Where You’ll Be Staying

Sleep Under Stars, Surrounded by Red Earth and Big Sky

This safari-style adventure is all about immersing in the real outback—no hotel lobbies or city lights here.

The night is spent at permanent bush campsites chosen for their remote beauty, comfort, and connection to Country. You'll sleep in either:

• Bush swags – Canvas-covered bedrolls with a mattress, pillow, and linen provided. Perfect for those chasing that classic under-the-stars outback experience.
• Safari tents – Twin-share, walk-in tents with proper beds and bedding. Great for travelers wanting a touch more shelter while staying close to nature.

All sites have communal bathrooms, and while there’s limited or no power, the reward is a true connection to the land (plus, bring a power bank and you’re golden).

Hearty Meals, Campfire Vibes, and Shared Stories

• 🍳 Breakfasts – Think hot drinks, toast, cereal, and the occasional cooked brekkie to fuel the day’s hikes.
• 🥪 Lunches – Fresh and easy: wraps, sandwiches, salads—light enough to keep you moving but satisfying enough to keep you going.
• 🍲 Dinners – Cooked over the fire or under the stars, meals range from BBQs to warm, comforting one-pot wonders. You’ll pitch in with prep and cleanup—it’s part of the fun and a great way to bond with your crew.

Dietary requirements are catered for—just give a heads-up at time of booking.

✅ What’s Included

Itinerary Activities

• Guided walks through Uluru, Kata Tjuta, and Kings Canyon
• Sunrise & sunset viewing at Uluru 🌅
• Valley of the Winds or Walpa Gorge hike at Kata Tjuta
• Kings Canyon Rim Walk (full or shorter option depending on group)
• Cultural visit to Uluru-Kata Tjuta Cultural Centre
• Ochre Pits & sacred site commentary

Guides

• Experienced, accredited local guide and 4WD driver
• Outback commentary, safety briefings & cultural respect education

Accommodation

• 2 nights at permanent outback campsites
• Choose from bush swags (under the stars) or safari tents (twin-share with bedding)
• Access to communal bathrooms & eco-facilities

Meals

• 2 x Breakfasts
• 3 x Lunches (note: Ayers Rock arrivals must BYO lunch on Day 1)
• 2 x Dinners
• Campfire cooking with group participation encouraged

Transport

• Travel in a custom 4WD safari vehicle designed for rugged terrain
• Pick-up from Alice Springs or Ayers Rock/Yulara, drop-off in Alice Springs

Equipment & Support

• Swag or tent setup with mattress, pillow & sheets
• Onboard filtered drinking water (BYO refillable bottle)
• Park passes & entry fees all included

Fees & Impact

• National Park entry for Uluru-Kata Tjuta, Watarrka (Kings Canyon), and Standley Chasm
• Indigenous land access fees
• Zero Trace Tours offsets 200% of the CO₂ from your tour emissions through land restoration 🌱

🚫 What’s Not Included

• Pre/post-tour accommodation – Book your stay in Alice Springs before and after the tour
• Sleeping bag – Bring your own or hire one onboard for $40 (covers cleaning)
• Towels – Not included (bring one for showering and one for swimming)
• Snacks & personal drinks – Great to have for in-between meals
• Power access – Campsites have limited or no power, so bring a power bank 🔋
• Flights – Not included. Make sure you arrive before tour departure time
• Travel insurance – Strongly recommended for this remote, active adventure
• Personal expenses – Souvenirs, extra snacks, etc.

Local Insights — Tjoritja / West MacDonnell Ranges
Big-picture snapshot
Ancient gorges, permanent waterholes, ochre cliffs and red-rock amphitheatres on sealed roads that are easy to navigate. Alice Springs ↔ Ormiston Gorge ~2.5–3 hours return via Namatjira Drive and Larapinta Drive. This is Arrernte Country—culture leads; everything else follows.

Best time to go (what the weather really means)
Cooler, drier months May–September bring crisp mornings, clearer air, comfortable walking temperatures (mid-teens to mid-20s °C) and big night skies. Summers are hot (often mid–high 30s °C), so start early, shorten midday activity, carry ≥ 1 L water per person per hour on walks, and expect possible trail or gorge closures on extreme heat days.

