Departing from Alice Springs (with the option to join in Yulara), this 7-day small-group overland tour travels south along the legendary Explorers Way, through the beating heart of Australia and beyond.
Begin in the Red Centre, where sunrise ignites Uluru and the domes of Kata Tjuta rise from desert plains in powerful silence. Walk the full base of this sacred monolith. Stand high on the rim of Kings Canyon. Then follow the long desert highway as the landscape stretches, shifts and surprises, underground opal fields in Coober Pedy, vast saltbush plains, ancient mesas and the rugged peaks of the Flinders Ranges.
This is not a quick pass through the outback. It’s a full crossing of the continent’s interior. Big distances, bold landscapes and moments that stop you in your tracks.
Led by an expert Storyteller Guide, this immersive journey blends iconic landmarks with raw, lesser-known outback moments, delivering connection, perspective and the kind of scale that can only be understood by travelling through it.
Seven days. One legendary route. Unmistakably Untamed.
If you’re in South Australia, you can do this trip in reverse on our Adelaide to Alice Springs tour with accommodation.

Day 1: Alice Springs, Yulara & Uluru
For those departing from Alice Springs, the day begins early, heading south through expansive desert country. Pause at Erldunda, a remote outback crossroads in the heart of the Northern Territory, before continuing deeper into the Red Centre.
Onwards to Yulara, gateway to Uluru–Kata Tjuta National Park, a dual World Heritage–listed landscape recognised for both natural power and cultural depth. After collecting those joining in Yulara, the scale begins to build. Then it happens.
Uluru rises from the desert. The horizon shifts. Australia’s heart asserts itself against the sky.
Enter the national park and visit the Uluru–Kata Tjuta Cultural Centre, where exhibitions shaped by Aṉangu voices provide a deeper understanding of this sacred land, time to listen, learn and absorb the context that gives meaning to everything that follows.
As evening approaches, head to the sunset viewing area. Uluru transforms in the fading light. Deep reds intensify, shadows stretch long, and the desert air cools, a powerful introduction to the Red Centre.
Accommodation: Outback Hotel | Twin-share ensuite
Distance Travelled: Approx. 510 km
Day 2: Kata Tjuta & Uluru
First light at Kata Tjuta is unforgettable. Thirty-six domes glow in burnt orange and deep crimson as dawn moves across the desert. The scale is immense. The silence is profound.
Set out on a guided walk through the Valley of the Winds. The track weaves between towering formations sculpted over millions of years, revealing narrow corridors, shifting light, and expansive desert vistas. The full circuit is approximately 8 km, with shorter turnaround points available.
Late morning, return to Yulara and choose one of many complimentary cultural activities at Ayers Rock Resort. Bush food experiences, bush yarns or guided garden walks offer further insight into desert knowledge and living culture.
To elevate the experience even further, optional helicopter flights offer views of Uluru and Kata Tjuta from above, highlighting the immense scale of the Red Centre. In the evening, consider Wintjiri Wiru, an immersive outdoor experience combining storytelling, light and sound beneath the desert sky.
Accommodation: Outback Hotel | Twin-share ensuite
Distance Travelled: Approx. 100 km
Day 3: Uluru to Kings Canyon
Sunrise at Uluru offers a final quiet moment with Australia’s spiritual heart. As light moves across the rock, rust turns to burnished gold against a vast open sky.
Set out on the 10.6 km Uluru Base Walk. At ground level, caves, waterholes and ancient rock art reveal stories embedded in the land. The terrain is mostly flat and steady. Shorter sections are available for those who prefer a reduced distance while still experiencing the scale and presence of this extraordinary place.
After lunch in Yulara, the road leads west toward Watarrka National Park. The desert opens wide once more. Arrive at Kings Canyon late afternoon and walk the Creek Trail, a gentler introduction beneath towering sandstone walls and river red gums. A contrasting perspective to tomorrow’s rim.
Accommodation: Kings Canyon Resort | Twin-share room
Distance Travelled: Approx. 430 km
Day 4: Kings Canyon to Erldunda
Rise early for the Kings Canyon Rim Walk. One of Central Australia’s most striking landscapes. The 6 km loop climbs steadily to vast sandstone walls, deep gorges and the weathered domes of the “Lost City.” Pause at the Garden of Eden, a rare pocket of green hidden within the canyon walls.
Late morning returns to the resort before continuing south. Long desert roads stretch toward the horizon once more. Arrive at Erldunda Desert Oaks Resort mid-afternoon. A remote outpost at the crossroads of the Red Centre—time to settle in and watch light soften across red earth and open sky.
Accommodation: Erldunda Desert Oaks Resort | Twin-share ensuite
Distance Travelled: Approx. 310 km
Day 5: Erldunda to Coober Pedy
Cross from the Northern Territory into South Australia, travelling through vast, open desert country. Pause at Marla before continuing to Kanku–Breakaways Conservation Park. Here, ancient mesas rise abruptly from the flat desert in layered bands of ochre, cream and rust — dramatic, powerful and culturally significant on Antakirinja Matu-Yankunytjatjara Country.
By afternoon, arrive in Coober Pedy, the underground opal capital of the world. Descend into the Old Timers Mine, where hand-dug tunnels and original tools reveal the resilience behind the opal fields. A raw glimpse into life carved from unforgiving terrain.
