2-Day Uluru (Ayers Rock) and Kings Canyon Tour from Alice Springs

Journey across the legendary Outback of Australia’s Northern Territory on this 2-day, 1-night tour that begins and ends in Alice Springs. Travel aboard a comfortable air-conditioned coach through the remote desert landscape, keeping your camera handy for views of ancient formations like the West MacDonnell Ranges and the Atila (Mt Connor) mesa. Visit the Outback Camel Farm for a chance to ride one of these ‘ships of the desert’ (own expense) and take a guided tour to Kings Canyon in Watarrka National Park. Witness the magnificent colors of the sunset over sacred Uluru, and learn about Aboriginal history at the Uluru-Kata Tjuta Cultural Centre.

See Itinerary below for a more detailed description of each day’s activities and accommodation options.

Day 1. Alice Springs - Uluru (Ayers Rock)
Travel from Alice Springs to Uluru (Ayers Rock) aboard a luxury coach. Take in the rugged desert landscapes of the region, passing through the beautiful MacDonnell Ranges. Stop at the Camel Farm and learn about the impact camels had in opening up Central Australia. Camels, ideally suited to the hot, dry climate of Australia’s interior, were imported in the 19th century and remained the principal means of outback transport until railways and roads were established. You have the opportunity to ride a camel (own expense).

While traveling through this remote country, your friendly Driver/Guide will provide an informative and entertaining commentary. Learn the natural and geological history of the region, as well as the unique Australian desert flora and fauna such as the Perentie monitor lizard, the thorny devil and the red kangaroo. Hear about the traditional customs and beliefs of the local Aboriginals. There is time for stop at Mt Ebenezer road house for a quick break. View flat-topped Atila (Mt Conner) in the distance before arriving at Ayers Rock Resort rested, relaxed and ready to explore the amazing World Heritage-listed Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park.

This afternoon travel around the base of Uluru in comfort as your Driver Guide provides commentary about the numerous sacred sites and features to be found at Uluru. Continue by coach to the Kuniya Walk where your Driver Guide will escort you to the beautiful Mutitjulu Waterhole. View Aboriginal rock paintings and learn about the area as your Driver Guide points out some native flora and explains the Aboriginal and European history of Uluru. Later visit the Uluru – Kata Tjuta Cultural Centre, where you can learn about Aboriginal culture and see Aboriginal arts and crafts.

In the late afternoon we travel to the Uluru sunset viewing area. Witness the striking color changes of Uluru at sunset while enjoying canapés and a complimentary glass of wine.

Optional Aussie BBQ Dinner
After sunset, a guide will transfer you to the exclusive barbecue site. The site is within the Uluru National Park, outside the Uluru & Kata Tjuta Cultural Centre set amongst red sand dunes and desert oak trees providing a peaceful desert setting. The site is located far enough away from the resort lights so that there is a clear view of the stars in the southern sky. Once at the site, you will be served a variety of Australian meats and salads, accompanied by a glass of sparkling wine, beer or orange juice (menus are subject to change). After dinner, you will be served tea, coffee and dessert and your guide will conduct a tour of the night sky, describing and pointing out some of the visible constellations with the assistance of a high beam spotlight (weather permitting). Your guide will also explain some Aboriginal stories that relate to the stars before you return to Ayers Rock Resort.

Overnight Ayers Rock: your choice of accommodation

Day 2. Kings Canyon (B)
Travel from Ayers Rock Resort to Kings Canyon, stopping for breakfast at Kings Creek Station (included) along the way. Make the rocky climb to the rim of the canyon for marvellous views of Watarrka National Park. Follow the rim of the canyon stopping to look down into the canyon gorge at look-out points. Time permitting, you may choose to descend into the green oasis of the 'Garden of Eden'. The circuit walk takes approximately 3 hours to complete and is rocky and steep in parts. It is recommended for those with a good level of fitness. Alternatively, you may wish to take an easier, shorter walk to explore the boulder strewn canyon floor. After lunch (own expense), travel to Alice Springs.

Accommodation Options:

Outback Pioneer Hotel (Budget)
The Outback Pioneer Hotel has a true outback, pioneering atmosphere that gives our guests a real taste of traditional Australian hospitality. Cook up some outback delights on the barbecue or come and share a few yarns about your adventures in the Red Centre over a beer and some hearty bush tucker in the Bough House Restaurant.

Desert Gardens Hotel (Standard)
Set amidst magnificent ghost gums and flowering native shrubs, the recently refurbished Desert Gardens hotel offers a range of stylish accommodation. Desert Gardens is the superior hotel at Ayers Rock Resort and is centrally located to all resort and touring facilities.

Sails In The Desert (Superior)
Sails in the Desert is the premier hotel at Ayers Rock Resort, with spacious, airy and exquisitely furnished rooms set in lush park-like grounds. Deriving its name from the distinctive sail-like structures, which provide shade and a touch of elegance to its design, Sails in the Desert is the ultimate in luxury in the Red Centre.

Due to operational requirements, hotels are subject to change by the tour operator without notice.

Hotel Pickup:

6:15am A Good Rest B&B
6:55am Alice in the Territory
6:35am Alice Motor Inn
6:40am Alice on Todd
6:35am Aurora Alice Springs
6:25am Chifley Alice Springs Resort
6:45am Desert Palms Resort
6:35am Desert Rose Inn
6:30am Diplomat Motel
6:50am DoubleTree Hilton Alice Springs
6:30am Elkira Motel
6:55am G’Day Mate Caravan Park
6:20am Haven Backpackers
6:55am Heavitree Gap Outback Lodge
6:55am Heritage Caravan Park
6:40am Ibis Styles Oasis
6:55am Lasseters Casino Hotel
6:55am MacDonnell Ranges Caravan Park
7:00am Pathdorf Bed & Breakfast
6:40am Quest Apartments
6:15am Stuart Caravan Park
6:40am Swagmans Rest Motel
6:35am Todd Tavern
6:40am Toddy’s Resort
6:15am Wintersun Caravan Park
6:15am Vatu Sanctuary