Culture & conduct (essential respect)

• Some rock faces, waterholes and ochre sites are culturally sensitive; photography may be restricted and commercial capture requires permits.
• No drones in Tjoritja/West MacDonnell National Park (permit-only exceptions).
• No swimming in sacred or culturally restricted waterholes; always follow signage and ranger advice.
• Stay on marked tracks; leave objects in place; follow signage and rangers’ directions.

Park passes (plain English)

• Tjoritja/West MacDonnell National Park: NT Parks Day Pass required (buy online in advance via NT Parks website – not included in tour price).

On the road (fuel, coverage, driving sense)
Top up fuel in Alice Springs before departure; services are sparse inside the ranges. Expect patchy mobile reception outside major gaps; download offline maps and share a trip plan. Avoid dusk–dawn driving for wildlife risk (especially kangaroos and emus).

Trails, closures & safety (the rules that actually matter)

• Standley Chasm: short walk, mostly flat but rocky in parts; closes at 17:00 (check seasonal hours).
• Ellery Creek Big Hole: seasonal swimming possible; no lifeguard, swim at own risk, check water quality signage.
• Ormiston Gorge: moderate walk to lookout or Pound Walk loop; can close on extreme heat days (≥ 36 °C).
• Hydration & heat: ≥ 1 L/person/hour when walking; broad-brim hat, long-light layers, electrolytes, and shade breaks.
• Emergencies: note ECD locations; coverage is limited in-park.

Where the light sings (sunrise & sunset)

• Ormiston Gorge lookout: spectacular late-afternoon light on red cliffs — best viewed from the carpark or short walk to the platform.
• Ellery Creek Big Hole: golden hour reflections on water and rock walls — perfect late-afternoon stop.

Easy wins & accessibility

• Simpsons Gap: short, mostly flat walk to permanent waterhole; great rock wallaby spotting and accessible for most fitness levels.
• Ochre Pits: very short flat walk; cultural commentary on mineral use in traditional ceremonies.

Local-style extras (strong recommends)

• Standley Chasm (Angkerle Atwatye): narrow gorge with towering walls — short, shaded walk, very photogenic.
• Ellery Creek Big Hole (Udepata): large swimming hole with red cliffs — bring reef-safe sunscreen if planning a dip.
• Ormiston Gorge (Kwartatuma): dramatic amphitheatre views — short lookout walk or longer Pound Walk loop if time allows.
• Ochre Pits: vibrant mineral cliffs — quick stop with cultural significance.

Zero Trace (do it right)
Pack out everything, stick to formed tracks, give wildlife space, and follow any heat, cultural or conservation closures without argument. The goal is simple: help the next visitor feel like the first. 🌿

What to Pack
A day trip into the West MacDonnell Ranges means dusty tracks, short bush walks, potential swimming, and big temperature swings — hot sun by day, cooler evenings. Pack light, smart, and sustainable so you can focus on the adventure.

✅ Essentials

• 2–3 L refillable water bottle (essential – filtered water provided on coach)
• All-weather layers: lightweight long-sleeve shirt for sun protection, fleece or light jacket for late afternoon/evening
• Comfortable closed-toe walking/hiking shoes with good grip (short walks can be rocky/uneven)
• Wide-brim hat, sunglasses, and reef-safe sunscreen
• Swimwear and quick-dry microfibre towel (seasonal swimming at Ellery Creek Big Hole)
• Small daypack for personal items, snacks, and layers
• Tropical-strength insect repellent
• Power bank (limited charging on coach)
• Camera/phone for capturing gorges, waterholes & wildlife

🧼 Toiletries & Extras

• Lip balm and moisturiser (desert air is very dry)
• Personal medications & basic first aid (band-aids, blister pads)
• Hand sanitiser and wet wipes
• Biodegradable tissues or reusable handkerchief
• Reusable snack container (helps reduce waste)

