This blog post is all about my review of the Rock to Rock tour of Uluru with Mulgas Adventures.
If you’re looking for an unforgettable way to experience Uluru, Kata Tjuta, and Kings Canyon, the 4-Day Rock to Rock Tour with Mulgas Adventures is one of the best backpacker-friendly options in the Northern Territory.
This Rock to Rock tour starts and ends in Yulara, making it a great option for those flying directly to the Red Centre without needing to travel to Alice Springs.
We actually completed the 7-day Uluru to Darwin tour offered by Mulgas Adventures, but the Rock to Rock tour is their most popular offering, so this blog post breaks down what to expect.
Our 7-day tour group was made up of those doing both the 4-day Rock to Rock tour and the full Uluru to Darwin tour, so we said goodbye to a small number of people on the 4th day before our tour continued towards Darwin.
If you’re thinking of doing any tour with Mulgas Adventures, make sure to use my code ORLAGH25 to get yourself $25 off any of their tours.
RELATED Uluru blog posts to read:
- Ultimate 7-Day Uluru to Darwin Tour with Mulgas Adventures
- 10 Best Things to Do in Uluru for 3 Days
- The Best Time to Visit Uluru with Mulgas Adventures
Here’s exactly what to expect from this incredible 4-day Rock to Rock tour and outback adventure.
What is the Mulgas Adventures Rock to Rock Tour?
The Rock to Rock Tour is a 4-day, 3-night camping trip through the heart of the Red Centre.
It covers all the major landmarks: Uluru, Kata Tjuta, and Kings Canyon, offering both guided walks and cultural insights.
You’ll sleep under the stars in traditional Aussie swags, gather around the campfire at night, and make lifelong memories with fellow travellers.
Day 1: Welcome to the Red Centre + Uluru Sunset
The Rock to Rock tour adventure begins bright and early with a pickup from Ayers Rock Airport or Yulara Resort around 2:00 pm.
After meeting your guide and group, you’ll head straight into Uluru–Kata Tjuta National Park.
First stop: The Uluru Cultural Centre, where you’ll gain a deep understanding of Anangu traditions, Tjukurpa (Dreamtime stories), and the sacred significance of the area.
This context really enhances the experience before walking around the base.
Next, you’ll embark on a short base walk to key spots like Mutitjulu Waterhole and Kuniya Piti, learning about the creation stories etched into the rock.
Remember to pack a fly net for your face for this tour – the flies are relentless!
Then it’s time to head to the sunset viewing area, where you’ll watch the colour of Uluru transform from ochre to deep red as the sun dips behind the desert horizon.
This was one of my favourite parts of the tour, watching Uluru turn so many shades of red while the sun went down.
That night, your group will settle into the first campsite, where you’ll enjoy a tasty dinner cooked over the campfire.
You’ll sleep in your swag under a vast canopy of stars, no tents needed.
This was my first ever experience of swag camping and while it was something to adjust to on the first night, it definitely got easier over the next two nights.
Going to sleep under the stars and waking up to the Milky Way is something I’ll never forget.
Day 2: Uluru Sunrise + Kata Tjuta’s Valley of the Winds
You’ll have an early wake-up call to have breakfast and catch sunrise over Uluru. Another beautiful moment that you’ll remember for a very long time.
It’s one of the most amazing sunrises I’ve ever seen.
After breakfast and packing up the swags, you’ll head to Talinguru Nyakunytjaku, the sunrise lookout, where you’ll watch the morning light slowly reveal the desert plains and the silhouettes of both Uluru and Kata Tjuta.
From there, it’s a short drive to Kata Tjuta (The Olgas).
Here you’ll complete the Valley of the Winds Walk, a 7.4 km loop that winds through the soaring domes and offers stunning views across the red desert.
It’s more challenging than Uluru’s base walk, but incredibly rewarding.
You won’t be able to take photos on this hike due to it being a sacred site for the Anangu people, but you really do appreciate the views you’re hiking around rather than taking some quick photos and moving on.
After the hike and a relaxing lunch, you’ll hit the road and drive toward Kings Creek Station, where you’ll set up camp for the night.
