1. Home
  2. Oceania
  3. Australia
  4. Uluru & Kings Canyon Family Adventure
Map of Uluru & Kings Canyon Family Adventure including Australia

Experience the best of the Red Centre on a fun-filled family adventure

Gather the troops and venture into Australia’s heart for a four-day family adventure that travels from Alice Springs to Uluru. The shifting colours of Uluru at sunrise and sunset will amaze the whole family, and you’ll soon see why this is Australia’s most sacred site. Learn about the culture of the Luritja people and their connection to the land, take in views of Kata Tjuta, spot cute wallabies on the Walpa Gorge walk, and hike past the soaring cliffs and tranquil gardens of Kings Canyon. Your leader will let you in on local secrets and show you what they love about this truly remarkable part of the world.

Lock it in for $99!

For a limited time only secure your dream 2023 adventure for $99 - Offer ends soon!

Terms & Conditions
Start
Alice Springs, Australia
Finish
Yulara, Australia
Destination
Australia
Style
Basix
Theme
Explorer, Family
Code
POFR
Physical rating
Ages
Min 5
Group size
Min 1, Max 16

Why you'll love this trip

  • The family will be amazed by 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 Walpa Gorge Walk,  taking 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 at private semi-permanent tented campsites. However, this isn't the most basic camping experience, as you'll have stretcher beds to sleep on. Please bring your own sleeping bag and pillow. Alternatively you can hire a sleeping bag at an additional cost. Please ask your booking agent to request a sleeping bag for you if you like to take advantage of this option. Please note that facilities are shared with other nearby campsites, including toilets and shower blocks, which are a short walk from where we camp.

  • 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. In the middle of winter temperatures can drop well below zero at night, so you may want to considering bringing an additional sleeping bag to keep warm at night.

  • While the minimum age for this trip is 5, please be aware that his trip requires a moderate level of fitness as it involves a lot of walking, allowing you to really get among nature. Please bring sturdy, comfortable walking shoes and comfortable 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. Extra space can be tight, and conditions may feel a little cramped. 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.

  • Our leaders are the classic do-it-all Aussie – they know the best spots to watch the sunset, can drive you to your next destination, take you on a guided hike or even whip up dinner for the group on some trips. While they won’t always do all these jobs on every trip, be aware they will be juggling many things on your tour and may have less time to spend with you. They will always be working hard to ensure you and your group have a fantastic time exploring Australia.

Father and son exploring Australia's Red Centre, Australian Outback
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
Family hand in hand while walking through the Red Centre, Australian Outback

Itinerary
Expand All Collapse All

Rise and shine! Your adventure begins in Alice Springs (Mparntwe in the language of the traditional owners of the land on which Alice Springs is now located). You will have a group meeting in the foyer of the hotel at 9:00am where you will meet your leader and fellow families. Afterwhich we will head off for the 500km drive from Alice Springs to Kings Canyon. Sit back, relax, and watch the desert scenery roll by your window as you listen to some tunes. There will be stops alon the way to stretch your legs, pick up lunch (own expense) and take in the vast scenery. On arrival at Kings Canyon late in the afternoon, you’ll have time to settle into camp before enjoying an included dinner.
Accommodation
  • Semi - Permanent tented camp (with shared facilities) (1 night)
Meals Included
  • Dinner
Special Information
DAY 1: You will meet your group leader and fellow families at Stay at Alice Springs Hotel at 9am

DRIVING TIME: Today’s driving time is approximately 5.5 hours.

It'll be another early start with breakfast from 6:30am - 7:30am before heading out to soak in the remarkable scenery of Kings Canyon (Watarrka) during a walk along Kings Creek (approximately 1 hour). With soaring cliffs on both sides and ethereal rock formations, the sights here are sure to amaze the whole family.

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 and Pertame (Southern Arrernte) people, leaving your family with a greater understanding of culture and Country. In the afternoon drive 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! 
Accommodation
  • Semi - Permanent tented camp (with shared facilities) (1 night)
Included Activities
  • Uluru - Uluru Sunset
  • Watarrka National Park - Karrke Aboriginal Cultural Experience (April to October only)
  • Watarrka National Park - Kings Creek walk
Meals Included
  • Breakfast
  • Lunch
  • Dinner
Special Information
DRIVING TIME: Today's total driving time is approximately 4 hours. The Kings Creek walk is a Grade 2 (easy) 2.6km return walk, taking around 1 hour. Sturdy shoes are required.

SUNSET: To show respect for Uluru’s cultural and spiritual significance to the Anangu people we do not serve alcohol on our sunset tour.
In Winter the sunset is around 6pm.
In Summer the sunset is around 7:30pm

Please note that the Karrke Aboriginal Cultural Experience is only available on trips departing between April and end of October.

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 Walpa Gorge Walk. Sandstone cliffs rise high above as you continue through the gorge, shrouded by shadows and full of First Nations history.

