8-Day Uluru to Adelaide Tour from Uluru: Kings Canyon/Watarrka, Coober Pedy, William Creek and Flinders Ranges NP

OVERVIEW

Unleash your inner adventurer on this epic eight-day overland tour from Uluru to Adelaide through Australia's untamed outback. Feel connected to Country as you immerse yourself in the Red Centre, the spiritual heart of Australia. Understand and appreciate the world's oldest living culture during powerful Indigenous experiences and take in striking desert landscapes and otherworldly rock formations. In outback South Australia, sleep in an underground dugout, noodle for opals and cross vast cattle stations. Traverse iconic outback tracks, and unearth the ancient Flinders Ranges. Your days will be filled with unforgettable adventures and evenings with magical outback sunsets, campfire banter and stargazing at the constellations of the southern skies.  

UNTAMED MOMENTS

• Experience one of the world's greatest natural wonders - Uluru
• Learn from First Nations people during authentic cultural experiences
• Be mesmerised by otherworldly landscapes like Kata Tjuta and Kings Canyon
• Witness the unforgettable sunsets and sunrises of the Red Centre
• Traverse part of one of Australia's most famous unsealed roads, the Oodnadatta Track
• Sleep beneath the Earth's surface in a dugout in Coober Pedy
• Unearth the ancient Ikara-Flinders Ranges National Park
• Immerse yourself in nature on rewarding hikes
• Participate in conservation volunteering in the Flinders Ranges

INCLUSIONS

• Accommodation: 6 x nights swag camping with facilities & 1 x night underground bunkhouse multi-share dorm
• All activities and experiences
• Meals as listed (7 breakfasts, 4 lunches and 5 dinners)
• All national park and entrance fees
• Storyteller Guide
• Air-conditioned vehicle

TOUR ITINERARY

Day 1: Yulara & Uluru Sunset (Sun)

Your eight-day adventure begins at 2 pm, where you'll meet your Storyteller Guide in front of the Desert Gardens Hotel. After a meet and greet, visit the Cultural Centre in Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park to soak up its mesmerising natural beauty and rich culture. Uluru and Kata Tjuta both hold great spiritual significance as they are places where many creation stories converge. Many of these stories are kept secret from outsiders, but you'll learn a little about the local Anangu culture and appreciate the beauty of their land through exhibits and free presentations with Anangu and park rangers.

After setting up camp this evening, head to a viewing platform to experience the famous changing colours of the magical Uluru at sunset. This is a great time to contemplate the vastness of the desert. Tonight, get to know your fellow travellers over our first campfire dinner. And roll out your Aussie swag for the first time underneath a sky full of sparkling stars.

Today we only drive around 60km.

* For those passengers who wish to book a bus transfer from Alice Springs to Yulara, please see the Know Before You Go information below.

Accommodation

Swag camping at Ayers Rock Resort Campground

Meals Included

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Day 2: Uluru (Mon)

Rising early, breathe deep and soak up the serenity of a sunrise over Uluru. As the sunlight plays with the landscape, the rock formations change colour before your eyes. Next, it's time to get close to Uluru, one of the world's greatest natural wonders. At 348 metres high and some 550 million years old, feel a powerful presence the moment you set eyes on it. A guided 10km Uluru base walk is your best opportunity to connect with the rock and learn its stories. Relax beside tranquil waterholes, take a break under a magnificent Sheoak tree and peer into hidden caves.

After lunch, participate in a fun and inspiring dot painting workshop with a talented local Anangu artist and interpreter. During this wonderful 1.5-hour authentic experience, you will learn about ancient symbols used in Anangu art and teachings and will be taught some introductory Pitjantjatjara words (the local language spoken by Anangu). Use this knowledge to create your own artwork to take home and treasure forever.

Return to camp for some free time. Relax by the pool or engage in some of the activities at Ayers Rock Resort, such as a didgeridoo performance, a guided garden walk or discovering artifacts at the museum. Enjoy a tasty dinner at camp tonight. 

Today we only drive around 50km. You may walk up to 10km today if you do the full Uluru base-walk. However, shorter Uluru walks are available. 

Accommodation

Swag camping at Ayers Rock Resort Campground

Meals Included

B | L | D

Day 3: Yulara to Kings Canyon / Watarrka (Tues)

This morning, we depart Yulara and make our way towards Watarrka National Park and Kings Canyon. But first, it's time for another untamed moment as Kata Tjuta materialises before you. Rising 546 metres above the ground, this sacred site is a defining feature of the Red Centre. Translating to the Pitjantjatjara word for 'Many Heads', the site's ridges and ravines are closely connected with numerous Indigenous creation-time stories. Embark on the Valley of the Winds guided walk for a moment in nature you will never forget. A sanctuary for plants and animals, including wallabies and gorgeous wildflowers, we'll wander along the narrow creek valley between two of Kata Tjuta's largest domes.

