Embark on an extraordinary 3-day adventure in a comfortable Uluru Tours four-wheel drive vehicle. This tour will reveal the extraordinary magnificence of the sights of the Northern Territory. Stay overnight at campsites with all the facilities, enjoying a spectacular sunset. Undertake the Mereenie Loop Red Centre Way to see the Red Centre, Uluru and Kings Canyon and the area’s wildlife.
- Duration: 3 Days / 2 Night
- Departure: 8:45 - 17:15
- $995 Adult / Child - Basic Single Swag
- $1,150 Adult / Child - *Safari Twin Share Tent
Unforgettable Kings Canyon to McDonnell West Ridge
See breathtaking cliffs, canyons, wildlife, camping sites and truly unforgettable experiences on this unforgettable 3-day four-wheel drive tour. Mereenie Loop Red Centre Way is a route that takes you through Red Centre, Uluru and Kings Canyon.
You will learn some secrets about the Red Centre from your local guide, who will share stories, commentary and hidden gems. Comfortable double safari tents are available to provide more privacy, comfort and security, or you can sleep in a traditional canvas camping tent.
Highlights
- Navigating 4WD drive vehicles to the wonders of the red centre that are otherwise unreachable.
- The Mereenie Loop route will take you to mesmerising sights.
Situated in a campsite that will give the experience of camping under the stars. - Exploring Watarrka National Park, you will be fascinated by the rock formations, oases and cliffs of King’s Canyon.
- Discover the rugged landscapes, tranquil bodies of water and unspoilt gorges of West MacDonnell Ranges National Park.
- Stop by the dramatic magnificence of Standley Chasm, Ormiston Gorge, Ellery Creek Big Hole and Ochre Pits.
- This tour starts at Ayers Rock Yulara / ends at Alice Springs only
Itinerary
Day 1: Ayers Rock Resort Start - Kings Canyon
Travel through the rugged wilderness of Kings Canyon and discover the nature of the Australian outback and rich history. Depart from Yulara / Ayers Rock in the afternoon to the breathtaking Kings Canyon area in the vast nature. Enjoy a hearty dinner near the campfire and get to know your travelling mates better. At night, admire the sky full of stars. You’ll feel a deep link to the untouched wilderness.
- Meals: Dinner (*lunch is not included for guests being collected at Yulara Airport).
- Accom: Kings Creek Station – Permanent Safari Tents or Bush Swags (communal campground facilities).
- Driving Distance: 406 km (4.5 Hours).
- Hike Distance: 2-6 km / 2-4 hours (*weather dependent).
Day 2: Kings Canyon to West MacDonnell
Discover King’s Canyon (Watarrca) on our unforgettable expedition. Journey through the ancient sacred sites of the Ulpanyali and Lilla people as we set off early in the morning to explore this wonder. You’ll find yourself in the heart of Watarrka National Park (Kings Canyon), surrounded by towering 100-metre cliffs and sandstone crevasses.
Prepare to be hypnotised by the scenery that evokes a sense of wonder. Put on comfortable boots, grab water and a hat as we set off on foot to explore the most spectacular part of the canyon in detail. Take the scenic Mereenie Loop, which takes you past unspoilt landscapes to reach the West MacDonnell Ranges, where an evening of stargazing awaits you in our comfy safari camp.
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner.
- Accom: West MacDonnell Ranges – Permanent Tents or Bush Swags (private portable facilities).
- Driving Distance: 370km (4 hours).
- Hike Distance: 4-6 km / 3-4 hours.
Day 3: West MacDonnell Ranges to Alice Springs
Explore the Standley Chasm, known as Angkerle Atwatye, meaning ‘Water Chasm’, located by the West MacDonnell Ranges. Watch the local nature at sunrise while enjoying breakfast. Admire the red walls of Ormiston Gorge, created by mixed forces of time and nature. Take a dip in the refreshing waters of Ellery Creek Bighole (Udepata).
After water treatments and observing the beauty of nature, we will take a leisurely drive to Alice Springs, making one last stop at Simpsons Gap, where the paths of dreams and history cross. This area has a permanent watering hole and plenty of wildlife. End your unforgettable trip by reflecting on your three days of exploration and new encounters. We will transfer you back to Alice Springs to continue your plans.
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch.
- Accom: N/A.
- Driving Distance: 250km (3 hours).
- Walking Distance: ~3km / 4km.
*Autopia Tours reserves the right to alter the route or itinerary schedule during seasonal weather fluctuations and/or during park closures due to traditional landowner ceremonies.
Details
Pickup Locations & Times
Our main meeting point for this tour will be outside the front of Ayers Rock Resort at 12:00pm.
- 12:00pm – Ayers Rock Campground – 173 Yulara Dr Yulara NT (bus stop near campground entrance)
- 12:00pm – Desert Gardens Hotel – Ayers Rock Resort 1 Yulara Dr Yulara
- 12:00pm – Outback Hotel Lodge – 2 Yulara Dr Yulara NT
- 12:00pm – Sails in the Desert – 163 Yulara Dr Yulara NT
- 12:00pm – The Lost Camel Hotel – Ayers Rock Yulara Dr Yulara NT
*Please arrive 5-10 mins prior to your nominated pickup time so as not to delay or miss your tour.
Inclusions
- 2 Nights Permanent Safari Style Tented Campsites (Kings Creek, West MacDonnell)
- Includes: 2 x breakfasts, 2 x lunches, 2 x dinners
- Guided bush walks (~12km, subject to fitness level)
- Onboard drinking water (bring your own bottle)
- All National Park pass entry fees
- Accredited outback driver guide
- Comprehensive local tour commentary
- Air-conditioned 4×4 off-road bus travel
- Australian bush swag – canvas-covered bush bed roll (Bush Swag option)
- Fitted & top sheet, mattress, pillow & case provided (Safari Tent option)
- Selected pick-up Yulara or Ayers Rock points / drop-off Alice Springs only
*Guests joining the tour in Ayers Rock/Yulara, will need to arrange their own lunch prior to boarding at the airport on Day1.
Exclusions
- Sleeping bags can be hired from us onboard for $40 AUD, this includes cleaning costs. You are more than welcome to bring your own. Payment is made directly to the tour operator.
- Any meals not indicated within the itinerary. For those with special dietaries, we recommend you bring snacks as options are limited in the outback.
- Hotel transfers pre/post tour itinerary to a nominated pickup point.
- Personal travel insurance is highly recommended
- Personal expenses
What to bring
- 3L Refillable water bottle
- Wide-brimmed hat, sunglasses & sunscreen
- Swimwear, beach towel & toiletries
- Comfortable sturdy hiking shoes (tread closed-toe shoes)
- All-weather clothing (extreme conditions inc wind, heat, cold, day/night)
- 15kg soft bag & small day pack
- Tropical strength insect repellent
- Mosquito or fly net (summer months)
- Flashlight, headlamp or torch, and camera
- Money for snack and meals
- Bring your own sleeping bag & pillow (optional – if staying in a swag)
- Recharge power bank (limited access to power to charge phone or cameras)