Kata Tjuta is a highly culturally sensitive area. To avoid revealing any sacred places, Anangu ask that you keep both sides of the gorge in frame when you film, paint, draw or photograph Walpa Gorge. By respecting these wishes, you will be contributing to the protection and continuation of some of the world’s oldest spiritual and cultural beliefs.

Return to Uluru  and stop by the cultural centre to learn about the spiritual and cultural importance of Uluru and its surrounds. Afterwards 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. 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
  • Semi - Permanent tented camp (with shared facilities) (1 night)
Included Activities
  • Uluru - Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park pass
  • Uluru - Kuniya Walk to Mutitjulu Waterhole with Anangu guide
  • Uluru - Uluru-Kata Tjuta Cultural Centre
  • Kata Tjuta - Walpa Gorge Walk
Optional Activities
  • Yulara - Field of Light Pass - AUD46
Meals Included
  • Breakfast
  • Lunch
Special Information

Today's total driving time is approximately 2 hours. Walpa Gorge is a Grade 3 (moderate) 2.6km return walk, taking around 1 hour. The Kuniya walk runs from the Kuniya carpark to Mutitjulu Waterhole and is a 1km Grade 2 (easy) walk.

Tickets to the Field of Light Uluru art installation must be pre-booked prior to your trip. Please book this activity directly online. When booking, please select the latest available session time (7:45pm during winter and 8:10pm in summer).  If you need help with organising a transfer please make sure you speak to your leader about this at breakfast so it can be arranged for this evening.

Start the day early in one of the best ways imaginable – watching a spectacular sunrise over Uluru and and one last walk to learn more about the Mala people and their significance.Your adventure comes to an end mid morning at the Desert Gardens Hotel in Yulara. The hotel has free shuttles to the airport. For those flying out today please don't book your flight until after 1pm.
If you’d like to arrange a transfer to Alice Springs (approximately 5 hours) you will be able to travel with your leader back to Alice Springs (no additinal charge). You are expected to arrive around 6:30pm
Included Activities
  • Uluru - Uluru Sunrise
Meals Included
  • Breakfast
Want to tailor this itinerary?

Meals

3 breakfasts, 2 lunches, 2 dinners

Transport

Private vehicle

Accommodation

Private semi-permanent campsite (with shared facilities) (3 nights)

Included activities

  • Uluru - Uluru Sunset
  • Watarrka National Park - Karrke Aboriginal Cultural Experience (April to October only)
  • Watarrka National Park - Kings Creek walk
  • Uluru - Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park pass
  • Uluru - Kuniya Walk to Mutitjulu Waterhole with Anangu guide
  • Uluru - Uluru-Kata Tjuta Cultural Centre
  • Kata Tjuta - Walpa Gorge Walk
  • Uluru - Uluru Sunrise

Dates & availability

Trip departures are unavailable.

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

Prices may go up, so secure your trip today!
Jump to a departure month

Important notes

FAMILY TRIPS
Please note that these trips are for adults and children travelling together and there must be at least one child under 18 with you.

START & END POINT LOCATION & TIME
This trip starts in Alice Springs with a pick-up on day 1 at 9:00 am. It is very important that you are on time as we will be departing for Kings Canyon right away and are unable to delay our departure. We strongly recommend you arrive a day prior to your trip to avoid issues. The trip ends in the morning of the last day in Yulara with a drop off at the Desert Gardens Hotel. If you are flying out this day please book your flight for after 1pm. The hotel has a free shuttle service to the airport. If you’d like to arrange a transfer to Alice Springs (approximately 5 hours) please get in touch ahead of time as we can book this for you (at an additional cost).

CAMPING
Your accommodation on this trip is at private semi-permanent tented campsites. However, this isn't the most basic camping experience, as you'll have stretcher beds to sleep on. Please bring your own sleeping bag and pillow. Alternatively you can hire a sleeping bag at an additional cost. Please ask your booking agent to request a sleeping bag for you if you like to take advantage of this option. Please note that facilities are shared with other nearby campsites, including toilets and shower blocks, which are a short walk from where we camp.

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. A triple tent configuration is also available upon request, and consists of the two single beds in the tent, plus a swag rolled out between the beds. Please speak to your booking agent for further information. Please note that all tents have single beds. No double beds are available.

MINIMUM AGE
Minimum age for children on this trip is 5 years old. However, please read the trip notes carefully to decide whether the strenuous nature of this trip is suitable for your family.

DISCOUNT
A discount of 10% applies on this trip to children under 17 years of age at time of travel.

LONG TRAVELLING DAYS
This trip involves long travelling days. Please see the daily itinerary for more information. Take into consideration the weather when you are thinking of travelling and ensure you and your family are well hydrated in the desert heat.

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.

View Essential Trip Information

Reviews

Go to dates