3 DAY TOUR IN DETAILS
Alice Springs is a town located in the Northern Territory of Australia. It is situated in the geographical center of the country, approximately 1,500 kilometers (930 miles) south of the capital city, Darwin. The town is surrounded by the stunning landscapes of the Australian Outback, featuring vast deserts, rocky formations, and unique flora and fauna.
Alice Springs is situated in the MacDonnell Ranges, which are part of the larger Central Ranges. The town is nestled along the usually dry Todd River.
in January 2022, Alice Springs had a population of around 25,000 people. However, populations can change over time.
The town is known for its rich Aboriginal culture, and it serves as a gateway to many attractions in the Red Centre of Australia, including Uluru (Ayers Rock) and Kata Tjuta (the Olgas). Tourism is a significant industry in the region.
Alice Springs experiences a semi-arid climate with hot summers and cool winters. Daytime temperatures can be extremely high in summer, while winter nights can be quite cold.
Aboriginal Art: The town is a hub for Aboriginal art, and there are numerous galleries and cultural centers showcasing indigenous artwork.
Curtin Springs is a cattle station and roadhouse located in the Northern Territory of Australia, near the border with the state of South Australia. It is situated about 85 kilometers (53 miles) northeast of Uluru (Ayers Rock) and about 360 kilometers (224 miles) southwest of Alice Springs.
Curtin Springs operates as a working cattle station, where cattle farming and pastoral activities take place. The station has been in the Severin family for several generations.
Uluru, also known as Ayers Rock, is one of Australia's most iconic natural landmarks. Here are some key points about Uluru:
Uluru is located in the Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park in the Northern Territory of Australia, approximately 440 kilometers (273 miles) southwest of Alice Springs.
Uluru is a large sandstone rock formation that rises dramatically from the flat desert landscape. It is often considered a monolith, but it is technically an inselberg, which is an isolated rock hill or small mountain that rises abruptly from a plain.
Aboriginal Cultural Significance: Uluru is sacred to the Anangu, the Aboriginal people of the region. It holds great cultural and spiritual significance in their beliefs and traditions. The Anangu people request that visitors respect their sacred sites and cultural practices.
In close proximity to Uluru, there is another group of large, domed rock formations known as Kata Tjuta, also called The Olgas. Kata Tjuta is part of the same national park and is culturally significant to the Anangu people as well.
The Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park is jointly managed by the traditional owners and Parks Australia. Visitors to the park can explore walking trails, learn about the cultural significance of the area, and experience the unique flora and fauna of the desert environment.
As of October 26, 2019, climbing Uluru is no longer permitted. This decision was made out of respect for the cultural significance of the site to the Anangu people and for safety reasons.
One of the walks at the base of Uluru is Mutitjulu Waterhole situated near the eastern side of Uluru. It's easily accessible and is a notable spot for visitors exploring the base of Uluru.
The waterhole holds cultural and spiritual importance to the local Anangu people, the traditional custodians of the land. It is a place of significance in Dreamtime stories and is associated with ancestral beings.
The waterhole is a part of the landscape that captures rainwater runoff from Uluru during periods of rainfall. The presence of water in the arid environment makes it a vital resource for local wildlife. Another very important place to discover is The Mala Walk, approximately 2 kilometers (1.24 miles) long, and it typically takes around 1 to 1.5 hours to complete. The trail is well-marked, and interpretive signs provide information along the way.
The Mala Walk is not only a scenic trail but also holds cultural significance for the Anangu people, the traditional owners of the land. It features rock art, sacred sites, and areas associated with Dreamtime stories.
On the Second Day we are going to visit Kata Tjuta. Based on people fitness we can offer
Walpa Gorge, a scenic gorge located in the Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park in the Northern Territory of Australia. It is part of the Kata Tjuta (also known as the Olgas), a group of large, domed rock formations situated about 25 kilometers (15.5 miles) west of Uluru. Here are some key points about Walpa Gorge:
Walpa Gorge is within the Kata Tjuta section of the national park, and it is easily accessible by road from the park entrance.
Kata Tjuta, meaning "many heads" in the local Anangu language, consists of a series of 36 domes spread across an area of about 21 square kilometers. The domes are composed of conglomerate rock and are culturally significant to the Anangu people.
