This is the ultimate 4WD adventure! Delve into the heart of the Red Centre and explore Uluru, Kata Tjuta and Kings Canyon. Visit the Garden of Eden and the Aboriginal Cultural Centre and hike the West MacDonnell Ranges. You'll even get to discover Australia Indigenous culture first hand with a trip to Oak Valley Aboriginal Community!
Itinerary:
Day 1: Alice Springs to Uluru
Departing Alice Springs bright and early, you'll hit the road for the adventure of a lifetime! Please note, those who have chosen to commence the tour at Uluru will be collected you from the Outback Pioneer Hotel or the airport.
Now, the journey south through the Waterhouse and James Ranges begins! There'll be the chance to stop at the Camel Farm.
Next up, visit Mount Ebenezer Roadhouse where you can view or purchase Aboriginal artefacts. Stop to check out Atila (Mount Connor), a mesa tableland and the first significant rock formation of the trip. It's a little like a mini Uluru!
After a stop for lunch, you'll arrive at the Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park. Meet the rest of your group, then travel to the base of Uluru where your guide will lead you on an interpretive walk. You'll hear about Aboriginal law and religion (Tjukurpa) and learn more about this fascinating culture.
Continuing on, you'll meet your local Aboriginal Guide who will provide a once in a lifetime authentic Indigenous cultural experience. They'll share stories and pass on traditional painting methods that play an important part in the sustainability of Aboriginal Culture. Your experience starts with a walk to the cave paintings near Mutitjulu Waterhole, at the base of Uluru. As you're guided by the Anangu, learn about stories of this unique landscape and the connection between the art, culture and the land. Your experience concludes at the Cultural Centre. You can explore the displays here and learn of the flora and fauna of this unique area.
Later, experience the famous changing colours of Uluru at sunset away from the crowds, 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 your remote private camp. The evening is completed with Wayoutback's signature Endless Star dining experience. After filling your belly, retire to your swag under the amazing night sky or head to your comfortable safari tent complete with beds.
Tonight, there is also the option to see the Field of Light art installation (optional and additional expense) after dinner. If you opt for this experience, you'll be collected from a location close to your campsite and transferred to the Field of Light. Enjoy a walk through this incredible light display at your own pace before being transferred back to the camp.
The exhibition, aptly named Tili Wiru Tjuta Nyakutjaku or ‘looking at lots of beautiful lights’ in local Pitjantjatjara is Bruce Munro’s largest work to date. It covers more than seven football fields and is a stunning fantasy garden of 50,000 spindles of light! Please advise us when booking if you would like to add this option.
Day 2: Uluru to Kings Creek Station
Wake up early this morning to catch the sunrise over Uluru and Kata Tjuta. Enjoy the tranquillity as you watch from a lookout close to camp.
Next, it's time for breakfast before you head off to Kata Tjuta. Here you'll enjoy a 7km hike through the magnificent "Valley of the Winds".
After a leisurely lunch, travel to Kings Creek Station for your second night in a remote outback campsite. The private campsite at Kings Creek is miles from the crowds, which is where the feeling of ‘wayoutback’ really starts to take hold.
After a campfire dinner, it's time to kick back and be mesmerised by the millions of stars on display.
Day 3: Kings Creek Station to Glen Helen
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, it's time to get offroad and 4WD along the famous Mereenie Loop Road!
Look out for wildlife along the way - there's plenty to see including kangaroos, birds and wallabies.
Tonight, your permanent camp is at Glen Helen. Sleep near the stunning waterhole that the Traditional owners of this land believe is home to an ancient and powerful Rainbow Serpent. It's a special night you'll remember forever.
Day 4: Glen Helen to Ormiston Gorge & Ellery Creek
Spend today exploring the mighty West MacDonnell Ranges.
Travelling to Ormiston Gorge, keep your eyes peeled for Perentie Lizards lazing along the banks and take a swim in the rock holes. Once you arrive, hike the “Ghost Gum Walk”. This is a spectacular 1.5-hour loop that takes in views down through the majestic Ormiston Gorge, before descending down close to the gorge and Ormiston Waterhole.
Later, journey on to the Ochre Pits, a registered sacred site that offers the unique experience to view the Ochre deposit still used to this day by the Traditional owners. See the natural ochres that have provided materials for Indigenous people for thousands of years.
Afterwards, 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, 4WD into your remote bush camp for the night. Tonight, it's just you and the outback - a great opportunity to star gaze away from the city lights!
Day 5: Return to Alice Springs via Oak Valley Aboriginal Community
After a hearty breakfast, it's back on the bus to cross the famous Owen Springs Reserve. Your destination today is the incredible Oak Valley Aboriginal Community. Spend time with the Traditional owners, try your hand at Boomerang throwing, see ancient rock art paintings and carvings and learn more about this ancient culture. This is a once in a lifetime experience that will see you gain an understanding of the culture and the profound understanding the owners have of this pristine remote environment.
Later, travel back to Alice Springs via the Old South Road. There's time for one last stop at the Ewaninga Art site before returning to your accommodation by approximately 5.30 pm.