This afternoon, arrive at our camp at Kings Creek Station and enjoy some chill time before dinner at your leisure. 

Today you will cover about 325kms

Accommodation

Swag camping at Kings Creek Station

Meals Included

B | L | -

Day 4: Kings Canyon to Coober Pedy (Wed)

It's an early start this morning for the spellbinding Kings Canyon Rim Walk, which is guaranteed to be one of the most magical experiences of your life. With its 300-metre-high sandstone walls, hidden waterholes, fern forests, chasms, canyons and caverns, Watarrka National Park is central Australia's answer to an oasis. Take in the 360-degree views and journey through Priscilla's Crack, made famous by the classic Australian movie Priscilla Queen of the Desert. From there, see the sandstone domes known as the Lost City and the lush greenery and watering hole of the aptly named Garden of Eden.

Rest your legs and settle in for a long drive today as we travel across the Northern Territory and South Australian border. There are plenty of stops along the way before we arrive in Coober Pedy, 'The Opal Capital of the World'. Due to scorching temperatures, most of the town is underground, with residents living in cave-like houses carved into the hillsides.

Tonight, you will stay in a unique underground bunkhouse and have some free time to explore and grab dinner at one of the many eateries. It's big numbers today, covering approximately 760km.

Accommodation

Umoona Opal Mine - underground bunk, multi-share

Meals Included

B | - | -

Day 5: Coober Pedy to William Creek (Thurs)

After breakfast, visit the Umoona Opal Mine and Museum. Here you will learn about Aboriginal and European settlement, see how the early miners lived, and try your hand at 'noodling' for opals. Next, spend time with some rescued joeys at Josephine's Gallery and Kangaroo Orphanage. Established in 2008 to take in orphaned kangaroos from the far north of South Australia, it is about the size of Germany! It just so happens the gallery here is a world-class Aboriginal Art Gallery with an extensive range of Aboriginal artefacts and significant works by many of Australia's best-known Indigenous artists.

Next, travel into areas seldom seen by most tourists as we leave the sealed roads of the Stuart Highway behind us and travel on unsealed roads to one of the remotest towns in the world, William Creek. On the way, travel through the largest cattle station in the world, Anna Creek. Gaze out at the endless horizons as we pass by the lake with the longest name in the world, Lake Cadibarrawirracanna. Arriving in town, set up camp and have a hearty counter meal at the heritage-listed William Creek Hotel.

Fall asleep as you count shooting stars snuggled up in your swag. 

Today we travel approximately 170km.

Accommodation

Swag camping at William Creek

Meals Included

B | - | D

Day 6: William Creek to Flinders Ranges via the Oodnadatta Track* (Fri)

Today, continue off the beaten path and travelling along a section of one of Australia's most iconic unsealed roads, the Oodnadatta Track. Drive through eerie lunar-like landscapes and, along the way, uncover highlights such as the mind-bending Mutonia Sculpture Park and Lake Eyre, Australia's largest salt lake. Grab lunch at one of the quirky outback towns along the way before we arrive at Skytrek Willow Springs Station in the magnificent Flinders Ranges. This 70,000-acre working sheep station features secluded bush camping, walking trails, natural springs and Aboriginal rock etchings. 

The Flinders Ranges is famed as having some of the Southern Hemisphere's clearest skies. So, for the next two nights, enjoy front-row seats to one of Earth's most spectacular light shows. After a campfire dinner, roll out your swag under a sea of stars blanketing the ancient landscape and spend the evening marvelling at the Milky Way and counting constellations.

Today we drive approximately 500km.

* See the disclaimer in Know Before You Go information regarding road/weather conditions.

Accommodation

Swag camping at Skytrek Willow Springs Station

Meals Included

B | - | D

Day 7: Ikara-Flinders Ranges National Park (Sat)

This morning, it's time to unearth the magnificent Ikara-Flinders Ranges National Park. Experience the geological grandeur forged over more than 540 million years. Ancient gorges invite exploration, and beauty reveals itself at every turn. So, pull on your hiking boots for a hike through tall river red gums and pines, past waterholes and a historic ruined homestead, culminating with breathtaking views over the surrounding wilderness. 

Regeneration is at our core, so meet with a Park Ranger to learn about conservation efforts within Ikara-Flinders Ranges National Park. Then, give back by participating in meaningful conservation work, which will vary depending on the time of year.

After a picnic lunch, take a beautiful scenic drive at Brachina Gorge, Finally, head back to camp to relax and have our final dinner together. The total driving distance today is approximately 160km.

