2 Day Uluru Tour from Ayers Rock

Ticket prices are for each individual, whether Adults or Children. Single travellers who select the Safari Twin Share Tent rate option will be matched in a tent with another guest, ideally of the same gender, though it’s not assured. The youngest age allowed is eight, and they must be with an adult or authorised guardian.

The 2 Day Uluru & Kata Tjuta Rock Tour – from Yulara (Camping) takes you deep into the heart of the Red Centre. It includes cultural learning, guided walks, and camping overnight for a more authentic Outback experience. This small-group tour is for people who want more than just a quick drive-by visit. It gives you time to slow down, listen, and really connect with the landscapes and stories that make Uluru–Kata Tjuta National Park what it is. Over the course of two days, you’ll visit sacred places around the foot of Uluru, learn about Anangu culture at the Cultural Centre, and see the rock change colour as the desert cools at nightfall. At night, we eat and tell stories at camp. We can sleep in a permanent safari tent or outside beneath the stars in a traditional swag. The trip starts again at dawn with a guided walk around Kata Tjuta. The large domed formations and sheltering canyons demonstrate how vast, ancient, and spiritually significant this World Heritage site is.

Highlights

  • Uluru at Sunset: Watch as the sun sets and the colours of Uluru change. The rock lights up in bright reds and oranges found only in the Outback.
  • Anangu Culture and Stories: When you go to the Uluru-Kata Tjuta Cultural Centre, you can learn about the Anangu people’s history, traditions, and way of life.
  • World Heritage Landscapes: At Uluru and Kata Tjuta, you can see ancient Aboriginal rock art and painting sites where stories have been told and passed down for thousands of years.
  • Sacred Natural Sites: Go to Mutitjulu Waterhole, Kuniya Piti (seasonal), and Kantju Gorge. Each has significant cultural significance and is also very beautiful.
  • Moments of Reflection: Spend time in Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park, where you can connect more deeply with the land and have peaceful moments of reflection.
  • Dramatic Gorges: Walk through the Valley of the Winds and Walpa Gorge, where tall rock walls rise up, and expansive desert vistas meet quiet, sheltered areas.
  • Kata Tjuta Exploration: Get up close to the spectacular domed formations of the Olgas, which have been created over hundreds of millions of years and have deep spiritual meaning.
  • Journey’s End in Yulara: End the tour in Yulara/Ayers Rock with memories that will last a lifetime of beautiful scenery, learning about other cultures, and finding out more about yourself.
    The highlights are just a guide. The weather, culture, and environment of the Red Centre may require flexibility in your plans. Your guides will adjust plans as needed to ensure you have a good time.

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What to Expect?

Tour Description

This overnight tour goes beyond standard sightseeing to offer a more personal and engaging look at the Red Centre. Travelling in a small group gives you more freedom, a chance to understand things better, and the opportunity to see places and hear tales that are typically missed on bigger excursions. Since 1987, UNESCO has named Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park a World Heritage Site. Your licensed guide will give you in-depth information about both its natural formation and cultural significance throughout the trip. Each visit adds depth and meaning to what you see, from stories passed down about how the world came to be to explanations of how the desert landscape continues to shape life today. Staying overnight is a key part of the trip. Guests can stay in permanent safari tents at the campsite or sleep outside in a traditional Australian swag. Swags are canvas bedrolls set up outdoors, providing a direct connection to the desert and a classic way to spend the night in the outback. At camp, we eat and tell stories together at night. Guests are welcome to help with meal prep and learn basic bush-cooking skills, creating a casual, communal atmosphere. There aren’t many distractions, so the focus stays on talking, nature, and the shared experience of being in one of Australia’s most famous areas.

Day 1

Yulara/Ayers Rock to Uluru

Your unforgettable outback adventure begins here! After stepping on board at Ayers Rock Airport or Ayers Rock Resort in Yulara, we’ll head straight into the National Park, so please ensure you’ve had lunch before the tour begins.
The afternoon is spent visiting Uluru and nearby cultural sites. Please start at the Cultural Centre to learn about Anangu law, customs, and their connection to the land. Next, take a guided walk around the base of Uluru, stopping at Mutitjulu Waterhole to see sacred rock art and hear Dreamtime legends. The hike also passes through the Kantju Gorge, home to the tallest waterfall in Central Australia and a popular destination for seniors. At the Uluru overlook, you’ll watch the sun set before going back to camp for dinner to end the day. 

