Love this post? Give it a share!


THE BEST ULURU TOUR FROM ALICE SPRINGS 3 TO 4 DAY OPTIONS!

LOOKING FOR THE BEST ULURU TOUR FROM ALICE SPRINGS?


Following our 2 months backpacking Australia, we can personally say that you simply cannot miss a multi-day tour exploring the rich red Outback and Uluru National Park!

Unfortunately, the tour company we went through has since gone bust. However, through our personal experience plus additional research, we have found the best 3 day to 4 day Uluru tour options for you, which to be honest looks even better than the tour we personally did!

We have found two duration options – either a 3 day / 2 night or 4 day / 3 night option – to suit your preference, time available and budget. The quick direct links to these tours are below:

Keep reading below to jump into each itinerary, all reviews and descriptions of each of the tours to see which is best for you!


4 DAY ULURU TOUR FROM ALICE SPRINGS OPTION: THE FULL ITINERARY


If you are lucky enough to have 4 full days to explore Uluru, this highly-rated 4 Day Red Centre Kings Canyon West MacDonnell from Alice Springs tour by Autopia Tours is the perfect choice:

Tour highlights: Ayers Rock base walk, Uluru (Ayers Rock) sunset lookout, Kings Canyon National Park trail Kata Tjuta National Park trail through the Olgas, aboriginal cultural centre, Tjoritja in West MacDonnell Ranges, Standley Chasm and Ellery Creek Big Hole.

Tour operator: Autopia Tours

Tour reviews: 5* on Viator.

Tour duration: 4 days, 3 nights.

Tour price: Β£600 – Β£685 per adult.


DAY 1: DEPART ALICE SPRINGS, ABORIGINAL CULTURAL CENTRE, ULURU BASE WALK & SUNSET


MORNING: DEPART FROM ALICE SPRINGS
Depart from Alice Springs and head towards Ayers Rock, Uluru. On route, stop off at ‘false Uluru’ called Mt Connor, making use of a toilet and lunch break.

AFTERNOON: ABORIGINAL INTERPRETIVE CULTURE CENTRE
Stop off at the Aboriginal cultural centre for a deep dive into the cultural significance of the Outback, intriguing history and wondrous Aboriginal tales of life and creation.

AFTERNOON: WALK THE BASE OF AYERS ROCK (ULURU)
Wander in awe around Ayers Rock, Australias infamous red monolith and sacred Aboriginal site. The trail is relatively flat, and takes approx 2 1/2 hours to complete a full circuit. There are also some shaded seating and drinking water points to refill. See the Mutitjulu waterhole and prehistoric aboriginal cave art.

Pictured: The wondrous views along the Uluru base walk. Photograph taken by Jordie.
Pictured: The wondrous views along the Uluru base walk. Photograph taken by Jordie.

EVENING: ULURU AT SUNSET & DINNER
Park up a short distance from Ayers Rock to witness the most incredible sunset you will ever see as the warm hues descend over this geographical icon, all whilst enjoying a cooked dinner.

Jordie with one of the most incredible sights you will witness on a Uluru tour from Alice springs is an Uluru sunset! Photograph taken by Liam.
Jordie with one of the most incredible sights you will witness on a Uluru tour from Alice springs is an Uluru sunset! Photograph taken by Liam.

DAY 2: ULURU SUNRISE & KATA TJUA NATIONAL PARK


EARLY MORNING: WATCH AN ULURU SUNRISE
Waking up at the crack of dawn, head to a popular lookout to witness the sun rising above the land next to Uluru. It truly is the most spectacular site you’ll witness in the Outback of Australia.

This insane view of the sun rising behind Uluru is so worth the 4am start on the second day of this Uluru tour from Alice Springs! Photograph taken by Jordie.
This insane view of the sun rising behind Uluru is so worth the 4am start on the second day of this 4 day Uluru tour from Alice Springs! Photograph taken by Jordie.

MORNING – AFTERNOON: KATA TJUTA NATIONAL PARK
Hoist on your hiking boots for the Kata Tjuta National Park Circuit Walk, winding through the Valley of the Winds or Walpa Gorge before reaching the breathtaking Karingana lookout.

EVENING: SUNSET & DINNER AT CAMP
Head towards Kings Canyon region before enjoying a delicious Outback dinner against a roaring fire.



DAY 3: KING CANYON WALKING TRAIL & DRIVE TO WEST MACDONNELL RANGES


MORNING – AFTERNOON: KINGS CANYON NATIONAL PARK
Begin your hike early up to the jaw-dropping Kings Canyon ‘Watarrka’ National Park! Take a moment to take in the sheer beauty of the 100 metre high rock faces dropping into the chasm below,  revealing a lush palm tree oasis as you circuit the 6km round trip. 