🧳 Luggage & Tips

• Small soft day bag only (no large suitcases – coach storage is limited)
• Leave valuables at your Alice Springs accommodation
• Bring cash for small extras (souvenirs at Ochre Pits or café stops)
• Pack reef-safe sunscreen and biodegradable products — we’re protecting fragile desert ecosystems

Local Insights — Tjoritja / West MacDonnell Ranges

Big-picture snapshot
Ancient gorges, permanent waterholes, ochre cliffs and red-rock amphitheatres on sealed roads that are easy to navigate. Alice Springs ↔ Ormiston Gorge ~2.5–3 hours return via Namatjira Drive and Larapinta Drive. This is Arrernte Country—culture leads; everything else follows.

Best time to go (what the weather really means)
Cooler, drier months May–September bring crisp mornings, clearer air, comfortable walking temperatures (mid-teens to mid-20s °C) and big night skies. Summers are hot (often mid–high 30s °C), so start early, shorten midday activity, carry ≥ 1 L water per person per hour on walks, and expect possible trail or gorge closures on extreme heat days.

Culture & conduct (essential respect)

• Some rock faces, waterholes and ochre sites are culturally sensitive; photography may be restricted and commercial capture requires permits.
• No drones in Tjoritja/West MacDonnell National Park (permit-only exceptions).
• No swimming in sacred or culturally restricted waterholes; always follow signage and ranger advice.
• Stay on marked tracks; leave objects in place; follow signage and rangers’ directions.

Park passes (plain English)

• Tjoritja/West MacDonnell National Park: NT Parks Day Pass required (buy online in advance via NT Parks website – not included in tour price).

On the road (fuel, coverage, driving sense)
Top up fuel in Alice Springs before departure; services are sparse inside the ranges. Expect patchy mobile reception outside major gaps; download offline maps and share a trip plan. Avoid dusk–dawn driving for wildlife risk (especially kangaroos and emus).

Trails, closures & safety (the rules that actually matter)

• Standley Chasm: short walk, mostly flat but rocky in parts; closes at 17:00 (check seasonal hours).
• Ellery Creek Big Hole: seasonal swimming possible; no lifeguard, swim at own risk, check water quality signage.
• Ormiston Gorge: moderate walk to lookout or Pound Walk loop; can close on extreme heat days (≥ 36 °C).
• Hydration & heat: ≥ 1 L/person/hour when walking; broad-brim hat, long-light layers, electrolytes, and shade breaks.
• Emergencies: note ECD locations; coverage is limited in-park.

Where the light sings (sunrise & sunset)

• Ormiston Gorge lookout: spectacular late-afternoon light on red cliffs — best viewed from the carpark or short walk to the platform.
• Ellery Creek Big Hole: golden hour reflections on water and rock walls — perfect late-afternoon stop.

Easy wins & accessibility

• Simpsons Gap: short, mostly flat walk to permanent waterhole; great rock wallaby spotting and accessible for most fitness levels.
• Ochre Pits: very short flat walk; cultural commentary on mineral use in traditional ceremonies.

Local-style extras (strong recommends)

• Standley Chasm (Angkerle Atwatye): narrow gorge with towering walls — short, shaded walk, very photogenic.
• Ellery Creek Big Hole (Udepata): large swimming hole with red cliffs — bring reef-safe sunscreen if planning a dip.
• Ormiston Gorge (Kwartatuma): dramatic amphitheatre views — short lookout walk or longer Pound Walk loop if time allows.
• Ochre Pits: vibrant mineral cliffs — quick stop with cultural significance.

Zero Trace CO₂e Report — Uluru & Kings Canyon | 4-Day 4WD Safari (NT)

Results Summary

• Estimated total per person: ≈ 1,235 kg CO₂e
• Offset per person (200%): ≈ 2,470 kg CO₂e
• Group total for context (12 guests): ≈ 14.82 t CO₂e

Method: high-estimate with Well-to-Tank (WTT) and aviation non-CO₂ effects via RF = 1.9; includes single-origin guest flights, all meals (included + off-tour), on-tour transport & camping/hotel stays, and +10% uncertainty uplift.

