3-Day Uluru / Ayers Rock Tour Packages

Insider tips: Recommended 3-day Uluru / Ayers Rock tour itineraries

Compiled by

MelissaUluru / Ayers Rock travel expert at TourRadar

• 3 Days in Australia's Red Centre, incl. Uluru and Kings Canyon

  UNESCO-listed Uluru reveals its wonders over three days, with visits to Mutitjulu waterhole, Kuniya Piti, and Kantju Gorge. Spectacular sunset over Uluru and sunrise at Kata Tjuta bracket comfortable nights in safari tents at Ayers Rock Coach Campground.

  

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  • Day 1

    Alice Springs to Uluru

    Leave Alice Springs early for the 5-hour drive to Uluru. Stop at Mt. Connor lookout on the way. Many people think it's Uluru at first glance, but the real thing comes later. After lunch, visit the Aboriginal Cultural Centre to learn about the spiritual importance of the land. Walk around Uluru's base to see the Mutitjulu Waterhole and ancient rock art at Kuniya Piti. Watch the sunset while your guide makes dinner. Travel tip: The 350km drive runs on sealed roads but can get boring. Bring some entertainment. The base walk is 2-3km on flat ground, but it gets very hot between 10am-4pm. Start early and take plenty of water.

    
  • Day 2

    Kata Tjuta and Kings Canyon

    Get up before dawn to see sunrise at Uluru, then head to the rock formations of Kata Tjuta. A visitor told us: "The Valley of the Winds walk at Kata Tjuta was challenging but worth every step - the views are unbelievable." The full walk is 7.4km, but your guide might choose the shorter 2.6km Walpa Gorge walk if it's too hot. Drive to Kings Canyon for sunset and sleep under the stars.

    
  • Day 3

    Kings Canyon to Alice Springs

    Start early for the Kings Canyon rim walk. It's 6km with amazing desert views. The first 500m is quite steep (locals call it "Heart Attack Hill") but gets easier after that. If you prefer something gentler, try the Creek Walk at the canyon base. You'll be back in Alice Springs by late afternoon.

    

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• 3 Days in Australia's Red Centre, incl. Uluru and Kings Canyon

  Sacred sites of Uluru unfold across three days, featuring Mutitjulu waterhole and Kantju Gorge. Nights at Ayers Rock Coach Campground pair with guided sunrise viewing and Valley of the Winds trek at Kata Tjuta. Costs approx. $210 per day including meals and guide.

  

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  • Day 1

    Uluru and Cultural Immersion

    Your Red Centre journey begins at Ayers Rock Airport with a connection to Yulara. Start at the Aboriginal interpretive cultural centre to understand this sacred landscape. The afternoon takes you to Uluru for a walk to Mutitjulu waterhole where you'll find ancient rock art in family caves. A visit to Kantju Gorge shows off Central Australia's highest waterfall which is particularly beautiful during the rare rainy season. Pack lots of water and sun protection - temperatures can go above 50°C (122°F) in the dry season. Your day ends with dinner while watching the sun set over Uluru.

    
  • Day 2

    Kata Tjuta and Kings Canyon Region

    Get up early to see sunrise at Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park. Bring good walking shoes for the Valley of the Winds or Walpa Gorge hike at Kata Tjuta. You can choose different hiking routes based on the weather and how active you want to be. The drive to Kings Canyon is about 4.5 hours through classic outback country. Keep your eyes open for kangaroos, especially early or late in the day.

    
  • Day 3

    Kings Canyon to Alice Springs

    Start your day early at Kings Canyon in Watarrka National Park to avoid the heat. The rim walk offers great views of 100-meter cliff faces and ancient sandstone formations. Be ready for 500 steep steps at the start - it's best to tackle these before it gets too hot. Your guide can adjust the walk based on weather and group fitness. The trip back to Alice Springs takes about 2.5 hours on the main highway, or you might take the scenic Mereenie Loop Tourist Drive if conditions allow. You'll reach Alice Springs around 5:30-6:00 PM.

    

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• 3 Days in Uluru, incl. Kata Tjuta and Field of Light

  

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  • Day 1

    Arrival and Uluru Base Tour

    Arrive at Ayers Rock Airport by 1:30 PM to maximize your first day. The airport shuttle to your accommodation is free and takes about 15 minutes. Visit the Uluru-Kata Tjuta Cultural Centre by 3 PM before your base tour. The Kuniya Walk to Mutitjulu Waterhole is an easy 1-hour walk but make sure to wear closed-toe shoes because of the loose red dirt. Pack some warm clothes for sunset viewing since temperatures drop quickly after dark. A good tip is to find a spot away from the main viewing area if you want photos without other tourists.

    
  • Day 2

    Sunrise, Kata Tjuta, and Sunset

    Get up early for sunrise at Talinguru Nyakunytjaku (around 5 AM in summer, 6 AM in winter). The Walpa Gorge walk at Kata Tjuta is tougher than walking around Uluru. Bring at least 1 liter of water per person, even when it's cool. Watch your step since the trail is uneven and can get slippery after rain. Plan about 2-3 hours for the whole Kata Tjuta visit including driving time. Take a break during the hottest part of the day between 11 AM and 3 PM when temperatures can go above 40°C (104°F).

    
  • Day 3

    Field of Light and Departure

    Be ready for an early pickup around 4:30 AM for the Field of Light. You'll need sturdy shoes since you'll be walking in the dark on desert ground. Book flights after 9:30 AM to have enough time for morning activities and getting to the airport. The light display is huge, covering an area of seven football fields. Take at least 30 minutes to explore it properly.

    

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