Why we Love a Groovy Grape Rock Patrol Adventure

Travel with adventurous like minded travellers on a 6 day Groovy Grape Rock Patrol tour taking in the best the Australian Outback has to offer.

Sleep underground after searching for opals, explore the Flinders Range and that is before you hit the highs of Uluru and Kata-Tjuta National Parks.

The price tag is all inclusive, sign up and let’s go!

Your 3 day tour will include the following highlights;

• Swag Camping under the stars
• Alligator Gorge Hike in the Flinders Ranges
• Sift for Opals at Coober Pedy Underground Town
• Hand Feed Joeys at Josephins Kangaroo Orphanage
• Walk the Base of Uluru (Ayers Rock)
• Hike Valley of the Winds at Kata-Tjuta (The Olgas)
• Watarrka Kings Canyon and the Garden of Eden

☆ Travel in Reverse ☆
Start this trip in Alice Springs ⇢ Groovy Grape Rock to Water

Who travels on this Groovy Grape Rock Patrol Adventure:

Groovy Grape tours attract a travellers ranging from the ages of 18 to 35 years old. More than 80% come from the UK and Europe.
However, we know that adventure is in everyone, and we welcome travellers from all over the world and of all ages.

• Average age: 18 to 35 years
• Recommended age group: 17 to 75 years
• Minimum age: 10 years
• Fitness: Medium walks and physical activities  

Departs/Arrives:

• Departs Adelaide:
  – Every Tuesday and Saturday
  – Pick-up Adelaide City at 6:30am
  – Pick-up Adelaide North at 7:00am
• Optional Finish in Uluru:
  – Drop-off Ayers Rock Resort/Airport Day 6 at 12:00pm (Mid-day)
• Arrive Alice Springs
  – Drop-off Alice Springs at approximately 6:30pm

Stony Creek Bush Camps

1st night on your Groovy Grape Rock Patrol tour departing Adelaide.

Location:
In the pristine Southern Flinders Ranges, surrounded by giant gum tree and feeding Kangaroos.

Accommodation Type:
Dorm-style accommodation with shared bathrooms.

Upgrades available on-request: 
Double, twin and single rooms with private bathrooms are available at extra cost dependent on availability.

Umoona Opal Mine and Museum

2nd night on your Groovy Grape Rock Patrol tour departing Adelaide.

Location:
Coober Pedy- the opal capital of the world. We sleep underground just as the locals do at Umoona. Umoona has a history of opal mining and is filled with tunnels and rooms that were once used by the miners. You can also purchase opals at a great discount here just because you are on a Groovy tour.

Accommodation Type:
Dorm-style accommodation.

Upgrades available on-request: 
Private rooms at Desert Cave Hotel are available at extra cost dependent on availability.

Kings Creek Station

3rd night on your Groovy Grape Rock Patrol tour departing Adelaide.

Location:
On a large outback cattle/camel station! It is the largest exporter of camels in Australia. Here we camp and embrace the remoteness of the area, no phone reception!

Accommodation Type:
Swag camping.

Upgrades available on-request: 
Safari cabins with shared bathrooms are available at extra cost dependent on availability.

Ayers Rock Resort

4th and 5th nights on your Groovy Grape Rock Patrol tour departing Adelaide.

Location:
Based in the town of Yulara, which is the closest town to Uluru and Kata Tjuta. We have the luxury of our own campground swimming pool, camp kitchen and bathroom facilities. At night we camp around a big fire and star gaze in our comfortable swags.

Accommodation Type:
Swag Camping

Upgrades available on-request: 
No upgrades are available at Ayers Rock Resort.

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What is included:

• Passionate and knowledgable Tour Guide
• All meals (5 breakfast, 6 lunches & 5 dinner)
• 3 nights camping under the stars in real Aussie swags
• 2 nights dorm style accommodation
• National Park entry fees

What you need:

• Sleeping Bag (available for hire $30)
• Beanie Hat for camping in winter
• Walking shoes/trainers
• Suitable clothing for seasonal weather
• Swim wear and beach towel
• Hat and Sunglasses
• Sunscreen – please use Reef/Coral Safe option
• Water Bottle – please consider a Re-useable option
• Camera/Phone

Note: You will need a warm sleeping bag inside of your swag with a rating of at least -4 degrees Celsius. We have excellent quality sleeping bags for hire ($30 hire fee) that are rated to -10C.
In the summer it is warm at night, approximately 18-20 degrees Celsius, but in winter temperatures can drop to around 0 degrees Celsius

Groovy Grape Rock Patrol Tour itinerary:

Adelaide → Uluru/Alice Springs | Departs every Tuesday and Saturday

DAY 1

We start our adventure travelling through the vineyards of the Clare Valley wine region, but soon enough we’re heading into the rugged Outback through the historic town of Melrose, gateway to the Flinders Ranges. We enjoy an easy stroll through the towering red sandstone cliffs in Alligator Gorge, which is sometimes bursting with wild flowers.

