3 Day Uluru & Kings Canyon Camping Tour – My Experience

It took me a long time to finally visit Uluru, but booking a 3 day Uluru camping tour turned out to be a fantastic way to experience the Red Centre.

I’d always imagined I’d get there on a road trip one day, perhaps hiring a car and exploring independently. A multi-day camping tour definitely wasn’t part of the plan.

But that’s exactly what we ended up doing.

We joined a tour from Alice Springs that took us to Kings Canyon, Kata Tjuta and Uluru, sleeping in swags, hiking in the heat and watching Uluru at sunrise and sunset.

And I loved it.

The company we travelled with, The Rock Tour, no longer operates, so you can’t book the exact tour we did. However, similar three-day Uluru camping tours are still available, and our experience gives you a good idea of what this style of trip can be like.

Here’s what we did, what it was really like sleeping in a swag and what you need to know if you’re considering a similar Uluru and Kings Canyon tour.

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Finding the Best Uluru Tour

Multi-day group tours have never really been my preferred way to travel. I like the freedom of travelling independently, choosing what I want to see and changing plans as I go.

But the distances in Central Australia are huge, and once I started researching how to visit Uluru, Kata Tjuta and Kings Canyon in just a few days, a tour made a lot of sense.

I wasn’t looking for a luxury coach tour or resort package. I wanted to experience the Red Centre – hiking through the landscape, spending time outdoors and sleeping under the stars.

That’s what led me to The Rock Tour, a three-day camping trip from Alice Springs covering Kings Canyon, Kata Tjuta and Uluru.

It was considerably more basic than the way I usually travel, but it sounded like an adventure.

Before our Uluru Adventures

We arrived in Alice Springs before the tour began, giving us time to get organised.

We’d be hiking in hot weather, sleeping in swags and travelling through some very remote parts of Central Australia, so we came prepared with plenty of water, sunscreen, hats and suitable walking shoes.

I’d also booked the Field of Light experience separately. It wasn’t included in our tour, but The Rock Tour arranged for us to be dropped off in Yulara so we could join the Field of Light transfer.

We were also warned that the itinerary could change depending on weather and conditions.

As it turned out, that was very useful information.

Day One – Kings Canyon

Our pickup time was 5:30 am, and after collecting a few more passengers around Alice Springs, we began the long journey towards Kings Canyon.

And I mean long. It’s almost 500 km by road from Alice Springs to Kings Canyon.

Most people went back to sleep. I’m terrible at sleeping on transport, so I’d come prepared with a nice thick book.

After stopping at Erldunda Roadhouse, we continued into the seemingly endless Central Australian landscape.

There were 17 people in our group and we were quite a mix – twenty-something European backpackers, travellers from South Korea ranging from younger adults to retirees, a mother and her teenage son, and Simon and me.

As we drove, I started noticing something I hadn’t expected.

It was green.

There had recently been rain and tufts of green grass stretched across the normally dry landscape.

Then our guide suddenly hit the brakes, pulled over and ran back along the road.

He’d spotted a thorny devil.

I’d seen thorny devils before in the area where I grew up, but some of our international visitors had never even heard of one. It was a fun introduction to one of Australia’s more unusual little creatures.

Hiking at Kings Canyon

We reached Kings Canyon around midday and immediately reached for the hats, sunscreen and water.

It was about 37°C.

After a quick lunch, we set off to explore Kings Canyon.

IThe climb was hot and sweaty, but once we reached the top we were rewarded with incredible views across the canyon and surrounding landscape.

Thanks to the recent rain, there was even a small waterfall flowing over one of the canyon walls.

Because of the heat, we weren’t able to complete the full Kings Canyon Rim Walk. After enjoying the views, we turned around and returned the way we’d come.

We’d each been required to carry three litres of water, and by the time we returned I think most of us understood why.

If you’re visiting now: on days when the forecast temperature is 36°C or above, you must start the Kings Canyon Rim Walk before 9 am. The shorter South Wall Return Walk must be started before 11 am. Always check current conditions before setting out.

Our Camping Plans Change

After the hike, we climbed back aboard and started driving towards Curtin Springs, where we were supposed to spend the night sleeping in swags at a bush camp.

There would be no showers, no facilities and nothing around us except what we’d brought with us.

Then the sky started getting darker.

And darker.

Eventually, the heavens opened.

Of all the things I’d expected from our Red Centre camping adventure, pouring rain wasn’t one of them.

When we reached Curtin Springs, our guide decided camping out in the bush wasn’t a great idea. Instead, we’d continue to Yulara, where we’d have some shelter if the rain continued.

