may explore the displays and learn of the flora and fauna of this unique area.
Experience the famous changing colours of Uluru at sunset, complete with sparkling wine and nibbles. It's a great time to kick back and contemplate the day and the vastness of the desert. Afterwards settle in at our remote private camp, complete with our Endless Star dining experience before retiring to your swag under the amazing night sky or your comfortable safari tent complete with beds.
After dinner this evening, you may choose to view the Field of Light art installation (optional and additional expense).
After being collected from a location close to your campsite you will be transferred to the Field of Light. Enjoy a walk through this incredible light display at your own pace before being transferred back to our campsite. The exhibition, aptly named Tili Wiru Tjuta Nyakutjaku or ‘looking at lots of beautiful lights’ in local Pitjantjatjara is Bruce Munro’s largest work to date. Overwhelming in size, covering more than seven football fields, it invites immersion in its fantasy garden of 50,000 spindles of light, the stems breathing and swaying through a sympathetic desert spectrum of ochre, deep violet, blue and gentle white.
We highly recommend booking your Field of Light experience in advance as this does book out in advance. This can be done at the same time as placing your reservation with us. If booking on-line choose the ‘Book now’ button on this page and a drop down menu will display the Field of Light option under ‘Activities’. All Field of Light bookings are on request and will be confirmed within 24 hours of placing booking. Our reservations team will be in touch if there is no availability on your departure date, otherwise you are ready to experience this magical once in a lifetime experience.
Day 2 - Uluru to Kings Creek Station
(Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner) Rising early, watch the sunrise over Uluru and Kata Tjuta from a lookout close to our campsite well away from the hustle and bustle of the public viewing area. Afterwards depart for Kata Tjuta and a hike through the "Valley of the Winds". Enjoy lunch before heading to Kings Creek Station and our private campsite, miles from the crowds where the feeling of ‘wayoutback’ starts to take hold. After a campfire dinner, kick back and be mesmerised by the millions of stars on display.
Day 3 - Kings Creek Station to West MacDonnell Ranges National Park
(Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner) This morning take a guided walk to see the towering walls, crevices and plateaus of Watarrka (Kings Canyon). Visit the Amphitheatre, Lost City and the tranquil ‘Garden of Eden’. After Watarrka we 4WD along the famous Mereenie Loop Road looking out for wildlife along the way before arriving at our permanent camp within the West MacDonnell Ranges National Park.
Day 4 - West MacDonnell Ranges National Park to Alice Springs
(Breakfast / Lunch) Spend today exploring the mighty West MacDonnell Ranges. At Ormiston Gorge, keep your eyes peeled for Perentie Lizards lazing along the banks and take a swim in the rock holes. Hike the “Ghost Gum Walk”, a 1.5 hour loop that takes in views down through the majestic Ormiston Gorge, before following the trail as it descends down close to the gorge and along the rocky floor and Ormiston Waterhole.
Afterwards, visit Glen Helen Gorge, where the traditional owners of this land believe is home to an ancient and powerful Rainbow Serpent, before journeying Ochre Pits, a registered sacred site offering a unique experience to view the Ochre deposit still used to this day by the Traditional owners. See the natural ochres that have provided materials for Indigenous people for thousands of years.
Afterwards, we travel on to Ellery Creek Big Hole, one of the most picturesque swimming and walking spots in the West MacDonnell Ranges. Surrounded by high red cliffs and the sandy Ellery Creek, the waterhole has been carved out by thousands of years of massive floods and is an internationally significant geological site. The permanent water here made it a special meeting place for the Arrernte people and is known to them as Udepata.
Late in the afternoon we travel back to Alice Springs, arriving at approximately 5.30pm. After a hot shower, join your fellow travellers for a farewell meal, some laughs and a few cold ales.
What to bring
CLOTHING
- Comfortable hiking/walking shoes ( no flip flops! ). Sandles are OK.
- Warm jacket and long pants. Night times temperatures can drop down 5 degrees celcius
- Long Sleeve shirt for protection from the Sun and Mosquitoes
- Shorts and T Shirts for daytime hikes and walks
- Swimwear
- Hat and sunglasses
Passengers need to take caution during December/January period where temperaturs in Central Australia can get quite high. Its advised to prepare accordingly.
EQUIPMENT / OTHER
- Sunscreen
- Towel & toiletries
- Pillow
- Insect repellent
- Refillable water bottle
- Mp3 Player / iPod
- Rechargers
- Torch
- Camera
What is included
TRANSPORT
- 4WD - Custom-prepared 4x4 Canter
ACCOMMODATION
- 3 nights at remote private camps complete in permanent safari tents or swags ( optional ).
- Outback campfire
- Shower and toilet facilities
MEALS
- 3 breakfasts
- 4 lunches
- 3 dinners
EQUIPMENT
- Safari tents with beds and sleeping bags
- Camping equipment and utensils
- Swags
- Sleeping Mattress
OTHER
- Plenty of drinking water and snacks
Personal travel insurance is not included but visitors are advised to have it. This can be organised through your travel agent.
Trip Info
Preparing for the trip
Where can I get more information about this trip?
