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

  The Australian Outback reveals its iconic landmarks over 3 days, starting at a camel farm before reaching Uluru. Two nights of camping under desert skies lead to adventures in Kata Tjuta's valleys and Kings Canyon's hidden gardens. The 1,500km journey winds through remarkable landscapes.

  

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  • Day 1

    Alice Springs to Uluru

    Your pickup is at 6:05 AM from Aurora Alice Springs. Get there 10 minutes early to avoid rushing. The 4.5-hour drive to Uluru takes you through expansive outback terrain with a stop at a working camel farm. In the afternoon you'll do the Kata Tjuta walk. Wear sturdy shoes and pack plenty of water since the terrain gets rough. Watch the sunset over Uluru to end your day. You'll stay in permanent tented camps that are basic but comfortable. Make sure to charge your devices here since power is limited at the second campsite.

    
  • Day 2

    Uluru Exploration

    Get up before dawn to see the Uluru sunrise. The early morning temperatures make the base walk much more pleasant. You can choose between the full 8.5km base walk that takes 4 hours or a shorter 2-hour version. Visit the cultural center to learn about Aboriginal perspectives. One visitor noted: "Half hour only at Aboriginal center was not enough time to learn about Aboriginal culture." You'll camp at Kings Canyon for the night.

    
  • Day 3

    Kings Canyon Rim Walk

    Start the Kings Canyon rim walk early to avoid the heat. You must bring at least 3 liters of water per person. This rule is strict. The 3-hour walk takes you through the Lost City and Garden of Eden areas. After lunch you'll drive 5 hours back to Alice Springs and arrive around 6 PM. Skip booking any evening travel plans.

    

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• 3 Day Uluru Itinerary, incl. Sacred Sites and Kata Tjuta

  

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  • Day 1

    Arrival and Sacred Sites

    Book your flight to arrive at Ayers Rock Airport before 1:30 PM. A free shuttle will take you to your accommodation in about 15 minutes. Visit the Uluru-Kata Tjuta Cultural Centre by 2:30 PM before your base tour. The 10km drive around Uluru shows you rock art sites and sacred spaces like the Mutitjulu Waterhole. Bring at least 1 liter of water regardless of season. For the best sunset views head to the viewing area 45 minutes early to watch Uluru change from ochre to deep red. Wear closed shoes since the viewing area gets dusty.

    
  • Day 2

    Sunrise and Kata Tjuta

    Start your day early. Leave 90 minutes before sunrise to reach the Talinguru Nyakunytjaku viewing area. Pack warm clothes since desert mornings are cold even in summer. After sunrise drive 45 minutes to Kata Tjuta. Take the Walpa Gorge walk (1.3km return) which needs about an hour and moderate fitness. The path can be uneven and slippery when wet. Wear good walking shoes and in summer bring a flynet. Rest in the afternoon before watching another Uluru sunset.

    
  • Day 3

    Field of Light and Departure

    Begin your last day before dawn to see Bruce Munro's Field of Light installation. You can easily follow the paths through 50,000 light spheres but bring a small flashlight just in case. The sunrise platform gives you a new view of both Uluru and Kata Tjuta. Schedule your departure flight after 9:30 AM to fit in morning activities and airport transfer time.

    

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