We arrived at the campground just as the sun was going down, quickly set up our swags under a shelter and everyone pitched in to prepare dinner.

Best of all, because we’d ended up at the campground rather than the bush camp, there were showers!

After cleaning up, we sat around chatting over a few drinks before gradually disappearing into our swags.

It had been a very long first day – and we’d barely seen Uluru yet.

Day Two – Kata Tjuta and Uluru Sunset

There was one advantage to driving all the way to Yulara the previous evening – we got a little more sleep.

Of course, sleeping in isn’t really my style. I was up before sunrise and went for a wander around the campground, finding a spot with beautiful views towards Uluru as the sky changed colour.

By around 8 am we were on our way to Kata Tjuta.

Walking the Valley of the Winds at Kata Tjuta

Our first walk was the Valley of the Winds.

The first major viewpoint is Karu Lookout, but we continued further into the landscape towards Karingana Lookout.

It was hot and there were some steep sections, but the views through the towering domes of Kata Tjuta made the effort worthwhile.

Once again, the recent rain was obvious, with water running through sections that would normally be dry.

By the time we made our way back past Karu Lookout, the path beyond it had been closed because of the heat.

That rule still applies today. When the forecast or actual temperature reaches 36°C or above, the Valley of the Winds track beyond Karu Lookout closes at 11 am for the rest of the day. If you’re visiting during warmer weather, start early.

Afterwards, we stopped for lunch before finally heading towards Uluru.

Learning More About Uluru

Our first stop was the Cultural Centre, where we spent time learning about Aṉangu culture and the significance of Uluru and Kata Tjuta.

There was also Aboriginal art to see, and I could have happily spent much longer watching the artists at work.

Some sites around Uluru and Kata Tjuta are culturally sensitive and visitors are asked not to photograph or film them. These areas are clearly signposted, so look for the signs and respect the restrictions.

Then we finally got up close to Uluru itself.

I’d seen thousands of photos of Uluru over the years, but standing beside it was completely different. From a distance it can look almost smooth. Up close, you see caves, crevices, water marks and enormous sections of weathered rock.

Walking Around Uluru

Our guide took us along the Mala Walk, stopping to explain some of the features and stories associated with this part of Uluru.

We saw rock art, caves and places that have long been significant to Aṉangu.

From there we continued around part of the base towards Mutitjulu Waterhole.

The walking itself was relatively easy – wide, mostly flat paths – but the heat made everything more tiring. I particularly loved seeing the channels down the side of Uluru where water cascades after rain.

Seeing Uluru from this close completely changed my impression of it.

Uluru Sunset

We still had some time before sunset, so our guide took us to Talinguru Nyakunytjaku to see Uluru from another perspective.

Then it was time to find our sunset spot.

Our guide started cooking dinner while we watched the light change across Uluru.

At first, thick cloud made us think we weren’t going to get much of a sunset. Then, just before the sun reached the horizon, the clouds parted.

Suddenly Uluru was glowing in the last light of the day.

It was one of those moments we’d all come to the Red Centre hoping to see.

After dinner everyone else headed back to camp, but Simon and I weren’t quite finished.

We’d separately booked the Field of Light experience, so we were dropped in Yulara to meet our transfer.

By the time we returned to the campground it was around 10:30 pm.

There wasn’t going to be much sleep.

Sunrise was next.

Day Three – Uluru Sunrise and Base Walk

At 4:15 am, I crawled out of my swag.

By 5 am everyone was packed up and on the bus heading back towards Uluru for sunrise.

Our viewing spot was the same place where we’d watched sunset the night before, which meant the sun came up behind Uluru rather than lighting up the rock itself.

It was still a beautiful way to start the day.

Walking Around the Base of Uluru

After sunrise, it was time for our final walk.

We’d already completed sections of the Uluru Base Walk the previous day, so we had around 7 km remaining.

As we walked, I was again struck by how different Uluru looks when you’re right beside it. From a distance it can appear almost smooth and rounded.

Walk around the base and you discover caves, huge sections where rock has fallen away, deep grooves carved by water and completely different views around every corner.

I particularly loved seeing the marks where waterfalls run down the side after heavy rain. We’d missed seeing them flowing by only a few days.

By about 8:30 am we’d finished our walk.

It was already becoming uncomfortably hot.

Back to Alice Springs

Now came the less exciting part – the long drive back to Alice Springs.

We dropped some of our group at the airport in Yulara before beginning the journey north.

Unsurprisingly, the bus was much quieter than it had been three days earlier. Plenty of people slept while I went back to my book.

