Why we Love 4WD Outback Encompassed Tour

The group size is just 17 passengers travelling in a real 4×4 safari style vehicle creating the perfect foundation for this 4WD outback encompassed adventure. 

As well as experiencing the wonders of Uluru (Ayers Rock), Kata Tjuta (The Olgas) and Watarrka (Kings Canyon), you will camp in the West MacDonnell Ranges including a whole day exploring it’s numerous waterholes and stunning gorges.

Your tour will include the following highlights;

• Visit the icons of Uluru, Kata Tjuta and Kings Canyon
• Indigenous experiences
• Witness Sunset and Sunrise at Uluru 
• Spend a day Exploring the Western MacDonnell Ranges 
• Travel in a small group of only 17 people
• Remote private outback campsites
• Optional Field of Light experience at UIuru

Inclusions

• Professional guide and campsite host
• Air-conditioned 4WD vehicle
• Aboriginal Guided walk at Uluru
• Camping equipment including permanent tent with beds and mattress
• Optional swag camping
• All line: pillow & pillowcase, fitted sheet, sleeping bag, towel
• 3 Breakfast – *4 Lunch – 3 Dinner
• Drinking water (please provide your own bottle)

*Those joining in Yulara on day 1: Pick-up is after lunch. 

Itinerary and Sleeping

Accommodation is at remote and private campsites offering shared facilities.
Campsites include hot water, flushing toilets and permanent safari tents.
Tents include real beds, all linen, pillow and sleeping bags.
Traditional swags are also available for those wanting to sleep out under the stars.

Day 1:

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).

Notes: 

• • Those joining the tour in Yulara/Ayers Rock need to provide their own lunch.
  • More information about the Field of Light can be found here.

Day 2:

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 another iconic area, “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:

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:

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.

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.

Departs/Returns:

• Departs: Alice Springs Daily from 5:40am
• Returns: Alice Springs approx. 5:30pm (Day 4)

Optional Starting Point in Yulara:

• Pick-up Ayers Rock Resort or Airport at approximately 1:00pm*
• Tour fishes in Alice Springs

*Pick-up times are seasonal and depend on flight schedules

What to Bring

• Wide brimmed hat, sunscreen, insect repellent
• Sustainable Water bottle/container (at least 1.5 litres)
• Walking shoes/boots,
• Sleeping bag (Hire/Purchase – please enquire)
• Toiletries, swim wear, towel
• Comfortable and casual clothing
• Head Torch and Camera

Eco-Certification Awards

The following Eco-Accreditation from Eco Tourism Australia had been achieved.

• Eco Certified Advanced Ecotourism

Australia’s leading and most innovative ecotourism products, providing an opportunity to learn about the environment with an operator who is committed to achieving best practice when using resources wisely, contributing to the conservation of the environment and helping local communities.

• Climate Action Business

Businesses have undertaken a set of adaption and emissions reduction actions but are not necessarily measuring their carbon footprint.

• Respect Our Culture (ROC)

The Respecting Our Culture (ROC) program encourages the tourism industry to operate in ways that respect and reinforce Indigenous cultural heritage and the living cultures of Indigenous communities.

ROC certified tourism operators are committed to protecting cultural authenticity and integrity, developing sound business practices, environmental protection and acknowledging Indigenous peoples spiritual connection to the land and water.