Visit Josephine’s Gallery and Kangaroo Orphanage, showcasing significant Aboriginal artworks alongside rescued joeys cared for by passionate locals.
Settle into underground accommodation carved deep into the earth. Cool, quiet and distinctly Coober Pedy.
Accommodation: Coober Pedy Experience Motel (or similar) | Underground twin-share ensuite
Distance Travelled: Approx. 590 km
Day 6: Coober Pedy to Quorn
Continue south across wide outback plains as the landscape slowly shifts from flat horizons to distant ranges. Stop at Glendambo and Pimba before arriving at the Australian Arid Lands Botanic Garden near Port Augusta. This living collection showcases how native species survive in some of Australia’s harshest conditions. Resilience written in leaf and bark.
By late afternoon, reach Quorn, framed by the rugged southern Flinders Ranges. A historic railway town with wide streets and heritage stone buildings, classic outback character with time to explore.
Accommodation: Great Northern Lodge Quorn | Twin-share ensuite
Distance Travelled: Approx. 590 km
Day 7: Quorn to Adelaide via Clare Valley
Morning light in Warren Gorge reveals ochre cliffs and prime habitat for the once nearly extinct Yellow-footed Rock Wallaby. A short, guided walk to Smoko’s Lookout offers panoramic views and one last immersion in wild country.
Travel south to Wirrabara to view one of South Australia’s striking silo art murals, where bold local storytelling is painted large across grain silos.
Continue into the Clare Valley, where vineyards replace red dirt. Reflect on your incredible adventure during a wine tasting with newfound friends at Skillogalee Winery. A refined contrast to the desert landscapes travelled in the days before.
Arrive back in Adelaide early evening. Seven days across Australia’s vast interior are complete. Distance travelled, landscapes shifted, stories carried forward. This is living untamed.
Accommodation: None
Distance Travelled: 390 km
Enhance your experience with optional add-ons available during your tour. These experiences are limited and can book out, so we recommend adding them at the time of booking to avoid missing out.
Gain a new perspective with an optional helicopter flight departing from Yulara, operated by Professional Helicopter Services. Flights range from approximately 15 to 35 minutes, with prices starting from A$205 per person (subject to change).
From above, Uluru, Kata Tjuta and the vast desert plains reveal their full scale. Ancient formations, shifting colours and immense geometry laid out beneath you.
Minimum booking: 2 people. Solo travellers will be paired where possible; otherwise, a full refund will be provided.
As darkness settles over the desert, over 50,000 slender stems of light illuminate the earth in a breathtaking display known as Tili Wiru Tjuta Nyakutjaku — “looking at lots of beautiful lights.”
Created by internationally acclaimed artist Bruce Munro, Field of Light transforms the landscape into a shifting tapestry of colour beneath the vast outback sky.
General admission includes return transfers from Ayers Rock Resort and entry into the illuminated installation, allowing time to wander the pathways at your own pace and take in the scale of this extraordinary artwork.
An immersive desert experience that runs for about 90 minutes and must be seen to be truly understood.
As the sun lowers over the desert horizon, Wintjiri Wiru offers a powerful way to experience Uluru after dark. Set within an open-air desert theatre, this immersive experience combines storytelling, choreographed drones, light and sound to share ancient Aṉangu creation stories as the sky shifts from gold to deep indigo.
The evening begins with sunset drinks and canapés, followed by a curated dinner inspired by native ingredients, served beneath a canopy of desert stars. A moving fusion of culture, technology and cuisine, unlike anything else in Australia.
Ease into or out of your adventure with an overnight stay at Discovery Parks – Alice Springs. A private twin cabin offers a comfortable and convenient base, with easy access to town and excellent facilities to relax and reset before onward travel.
Add this option at the time of booking for a seamless finish to your Explorers Way experience.
For our Alice Springs to Adelaide Accommodated Tour
This tour does not include meals, giving you flexibility to choose where and what you’d like to eat. Across the Explorers Way route, dining options range from country cafés and classic outback roadhouses to resort restaurants and casual takeaway venues.
While some locations are remote and choices may be limited, your Storyteller Guide will provide daily recommendations and timing guidance. Supermarkets are available in select towns (including Coober Pedy and Yulara) for those wishing to purchase snacks or supplies.
Meal costs vary depending on personal preference, but guests should allow approximately $25–$40 for hotel breakfast or lunch and $30–$50 for dinner in most locations.
Accommodation Style:
This is a comfortable, budget-conscious, accommodated tour featuring motel-style twin-share rooms with private en-suites, plus one night in a mixed shared quad room at Kings Canyon Resort (shared bathroom facilities).
Room Sharing:
Solo travellers are paired in twin-share rooms. We aim to room guests thoughtfully and respectfully. If you have specific preferences or requirements, please let our team know at the time of booking.
Single Room Upgrade:
Prefer your own space? A Single Room Upgrade is available at checkout for an additional $615 per person (subject to availability).
The 7-Day Explorers Way tour is best suited to travellers who enjoy time outdoors, meaningful walks and shared group experiences across diverse landscapes.
To get the most from your experience, please consider the following:
If you’re unsure whether this trip is the right fit for you, please reach out, we’re here to help.
At Untamed Escapes, your safety and experience are our top priorities. Our guides are trained to adapt plans when needed to ensure a smooth and enjoyable journey. Please keep the following in mind:

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