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Map of Best of Uluru & Kings Canyon including Australia

Journey through the heart of Australia to discover First Nations culture, striking landscapes and plenty of adventure

Spend five days in Australia’s epic Outback to marvel at some of the country’s most incredible natural wonders, discover rich aboriginal culture and explore the rust-coloured landscapes at dawn and dusk. Starting in the quintessential Alice Springs, you’ll visit the iconic Western MacDonnell Ranges National Park (Tjoritja), Kings Canyon, Uluru, Kata Tjuta and more. Pack your hiking shoes, swimmers and special adventure shirt (you know the one), because this trip is jam-packed with outdoor activities that will show you what living in the Outback is all about.

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Terms & Conditions
Start
Alice Springs, Australia
Finish
Alice Springs, Australia
Destination
Australia
Style
Comfort
Theme
Explorer
Code
PZKR
Physical rating
Ages
Min 15
Group size
Min 1, Max 15

Why you'll love this trip

  • Discover the ever-changing colours of Uluru, one of Australia’s most spiritually significant sites, as you marvel at the epic sandstone monolith at both sunrise and sunset.

  • Embark on a guided walk through Kata Tjuta (formerly known as 'The Olgas'), a towering collection of 36 domed rock formations, with your local guide.

  • Learn about bush tucker food (including the Witchetty Grub), bush medicine and the history of dot painting from First Nations guides during a special Aboriginal cultural experience.

  • Enjoy a hike across the famous Kings Canyon plateau, from the sandstone domes of the 'Lost City' to the oasis of the 'Garden of Eden', walk the red rock cliffs and take in views of the palm forest below.

Is this trip right for you?

  • Temperatures in the Red Centre can be extreme. During the day the weather can be very hot (and the Australian sun is very strong) so please bring appropriate clothing, use sun protection and drink plenty of water. In the evenings temperatures really drop, so bring base layers and warm clothing, including to sleep in. In the middle of winter temperatures can drop well below zero at night, so you may want to consider bringing an additional sleeping bag to keep warm at night.

  • On some days of the trip, you’ll spend many hours driving through very sparse areas of Australia. Sit back and enjoy landscapes that you would miss in any other form of travel. Think of it as a great way to get to know your fellow travellers. The drive days can be long, but it’s as much about the journey as the destination, and half the fun is the camaraderie.

  • Please note, due to varying sunset times throughout the year, the order of activities within this trip may vary to ensure you get the best experience possible. Your leader will ensure all activities are covered across the 5 days.

Group of travellers hiking in Kings Canyon, Northern Territory
Leader led group hike through Uluru
Indigenous art from Alice Springs, Northern Territory
Group hike through Kings Canyon
Group hiking at Kings Canyon
austrlia, northern territory, uluru, sunrise
Kata Tjuta

Itinerary
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G’day and welcome to Alice Springs (Mparntwe in the language of the traditional owners of the land on which Alice Springs is now located). This quintessential laidback Aussie town is the perfect place to start our journey into the ancient culture and landscapes of Australia’s Outback. It will act as our launching pad to reach some of the top spots on our agenda over the next days. Your Red Centre adventure officially kicks off with a Welcome Meeting at 6pm today where you’ll meet your group leader and new travel companions. Until then, feel free to check out some of the town’s sights or tuck into an outback inspired meal at one of the quirky local cafes.
Accommodation
  • Hotel (1 night)
Meals Included
There are no meals included on this day.
Special Information
It’s very important that you attend the welcome meeting as we will be collecting insurance details and next of kin information at this time. If you are going to be late please let your travel agent or hotel reception know. Ask reception or look for a note in the lobby for more information on where the meeting will take place.

After breakfast this morning, enjoy a short sightseeing tour of Alice Springs with your group leader. You’ll discover ANZAC Hill Lookout and visit the historic Telegraph Station to learn how it played an important role as the mid-point of a telegraph line running from Adelaide to Darwin in the 19th century. From here, you’ll hit the road for Simpsons Gap in the Western MacDonnell Ranges National Park (Tjoritja), where you might be lucky spot cute rock wallabies during a short walk through the countryside here. After some time to stretch your legs, you’ll get a chance to relax by Ellery Creek Big Hole, a tranquil waterhole that cuts through one of the gorges and a popular Outback swimming spot. Then, after some time to cool off, take on the Ghostgum Walk to soak in the views across of the rugged Ormiston Gorge, before heading back to Alice Springs for the evening and an included dinner.
Accommodation
  • Hotel (1 night)
Included Activities
  • Tjoritja-West Macdonnell National Park - Ormiston Gorge
  • Tjoritja-West Macdonnell National Park - Simpsons Gap
  • Tjoritja-West Macdonnell National Park - Ellery Creek Big Hole
  • Alice Springs - Old Telegraph Station
  • Alice Springs - Anzac Hill
Meals Included
  • Breakfast
  • Dinner

Today you’ll take the Stuart and Lasseter Highway across the colourful semi-desert to Watarrka National Park. Upon arrival in the afternoon, enjoy a special Aboriginal cultural experience – where you’ll learn about bush tucker food (including the Witchetty Grub), bush medicine and the history of dot painting from local First Nations guides. To top off the day’s adventures, you’ll be treated to a typical Outback BBQ dinner at your accommodation in Watarrka National Park this evening.
Accommodation
  • Resort (1 night)
Included Activities
  • Watarrka National Park - Kings Canyon Outback BBQ & Grill Restaurant Dinner
  • Watarrka National Park - Kings Canyon Karkke Cultural Experience (April to October only)
Meals Included
  • Breakfast
  • Dinner
Special Information
Please note that the Karrke Aboriginal Cultural Experience is only available on trips departing between April and end of October.

