Contact Us
| Freecall | 1800 66 11 77 |
|---|---|
| Phone |
+61 8 8440 1640 8am - 5:30pm Monday to Friday, 9am - 12pm Saturday & 12pm - 3pm Sunday (Central Standard Time) |
| Fax | +61 8 8440 1693 |
| Address |
10 Bacon Street Hindmarsh SA 5007 Australia |
Rock Patrol
WHY YOU’LL LOVE THIS TOUR
Travel the real Australian outback from Adelaide to Alice Springs on our Groovy Grape Rock Patrol tour.
Rock Patrol is a truly memorable experience that captures the beauty, authenticity, and culturally significant background of Outback Australia. Our guides are accredited experts in the region and have been touring there for many years. The food on tour is prepared fresh and always tasty, it’s not uncommon that we receive feedback on how good it is! From the locations, accommodation, and activities available, you can truly connect with nature, adventure, and make some new tour friends along the way.
TRIP HIGHLIGHTS:
SWAG CAMP UNDER TWINKLING OUTBACK SKIES
ALLIGATOR GORGE HIKE IN THE FLINDERS RANGES
SIFT FOR OPALS IN THE UNDERGROUND TOWN OF COOBER PEDY
HAND FEED JOEYS AT JOEPHINE’S KANGAROO ORPHANAGE
WALK THE BASE OF ULURU (AYERS ROCK)
HIKE VALLEY OF THE WINDS AT KATA TJUTA (THE OLGAS)
EXPLORE WATARRKA KINGS CANYON AND THE GARDEN OF EDEN
Day 1 - Adelaide > Flinders Ranges
Welcome to Adelaide! Home to beautiful wineries, award winning beaches and bar’s galore. We’ll pick you up bright and early from a range of pickup points in the Adelaide CBD. From here we begin our adventure though the picturesque wine region of the Clare Valley. Enjoy a pitstop at Melrose, the gateway to the Flinders Ranges where you can grab a coffee, last minute supplies, and get to know your tour mates. We enjoy an easy stroll through the towering red sandstone cliffs in Alligator Gorge, which is sometimes bursting with wild flowers. We’ll then settle in the heart of the Southern Flinders Ranges for the night.
Day 2 - Flinders Ranges > Coober Pedy
Hitting the highway to Coober Pedy – the Opal Capital of the World – you will notice the incredible ever-changing landscape. Keep your eyes peeled for Kangaroos, Emus, Horses and Eagles as we thunder across a very Mars-eque looking landscape.
In town, we’ll take an underground Opal Mine and Museum tour where you’ll learn about the history of Coober Pedy. A highlight for some is visiting Josephine’s Kangaroo Orphanage, where you can meet the rescued kangaroos and baby joeys and admire (or buy) Aboriginal art and didgeridoos. Tonight, we sleep like the locals do – underground, in bunkhouse accommodation. You’ll have some free time to explore this afternoon, be sure to find a hilly spot and admire the glowing pink sunset or try your hand at noodling for opals.
Day 3 - Coober Pedy > Kings Canyon
It’s a big day driving up the Stuart Highway, with several pitstops en-route. We have an epic playlist to serenade your ears with and fun bus activities to keep you entertained.
Watch the changing landscapes from Mulga woodlands, escarpments and nearby ranges. Our mission today is to reach the majestic Watarrka National Park (Kings Canyon) where we will camp for the night on an authentic outback station.
Day 4 - Kings Canyon > Uluru
We’re not going to lie, today is an early wakeup. Trust us though, it’s worth it. Have your water bottle at the ready as we hike up Watarrka (Kings Canyon) and witness yet another jaw dropping sunrise that silhouettes the massive sandstone walls, vast canyon floor and stunning gorges perfectly.
On the Canyon Rim Walk (3-4 hours), you’ll experience the beautiful Garden of Eden and learn more about the local Aboriginal culture. After lunch, we begin our journey into Uluru (Ayers Rock). Nothing will prepare you for the sight of Uluru. You know it’s big… but it’s bigger than you think. We quickly set up camp before learning about the local Aboriginal History at the Uluru Kata-Tjuta Aboriginal Cultural Centre. Soon after we’ll be experiencing our first awe-inspiring Uluru sunset, taking time to absorb the beauty and majesty of this place.
Day 5 - Kata Tjuta (The Olgas)
We start the day at dawn by taking a (4 hour) hike to the majestic Valley of the Winds in Kata Tjuta (The Olgas). Be prepared to be blown away with the size of these ancient rock formations and the extraordinary views. Later, we relax back at our campground for a dip in the pool or join one of our Adrenalin Plus options, such as skydiving over Uluru. or the Field of Lights
Day 6 - Uluru > Alice Springs
After devouring yet another scrumptious breakfast we will experience another sunrise. It’s impossible to grow tired of the vibrant colours, especially when this one’s at Uluru. Walk the base of Uluru where you’ll spot wildlife at waterholes, marvel at Uluru’s geological wonders such as Mututjulu Waterhole and learn more about Aboriginal interpretations from your Culturally Accredited Groovy Guide. After lunch, we’ll hit the road to Alice Springs, arriving approximately at 6:30pm.