After another stop at Erldunda Roadhouse, we eventually arrived back at our Alice Springs accommodation at around 3:30 pm.

After three days of hiking, camping, early mornings and hundreds of kilometres on the road, I was very ready for a proper shower.

But apparently not ready for an early night.

Was a 3 Day Uluru Camping Tour Worth It?

Most of our group – including our guide – met up again in Alice Springs that evening for dinner and a few drinks.

And yes, there may have been some dancing too.

Looking back, I really enjoyed this tour.

Sleeping on the ground in a swag isn’t normally my idea of comfortable accommodation. Getting up before dawn isn’t particularly appealing either. And after a day of hiking, helping prepare dinner isn’t quite the same as sitting down in a restaurant.

But that’s also what made the experience so much fun.

We saw Kings Canyon, Kata Tjuta and Uluru in just three days without having to worry about driving those enormous distances ourselves.

There is a lot of time spent on the road – there’s no getting around that in Central Australia – but between those drives we hiked, watched Uluru at sunrise and sunset, slept in swags and experienced far more of the Red Centre than I expected to squeeze into three days.

Would I choose this style of tour again?

Absolutely.

Planning a 3 Day Uluru Camping Tour

If you’re considering a camping tour like this, there are a few things worth knowing before you book.

When Is the Best Time to Visit Uluru?

We did our tour at the end of October and temperatures reached the high 30s.

The cooler months are generally much more comfortable for walking, although nights can be very cold.

Whatever time of year you visit, check the forecast and current track conditions. Heat can affect access to walks at Kings Canyon, Kata Tjuta and Uluru.

Be Prepared for Early Starts

This isn’t the sort of trip where you’ll enjoy leisurely breakfasts and start sightseeing at 10 am.

Early starts help you avoid the worst of the heat and make it possible to experience Uluru at sunrise and sunset.

Our earliest start had me climbing out of my swag at 4:15 am.

Consider yourself warned!

Expect a Lot of Driving

Central Australia is vast, and a three-day itinerary covering Alice Springs, Kings Canyon and Uluru involves hours on the road.

For me, that was one of the advantages of taking a tour. Neither Simon nor I had to do all that driving.

Camping Really Does Mean Camping

Check exactly what accommodation is included before booking because camping tours vary.

Our tour was basic. We slept in swags, helped prepare meals and packed everything up again in the morning.

Some current tours offer permanent safari tents with beds as an alternative.

Staying at Yulara

If you want to spend longer at Uluru before or after your tour, Yulara is the main base for visitors to Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park.

Accommodation ranges from camping through to higher-end hotels, and an extra night or two gives you more time for experiences such as Field of Light, scenic flights or simply exploring at a slower pace.

Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park Entry

A park pass is required to enter Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park.

The current three-day pass costs $38 AUD per adult, while visitors under 18 enter free.

Some tours include park entry and others don’t, so check what’s included when comparing prices.

You can buy a pass directly from the Parks Australia Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park website before your visit.

Similar Uluru Camping Tours

The Rock Tour no longer operates, but you can still do a very similar three-day camping trip through the Red Centre.

3 Day Uluru, Kata Tjuta & Kings Canyon Camping Tour

One of the closest current alternatives I’ve found is a three-day tour with Adventure Tours Australia.

It covers Uluru, Kata Tjuta and Kings Canyon and includes guided walks, camping and meals with guest participation.

You can choose a traditional bush swag or pay more for a permanent safari tent with a bed – an appealing option if sleeping on the ground isn’t quite as much fun as it once was!

The tour offers selected pickups and drop-offs in Alice Springs and Yulara, making it possible to fit the tour around different Red Centre itineraries.

It’s an active trip, so check the current itinerary, walking requirements and accommodation carefully before booking.

Check prices and availability for the 3 Day Uluru, Kata Tjuta & Kings Canyon Camping Tour

Final Thoughts on Our Uluru Camping Tour

This wasn’t how I’d originally imagined visiting Uluru, but I’m very glad we did it this way.

Three days gave us enough time to experience Uluru, Kata Tjuta and Kings Canyon, while camping added another layer to the adventure.

The Rock Tour may no longer exist, but this style of trip certainly does.

If you’re reasonably active, don’t mind basic accommodation and want to see a lot of the Red Centre without driving those huge distances yourself, a small-group camping tour is well worth considering.

And if sleeping in a swag isn’t your idea of fun?

Choose the safari tent.

Want more information on visiting the Red Centre?
Read my post here on how to visit on a budget.
A Night at the Field of Lights, Uluru

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Browse my Australia page here.