The Kings Canyon Rim hiking trail is one of the top experiences to do on a Uluru tour from Alice Springs! Photograph taken by Jordie.
The epic view atop the rim of the Kings Canyon trail. Photograph taken by Jordie.
The incredible "Garden of Eden": A tropical pocket of rainforest surviving in the most unlikely terrain within the Kings Canyon cervices! Photograph taken by Jordie.
The incredible “Garden of Eden”: A tropical pocket of rainforest surviving in the most unlikely terrain within the Kings Canyon cervices! Photograph taken by Jordie.

AFTERNOON: DRIVE TO WEST MACDONNELL RANGES
Have a well earned snooze and rest on the comfortable, air-conditioned bus for the long drive back up North (passing through Alice Springs) to the West MacDonnell Ranges.

Spend the evening stargazing, spotting the milky way and watching shooting stars at the bush camp.



DAY 4: WEST MACDONNELL RANGES & RETURN TO ALICE SPRINGS ONLY


MORNING – AFTERNOON: WEST MACDONNELL RANGES
Spend the day exploring all of the key sights in the West MacDonnell ranges, including Standley Chasm, a 80 metre high gorge. Spot native wildlife as you eat a peaceful breakfast. Take a refreshing swim in the Ellery Creek Bighole before witnessing the Ormiston Gorge and Simpsons Gap.

Pictured: Simpsons Gap in the West MacDonnell Ranges.

AFTERNOON: RETURN TO ALICE SPRINGS
After covering everything the West MacDonnell Ranges have to offer, you will be dropped back off at Alice Springs, marking the conclusion of this once-in-a-lifetime 4 day Uluru tour!


4 DAY ULURU TOUR CUSTOMER REVIEWS:

This is by far the best tour I have ever been on. The environment was absolutely stunning. The sunrise on King’s Canyon is one of the most special things I have ever seen! Special shout-out to Shearna, whose enthusiasm, energy, organisation and knowledge were greatly appreciated! Federico, who also joined us on tour, had some really interesting additions to Shearna’s stories as well. Would 100% recommend booking this tour!

CLAUDIA P, DECEMBER 2023, TRIPADVISOR REVIEWS

This tour well and truly exceeded my expectations. Damien was an excellent guide, with such thorough knowledge and stories, he always went above and beyond. Accommodation was great, and spotless. The safari tent option was perfect for me with little camping experience. I traveled solo but never felt alone, the group was lovely, and being able to cook together and sit around the campfire was amazing. 100% would recommend, covered all the key locations in the red centre that I would have missed out on if I went alone, Kings Canyon was the highlight and shouldn’t be missed!

NOVEMBER 2023, TRIPADVISOR REVIEWS


3 DAY ULURU TOUR FROM ALICE SPRINGS OPTION: THE FULL ITINERARY


If you only have 3 full days to explore Uluru, this highly-rated 3 Day Red Centre Kata Tjuta to Kings Canyon to/from Alice Springs tour by Autopia Tours is the perfect choice:

Tour highlights: Ayers Rock base walk, Uluru (Ayers Rock) sunset lookout, Kings Canyon National Park trail Kata Tjuta National Park trail through the Olgas and aboriginal cultural centre.

Tour operator: Autopia Tours

Tour reviews: 5* on Tripadvisor

Tour duration: 3 days, 2 nights.

Tour price: Β£500 – Β£580 per adult.


DAY 1: DEPART ALICE SPRINGS, ABORIGINAL CULTURAL CENTRE, ULURU BASE WALK & SUNSET


MORNING: DEPART FROM ALICE SPRINGS / YULARA
Depart from either Alice Springs (or Uluru Airport Yulara, depending on your plans) and head towards Ayers Rock, Uluru. On route, stop off at ‘false Uluru’ called Mt Connor, making use of a toilet and lunch break.

AFTERNOON: ABORIGINAL INTERPRETIVE CULTURE CENTRE
Stop off at the Aboriginal cultural centre for a deep dive into the cultural significance of the Outback, intriguing history and wondrous Aboriginal tales of life and creation.

AFTERNOON: WALK THE BASE OF AYERS ROCK (ULURU)
Wander in awe around Ayers Rock, Australias infamous red monolith and sacred Aboriginal site. The trail is relatively flat, and takes approx 2 1/2 hours to complete a full circuit. There are also some shaded seating and drinking water points to refill. See the Mutitjulu waterhole and prehistoric aboriginal cave art.