Spend the morning exploring the rugged landscape of Kings Canyon and enjoy the 3-hour rim walk up and across the famous Kings Canyon plateau, from the sandstone domes of the 'Lost City' to the oasis of the 'Garden of Eden'. You’ll walk across the red rock cliffs that protrude from the land and take in views of the palm forest below. Then hit the road again for a scenic drive across the red landscape to Uluru - Kata Tjuta National Park. Keep your eyes out, there’s chance that you might spot brumbys, camels or wallabies on the drive. First up today, you’ll arrive in Kata Tjuta (formerly known as 'The Olgas'), a towering collection of 36 domed rock formations. Here, you'll embark on a walk to a popular lookout to admire the stunning red formations that make up Kata Tjuta – these ochre-coloured shapes are a mesmerising sight. After your walk, you'll make your way to one of Australia’s most spiritually significant and iconic sites, Uluru. From a prime location, you’ll enjoy the view as the sun sets over the epic sandstone monolith – watching the incredible landscape shift in colour is a sight you won’t soon forget!
Accommodation
  • Hotel (1 night)
Included Activities
  • Uluru - Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park pass
  • Uluru - Uluru Sunset
  • Kata Tjuta - Walpa Gorge Walk
  • Watarrka National Park - Kings Canyon Rim Walk
Meals Included
  • Breakfast
Special Information
The 6km Kings Canyon rim loop takes around 3-4 hours to complete and is a Grade 4 (moderate to challenging) walk so should only be attempted if you are fit and healthy. Your leader can suggest shorter options for those seeking an easier walk. Sturdy enclosed shoes are required for all walks within the National Park. If the temperature is over 36 degrees, the Kings Canyon rim walk will be closed and an alternative activity will be provided.

To show respect for Uluru’s cultural and spiritual significance to the Anangu people we do not serve alcohol on our sunset tour.

You'll start the day early in one of the best ways imaginable – watching a spectacular sunrise over Uluru. Embark on a short walk across the rust-coloured landscape to a nearby waterhole and marvel at some of the traditional art sites. Your leader will shed light on the history and nature here and explain how the Anangu people are deeply connected to the lands. Afterwards, stop by the Uluru-Kata Tjuta Cultural Centre to continue learning about First Nations culture. After some time here, we’ll stop by Yulara for any travellers flying out of Uluru to catch the free airport shuttle. Then, for those finishing the trip where we started, in Alice Springs, we’ll hit the highway just after lunch. We’ll arrive in Alice Springs in the evening when your Outback adventure will come to an end.
Included Activities
  • Uluru - Uluru Sunrise
Meals Included
  • Breakfast
Special Information
For those of you extending your stay in Yulara or flying out of Yulara's Airport, we’ll be back at the resort at approximately 12:30pm, from where you can catch the shuttle to the airport. If your flight leaves in the morning please note that you will miss out on this morning's activities. We recommend you stay an additional night in Yulara. The rest of the group will continue to Alice Springs from here, with an arrival back in town at around 6:30pm. Please consider these times when booking onward transportation or flights from Yulara or Alice Springs.
Want to tailor this itinerary?

Meals

4 breakfasts, 2 dinners

Transport

Private vehicle

Accommodation

Hotel (3 nights), resort (1 night)

Included activities

  • Tjoritja-West Macdonnell National Park - Ormiston Gorge
  • Tjoritja-West Macdonnell National Park - Simpsons Gap
  • Tjoritja-West Macdonnell National Park - Ellery Creek Big Hole
  • Alice Springs - Old Telegraph Station
  • Alice Springs - Anzac Hill
  • Watarrka National Park - Kings Canyon Outback BBQ & Grill Restaurant Dinner
  • Watarrka National Park - Kings Canyon Karkke Cultural Experience (April to October only)
  • Uluru - Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park pass
  • Uluru - Uluru Sunset
  • Kata Tjuta - Walpa Gorge Walk
  • Watarrka National Park - Kings Canyon Rim Walk
  • Uluru - Uluru Sunrise

Dates & availability

Trip departures are unavailable.

There are currently no scheduled departures on our Best of Uluru & Kings Canyon trip. If you are interested in other trips in the region visit one of the links below.

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Important notes

SINGLE SUPPLEMENT
A single supplement is available if you’d prefer not to share a tent on this trip. The single supplement applies to all nights of your trip and is subject to availability.

START & END POINT LOCATION & TIME
This trip starts in Alice Springs with a group meeting on day 1 at 6:00pm. The trip ends on the last day in either Yulara at around 12:30am or back in Alice Springs at around 6:30pm. Please consider these times when booking onward transportation or flights from Yulara or Alice Springs, advise your booking agent and your leader of your preferred drop-off location.

Essential trip information

Want an in-depth insight into this trip? Essential Trip Information provides a detailed itinerary, visa info, how to get to your hotel, what's included - pretty much everything you need to know about this adventure and more.

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