3-Day Australian Outback Tour Packages

Insider tips: Recommended 3-day Australian Outback tour itineraries

Compiled by

MelissaAustralian Outback travel expert at TourRadar

• 3 Day Australia's Red Centre Itinerary, incl. Uluru and Kings Canyon

  Three major landmarks await in this 3-day outback tour. Walk through Kata Tjuta's gorges, watch Uluru's sunrise, and climb through Kings Canyon's Lost City. Comfortable camping provides rest between approximately 10 hours of total driving.

  

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  • Day 1

    Alice Springs to Uluru

    Your journey begins with a 6 AM pickup in Alice Springs. The 4.5-hour drive to Kata Tjuta requires water and snacks for the road. Pack a hat and closed walking shoes for the Valley of the Winds hike, which takes about 2 hours. Watch your step on the boulder paths, which get slippery after rain. Pack some warm clothes too. The desert gets surprisingly cold after sunset at your camp near Uluru.

    
  • Day 2

    Uluru Exploration

    Wake up early for Uluru's sunrise show. The morning cool before 8 AM is perfect for the 10.6 km base walk. If that seems too long, you can opt for a 2-hour guided walk instead. When the sun is at its peak, head to the Uluru Cultural Centre. Later, you'll drive 3.5 hours to your Kings Canyon camp. Keep looking out the window. Red kangaroos and dingoes often appear at dusk.

    
  • Day 3

    Kings Canyon to Alice Springs

    The Kings Canyon rim walk starts with a steep section locals call "Heart Attack Hill." The whole 6 km loop takes 3-4 hours without any shade coverage. Bring at least 1.5 liters of water per person. You'll find a nice break spot at the Garden of Eden oasis halfway through. The 5-hour drive back to Alice Springs gets you there in late afternoon, so plan your departure flights for the next day.

    

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• 3 Days in Australia's Red Centre, incl. Uluru and Kata Tjuta

  

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  • Day 1

    Arrival at Uluru & Field of Light Experience

    Book a morning flight to Ayers Rock Airport to make the most of your first day. The afternoon heat can be intense with temperatures often going above 95°F (35°C) between 11 AM and 3 PM. Take some time to rest during these peak heat hours after checking in. Your evening starts with a trip to the remote desert location of the Field of Light installation. Bring a light jacket since desert temperatures drop quite a bit after sunset. You'll enjoy sunset drinks and canapés followed by a bush tucker-inspired dinner under the stars. Take time to walk through the 50,000 illuminated glass spheres. For the best photos head to the dune viewing area around 8:30 PM when the lights are at their brightest.

    
  • Day 2

    Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park Exploration

    Get an early start (5 AM in summer 6 AM in winter) to catch sunrise at the Talinguru Nyakunytjaku viewpoint. You'll need sturdy walking shoes and at least 1.5 liters of water per person since the desert air is very dry. After sunrise take the 45km drive to Kata Tjuta for the Walpa Gorge trail. This 2.6km return walk takes about an hour and offers some nice shady spots between the massive red rocks. Your afternoon includes a coach tour around Uluru's base where you'll learn about Aboriginal rock art and cultural stories. End your day at Uluru's sunset viewing area. Get there at least 30 minutes before the posted sunset time to find a good spot. Watch as the rock transforms from ochre to bright red.

    
  • Day 3

    Optional Scenic Flight & Departure

    Start your last day with an optional helicopter flight over Uluru and Kata Tjuta (about $285 USD). Book the first flight at 7 AM for the smoothest conditions and best photos. The view from above shows just how massive these formations are and gives you a unique look at Lake Amadeus. Try to book an afternoon departure flight. This gives you time for morning activities and a stress-free transfer to the airport. Even though the airport is small it gets busy during peak season (June-August) so arrive 90 minutes before your flight.

    

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• 3 Day Australia's Red Centre Itinerary, incl. Kings Canyon and West MacDonnell Ranges

  The outback wilderness stretches 1026km over three days. Watarrka National Park's ancient formations stand proud, while West MacDonnell Ranges' gorges beckon exploration. Private camping sites dot the scenic Mereenie Loop.

  

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  • Day 1

    Yulara to Kings Canyon (406 km)

    Leave Yulara early for the 4.5-hour drive to Kings Canyon. You'll need a 4WD vehicle for the rough terrain. Take plenty of water since outback temperatures can soar, particularly from November to March. Set up camp near Kings Canyon where you'll get incredible views of the night sky. Bring a headlamp for moving around the campsite at night and store your food securely. Dingoes often visit the area looking for an easy meal.

    
  • Day 2

    Kings Canyon to West MacDonnell Ranges (370 km)

    Start the Kings Canyon Rim Walk before dawn. This 6km loop needs to be started before 9am in summer to avoid the worst heat. You'll tackle 500 steep steps at the start (locals call it "Heart Attack Hill") but the views of Watarrka National Park make it worthwhile. The drive to West MacDonnells on the Mereenie Loop takes about 4 hours on dirt roads. Your campsite near Mount Sonder offers beautiful views of the sunset over the ranges.

    
  • Day 3

    West MacDonnell Ranges to Alice Springs (250 km)

    Watch the sunrise light up Ormiston Gorge's red cliffs before visiting the sacred Ochre Pits. Take a cooling dip at Ellery Creek Big Hole. The water stays cold all year but feels great after hiking. Visit Standley Chasm around noon when sunlight fills the narrow gorge. It's about 3 hours back to Alice Springs on sealed roads.

    

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