Pictured: The wondrous views along the Uluru base walk. Photograph taken by Jordie.
Pictured: The wondrous views along the Uluru base walk. Photograph taken by Jordie.

EVENING: ULURU AT SUNSET & DINNER
Park up a short distance from Ayers Rock to witness the most incredible sunset you will ever see as the warm hues descend over this geographical icon, all whilst enjoying a cooked dinner.

Jordie with one of the most incredible sights you will witness on a Uluru tour from Alice springs is an Uluru sunset! Photograph taken by Liam.
Jordie with one of the most incredible sights you will witness on a Uluru tour from Alice springs is an Uluru sunset! Photograph taken by Liam.

DAY 2: ULURU SUNRISE & KATA TJUA NATIONAL PARK


EARLY MORNING: WATCH AN ULURU SUNRISE
Waking up at the crack of dawn, head to a popular lookout to witness the sun rising above the land next to Uluru. It truly is the most spectacular site you’ll witness in the Outback of Australia.

This insane view of the sun rising behind Uluru is so worth the 4am start on the second day of this Uluru tour from Alice Springs! Photograph taken by Jordie.
This insane view of the sun rising behind Uluru is so worth the 4am start on the second day of this 3 day Uluru tour from Alice Springs! Photograph taken by Jordie.

MORNING – AFTERNOON: KATA TJUTA NATIONAL PARK
Hoist on your hiking boots for the Kata Tjuta National Park Circuit Walk, winding through the Valley of the Winds or Walpa Gorge before reaching the breathtaking Karingana lookout.

EVENING: SUNSET & DINNER AT CAMP
Head towards Kings Canyon region before enjoying a delicious Outback dinner against a roaring fire.


DAY 3: KING CANYON WALKING TRAIL & RETURN TO ALICE SPRINGS


MORNING – AFTERNOON: KINGS CANYON NATIONAL PARK
Begin your hike early up to the jaw-dropping Kings Canyon ‘Watarrka’ National Park! Take a moment to take in the sheer beauty of the 100 metre high rock faces dropping into the chasm below,  revealing a lush palm tree oasis as you circuit the 6km round trip. 

You will visit the Amphitheatre, Lost City and the tranquil Garden of Eden. A beautiful end to this 3 day Uluru tour before then heading back to Yulara or Alice Springs!

The Kings Canyon Rim hiking trail is one of the top experiences to do on a Uluru tour from Alice Springs! Photograph taken by Jordie.
The epic view atop the rim of the Kings Canyon trail. Photograph taken by Jordie.
The incredible "Garden of Eden": A tropical pocket of rainforest surviving in the most unlikely terrain within the Kings Canyon cervices! Photograph taken by Jordie.
The incredible “Garden of Eden”: A tropical pocket of rainforest surviving in the most unlikely terrain within the Kings Canyon crevices! Photograph taken by Jordie.

3 DAY ULURU TOUR CUSTOMER REVIEWS:

Wow! Picked up at 7am from my hotel for 3 full on days of hiking and Camping. The tour guides were amazing, The group of 15 different people from 6+ countries aged 9 to 66, all worked well together and supported each other. Delicious food, great bonfires, sleeping under the stars in unspoilt skies (no light pollution). Fantastic value for money.

SUSAN, JULY 2023, VIATOR REVIEWS

ULURU TOUR PACKING LIST


  • A fly-net hat with a wide trim to protect you from the sun and the crazy amount of flies buzzing around Uluru. Buy this before you arrive or from one of the gift stores in Alice Springs.
  • A light detachable daypack to take on trails.
  • High factor sun cream.
  • Refillable water bottle
  • Substantial, waterproof hiking boots with good grip.
  • Microfibre towel (fast drying).
  • Easy slip on sliders / flip flops to quickly put on around the campsite.
  • Camera / GoPro camera for night shots of the stars in the Outback.
  • Powered battery pack for your phone.
  • Warm clothing for overnight camping, including a thick jumper, long bottoms and thick socks.

WHERE TO STAY IN ALICE SPRINGS


⭐ Alice Lodge Backpackers (budget)

⭐ Desert Palms Alice Springs (mid-range)

⭐ DoubleTree by Hilton Alice Springs (luxury)


THINGS TO DO WHEN IN ALICE SPRINGS


ALICE SPRINGS KANGAROO SANCTUARY


An absolute must-do is the ‘Guided Sunset Tour’ at The Kangaroo Sanctuary in Alice Springs. Be guided round the famous sanctuary by the owner, Chris “Brolga” Barnes, himself.

