5 Day Breakaway Safari - Oak Valley and Macdonnell Ranges

This 5 day Red Centre Safari including Oak Valley and Macdonnell Ranges is designed with the adventure traveler 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 - Alice Springs to Ayers Rock: Commencing early from Alice Springs, the first part of the day is spent driving to Uluru Kata Tjuta National Park with a few stops along the way, an optional 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. Enjoy the sites of Ayers Rock area and visit the Cultural Centre. You can choose an optional tour such as a full base walk, climb Uluru or join the Aboriginal guided Kuniya Walk. In the afternoon, experience the famous changing colours of Uluru at sunset complete with sparkling wine, before returning to the campsite for a delicious meal.

Day 2 - Ayers Rock to Kings Creek Station: After watching the sunrise over Uluru and Kata Tjuta from a lookout close to our campsite, head off to Kata Tjuta for a 7 kilometre hike through the magnificent Valley of the Winds. After a leisurely lunch and a stop at the Resort for fuel and supplies, travel on to Curtin Springs Cattle Station. Arriving mid afternoon, stop at a typical working cattle station before travelling to Kings Creek Station for our second nights bush camp. After a campfire dinner, its time to kick back and be mesmerized by the millions of stars on display.

Day 3 - Kings Creek Station to Oak Valley: Head off to Watarrka (Kings Canyon) for a 6 kilometre walk through the towering walls, crevices and plateaus of Watarrka. Visit the Amphitheatre and the Lost City as well as possibly taking time for a cool refreshing swim in the tranquil Garden of Eden. Adjacent to Kings Canyon lies Lilla Aboriginal Community where you'll stop for lunch at a lovely picnic area. After lunch, one of the Luritja traditional owners, Sadie Williams (or a member of her family), will take you on an optional 1 hour Willy Wagtail guided walk. After Lilla, you're off to 4 wheel drive across the Ernest Giles Road, where you'll be shaken but not stirred! Cross Hugh River Stock Route on the way to Oak Valley Aboriginal Community where you can relax and enjoy the evening joined by an Aboriginal Host who will share a few tales over the campfire.

Day 4 - Oak Valley to Glen Helen: After 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. After a visit to Glen Helen later in the day, stop at the next bush camp for another night under the magnificent southern stars.

Day 5 - Glen Helen to Alice Springs: After breaking camp, head off around Namatjira Drive stopping at Tylers Pass to view Gosse Bluff along the way. From this point its on towards Hermannsburg, an Historic Lutheran Mission established in 1877. On arrival, you'll visit the heritage precinct where you have the option to explore the historic buildings and grounds. Departing Hermannsburg the hubs of the 4-wheel drive are lock in and its onto 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, arriving early evening.

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. Fuel Levy, Park Entry Fees & Aboriginal Host Fee - To be paid on day 1.
Operated By: Wayoutback Desert Safaris