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Map of Uluru & Kings Canyon Adventure including Australia

Discover the striking and sacred landscapes of Australia’s heart

You don’t get a name like the Red Centre by accident – from the shifting shades of Uluru at sunrise and sunset to the otherworldly rust-coloured formations of Kata Tjuta, the spectacular colour palette of Australia’s heart has to be seen to be believed. Marvel at Uluru, Australia’s most sacred site, and learn about the importance of the area to Australia’s Anangu people. The Valley of the Winds walk will reveal unrivalled views of Kata Tjuta, and a hike through the soaring cliffs and tranquil gardens of Kings Canyon will show off striking scenery at every step. In four days, uncover landscapes that will stick with you for a lifetime.

Start
Yulara, Australia
Finish
Yulara, Australia
Destination
Australia
Style
Original
Theme
Explorer
Code
POSR
Physical rating
Ages
Min 15
Group size
Min 1, Max 18

Why you'll love this trip

  • Marvel at the ever-changing colours of Uluru, Australia’s most spiritually significant site, as you view the epic sandstone monolith at both sunrise and sunset.

  • Travel to the edge of Watarrka National Park to meet with local First Nations guides and learn about the food, art, medicine and languages of the Luritja peoples.

  • Embark on the Valley of the Winds walk, stopping off at several lookout points to take in unforgettable views of Kata Tjuta, a towering collection of 36 domed rock formations.

  • Venture to Kings Canyon, home to some of the country’s most magnificent scenery, where you’ll set off on a walk past soaring cliffs, sandstone domes and tranquil gardens.

Is this trip right for you?

  • Your accommodation on this trip is in permanent tented camps. However this isn't a basic camping experience, as you'll be treated to creature comforts, with proper beds with bedding and linen, electricity, and cooling fans inside your tent. Please note that facilities are shared, including toilets and shower blocks, which are a short walk from the campsite.

  • 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.

  • On some days of the trip, you’ll spend several 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.

  • Group participation makes up a lot of this trip, so you'll be required to help with preparation of meals and cleaning up. These are the kind of tasks that bring a group closer together.

Hiking in Uluru Kata Tjuta National Park
Leader led group hike through Uluru
Group hike through Kings Canyon
Karrke First Nations Experience near Kings Canyon
Two female travellers posing in front of Uluru
Karrke First Nations Experience near Kings Canyon
Karrke First Nations Experience near Kings Canyon
Male traveller and group crossing bridge hiking through Uluru

Itinerary
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Welcome to Australia’s Red Centre! Your adventure kicks off in Yulara (or in Alice Springs if pre-booked ahead of time) – set in the heart of the outback, this tiny town is your gateway to the wonders of Uluru and Kings Canyon. Although being deep in the outback, Yulara is surprisingly accessible, with flights arriving from major Australian cities, plus we offer optional transfers from Alice Springs that coincide with the start of the trip in Yulara. Meet your fellow travellers and local leader for a 1:30pm meeting at the Desert Gardens Hotel in Yulara. Then it’s time to head to Kings Canyon (approximately 4 hours). Settle into camp on arrival, then get to know your leader during a welcome meeting accompanied by an 'Acknowledgement of Country' honouring the Luritja people. Later enjoy an included dinner around the campfire under the starlit sky.
Accommodation
  • Permanent furnished tented camp (with shared facilities) (1 night)
Optional Activities
  • Alice Springs - Pre-Trip Transfer Alice Springs to Yulara - AUD120
Meals Included
  • Dinner
Special Information
Today's first meeting will take place in the reception area at the Desert Gardens Hotel in Yulara at 1:30pm. It’s very important that you are on time today as we will be collecting insurance and emergency contact details at this time, and then head out to Kings Canyon right away. Due to restrictions on driving in darkness we are not able to delay our departure from Yulara past 2pm. This includes waiting for delayed flights. We strongly recommend you arrive a day earlier. We can also book you onto a transfer from Alice Springs to Yulara this morning at an additional cost (departure at 6:30am).

After breakfast this morning, head out to soak in the remarkable scenery of Kings Canyon (Watarrka) during a walk around the rim (approximately 3-4 hours). With soaring cliffs and ethereal rock formations, you’d be hard pressed to find a more magical place. Climb to the top of the canyon and take in unrivalled views before descending through the Lost City, a series of natural sandstone domes resembling ancient ruins, the remnants of eons of weathering. Continue down to the Garden of Eden, named for its lush greenery that stands in contrast to the rest of the arid landscape. After your walk, travel to the edge of Watarrka National Park to learn more about the First Nations culture of the region. Meet with local guides who will provide insight into the food, art, medicine and languages of the Luritja peoples, leaving you with a greater understanding of their way of life. Return to Yulara, then make your way to Australia’s most spiritually significant and iconic site, Uluru. From a prime viewing location, 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! This evening, tuck into an included barbecue dinner, and if weather permits you can then swap stories around a campfire under the stars.
Accommodation
  • Permanent furnished tented camp (with shared facilities) (1 night)
Included Activities
  • Kings Canyon - Karrke Aboriginal Cultural Experience
  • Kings Canyon - Rim Walk
  • Uluru - Sunset Viewing Experience
Meals Included
  • Breakfast
  • Lunch
  • Dinner
Special Information
Today's total driving time is approximately 4 hours. The Rim Walk at Kings Canyon takes approximately 3-4 hours. Sturdy shoes are required. If you would like to opt out the leader can suggest an alternative and easier walk for you.

