Why we Love a Groovy Grape Rock to Water Adventure

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

Start in Australia’s Red Centre exploring the monoliths of Uluru and Kata-Tjuta National Park, sleep underground after searching for opals and explore the Flinders Ranges.

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
• 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
• Sift for Opals at Coober Pedy Underground Town
• Hand Feed Joeys at Josephins Kangaroo Orphanage
• Alligator Gorge Hike in the Flinders Ranges

☆ Travel in Reverse ☆
Start this trip in Adelaide ⇢ Groovy Grape Rock Patrol

Who travels on this Groovy Grape Rock to Water 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 Alice Springs / Ayers Rock Resort:
  – Every Wednesday and Sunday
  – Pick-up Alice Springs from 5:30am
  – Pick-up Uluru/Ayers Rock Resort from 12:00pm approximately
• Arrive Adelaide
  – Drop-off Adelaide at approximately 6:30pm

Note: For Flights arriving the same day into Ayers Rock Resort – please ask us before booking live

Ayers Rock Resort

1st night on your Groovy Grape Rock to Water tour departing Alice Springs (or Uluru).

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.

Kings Creek Station

2nd night on your Groovy Grape Rock to Water tour departing Alice Springs (or Uluru).

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.

Umoona Opal Mine and Museum

4th night on your Groovy Grape Rock to Water tour departing Alice Springs (or Uluru).

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.

Stony Creek Bush Camps

5th night on your Groovy Grape Rock to Water tour departing Alice Springs (or Uluru).

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.

Note: Night 3 is spent at one of Groovy Grapes campsites at Kulgera, Erldunda or we bush camp in swags. 

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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:

Uluru/Alice Springs → Adelaide | Departs every Wednesday and Sunday

DAY 1

From Alice Springs, we journey across the rugged Outback to Uluru (Ayers Rock). Nothing will prepare you for the sight of Uluru – it’s awesome! We learn about the region’s indigenous history at the Uluru Kata Tjuta Aboriginal Cultural Centre before taking an easy walk around the base of Uluru and learn more about Aboriginal interpretations from your Culturally Accredited Groovy Guide.

There’s no better way to finish the day than watching the amazing sunset over Uluru, before snuggling inside your swag under the star-studded desert sky.

*The tour can be joined at Ayers Rock Resort around 12:00pm (please ask us for more information)
*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 2

After an early breakfast, we’ll head to Kata Tjuta (The Olgas) for a sunrise and visit the majestic Valley of the Winds, with its ancient rock formations and extraordinary views. The hikes here can be challenging at times with steep sections and duration of about 3 ½ hours.

If your feeling adventurous, fall from the skies with our adrenaline option, skydiving over Uluru.  

After lunch, we drive to an authentic station where we set up camp for the night

DAY 3

Today we set out for Watarrka National Park (Kings Canyon), you’ll need to stop to admire and photograph the massive red sandstone walls, vast canyon floor and breath-taking gorges. On the Canyon Rim Walk (3-4 hours) experience the beautiful Garden of Eden and learn more about local Aboriginal culture.

This afternoon we drive to one of our campsites at Kulgera, Erldunda or bush camp in swags. 

DAY 4

We hit the highway to Coober Pedy – the Opal Capital of the World – you will notice the incredible change of scenery from mulga woodlands to vast open plains. We will get the chance to visit the Opal Mine and Museum where we’ll learn the history of the town and sift for our own opals.

The 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.

Soon after you’ll get the chance to taste one of the most amazing pizzas in the outback before spending the night in a bunkhouse sleeping the way the locals do – underground!

DAY 5

After breakfast, we journey south into the foothills of the magnificent Flinders Ranges. On the way, we stop at Pimba and get a chance to view the salt lakes.

We’ll stop en-route for lunch before driving to Wilmington where we’ll sleep among the river red gum trees.

DAY 6

We enjoy a morning walk through the towering red sandstone cliffs of Alligator Gorge, which is sometimes bursting with wild flowers and amazing wildlife: you might get the chance to spot kangaroos or wallabies.

We enjoy our last lunch together, before heading to Adelaide arriving at approximately 5pm. 

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.