Accommodation

Swag camping at Skytrek Willow Springs Station

Meals Included

B | L | D

Day 8: Flinders Ranges to Adelaide (Sunday)

After our final breakfast together, it's time to roll up your swag one last time and set out on the Arkaroo Rock Trail, which has impressive views over the Chace Range. Arkaroo Rock is also a significant cultural site for the Adnyamathanha people. It has an incredible example of Adnyamathanha rock art depicting the Yura Muda (Dreaming or creation story) of Ikara.

Enjoy a picnic lunch before travelling to Alligator Gorge in the Southern Flinders Ranges. Located in Mount Remarkable National Park, this is the perfect way to end the tour. Our last stint on the road will see us travel through the picturesque Clare Valley wine region before arriving in Adelaide at around 6 pm.

Today we travel approximately 450km.

Meals Included

B | L

KNOW BEFORE YOU BOOK

ALICE SPRINGS CONNECTING TRANSFERS

• Transfers from Alice Springs to Yulara (Uluru) are operated by AAT Kings and depart at 7 am or earlier from selected Alice Springs hotels. The shuttle will arrive in Yulara at 1 pm, giving passengers enough time before our tour departs at 2 pm.
• Please note that this shuttle does not operate on Sundays from December to February. During these months, passengers can opt to arrive in Yulara the day before the tour or fly into Ayers Rock Airport that morning.
• The rate is currently $199pp; however, it will increase from April 2024 to March 2025 to $225pp. You can add this to your cart when making your tour booking on our website as an optional add-on.

GENERAL

• This tour commences in Yulara (Ayers Rock Resort) on day one at approximately 2 pm. This gives people time to travel from Alice Springs that morning before the tour departs. Transfers from Alice Springs to Yulara are operated by AAT Kings, which have you arriving at Ayers Rock Resort by 1 pm. Passengers may also come on flights into Uluru Airport that morning with a complimentary transfer bus from the airport to the Resort, where they will meet their Guide at 2 pm.   
• The tour finishes in Adelaide on day eight at around 6:00 pm.
• To get the most from this experience, you need to enjoy the outdoors, hiking, and be able to cope with extreme weather conditions.
• A moderate fitness level is required, and you need to be prepared for walks between 3-12 kilometres on some days. This may involve rough ground and perhaps getting wet.
• Please advise of any special dietary requirements when you book. We offer plenty of variety and do our best to provide fresh products. Snacks, soft drinks and alcohol are not included.
• Bags are restricted to 1 × 15 kg backpack/soft travel bag per person, plus one small piece of hand luggage.
• As part of our COVID-Safe protocols, all passengers must complete online check-in, including a 'Fit for Travel' self-declaration to confirm they are free from illness. This is mandatory and must be completed at the latest 24 hours before departure.
• This tour requires a minimum of six people to operate. In the unlikely event your departure is cancelled because minimum numbers have not been met, we will transfer all monies paid onto a future departure date. If this is not suitable, we will refund your tour price in full.
• Please read our full Booking Terms & Conditions before booking.

CAMPING

• This is a camping tour, and involvement from the passengers is required. This can include helping with meals and packing up camp.
• Camping on this tour is at a mixture of national parks and campgrounds. All campgrounds do have basic toilet and shower facilities.
• When camping, we use single swags. Swags are 'Aussie Bed Rolls' made from sturdy canvas with a mattress built into the swag. Passengers need to provide a sleeping bag and pillow to insert into the swag.
• Swag Upgrade – if you would like to upgrade to a deluxe double swag that comfortably sleeps up to two people, you can pay a $300 upgrade fee during the booking process. This swag features a high-density foam mattress and mesh windows. Due to the size of this swag, there is limited availability, so it is first in best dressed.
• Our wet weather option is a 3-person dome tent shared by two people.

ITINERARY CHANGES

• Weather conditions in the Australian outback can change quickly and dramatically. Our experienced guides will always put the safety of our passengers first and stay abreast of weather conditions.Itinerary changes may occur to ensure we provide the best possible experience. For example, in the hot summer months, from December to March, we may change the times of hikes to earlier in the day. Any itinerary changes will be communicated to the group in advance.
• The Oodnadatta Track accessibility is strongly dependent on weather conditions. See below for further information.

OODNADATTA TRACK CLOSURE ALTERNATE ITINERARY

The Oodnadatta Track is an unsealed dirt road, and the conditions of the track depend heavily on the weather. If the road is deemed unsafe to drive on, or there is a possibility that sections of the road will close after we have commenced driving on the track, our Guide reserves the right to alter the itinerary and take a different route. If, for safety reasons, the decision is made not to travel on the track, the itinerary for day three will be changed as follows;

Port Augusta | Coober Pedy via Stuart Highway | Josephine's Kangaroo Orphanage & Gallery | Coober Pedy township | Umoona Opal Mine & Museum | Overnight Coober Pedy.