Uluru & Kings Canyon 4-Day Hiking Tour from Alice Springs

Four days of hiking and stargazing across the Red Centre's most remote corners

A 4-day guided tour from Alice Springs through Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park, Kings Canyon and West MacDonnell Ranges, with three nights at permanent outback campsites and an accredited driver-guide leading walks of up to 10–12 km. The tour includes national park passes, meals prepared communally at camp, and your choice of twin-share safari tent or traditional bush swag. Children from age 8 are welcome; a moderate to advanced fitness level is required for the walks.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Alice Springs to Uluru exploration

• Depart Alice Springs early
• Stop at Mt Connor lookout
• Stop at Curtin Springs
• Join arrivals at Yulara Resort
• Visit Aboriginal Interpretive Cultural Centre
• Walk around Uluru base
• See Mutitjulu Waterhole and Kantju Gorge
• Watch Uluru sunset
• Dinner at camp

Day 2 — Uluru to Kings Canyon hike

• Early breakfast and sunrise at Uluru
• Hike Valley of the Winds or Walpa Gorge
• Travel to Kings Canyon
• Camp at Wanmarra community site
• Campfire feast and stargazing

Day 3 — Kings Canyon hike and travel

• Explore Kings Canyon rim walk
• Travel via Mereenie Loop or Ernest Giles Road
• Arrive at West MacDonnell Ranges camp
• Evening stargazing at bush camp

Day 4 — West MacDonnell Ranges to Alice Springs

• Breakfast at Ormiston Gorge
• Visit Ellery Creek Big Hole
• Explore Standley Chasm
• Visit Simpsons Gap
• Return to Alice Springs

The Experience

Four days means you move through four distinct landscapes instead of rushing between them. Day one takes you from Alice Springs toward Uluru, stopping at Mt Connor lookout and the Aboriginal Interpretive Cultural Centre before a base walk around the rock itself—Mutitjulu Waterhole, Kantju Gorge with its secret waterfall, and the ancient rock art. You camp at Uluru that night. Day two starts with sunrise over the national park, then moves to Kata Tjuta for the Valley of the Winds or Walpa Gorge hike before heading to Kings Canyon, where you'll camp on the lands of the traditional Wanmarra community—so remote the itinerary notes you're closer to the International Space Station than the nearest McDonald's.

Day three is Kings Canyon itself: the rim walk through towering cliffs and sandstone chasms, with the route adjusted for seasonal conditions. The afternoon drive heads off-the-beaten-track via the Mereenie Loop or Ernest Giles Road toward West MacDonnell Ranges and a private bush camp near Mount Sonder. Day four explores the West MacDonnells in full—Ormiston Gorge at sunrise, a swim in Ellery Creek Big Hole, Standley Chasm's 80-meter-high gorge, and Simpsons Gap before returning to Alice Springs around 6pm. The walks total up to 10–12 km across the four days, adjusted for fitness and conditions.

You stay at three permanent campsites with shared showers, toilets and kitchen areas powered by solar. Choose between a twin-share safari tent with bed linen, mattress and pillow, or a traditional bush swag (canvas-covered bedroll). Guests help prepare meals, clean up and pack the vehicle each day—it's how the group connects after long hours of hiking. An accredited outback guide leads the entire tour in an air-conditioned 4x4 off-road bus, and national park passes plus Standley Chasm entry are included. Bring your own water bottle; the tour provides drinking water on board.

What’s included

• Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park pass and Standley Chasm entry.
• three nights at permanent outback campsites with shared facilities.
• accredited outback driver-guide with commentary throughout.
• air-conditioned 4x4 off-road transport.
• guided walks up to 10–12 km across the four days.
• bed linen, mattress and pillow (safari tent option) or traditional bush swag.
• communal meals prepared at camp.
• on-board drinking water.

Good to know

Moderate physical levelPets welcomeNot for pregnant travelersNot for heart conditionsNot for back problems

Operated by Autopia Tours

Is this one for you?Book the twin-share safari tent if you want a structured camp setup with linen provided; choose the bush swag for a more immersive outback experience. Either way, the four-day span lets you move through four distinct landscapes—Uluru, Kata Tjuta, Kings Canyon and West MacDonnell—without the pace of a rushed loop, and the remote campsites mean you're stargazing far from any light pollution.

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Top questions

What's the fitness level needed for this 4-day Red Centre tour?

A moderate to advanced fitness level is required to complete the walks, which total up to 10–12 km across the four days and are adjusted for seasonal conditions and individual fitness. The tour operator asks that you notify them of any known medical conditions at booking, and travelers over 75 need a doctor's certificate 30 days before travel.

Where do we sleep on the 4-day Uluru and Kings Canyon tour?

You stay at three permanent outback campsites: Uluru Campground (night one), Kings Canyon Campsite (night two), and West MacDonnell Ranges near Mount Sonder (night three). Each has shared showers, toilets and kitchen areas. You choose between a twin-share safari tent with linen and pillow, or a traditional bush swag.

What is Kata Tjuta and why do we hike there?

Kata Tjuta is a massive rock formation within Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park, distinct from Uluru itself. On day two you hike either the Valley of the Winds or Walpa Gorge through these otherworldly formations before heading to Kings Canyon.

Are meals included in the 4-day tour?

Meals are prepared communally at each campsite, and guests participate in preparation, cooking and cleanup—it's part of how the group connects after hiking. Drinking water is provided on board; bring your own bottle.

Can children join this 4-day Red Centre tour?

Children aged 8 to 17 are welcome and must be accompanied by an adult or legal guardian at all times. Children under 8 are not suitable due to safety requirements and the fitness level needed for the walks.

What does the 4-day tour include, and what costs extra?

The tour includes Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park pass, Standley Chasm entry, three nights at permanent campsites, an accredited guide, the 4x4 transport, bed linen (tent option), guided bush walks, and communal meals. Personal expenses and any sleeping bag hire are separate.