This morning, head out to Kata Tjuta (also known as 'The Olgas'), a towering collection of 36 domed rock formations – these rust-coloured beauties are truly one of Australia’s most impressive sights! The best way to explore the otherworldly landscape is on foot, so set off on the Valley of the Winds walk, stopping off at several awe-inspiring lookout points along the way. The walk can be a bit steep with loose rocks on the paths in places so sturdy footwear is a must. Return to Uluru and join an Anangu guide for a walk to the beautiful Mutitjulu Waterhole at the base of rock. Your guide will explain what makes this waterhole sacred while sharing stories of the incredible landscape and its connection to the Anangu people. Afterwards, stop by the cultural centre to learn about the spiritual and cultural importance of Uluru and its surrounds. This evening you’ll have the option to visit the Field of Light, an enormous art installation that illuminates the landscape with 50,000 stems of light.
Accommodation
  • Permanent furnished tented camp (with shared facilities) (1 night)
Included Activities
  • Uluru - Uluru & Kata Tjuta National Park Entrance
  • Kata Tjuta - Valley of the Winds Walk
  • Uluru - Mutitjulu Waterhole Walk with Local Anangu Guide
  • Uluru - Uluru Cultural Centre
Optional Activities
  • Yulara - Field of Lights - AUD98
Meals Included
  • Breakfast
  • Lunch
  • Dinner
Special Information
Today's total driving time is approximately 2 hours. The Valley of the Winds Walk at Kata Tjuta takes approximately 3 hours. Please note that tickets to the Field of Light art installation must be booked ahead of time to ensure availability. To avoid disappointment we recommend booking this experience prior to travel, as it can sell out well in advance.

Start the day early in one of the best ways imaginable – watching a spectacular sunrise over Uluru. Set off on the 10km walk around the base of Uluru with your local leader as the sun climbs over the landscape. Return to camp for breakfast, after which your adventure comes to an end (unless you have pre-booked your trip to finish in Alice Springs in which case your trip will end upon arrival there at around 5:30pm).
Included Activities
  • Uluru - Sunrise Base Walk
Optional Activities
  • Yulara - Post Trip Transfer Yulara to Alice Springs - AUD120
Meals Included
  • Breakfast
Special Information
The 10km walk around the base of Uluru takes approximately 3 hours to complete. We recommend you book your departure flight for after 12:30pm today so you can fully participate in this morning's activity. If you’d like to arrange a transfer to Alice Springs (approximately 5 hours) on the last day of the trip please get in touch ahead of time as we can book this for you (at an additional cost).
Want to tailor this itinerary?

Meals

3 breakfasts, 2 lunches, 3 dinners

Transport

Private vehicle

Accommodation

Permanent furnished tented camp (with shared facilities) (3 nights)

Included activities

  • Kings Canyon - Karrke Aboriginal Cultural Experience
  • Kings Canyon - Rim Walk
  • Uluru - Sunset Viewing Experience
  • Uluru - Uluru & Kata Tjuta National Park Entrance
  • Kata Tjuta - Valley of the Winds Walk
  • Uluru - Mutitjulu Waterhole Walk with Local Anangu Guide
  • Uluru - Uluru Cultural Centre
  • Uluru - Sunrise Base Walk

Dates & availability

Trip departures are unavailable.

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

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Important notes

Travellers on Intrepid trips are required to produce proof of full vaccination against COVID-19. Read details here.

SINGLE SUPPLEMENT
A single supplement is available if you’d prefer not to share a room on this trip. The single supplement applies to all nights of your trip and is subject to availability. Please speak to your booking agent for further information.

START & END POINT LOCATION & TIME
This trip's start and end point location is Yulara, however if you are flying into and/or out of Alice Springs you can opt to start and/or end this trip there instead. We offer a pick-up on day 1 and drop-off on the last day in Alice Springs as an optional service. Please speak to your booking agent for more details. Please note that the time for the group meeting on day 1 is at 1:30pm. It’s very important that you are on time today as we will be heading out to Kings Canyon right after. Due to restrictions on driving in darkness we are not able to delay our departure from Yulara until after 2pm. This includes waiting for delayed flights. We strongly recommend you arrive a day earlier.

FIELD OF LIGHTS
Please note that a visit to the Field of Lights is not included in this itinerary. To avoid disappointment we recommend booking this experience prior to travel, as it can sell out well in advance.

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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