The Walpa Gorge Walk is a relatively short walking trail that leads visitors through the gorge. The trail is approximately 2.6 kilometers (1.6 miles) round trip and is considered a moderate walk. It typically takes about 1 to 1.5 hours to complete, allowing for time to take in the scenery and explore the gorge.
Walpa Gorge is known for its towering rock walls, which create a narrow passage as you walk through the gorge. The trail provides breathtaking views of the unique geological formations, and visitors can witness the changing colors of the rocks, especially during sunrise or sunset. The hikes lovers could choose Valley of the Wind Hikes. This longer and more challenging walk offers spectacular views of the domes and the central valley. It takes visitors through the heart of Kata Tjuta, providing opportunities to appreciate the geological features and the vastness of the landscape. It would take around 3 hours to complete the hike. We also have MT Conner on the Second Day.
Mount Conner, also known as Attila, is a significant land formation located in the Northern Territory of Australia, near the popular tourist destinations of Uluru and Kata Tjuta. Here are some key points about Mount Conner:
Mount Conner is situated about 100 kilometers (62 miles) northeast of Uluru and approximately 50 kilometers (31 miles) southeast of Lake Amadeus. It's part of the vast, arid landscape of the Australian Outback.
Mount Conner is often mistaken for Uluru by travelers approaching from a distance due to its similar appearance, especially when viewed from certain angles. However, Mount Conner is a flat-topped sandstone mesa, distinct from the rounded shape of Uluru.
Like Uluru and Kata Tjuta, Mount Conner is composed of sedimentary rock, including sandstone. Its flat plateau, measuring about 300 meters (984 feet) above the surrounding landscape, gives it a unique and striking appearance.
Mount Conner is located on Curtin Springs Station, a privately owned cattle station. While Uluru and Kata Tjuta have significant cultural importance to the local Anangu people, Mount Conner does not hold the same level of cultural significance. On the second day our accommodation is the Special Bush tent with air con in Kings Creek Station.
Kings Creek Station is a working cattle and camel station located in the Northern Territory of Australia, approximately halfway between Alice Springs and Uluru. Here are some key points about Kings Creek Station:
Kings Creek Station is situated about 36 kilometers (22 miles) from the entrance to Kings Canyon (Watarrka National Park) and around 300 kilometers (186 miles) from Alice Springs.
Originally established as a cattle station, Kings Creek Station has diversified its operations over the years. In addition to cattle farming, the station is known for its camel farm, offering camel rides and experiences.
Early weak up in the morning, for the energetic walk at Kings Canyon.
Kings Canyon is a stunning natural attraction located within Watarrka National Park in the Northern Territory of Australia. Known for its towering sandstone walls, scenic gorges, and unique rock formations, Kings Canyon is a popular destination for hikers and nature enthusiasts.
Kings Canyon is situated in Watarrka National Park, approximately midway between Alice Springs and Uluru. The entrance to the park is about 323 kilometers (200 miles) southwest of Alice. The canyon was formed by erosion over millions of years, creating a landscape of rugged cliffs, deep crevices, and striking rock formations. The sandstone walls of the canyon rise dramatically, reaching heights of up to 100 meters (328 feet).
Garden of Eden: Within the canyon, there is a unique oasis known as the "Garden of Eden." This verdant area features a waterhole surrounded by lush vegetation, providing a stark contrast to the arid surroundings. We have two walks at KC:
- Rim Walk: The most popular activity at Kings Canyon is the Kings Canyon Rim Walk. This approximately 6-kilometer (3.7-mile) loop trail takes visitors along the canyon rim, offering breathtaking panoramic views of the surrounding landscape. The walk includes highlights such as the Amphitheatre, the Lost City, and the Priscilla's Crack, a natural crevice featured in the film "Priscilla, Queen of the Desert."
- Kings Creek Walk: For a shorter and easier walk, visitors can explore the Kings Creek Walk, which takes them along the floor of the canyon and offers a different perspective of the geological formations.
After the Canyon we drive back Alice Springs. We take the 4wd Giles Road for the 3 day tour and the Mereenie Loop for the 4 day tour.
