Kings Canyon & West MacDonnell Explorer - 3 Days

From £610£203 per day

Who is this trip for

Age range

8 - 99

Physical rating

2/5

Group size

1 - 21

Meals included

6

Highlights

  • 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 available

  • Local Guide

    Guided

    This 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

    from £610
  • Nov 25

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  • Dec 25

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  • Jan 26

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  • Feb 26

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  • Mar 26

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  • Apr 26

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  • May 26

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  • Jun 26

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  • Jul 26

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  • Aug 26

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  • Sep 26

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  • Oct 26

    from £610
  • Nov 26

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  • Dec 26

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  • Jan 27

    from £610
  • Feb 27

    from £610
  • Mar 27

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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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