There’s a bar and souvenir shop here, so you can grab yourself a cider like we did and enjoy the sunset from the lookout point near the camping area.
Expect more campfire chats, outback stargazing, and another night in your swag after a meal of kangaroo steaks.
Delicious!
Day 3: Kings Canyon Rim Walk + Outback Camp Life
The third day kicks off early again with a drive to Kings Canyon in Watarrka National Park, one of the most epic spots in the Red Centre.
You’ll tackle the Rim Walk, a 6 km loop that starts with the infamous “Heart Attack Hill” (a steep staircase), but rewards you with panoramic views of the canyon walls, the Garden of Eden, and the domed rock formations known as the Lost City.
Kings Canyon was definitely the longest and hardest hike of the tour, but still nothing overly exerting.
We always took breaks, had snacks along the way and stopped to talk about different points of interest and of course, take lots of photos.
After the hike, it’s time to head towards bush camp for the night!
The final night of camping is located out near Curtin Springs, and you’ll experience true camping.
Think no electric, no running water, just back to basics in the middle of the outback.
The toilet (dunny) is a make-shift toilet (a hole in the ground) with no door, but an incredible view of Mount Conner.
There’s also an incredible view of sunset from bush camp and it was the best place for stargazing due to no light pollution whatsoever.
Day 4: Morning Return to Yulara
On the final morning, you’ll pack up bush camp and head back to the first campsite to shower and freshen up, then be on the road early to return to Yulara by 10:30 am.
Depending on your flight time, your tour guide will drop you at Ayers Rock airport, or drop you at Yulara where a free shuttle bus runs to the airport if your flight is a little later.
Whether you’re flying out later that day or staying on to relax at the resort, it’s the perfect wrap-up to four days of hiking, learning, and adventuring through the Outback.
However, there is also the option to do the 7-day tour (like we did!) and road trip upwards to Alice Springs and Darwin, seeing all of the Northern Territory.
You can read the full 7-day Uluru to Darwin tour route and itinerary here!
Highlights of the Rock to Rock Tour
- Seeing Uluru at both sunrise and sunset
- Sleeping under the stars in swags
- Tackling iconic walks like the Valley of the Winds and Kings Canyon Rim Walk
- Learning about Anangu culture at the Cultural Centre and sacred sites
- Connecting with fellow travellers and sharing meals around the campfire
What’s Included in the Rock to Rock Tour?
- All transport and park entry fees
- All meals from dinner on Day 1 to breakfast on Day 4
- Swag and camping equipment
- Knowledgeable local guide
- Pickup and drop-off in Yulara
What to Pack for a Rock to Rock Tour
You’ll need to pack:
- Comfortable hiking shoes
- Refillable water bottles (at least 2–3 litres per day)
- Sunscreen, hat, sunglasses
- Layers for warm days and cold nights
- Insect repellent
- Headlamp or torch
- Sleeping bag (or you can hire one from Mulgas Adventures)
Is the Rock to Rock Tour Worth It?
Absolutely! If you’re short on time or arriving directly into Yulara, the Rock to Rock Tour is the ideal way to experience the best of the Red Centre.
It’s adventurous but accessible, packed with culture and nature, and a perfect introduction to the spirit of the Outback.
Whether you’re a solo backpacker or a couple looking for a unique travel memory, this Rock to Rock tour delivers.
Expect dust, sweat, lots of flies unforgettable views, and stories you’ll tell for years to come.
RELATED Uluru blog posts to read:
- Ultimate 7-Day Uluru to Darwin Tour with Mulgas Adventures
- 10 Best Things to Do in Uluru for 3 Days
- The Best Time to Visit Uluru with Mulgas Adventures
By Orlagh Shanks
Orlagh Shanks is the founder of Orlagh Claire, an award-winning travel and lifestyle blog.
After working in the PR & Influencer Marketing industry, Orlagh quit her job to travel Asia for 12 months and move to Sydney, Australia where she is now a full-time travel blogger and content creator sharing travel tips and recommendations for all 30 of the countries she’s visited so far.
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