Stroll the sanctuary in awe as the magical sunset hues cast themselves over a sea of hopping kangaroos, happily bounding up to you to say hello.

You will even get the chance to cradle their orphaned baby joeys as you wander round. This really is a sanctuary, and it is not one to be missed! This tour only operates Wednesday – Friday, and sells out very quickly.

Pictured: Jordie holding an orphaned baby joey called Chester on our Sunset Walk guided tour around The Kangaroo Sanctuary in Alice Springs, one of the most ethical sanctuaries in all of Australia!
Pictured: Jordie holding an adorable baby Joey called Chester at The Kangaroo Sanctuary in Alice Springs. You cannot miss going on one of their sunset guided tours around the sanctuary when in Alice Springs!

Fun Fact: The Kangaroo Sanctuary was featured in a BBC UK Documentary, ‘Kangaroo Dundee’ back in 2013!

Fun Fact: Chris “Brolga” Barnes built a 2km wire fence over 2 1/2 years to enclose the 60 acre sanctuary land!

Fun Fact: The Sanctuary on average receives 350 kangaroos a year, and released approx. 300. The permanent kangaroo residents are those that cannot be released due to injury, or for the simple fact they love human company too much!


Pictured: The founder of the Kangaroo Sanctuary, Chris Brolga, with a few of his beloved kangaroos during our guided sunset tour of The Kangaroo Sanctuary. Photograph taken by Jordie.
Pictured: The founder of the Kangaroo Sanctuary, Chris Brolga, with a few of his beloved kangaroos during our guided sunset tour of The Kangaroo Sanctuary. Photograph taken by Jordie.

EXPLORE ALICE SPRINGS TOWN (DAYTIME ONLY)


Alice Springs is a small desert-like town that needs to be seen to be believed. With the exception of a small shopping mall and surrounding hotels, Alice Springs on the most part seems to have delightfully frozen in time. A quaint high-street with a selection gift shops and bars.

The distant squawking of crows coupled with bordering red landscape really gives a desert-like feel. To see all of Australia’s main reptiles (with the chance to get up close in their 3 daily talks), visit The Reptile Centre. View the rugged red landscape of Alice Springs from the top of Anzac Hill

DISCLAIMER:

Whilst it feels relatively safe to wander Alice Springs in the day, we would not advise to wander at night. There are a few disconcerting characters which make you feel uncomfortable, some even shouting at you, even during the day. After visiting, we were not surprised about their high crime rates.

Fun Fact: The ‘Todd River’ that runs through Alice Springs is almost always completely dry, until they receive mass amounts of rain water!

Fun Fact: Keep your eyes peeled for ‘The Ghan’, a famous and luxurious train than drives through Alice Springs once a week (at varying times!) on its route from Adelaide – Darwin. An experience apparently many Australians dream of doing.

Fun Fact: If you arrive on 1st July, it is Australia’s territory day. Alice Springs is the only place allowed to set off fireworks, so expect a beautiful display (plus a small community fair, food stalls and live performances!)


Pictured: The small high street of Alice Springs, Central Australia. Photograph taken by Jordie.
Pictured: The small high street of Alice Springs, Central Australia. Photograph taken by Jordie.
Pictured: Jordie holding a huge snake at the Reptile Centre in Alice Springs. Photograph taken by Liam.
Pictured: Jordie holding a huge snake at the Reptile Centre in Alice Springs. Photograph taken by Liam.

ULURU TOUR:
“KNOW BEFORE YOU GO” FAQ’S


HOW MANY DAYS DO YOU NEED IN ULURU?

From our own personal experience, we recommend that 3 days in Uluru is the minimum amount of time to spend exploring all the key sights and experiences the Outback has to offer. It also allows for 2 nights to experience camping in the Outback.

WHEN IS THE BEST TIME OF YEAR TO VISIT ULURU?

Undoubtedly, the best time of year to visit Uluru are in Australia’s cooler months of May – October. The weather during these months are relatively pleasant between 20-30Β°c, and the flies are much less as a result.

On the other hand, the worst time of year to visit Uluru and the Outback are in Australias summer months, where both the 40Β°c heat and incessant flies can become unbearable.


A photo of Jordie, the author of this specific blog post and owner of the wesbite.

This blog post was written by Jordie Flain!

Founder of TheFlainsTravel.com

A travel-obsessed Sagittarius creating honest, easy-to-follow guides. Powered by tea, chocolate and a slightly concerning amount of tomato ketchup.

Got a trip coming up? Look no further than:

OR…