Kings Canyon & West MacDonnell Explorer - 3 Days
Who is this trip for
Age range
8 - 99Physical rating
Group size
1 - 21Meals included
6Highlights
- Kings Canyon - Hike among towering sandstone cliffs, hidden valleys and ancient chasms in Watarrka National Park
- West MacDonnell Ranges - Camp beneath Mount Sonder and enjoy stargazing under the clear desert sky
- Ormiston Gorge - See dramatic red rock walls and a permanent waterhole within Tjoritja National Park
- Standley Chasm - Walk through a striking sandstone passage with deep cultural significance to the Western Arrernte people
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Summary
Embark on a 3-day adventure through the heart of Australia’s Red Centre, travelling from Yulara to Alice Springs. Take in sweeping desert landscapes on the way to Kings Canyon, where towering sandstone cliffs and hidden valleys await. Journey across remote outback roads to the West MacDonnell Ranges, with their rugged peaks and ancient gorges. Highlights include Ormiston Gorge, the colourful Ochre Pits, Standley Chasm and Simpsons Gap, each rich in natural beauty and cultural significance.
Itinerary
Day 1
Yulara to Kings Canyon
Yulara – Kings Canyon. This tour departs with pick up either from Ayers Rock Airport at 12:00 or from Yulara town centre at 12:00 (Desert Gardens Hotel, Ayers Rock Resort, Emu Walk Apartments, Outback Hotel Lodge, Sails in the Desert or The Lost Camel Hotel). After pick up, we travel onwards towards Kings Canyon. Along the way we take in the sweeping desert scenery before arriving at our private campsite, tucked away in the wilderness.
This evening, we enjoy dinner together around the campfire. With no city lights to interrupt, the outback sky reveals an unforgettable display of stars.
Meeting point: Either from Ayers Rock Airport at 12:00 or from Yulara town centre at 12:00 (Desert Gardens Hotel, Ayers Rock Resort, Emu Walk Apartments, Outback Hotel Lodge, Sails in the Desert or The Lost Camel Hotel.
Drive Distance: 406 KM
Hike Distance: 2-6 KM & 2-4 hours (weather permitting)
Day 2
Kings Canyon to West MacDonnell
Kings Canyon – West MacDonnell Ranges. Early risers are rewarded today with the chance to explore Kings Canyon, part of Watarrka National Park. Here we discover sandstone cliffs rising up to 100 metres, as well as ancient chasms and hidden valleys. Our guide introduces us to the geology, unique flora and fauna, and the cultural significance of this remarkable place to the Ulpanyali and Lilla people.
After our hike, we continue through the remote heart of central Australia, travelling via the Mereenie Loop or Ernest Giles Road (conditions permitting). By late afternoon, we arrive at our private safari camp in the West MacDonnell Ranges, set beneath the backdrop of Mount Sonder. We enjoy dinner together before another evening of stargazing under the clear desert sky.
Drive Distance & Time: 370 km – 4 hours
Hike Distance: 4–6 km
Day 3
Kings Canyon & Journey to Alice Springs
West MacDonnell Ranges – Alice Springs. After breakfast, we begin our journey through Tjoritja in the West MacDonnell Ranges, exploring some of its most iconic natural sites. At Ormiston Gorge, we admire the red rock walls and permanent waterhole, before continuing to the Ochre Pits, once used by Aboriginal people for ceremonies and art.
A swim at Ellery Creek Big Hole offers a refreshing break before we move on to Standley Chasm, also known as Angkerle Atwatye, a striking sandstone passage rich in cultural history. Our final stop is Simpsons Gap, a beautiful gorge steeped in ancient stories.
We then continue to Alice Springs, where our Red Centre adventure concludes in the late afternoon. Drop off point: Alice Springs, Alice Springs, Northern Territory, Australia
Drive Distance & Time: 250 kM & 3 hours
Walking Distance: 3–4 km
What's Included
Meals
Breakfasts: 2, Lunches: 2, Dinners: 2
Vegetarian options are available on all meals throughout the adventure.
Vegetarian options availableLocal Guide
GuidedThis adventure is led by a local guide throughout. The main language of this adventure is English. Please contact us for other languages available.
Wifi
Wifi is available during the adventure. In some areas and / or accommodation / transport Wifi may be free.
Dates & Prices
Oct 25
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- Sun 5 Oct 2025 > Tue 7 Oct 20254 spaces of 21 leftBest offer£610
- Tue 7 Oct 2025 > Thu 9 Oct 20254 spaces of 21 leftBest offer£610
- Thu 9 Oct 2025 > Sat 11 Oct 20254 spaces of 21 leftBest offer£610
- Sun 12 Oct 2025 > Tue 14 Oct 20254 spaces of 21 leftBest offer£610
Essential trip information
Our Important Notes and Packing List cover all essentials, from necessary equipment to inclusions, ensuring you're fully equipped and informed for this extraordinary adventure and more.
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