5 Day Red Centre Camping Tour (Alice Springs to Alice Springs)
- Trip Styles: Budget
Escape to the Outback on our 5-day Uluru camping tour. Explore, camp, and create unforgettable memories in Australia’s heart
Embark on a remarkable 5 Day Uluru tour that promises an adventure like no other. Departing from Alice Springs, this small group expedition empowers you with the freedom to explore the Outback at your own pace, without the constraints of a fixed itinerary.
Experience the awe-inspiring beauty of the Red Centre’s renowned attractions, including Uluru/Kata Tjuta, Kings Canyon, and the majestic West MacDonnell Ranges. But what sets this journey apart is the opportunity to uncover hidden gems like Trephina Gorge, Owen Springs, Ruby Gap, and the East MacDonnell Ranges.
Witnessing the ethereal Uluru sunset is an experience of a lifetime. Capture this magical moment with your camera, as the Outback sky is painted in breathtaking hues. Spend two days exploring the remarkable MacDonnell Ranges, both East and West, where you’ll encounter natural wonders like Ormiston Gorge, Ellery Creek, Simpsons Gap, and the otherworldly Rainbow Valley. With a flexible itinerary and the guidance of a knowledgeable local leader, you’re free to shape your Red Centre adventure.
Gain deep insights into the local culture, history, and connection to the land with the help of First Nations guides. Discover ancient rock paintings near the Mutitjulu Waterhole by Uluru and delve into the Arrernte people’s captivating caterpillar dreamtime story at Emily Gap. Marvel at the extraordinary formations of Kata Tjuta, believed to be around 500 million years old. Spend your evenings camping in the heart of the Outback, immersing yourself in the rugged beauty of Australia’s interior.
Our comprehensive 5 Day Uluru tour package includes delicious meals, comfortable accommodation (permanent tented camp and bush camp), access to Uluru & Kata Tjuta National Park, a visit to the Uluru Cultural Centre, and a culturally enriching experience with Maruku Arts.
Get ready to craft unforgettable memories on a 5-day adventure through the soul-stirring landscapes of the Red Centre, where every day is a new opportunity to discover and explore
Outback Camping Adventure (Alice Springs to Alice Springs)
Our travellers often combine this trip with some of these trips:
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Add to Package ($1,495)
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Add to Package ($2,145)
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Total Price: $1,495Add All To Wishlist Browse Wishlist
Itinerary
Make tracks across the sunburnt plains via Yulara to the captivating domes of Kata Tjuta. These massive red rock formations are believed to be 500 million years old. Continue to Australia’ most iconic landmark, Uluru, arriving in time to witness a magical sunset then continue to your camp, where a hearty dinner awaits.
Total driving time: about five and a half hours Total walking time: about one hour
Accommodation
Permanent Tented Camp (shared facilities) (1 night)
Included Activities
Uluru & Kata Tjuta National Park Entrance
Meals Included – Lunch – Dinner
Special Information
This trip is flexible. As such, the described itinerary is only an example of the form your trip could take. Where you go and what you do can change depending on the group’s interests and weather conditions, however all trips will include visits to the following: Kata Tjuta, Uluru, Kings Canon and the Western MacDonnell Ranges.
Wake early to catch an unforgettable Uluru sunrise, then get a closer look at this massive sandstone monolith on an unguided walk around its base. After your stroll, walk to the cave paintings near Mutitjulu Waterhole, where you will be met by an Anangu guide. Your guide will shed insight into the ancient rock etchings and the stories they tell, as well as the traditions of the land’s Traditional Owners. Next, visit the nearby Cultural Central to browse its extensive collection of Aboriginal arts and crafts. After a local lunch, set off on a three-hour drive to your exclusive campsite within Watarrka National Park. (Kings Canyon). Get acquainted with your surroundings, enjoy an on-site dinner and settle in for the night.
Total driving time: about three and a half hours Today walking time: about two hours
Accommodation
Permanent Tented Camp (shared facilities) (1 night)
Included Activities
Uluru Cultural Centre
Maruku Arts cultural experience
Meals Included
Breakfast
Lunch
Dinner
After breakfast, pull on your hiking shoes and set off to explore Kings Canyon. Plunging 270 metres/885 feet to the canyon floor, walking its rim reveals incredibly beautiful sandstone formations carved by wind and water. Discover its Amphitheatre, Lost City, North and South Walls and the surprisingly lush Garden of Eden, which owes its cycads and plant life to a permanent waterhole down in the canyon. After lunch travel to the Western McDonnell Ranges.
Today driving time: about five hours Today walking time: about three hours
Accommodation
Swag Camping (basic facilities) (1 night)
Included Activities
Kings Canyon Rim Walk
Meals Included
Breakfast
Lunch
Dinner
Special Information
For the Kings Canyon Rim Walk it is a requirement that you have a minimum of 3 litres of water with you. Please consider bringing your own refillable water bottles.