We’ll then settle in the heart of the Southern Flinders Ranges for the night.

DAY 2

Along the way to Coober Pedy – the Opal Capital of the World – you will notice the incredible changing landscapes. Wildlife, such as kangaroos, emus and eagles will scatter as the road trains thunder across a landscape that resembles Mars or the Moon.

On a tour of an underground Opal Mine and Museum, you’ll learn about the history of Coober Pedy.

A highlight for some is visiting Josephine’s Kangaroo Orphanage, where you can meet the rescued kangaroos and baby joeys and admire (or buy) Aboriginal art and didgeridoos.

Tonight, we sleep like the locals do – underground, in bunkhouse accommodation.

DAY 3

It’s a big day driving up the Stuart Highway, with several pitstops en-route. Watch the changing landscapes from Mulga woodlands, escarpments and nearby ranges.

Our mission today is to reach the majestic Watarrka National Park (Kings Canyon) where we will camp for the night on an authentic station.

DAY 4

We get up early to explore Watarrka (Kings Canyon), where you will need to stop to admire and photograph the massive sandstone walls, vast canyon floor and stunning gorges. On the Canyon Rim Walk (3-4 hours), you’ll experience the beautiful Garden of Eden and learn more about the local Aboriginal culture.

After lunch, we begin our journey into Uluru (Ayers Rock). Nothing will prepare you for the sight of Uluru. We quickly set up camp before learning about the local Aboriginal History at the Uluru Kata-Tjuta Aboriginal Cultural Centre.

Soon after we’ll be experiencing our first awe-inspiring Uluru sunset, taking time to absorb the beauty and majesty of this place.

*Optional Field of Light Exhibition: Book this direct at official website – Please choose “Departure 3” to fit with your Groovy Grape Itinerary and inform your Guide

DAY 5

We start the day at dawn by taking a (4 hour) hike to the majestic Valley of the Winds in Kata Tjuta (The Olgas). Be prepared to be blown away with the size of these ancient rock formations and the extraordinary views.

Later, we relax back at our campground for a dip in the pool or join one of our Adrenalin Plus options, such as skydiving over Uluru. 

DAY 6

After devouring yet another scrumptious breakfast we will experience another glorious sunrise, we then walk around the base of Uluru. Hiking through the acacia woodlands and grassy clay pans, you’ll spot wildlife at waterholes, marvel at Uluru’s geological wonders and learn more about Aboriginal interpretations from your Culturally Accredited Groovy Guide.

After lunch, we’ll hit the road to Alice Springs, arriving approximately at 6:30pm.

*Alternatively: You can also be dropped off at Ayers Rock Campground for your flight out of Ayers Rock

Notes:
Sometimes itineraries must be flexible due to road and weather conditions.
The hike at Kings Canyon is the most challenging walk, a reasonable level of fitness is required.
Groovy Grape may adapt our hikes in Watarrka (King’s Canyon) if it’s too hot.

Additional Options:

• Skydive Uluru – Don’t Climb it – Jump it!
• Uluru Helicopter Ride
• Segway Tours
• Private Room upgrade may be available at extra cost – please enquire

Luggage Information:

• The maximum luggage allowed is 1x suitcase or backpack per person, plus a day pack (to take on board the bus for your camera, water bottle, sunscreen etc)
• The bus carries secure trailers with the bus for luggage storage.

Fitness Levels:

• Some hikes involve steep climbs and requires a reasonable level of fitness.

Camping and Weather:

• All Campgrounds have Toilet and Shower facilities.
• You will need a warm sleeping bag inside of your swag with a rating of at least -4 degrees Celsius. We have excellent quality sleeping bags for hire ($30 hire fee) that are rated to -10C.
• Camping in winter we recommend bring a beanie (hat) for sleeping under the stars.
• In the summer it is warm at night, approximately 18-20 degrees Celsius, but in winter temperatures can drop to around 0 degrees Celsius.
• We may adapt our hikes in Watarrka (King’s Canyon) if it’s too hot.

Eco-Certification Awards

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

• Eco Certified Ecotourism

Tourism in a natural area that focuses on optimal resources use, leaves minimal impact on the environment and offers interesting ways to learn about the environment with operators that use resources wisely, contribute to conserving the environment and help local communities.