Purpose

Conservatively estimate greenhouse gas emissions (CO₂e) across Scopes 1–3, report per person (with group totals for context), and state the 200% offset applied per person.

Key Tour Info

• Region: Red Centre, Northern Territory (Uluru–Kata Tjuta & Kings Canyon)
• Duration: 4 days / 3 nights
• Start / Finish: Depart Alice Springs or Uluru; all tours finish in Alice Springs
• Group size (max): 12
• On-tour distance: Driving ~1,486 km • Hiking ~12–15 km
• Difficulty: Easy+
• Style: Small-group 4WD camping/overland; all-inclusive noted on page (we still count all meals consumed)

Scope & Boundaries

• Scope 1: On-tour vehicle fuel (4WD/mini-coach).
• Scope 2: Purchased electricity where directly attributable (generally captured via accommodation factors).
• Scope 3: Guest flights to/from the tour (single-origin rule), accommodation (camp/hotel nights), all meals (included + off-tour), supplier logistics proxies, and uncertainty uplift. Capital goods excluded.
• Method frame: GHG Protocol; DEFRA-aligned factors with WTT; aviation RF = 1.9 to reflect non-CO₂ effects.

Feeder Hub (Guest Flights) — Single Origin Rule

• Chosen origin hub: Sydney (SYD) (conservative choice for Central Australia starts).
• Routing applied (higher-bound mix of start points): SYD → AYQ (Uluru) before the tour, then ASP (Alice Springs) → SYD after the tour (tour ends in Alice Springs).Great-circle references: SYD–AYQ ≈ 2,180 km (one way); SYD–ASP ≈ 2,021 km (one way).

Emission Factors & Conservative Defaults

• Flights: DEFRA distance factors (economy), WTT included, RF = 1.9 applied.
• Road (4WD/mini-coach): Higher “local bus/coach” passenger-km factor to approximate lower occupancy (conservative).
• Accommodation: Room-night method (HCMI/CHSB regional benchmarks) for 3 nights (camping/hotel).
• Meals: Meat-heavy mixed diet ≈ 2.5 kg CO₂e/meal (upper-bound); we count every meal during the trip window.
• Uncertainty uplift: +10% added to the subtotal where primary meter/fuel data isn’t available.

Activity Data Applied

• Guest flights: SYD → AYQ (Uluru) + ASP → SYD (return).
• On-tour road: ~1,486 km (page figure).
• Accommodation: 3 nights.
• All meals consumed: 12 meals/person (4 days × 3/day).
• Powered optionals: None assumed for base itinerary (add separately if flown or added on the day).

Results — Per Person (high-estimate, no tables)

Flights (SYD→AYQ + ASP→SYD; WTT + RF = 1.9): ≈ 849 kg
On-tour road (~1,486 km; conservative passenger-km factor): ≈ 184 kg
Accommodation (3 nights; room-night benchmark): ≈ 60 kg
All meals (12 × ~2.5 kg): ≈ 30 kg

Subtotal: ≈ 1,123 kg
+10% uncertainty uplift: ≈ 112 kg
Estimated total per person: ≈ 1,235 kg CO₂e

Reporting focus is per person. Group total above is for context only. Offsets are applied per person.

Assumptions (transparent)

• Origin hub fixed: Sydney for all travellers; inbound via Uluru (AYQ) and outbound from Alice Springs (ASP) to reflect mixed start options and keep a conservative bound.
• Aviation: Distance-based; WTT included; RF = 1.9 for non-CO₂ effects.
• Road: Page lists total driving ~1,486 km; we apply a higher passenger-km factor to avoid under-counting at small-group occupancy.
• Accommodation: Three nights benchmarked via HCMI/CHSB (prevents underestimation of camp/hotel energy).
• Meals: Every meal during the 4-day window counted, regardless of inclusions.
• Optionals: Scenic flights or other powered extras are not included here; add as a separate line if taken by a departure.

Versioning

Generated 23 Aug 2025 (Australia/Perth). Factors reviewed at least annually or when official sources update.