Spend the afternoon exploring the Outback scenery of the West Macdonnell Ranges. Visit one of the most photographed places in the Red Centre – Ormiston Gorge. Keep your eyes peeled for wallabies while admiring the colourful, sweeping walls surrounding its waterhole. Continue to Ellery Creek Big Hole, a popular spot for a refreshing dip. After a satisfying day spent exploring the MacDonnell Ranges, your tour leader will find a suitable place to set up your bush camp for the night.
Total driving time: about 45 minutes Total walking distance: up to 10 kilometres/6.2 miles
Accommodation
Swag Camping (no facilities) (1 night)
Meals Included
Breakfast
Lunch
Dinner
- Witness mesmerizing Uluru sunsets – a once-in-a-lifetime sight
- Explore MacDonnell Ranges, from Ormiston Gorge to Rainbow Valley.
- Flexibility to shape your adventure with a local guide.
- Cultural insights from First Nations guides at iconic sites.
- Camp under the Outback stars for a true wilderness experience.
- A mixture of lightweight clothing and layers.
- Long shirts and pants are useful to protect against the harsh Australian sun.
- Clothes should be easy to wash and dry.
- Comfortable closed-in shoes, hat, sunscreen, sunglasses.
- Water bottle at least a 1.5litre capacity
- Headlamp or torch is recommended for around your accommodation at night
- Beach/swimming towel.
- This trip requires a sleeping bag – can be purchased for AUD$75.00 or supply your own
- Whilst we aim to be back in Alice Springs around 6pm, due to the distances covered onward flights from Alice Springs must be booked for the day after the tour.
- Itineraries are updated regularly throughout the year to reflect the current situation in each destination. Contributing factors such as, weather, local conditions, transport schedules, public holidays, or other factors may lead to the order and timing of included activities to vary, this will ensure the best possible experience for all travellers.
- Tour is not suitable for children under 8 years of age.
- Due to limited space on the vehicle please restrict luggage to one day pack and one soft overnight bag/backpack, with a maximum of 15kg.
- Travel Insurance and flexible flight tickets are highly recommended.
Joining point: Stay at Alice Springs Hotel (formerly Aurora Alice Springs) at 6.00am, 11 Leichhardt Terrace, Alice Springs.
The default pick up point is where we will meet you for your tour, and unless you request an alternative location, we will assume you will be waiting at Stay at Alice Springs Hotel (formerly Aurora Alice Springs) at 6:00am.
We also pick up from many other hotels in Alice Springs, please let us know on booking where you are staying. It is your responsibility to contact us with your preferred pick up point well ahead of departure.
Finishing point: Central Alice Springs accommodation, Alice Springs
This tour finishes on arrival in Alice Springs at around 6-7pm. Finishing times may be earlier during the summer months. Please take this into consideration when booking any onward travel out of Alice Springs. We cannot guarantee arriving in time to board the Ghan or any flight on this day. You will need to book an extra night of accommodation in Alice Springs after your tour.
Passengers with special meal requirements or food allergies MUST ensure you inform us of this afteer booking. Food for the trip is purchased before commencement and special requirements cannot be catered for after departing. If you have not notified us prior to departure, you may be asked to pay for any additional food yourself. Due to the nature of our trips food is basic but plentiful. We provide the substitutes below; please bring your staples if you require specific foods not listed below:
No Pork (Alternative to Ham provided)
No Dairy (soy milk provided)
Vegetarian (additional veg and vegie burgers provided)
Vegan (supply of additional fruit and veg provided)
Gluten Free (cereal, bread, wraps, pasta, snack bars, sweet and savoury biscuits provided)
*Religious dietary requirements and specifically prepared/sourced produce cannot be catered for.
Extreme Temperatures: Prepare for varying temperatures, from scorching days to chilly desert nights. Dress appropriately and stay hydrated.
Moderate Fitness: Expect lots of walking, so bring comfortable shoes and clothing.
Remote Landscapes: Enjoy hours of driving through remote desert areas, taking in landscapes only accessible on this adventure.
Group Participation: Get involved in meal prep and clean-up, a great way to bond with your fellow travelers.
Permanent tented camp (with shared facilities) (2 nights) Bush camp (2 nights)
Basix accommodation consists of simple permanent twin share tents with single sleeping platforms. Each sleeping platform has a rubber sleeping mat, we also have swags (Aussie bed rolls) available at our campsites if you would like to experience sleeping in a swag.
You will need to bring your own sleeping bag or pre-purchase one from us. Please also provide your own pillow if you wish.
Night 1: Yulara – Simple permanent tents
Night 2: Kings Canyon – Simple permanent tents
Night 3: Bush camping, location to be decided on tour
Night 4: Bush camping, location to be decided on tour