*You can also be dropped off at Ayers Rock Campground for your flight out of Ayers Rock.
In Alice Springs we say goodbye to each other. It’s okay to get teary, its been an action packed week. Take a picture with them for the memory book and tag us @groovygrapetours
The Rock Patrol tour is from Adelaide to Uluru/Alice Springs, it can also be travelled in reverse on our Alice Springs/Uluru to Adelaide Rock 2 Water tour here.
Please Remember
- The Ayers Rock Resort has a swimming pool, wi-fi, shopping centre, bank and laundry facilities.
- We may adapt our hikes if it’s too hot
- Some hikes involve steep climbs and requires a reasonable level of fitness.
- Please bring 3L of water on every hike
FAQ- Frequently Asked Questions
How cold does it get at night while camping? In the summer it is warm at night, approximately 18-20 degrees Celsius, but in winter temperatures can drop to around 0 degrees Celsius. You will need a warm sleeping bag inside of your swag with a rating of at least -4 degrees Celsius. We have excellent quality sleeping bags for hire ($30 hire fee) that are rated to -10C. Bring a beanie for your head which helps keep you warm during the night.
Are there showers and toilet facilities available when we go camping? Yes, we stay at facilitated campgrounds that have showers, toilets on all nights where camping is involved.
Can I charge my phone or camera during the trip? The hostels and campsites we stay at will have power points for you to charge your phone or camera during the trip, however you must remember to bring your own universal adapter if required.
Can I visit the field of lights during my Rock Patrol tour? Yes! We can help assist you in booking it or you can book it yourself, just follow these details… Book for day 5 of your tour and choose departure 3. After you have booked your experience please let us know so that your tour guide will be aware of your plans.
Will I get bitten by snakes or spiders? It is highly unlikely, however, in the event of an emergency our buses are fully equipped with medical supplies which can be applied to by our knowledgeable guides who are First Aid Certified.
AUD $945
DEPARTING FROM:
Adelaide
TOUR DATES:
Every Tuesday and Saturday
Please note: Tour Price is $965.00 commencing April 1st, 2020
PICKUP TIME:
Pickups from Adelaide City from 6:30am and North Adelaide at 7:00am
Arrives in Alice Springs at approximately 6:30pm.
Tour can conclude at Uluru on Day 6 at 12pm.
What's Included:
All meals (5 Breakfasts, 6 Lunches & 5 Dinners), 3 nights camping under the stars in swags + 2 nights in dorm style accommodation & National Park entry fees
What to Bring:
Hat, sunscreen, walking shoes, insect repellent, 3L water bottle, swimwear, towel and sleeping bag (or hire one from us for $30). Otherwise, bring all the usual stuff – and, most importantly, a sense of adventure!
ASK US ABOUT...
Adrenalin Plus Options:
Camel Safaris, Helicopter Flights, Segway tours.
Accommodation Upgrades:
Private single, twin or double rooms – Subject to availability
2 nights at Ayers Rock Resort Campground are essential camping nights
Rock Patrol
TERMS AND CONDITIONS
Cancellation Policy
Please note that the ongoing epidemic of COVID-19 may affect current T&C's, please contact our office regarding your tour.
GGT charges 25% 60- 30 days prior to departure, 50% 29- 8 days prior to departure and 100% 7 days prior to departure.
Tour Amendments
You can amend your tour date up to 7 days prior to tour departure with no charge. However, if you decide to cancel in the future the cancellation policy applies from the day you decided to amend your tour date.
You are unable to amend your tour date within 7 days of tour departure and 100% cancellation fees will be charged.
Terms and Conditions
- GGT may amend prices and change vehicles from time to time.
- GGT reserves the right to alter the route or itinerary due to road, weather or group conditions.
- GGT expects you to have a reasonable level of fitness and to act responsibly for your own safety.
- GGT authorises the right to remove any passenger from the tour immediately if they fail to comply with the tour leader’s instructions or if they jeopardise the safety of the group and tour leader.
- GGT caters for dietary requirements and food allergies, however we do not cater for dietary preferences.
- GGT accepts payment by Mastercard, Visa or Cash.
- GGT recommends that all passengers have personal travel insurance to cover loss or damage to property, illness, injury or not being able to travel on the confirmed date of departure.
- GGT accepts no responsibility for any loss or damage to personal belongings, money, luggage or for any injury or loss of any type whilst on our tours.
- Passengers should re-confirm their tour booking at least 48 hours prior to tour departure.
- Dates and itineraries are valid from 1st of April 2019 to end of March 2020. All prices are displayed in AUD and include GST.
- GGT caters for 3 meals a day only. We do not provide snacks or alcohol.
- We do not carry any persons under the age of 10 years old. If the passenger is between the ages of 10-14 years old, they must upgrade to a private room. If the passenger is between 15-17 years old and are travelling alone, they will need a parental/guardian consent form to be signed and forwarded to GGT.
- Complaints are to be forwarded to getaways@groovygrape.com.au