References

• Tour page — Uluru & Kings Canyon 4-Day 4WD Safari (start/finish, max group, distances, difficulty): Zero Trace Tours (Zero Trace Tours)
• UK Government — Greenhouse gas reporting conversion factors 2024 (transport/energy factors): GOV.UK
• UK Government — Methodology 2024 (WTT; aviation non-CO₂ treatment/RF): GOV.UK
• GHG Protocol — Corporate Accounting & Reporting Standard (Scopes 1–3): GHG Protocol
• Hotel Carbon Measurement Initiative (HCMI) / CHSB regional benchmarks: Sustainable Hospitality Alliance • Hotel Footprinting
• Dietary emissions (upper-bound mixed meals; EPIC-Oxford context): University of Oxford
• Great-circle distances: SYD–AYQ and SYD–ASP references — Travelmath (SYD–AYQ) • Travelmath (SYD–ASP)

West MacDonnell Ranges Day Tour – FAQ

What is the West MacDonnell Ranges Day Tour?
A full-day guided eco-tour from Alice Springs exploring the stunning Tjoritja/West MacDonnell Ranges National Park. Visit sacred sites, gorges, waterholes, and ochre pits with an accredited outback guide. Small group, air-conditioned coach, lunch included.

How long is the tour and what are the hours?
Full day (~10 hours). Departs Alice Springs ~7:30–8:00 am, returns ~18:00–18:30 pm. Exact times vary slightly depending on pick-up points.

What is the group size and age limit?
Max 23 guests. Suitable for ages 6+ (children must be accompanied by an adult). Not recommended for very young children due to short bush walks and long coach travel.

What is the physical level?
Easy+ — total walking 3–4 km across the day, mostly short guided bush walks (some rocky/uneven sections). Suitable for most fitness levels, but bring sturdy closed walking shoes.

Where does the tour start and finish?
Inner-city Alice Springs pick-up/drop-off points (selected hotels/hostels). Full list provided at booking. Not a door-to-door service — guests meet at designated central points.

What’s included?

• Return air-conditioned coach transport
• Accredited outback driver-guide
• Lunch & snacks
• Standley Chasm park entry fee
• Guided bush walks & commentary
• Sightings of Australian flora & fauna

What’s not included?

• NT Parks Day Pass (required for Tjoritja/West MacDonnell National Park — purchase in advance)
• Breakfast or extra meals/snacks
• Hotel transfers to/from nominated pick-up points
• Personal travel insurance (highly recommended)
• Spending money for extras

Do I need to purchase a park pass?
Yes — a NT Parks Day Pass is required for entry to Tjoritja/West MacDonnell National Park. Purchase online in advance via the NT Parks website (not included in tour price).

Is swimming available?
Seasonal swimming is possible at Ellery Creek Big Hole (Udepata) — bring swimwear, towel, and reef-safe sunscreen if you wish to swim. Water levels and safety depend on recent rainfall.

What should I bring?

• Sturdy closed walking shoes
• Hat, sunglasses, reef-safe sunscreen
• Water bottle (2–3 L capacity)
• Light jacket or layers (desert weather can change quickly)
• Camera/phone
• Swimwear & towel (if planning to swim)
• Small daypack

Is the tour suitable for children?
Yes, ages 6+. Children must be accompanied by an adult. Short walks are manageable, but long coach travel (~5 hours total) may be tiring for very young kids.

Can I join from Uluru or Ayers Rock?
No — this is an Alice Springs departure/return day tour only. For Uluru-based options, see our multi-day Red Centre tours.

What happens in bad weather?
Tour operates in most conditions. In rare cases of extreme heat, heavy rain, or park closures, the guide may adjust the itinerary or substitute sites. Refunds are not normally given for weather-related changes.

Is there 200% carbon offsetting?
Yes — every booking includes 200% CO₂ offsetting through verified projects, including native reforestation in Australia and regenerative agriculture in developing regions.

How do I book?
Click “Book Now – Live Availability” to check real-time dates and secure your spot. Small groups sell out fast — book early!