Highlights
● Uluru (Ayers Rock)
● Red Centre Aboriginal Interpretive Cultural Centre
● Sacred rock art and painting sites
● Mutitjulu Waterhole, Kuniya Piti (seasonal), Kantju Gorge
● Sunset viewing at Uluru lookout
Meals: Dinner (*Lunch not included for guests joining from Ayers Rock)
Camping: Private Ayers Rock campsite – permanent safari tents or bush swags (shared bathroom facilities)
Driving Distance: 60 km
Hike Distance: 2–3 km / 2–3 hours

Day 2

Uluru National Park to Kata Tjuta

If you get up early, you can see the sun rising in Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park. As the sun rises over the desert, the outline of Kata Tjuta (The Olgas) comes into view. This shows a group of massive granite domes rising from the surrounding plains.
After breakfast, go on a guided walk through Kata Tjuta. The group will hike either the Valley of the Winds or Walpa Gorge, depending on the weather. Some of the formations are thought to be more than 500 million years old, and these hikes give you a close-up look at their size and age. The excursion ends with a return to Yulara Resort or Ayers Rock Campground after the climb.
We typically return to Yulara between 12:30 pm and 1:00 pm; however, delays can occur, so we strongly recommend not booking any outbound flights before 2:15 pm.

Highlights 
● Sunrise experience
● Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park
● Valley of the Winds or Walpa Gorge hike
● Kata Tjuta (The Olgas)
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Driving Distance: 150 km
Hike Distance: 2–5 km / 2–4 hours (weather dependent)
Autopia Tours reserves the right to change the route or itinerary due to seasonal weather conditions or traditional landowner ceremonies.

What To Bring

● 2-litre refillable water bottle
● Wide-brim hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen
● Swimwear, towel, toiletries
● Comfortable, sturdy closed-toe hiking shoes
● Clothing suitable for hot days and cold desert nights
● Soft travel bag (maximum 15 kg) and small day pack
● Insect repellent and fly or mosquito net (summer months)
● Torch, headlamp, or flashlight 
● Camera
● Personal medication and basic first-aid items
● Money for snacks and additional purchases
● Sleeping bag and pillow (optional, if using a swag)
● Power bank (limited access to charging facilities)

Tour Exclusions

● Sleeping bag hire ($40 AUD, includes cleaning; payable via reservations) 
● Meals not listed in the itinerary
● Transfers outside the nominated pick-up and drop-off points
● Personal travel insurance (strongly recommended)
● Personal expenses and spending money

Inclusions

● One night at a permanent outback campsite near Uluru
● Meals included: 1 breakfast, 1 lunch, 1 dinner (guest participation)
● Guided bush walks (approximately 5 km total, subject to fitness levels)
● Drinking water provided onboard (bring a refillable bottle)
● Uluru–Kata Tjuta National Park entry pass
● Accredited outback driver-guide
● Detailed local commentary throughout the tour
● Air-conditioned transport in a small-group vehicle
● Australian bush swag (for swag accommodation option)
● Mattress, fitted sheet, pillow, and linen (for safari tent option)
● Selected pick-up from Alice Springs or Ayers Rock; drop-off in Ayers Rock only

Guests joining the Ayers Rock tour must organise their own lunch before departure.

 

Fare Type Retail (AUD) Allocation Release Rezdy Mapping Code
Bush Single Swag Camping – Adult / Child $765 pp FS 45 Days PLP0EV-#PAdult PLP0EV-#PChild
Eco Tent Twin Share – Adult / Child $810 pp FS 45 Days P2VHD1-#PAdult P2VHD1-#PChild
*Solo travellers booking separately in a Permanent Eco Tent Twin Share are paired with another solo traveller, where possible of the same gender but not guaranteed.
Night Pricing Options Facilities Includes
Bush Single Swag (sleeps 1) Uluru Campground – Exclusive camps Shared showers & toilet facilities Kitchen & dining areas Powered by solar Unpowered tents and site Self-contained canvas covered bush bed roll with mattress, to sleep on the ground outdoors under the stars
Permanent Eco Tent Twin Share (sleeps 2) Permanent eco tents Twin single beds Mattress Pillow & pillow case Fitted sheets Protected from the elements
 
Tour Optionals
Option Name Description RRP
Sleeping Bag Hire Sleeping bags can be hired from us for $40 AUD. This includes cleaning costs. You are more than welcome to bring your own. Payment is to be made through our reservations department. This is a non-commissionable item for booking agents; alternatively you can book directly with the tour operator. Must be reserved at time of booking. $40 per person

We will do our best to meet all Ayers Rock flights. However, there may be delays if the group is exploring a key itinerary location. It’s essential that both the agent and guest verify that their flight times align with our tour schedule before booking. Lunch is not provided on Day 1, guests are encouraged to eat before joining the tour group. Guests arriving at Ayers Rock Airport [AYQ] on earlier flights can take the complimentary shuttle to Yulara Resort or Ayers Rock Campground and relax at the public swimming pool. Please be waiting at the pickup point on Yulara Drive at least 10 minutes before departure.