If you find that this tour page doesn't answer all your questions, then please get in contact with us! Our passionate team are always available to answer any queries you may have. To contact us please visit our contact page here.
What should I pack?
Depending on where in Australia you decide to visit, your luggage will vary. For exact information please visit the "What to bring" section of each tour page.
What immunisations do I need?
For the latest information on immunisations, we strongly recommend you or contact the Travellers Medical and Vaccination Centre (www.traveldoctor.com.au) to discuss health requirements for your trip. They will advise you about appropriate inoculations.
Private tours and families
Is it possible to travel in a private group?
Definitely! Just choose an existing itinerary or destination and contact us we can help you arrange the trip as a private tour.
If your looking for a customised itinerary we can tailor make a tour to suit your requirement.
Over the years we have worked with families, groups of friends, schools, clubs and charities to put together the perfect trip. Our team can help you decide on destinations best suits your needs and give you additional information on the best time to visit, cultural expectations, weather conditions and so fourth.
Booking the trip
Do I have to book this tour online?
Definitely not. Our website is designed to make is easy and convenient for you to schedule your tour. However we understand sometimes its nice to talk to someone directly. So by all means give us a call and we can organise your trip over the phone.
If I book more than one tour can I get a discount?
Absolutely! If you are booking a tour for more than 1 person, or if you are a single person booking multiple tours then we are happy to offer a discount. Send us an email at info@lostinaustralia.org and let us know what you thinking of doing and we can put together a price for you.
Also, be sure to look out for monthly specials on tours. We often have some great bargains.
Who travels with us
Is this tour for me?
Our tours are made up of small groups with a range of ages, nationalities and backgrounds. Generally people who travel with us are between 20 and 45, though we also get alot passengers much older onboard - everyone is welcome! On tour we get equally as many males as females and everyone shares an enthusiasm for the out doors, nature, adventure and culture.
Our tours are for those wanting to really explore Australia and its many facets. Whether we are camping by a billabong in Kakadu National Park or sharing a cabin in Tasmania, our travellers want more than just a site seeing tour. They are chasing a hands on experience.
The trips are packed with many highlights and the pace can be fast - although there’s always time to chill out, have a cold beer ( or wine! ) and soak up your surroundings.
As always, if in doubt then contact us directly with your concerns.
What type of groups go on these tours?
Onboard our tours there are usually around 5 - 24 people ( depending on the tour and destination ). Lost In Australia's travellers want to explore the country and develop a real sense for the land, nature and its people. We travel in small groups which allows us to get from destination to destination quickly and effortlessly whilst being flexible and free!
Cost and Fees
What does "Paid Locally" mean?
Some tours require you to pay national park fees directly, in cash, to the tour guide on the morning of departure. Rest assured this will be subtracted from the tour price when reserving your tour.
Will I need additional money?
Visitors are advised to bring some cash as ATMs and banks can be few and far between depending on where we are during the trip. It’s handy to have some extra cash as we do stop by local shops and cafe.
Do I need to tip our guide?
If you had an amazing time on tour and wish to tip the guide, then that is completely up to you. However, tipping is not customary in Australia and is not at all expected.
Are there any hidden fees I need to know about?
Our tour prices are completely transparent. There are no additional fees involved that are not included in the overall tour price shown. If you wish to do optional activities such as helicopter rides or wildlife safaris, then an extra cost may be needed. However, this will always be made clear at the time of your booking.
Whilst on tour
What type of tent will I get?
Tents are generally designed to accommodate a minimum of 2 people. This means there is plenty of room to move about and store your luggage. However, most Uluru tours we try and encourage the use of swags and mattress rather than tents. This is the ideal way to camp in the centre of Australia; Around a campfire, under the stars!
What will the food be like?
Our emphasis is on fresh food wherever possible and our meals are nutritious and varied on these Uluru tours. If you are vegetarian or gluten intolerant we can cater for you, but if you have very specific dietary needs you may need to provide your own food, please discuss this at time of booking. For breakfast we supply cereals, fruits, toast, tea and coffee. Lunch is usually a self-serve sandwich and salads; in the evening we have a cooked dinner. We always carry water in the vehicle and you will often have the chance to buy your own drinks, ice-creams etc at stops. Please refer to each individual tour/package to establish which meals are included.
Can you cater of special diets?
We can certain cater for most dietary needs. Please advise us at the time of your booking so arrangements can be made. For travellers with more extreme diets we may ask that you bring along additional snacks.
Can I book extra accommodation for the start and end of the tour?
Definitely - We know Australia inside and out and would be happy to give you good recommodations. Additionally some tours have recommended accommodation and specials under the "Optional Extras" tab on the top right corner.
What form of vehicle do we use?
For our Uluru Tours we toss between a Troop Carrier 4WD Landcruise and a 4WD Mini bus. This depends on the size of the group and the amount of days we are out in the park. Each tour varies so please refer to your tour info panel on the top right hand side of the page.
Where do I meet the tour?
Our tour guide picks up from all major hotels and hostels. For pick locations in suburban or rural areas please contact us to arrange a meeting point and time.