5 Day Breakaway Safari

This 5 day Breakaway Safari including Oak Valley and Macdonnell Ranges is designed with the adventure traveller in mind. Wayoutback Desert Safaris offer the ultimate 4 wheel drive Ayers Rock tour. This Central Australia tour visits Ayers Rock (Uluru), Kata Tjuta (The Olgas), Palm Valley and the West MacDonnell Ranges. After experiencing the magic of Uluru and Kata Tjuta, travel on a mind blowing 4-Wheel Drive expedition to Watarrka (Kings Canyon) through Curtin Springs and Kings Creek.

More importantly, on this Ayers Rock camping tour, you will also get to truly experience the outback in an authentic way by going “wayoutback” through 2 cattle stations, camping at remote campsites, four wheel driving along bush tracks and visiting the Oak Valley Aboriginal Community.

Itinerary

Day 1: After pick up from your accommodation in Alice Springs bright and early at 5.45am, there's time for introductions and a chat before hitting the road for five fantastic days of adventure and fun.

The first part of the day is spent driving to Uluru - Kata Tjuta National Park with a few stops along the way for refreshments, a camel ride or a chance to purchase some Aboriginal paintings or artifacts. Break for lunch at the bush camp, situated amongst desert oak trees at the base of a large sand dune within Ayers Rock Resort.

The afternoon is devoted to enjoying the sites of Uluru, including a full base walk, a chance to climb or if you wish you can join the Aboriginal guided Kuniya walk. Also visit the Cultural Centre where you can learn about the Tjukurpa (Aboriginal law / religion).

It's then time to view the magnificent sunset on Uluru accompanied with a glass or two of sparkling wine before returning to the campsite for a delicious meal, a couple of drinks and time to sit back to contemplate the day's events.

Day 2: After watching the sunrise over Uluru and Kata Tjuta from a lookout close to our campsite, it's breakfast and off to Kata Tjuta for a 7km hike through the magnificent "Valley of the Winds". After a leisurely lunch and a stop at the Resort for fuel and supplies, head to Curtin Springs Cattle Station.

Arriving in mid afternoon, stop at a typical working cattle station before travelling to Kings Creek Station for the second nights bush camp. The campsite at Kings Creek is miles from the crowds, which is where the feeling of Wayoutback really starts to take hold. After a campfire dinner it's time to kick back and be mesmerised by the millions of stars on display.

Day 3: It's a leisurely start to the day before heading off to Watarrka (Kings Canyon) for a 6km walk through the towering walls, crevices and plateaus of Watarrka. Visit the Amphitheatre and the Lost City as well as taking time for a cool refreshing swim in the tranquil "Garden of Eden" if you wish.

After Watarrka you're off to 4-wheel drive across the Ernest Giles Road, where you'll be shaken but not stirred! Cross the famous Hugh River Stock Route on the way to Oak Valley Aboriginal Community where you can relax and enjoy the evening joined by one of our Aboriginal Hosts who will share a few tales over the campfire set in beautiful surroundings.

Day 4: Morning is at its best just as the sun starts to rise followed with a hearty breakfast and a fresh pot of coffee. Spend the morning checking out the sights of Oak Valley including Rock Paintings and carvings with your Aboriginal Host. Departing the area, head back along the Hugh River Stock Route taking a short cut across Owen Springs Reserve cutting into the West MacDonnell Ranges. Stopping at Ormiston Gorge, you will hike the "Ghost Gum Walk" and take a swim in the beautiful surrounding rock pools for those keen. After a visit to Glen Helen later in the day, you then stop at our next bush camp for another night under our magnificent southern stars!

Day 5: After breaking camp, head off around Namatjira Drive stopping at Tyler's Pass to view Gosse Bluff (comet crater) along the way. From this point it's on towards Hermannsburg, an Historic Lutheran Mission established in 1877. On arrival at Hermannsburg you'll visit the heritage precinct where you can explore the historic buildings and grounds.

Departing Hermannsburg, the guide will lock in the hubs and 4-wheel drive into Palm Valley. After lunch, go for a hike through this picturesque valley discovering some of its hidden treasures. After the hike it's back into the vehicle and off home to Alice Springs. You'll be back in Alice early evening and meet later for a few more quiet drinks and to farewell new found friends.

Highlights

Curtain Springs Uluru (Ayers Rock) Kata Tjuta (The Olgas) Garden of Eden Kings Canyon (Watarrka) West MacDonnell Ranges Palm Valley Kings Creek Station Hermannsburg Aboriginal Community

Inclusions

Travel by latest model air-conditioned 4WD vehicles 4 x Breakfasts 5 x Lunches 4 x Dinners Camping equipment, swags (includes laundered bed sheets and pillows), sleeping bags ($15 hire fee) with winter and summer bags available Reference books Tents for extreme weather or creepy-crawly paranoia Chilled face cloths (summer) Supplies of water

Times

Operates: Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday
Departs: 6.00am from Alice Springs or 1.00pm from Ayers Rock Resort
Returns: Approximately 6.00pm to Alice Springs only

Additional Information

Children: Under the age of 8 years are not permitted on this tour
What to Bring: Space is limited so only 1 small bag per person. Hat, sunscreen, insect repellant, torch, water bottle, comfortable walking shoes/boots, warm clothing (winter), sleeping bag, toiletries, swim wear, towel & camera. BYO beer & wine if you wish
Excludes: Optional tours and activities.
Operated By: Wayoutback Desert Safaris