To avoid potential travel disruptions, we strongly recommend against customers booking departure flights on the final day of the tour. While we strive to adhere to our itinerary, unexpected delays can occur. Please note that the tour operator is not responsible for any costs incurred due to such delays. For added peace of mind, we recommend purchasing travel insurance

The weather in the Red Centre can fluctuate and be extreme. It is not unheard of for temperatures to reach over 50+ degrees Celsius in the dry season and in the evening the temperature drops dramatically. Please ensure you have checked the average temperatures for the time of year you are travelling and have packed adequate clothing. In the event of rain or inclement weather, your experience will still go ahead, unless contacted by the provider.

Mandatory Details: Passenger details are required at the time of booking, including:
○ Each passenger’s first name and surname
○ Each passenger’s date of birth
○ Arrival and departure point and flight number details (e.g., AYQ / QF728 12:35 on 01/04/23)
○ Lead passenger’s contact phone number (international or Australian)

Dietary Requirements: While we endeavour to cater to most dietary needs, passengers must advise dietary requirements to their booking agent at the time of booking. As we are venturing to remote areas, we are very limited in what we can source once the tour departs, so prior notice is required.
Medical Conditions: Please notify the tour operator of any known medical conditions when booking. This tour is physically demanding and requires a moderate level of fitness and mobility. Personal travel insurance is highly recommended for all passengers.
Fitness Level: A minimum moderate level of fitness is required to complete the walks. The length of walks will be between 2 km to 3 km each day, often over steep rocky sections and in direct sunlight and high humidity. An approximate 4-8 km walk is included in this tour. Embarking on walks will be at the guide’s discretion to ensure the safety of guests. Therefore, a medium/high level of fitness is required, and a doctor’s certificate is required for participants over 75 years old, submitted at least 30 days prior to travel.
Age Restrictions: Children aged 8 to 17 must be accompanied by an adult or legal guardian at all times. The tour is not suitable for infants or children aged 7 and under due to safety requirements and the physical demands of the walks.
Mobility Considerations: This tour is not suitable for mobility-impaired travellers, including those using wheelchairs, walkers, prams, or strollers.
Baggage Limitations: Due to limited storage space on our vehicle, we have specific baggage allowances depending on your tour route: ○ For Round-Trip Tours: Each traveller is permitted 1 x 15 kg travel bag and 1 x 5 kg day bag. (ie. starting and

The customer shall comply with all Government (Federal, State and Territory) entry restrictions and vaccination guidelines or testing requirements for entry into Australia and/or at the time of travel for tour and transport services. We strongly recommend vaccinated and unvaccinated guests travelling on Short Break / Extended Tours bring a couple of RAT tests in the unlikely event that a guest falls ill on tour. Guests are responsible for all COVID-related relocation expenses should they need to leave the trip midway and refunds will not be provided. All expenses will need to be claimed through travel insurance.

From Ayers Rock / Yulara: @ 13:00-13:55PM
● Ayers Rock Airport [AYQ] – Coote Rd Yulara NT
● Ayers Rock Campground – 173 Yulara Dr Yulara NT (bus stop near campground entrance)
● Desert Gardens Hotel – Ayers Rock Resort 1 Yulara Dr Yulara
● Emu Walk Apartments – 3 Yulara Dr Yulara NT
● Outback Hotel Lodge – 2 Yulara Dr Yulara NT
● Sails in the Desert – 163 Yulara Dr Yulara NT
● The Lost Camel Hotel – Ayers Rock Yulara Dr Yulara NT

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FAQ

There are long, scenic drives shared in Central Australia. On the first day, you’ll drive about 460 miles from Alice Springs to Uluru, with scheduled breaks. On Day 2, you’ll drive around 150 km from Uluru to Kata Tjuta, which is a shorter distance.

You don’t have to have camped or hiked before. The tour is led by a guide throughout. The guide will tell you what to anticipate, help you set up your swags if you need it, and change the pace of the walk to fit the group.

Meals are simple, filling, and designed for the bush. Guests help prepare meals, which typically feature fresh produce, simple camp-style cooking, and communal dining around the campfire.

There is limited mobile service in Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park and at the campsite. There may be a reception at Yulara, but tourists should expect limited connectivity for much of the journey.

Yes. Some places are sacred, and visitors are encouraged to follow the signs and guides, which may include refraining from taking pictures and staying on designated trails. These rules are essential for conserving the land and respecting Anangu culture.

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