3 Day Kings Canyon to Uluru Tour

Come with us as we head west of Alice Springs and delve into the Alice Valley where we witness some of Australia’s most spectacular scenery heading west through the MacDonnell Ranges. We will drive through creek beds that are home to the great Australian River Red Gums, which tap into ground water that lies beneath the creek beds and have served as a guide for those in search of water for many years.

We emerge to cross one of Australia’s wide-open spaces (what Australia is known for), which offers expansive views south towards the James Ranges and north toward the MacDonnell Ranges, as they disappear into the north west toward the Tanami Desert.

The hidden jewel refers to our stop at one of Australia’s most respected Aboriginal communities, Wallace Rockhole where you have the opportunity to become immersed in Australia’s traditional culture.

It’s here that we tour the local rock art sites that tell local history in its most untouched and interesting form. Back at the community art centre we watch artists at work while enjoying morning tea and interacting with the locals as they come to do their shopping at the adjacent supermarket.

Departing Wallace Rockhole we continue west across Missionary Plain passing numerous tracks into outstations before passing by a key part of the Northern Territory's history, Hermannsburg township. First established as a Lutheran missionary in 1872 Hermannsburg township is now the main service hub for the outlying areas to the west of Alice -home to the Arrente people.

At this point we leave the sealed road behind as the real outback unfolds in front of us, with its ridges of red sand dunes covered with Spinifex and Desert Oak trees.

We then follow the red sandy tracks into this 130 million years old comet impact crater that offers a reminder of our personal insignificance in the natural history of the world. This sacred site offers an insight to the characters and history of the area and its significance to the local people. It is then time to recharge with a picnic lunch before we hit the trails and explore some of these sacred sites.

Next we head south west to the Gardiner Ranges where we negotiate the minor valleys and creek crossings that drain its flanks. Out of nowhere “civilisation”, as we approach a gas well head that dominates a small valley floor and provides insight to the riches buried beneath Australia’s desert landscape.

At the top of the jump-up we enjoy an uninterrupted view of Carmichaels Crag, a high bluff which marks the western extent of the George Gill Range and the keeper of Kings Canyon.

Kings Canyon Resort is strategically positioned so it does not intrude on one of Australia’s most magnificent desert landscapes.

This modern environmentally sensitive resort with its solar power, recycled water, recycled heat energy, and warm friendly hospitality offers a very comfortable interlude for our journey across the Central Australian Deserts.

Overnight: Kings Canyon Resort – Hotel Standard Guest Room or Lodge with share facilities

After a quick cuppa we depart the Kings Canyon Resort at sunrise and journey to Kings Canyon.

Arriving at the base of Kings Canyon we are introduced to the many unique aspects of this timeless landscape and prepare ourselves for an exhilarating 3hr walk into this unique and very special desert environment complete with its own eco system.

For the not so adventurous, a less strenuous but still highly rewarding option, is the creek walk with its abundant bird and plant life, softer environmental conditions and views of the canyon it is a most enjoyable alternative.

The ascent to top of the range reveals the vastness of Australia’s outback providing views for some 50-70kms. We discover the formations known as ‘the lost city’ where we see the igloo shaped rounded domes that have been shaped by the weathering process of the desert environment. Not to mention our visit to the ‘Garden of Eden’ with its unique eco system of lush growth and a secluded waterhole.

The views from the south face of Kings Canyon are spectacular with its sheer drop of 120m to the valley strewn floor below and from here the mood and the landscape changes as we make our way to the south into a parallel valley for our descent.

Following morning tea we travel east passing through Kings Creek Station and onto Angus Downs. Angus downs was originally established by Mr Bill Liddle as a sheep station, which was later changed to a cattle station by his descendents.This station has a rich and colourful history interwoven with success and failure.

Joining the Lasseter Highway we stop enroute to admire Mt Connor, a flat topped mesa often mistaken for Uluru, before arriving at Ayers Rock Resort.

Entering the park we head straight to the Culture Centre for a peek at the park’s listing as a World Heritage Area.

We tour the base of Uluru including Mutitjulu waterhole and the Mala Walk highlighting the physical features of this impressive monolith with its weather worn faces and rounded features, each with its own story.

A sunset at Uluru is the crowning glory to a fantastic day of fulfilment and connection with Australia’s outback. We enjoy a glass of sparkling wine as the colours change with the sun setting on Uluru.It is then time to get some beauty sleep at Ayers Rock Resort.

Overnight: Ayers Rock Resort - Lost Camel Hotel

We’re up bright an early on day 3 to catch the sun rise, as it spears across the landscape highlighting the features of the near flat terrain. The colour changes created on the Kata Tjuta domes are a sight to behold.

This morning sees us exploring amongst the 32 main domes of the formation before returning to the resort. The area holds special meaning with it being of significance to the Pitjantjatjara /Yankunytjatjara men and is shrouded in strong indigenous beliefs.

Sadly for those staying on at the resort it’s time to say good bye as your tour has come to an end. But for the adventurers returning to Alice or flying out from Ayers Rock we have an opportunity to investigate the visitors centre.

With its excellent display and information on the natural environment of the region, and souvenir shops to help you find the perfect gifts, you’re sure to have a great time at the visitors centre. Not to mention the opportunity to enjoy the facilities of this world class resort. Midday sees our departure for Alice Springs.

Travelling east along Lassetter Highway we cross through Curtain Springs and Mt Ebenezer Stations. Mt Ebenezer Roadhouse is owned by the local Imanpa Community and has a well stocked display of local artefacts and souvenirs for sale.

We then join the Stuart Highway at Erldunda and head north into Alice Springs. While returning to Alice Springs we pass through Stuart’s Well, the home of some colourful characters like Dinky the singing dingo and his owner Jim Cotterill who is one of the centre’s most renowned pioneers.

It is then that time to say farewell and we hope you enjoyed a taste of Australia’s outback.