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First Nations culture and true outback wonder of Australia

Spend six days exploring the best of Australia’s Red Centre on a culturally rich and naturally wonderful small group adventure. From Yulara, admire Uluru at a number of times during the day, seeing the colour of this sacred rock change as day turns to night. Explore the depths of Kings Canyon, Kata Tjuta National Park and the West MacDonnell Ranges, stopping by gorges and pristine waterholes for a walk and swim. With First Nations experiences, comfortable accommodation, a knowledgeable leader and a number of inclusions as standard, this Red Centre adventure is the whole package.

Start
Yulara, Australia
Finish
Alice Springs, Australia
Destination
Australia
Style
Comfort
Theme
Explorer
Code
POKR
Physical rating
Ages
Min 15
Group size
Min 1, Max 16

Why you'll love this trip

  • Take part in a traditional Welcome or Acknowledgement of Country at the beginning of your adventure to recognise the land of the Anangu communities – the First Nations owners of this area.

  • See the sacred wonder of Uluru at multiple angles and at different points of the day. Embark on a walk around its base, and enjoy a spread of locally sourced produce at sunset, watching the rock change as dusk breaks.

  • Gaze up at the constellations on a special stargazing experience and bush tucker dinner. The night sky comes alive in the Red Centre, with no pollution to impede your view.

  • Tour a wide range of landscapes around the Red Centre, including the West MacDonnell Ranges and Kings Canyon, with the option of flying sky high on an unforgettable helicopter experience.

  • Hike through the otherworldly Valley of the Winds for spectacular views of Kata-Tjuta, the towering domes that form something akin to a forest of rounded rocks.

Is this trip right for you?

  • For the first two nights of this trip you will stay in a permanent tented camp with shared facilities, including toilets and shower blocks which are a short walk from the campsite. The tents are furnished with proper beds with bedding and linen and have electricity and cooling fans.

  • 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. 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.

PAKR - Ellery Creek Big Hole - Pax swimming
PAKR - Intrepid Travel - Australia NT - Kata Tjuta base pax walking
Karrke First Nations Experience near Kings Canyon
Karrke First Nations Experience near Kings Canyon
Karrke First Nations Experience near Kings Canyon
PAKR_Intrepid Travel-australia_northern-territory_uluru_pax_group_hike
PAKR - Intrepid Travel-australia_nt_west-macdonnell-ranges-pax-hike

Itinerary
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Welcome to Yulara, located on Anangu land in the red centre of Australia. You are welcome to arrive at any time today before an important welcome meeting at 5pm, where you will meet your local leader and fellow travellers. 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. Once you’ve had your all-important briefing, join with your leader and possibly a First Nations guide as they lead you on a Welcome or Acknowledgement of Country. This practice occurs all across Australia to understand and recognise the land that you find yourself on – land of immense significance to First Nations communities. Reconvene with the crew for a memorable sunset viewing Uluru. Take the time to understand the importance of this sacred rock to the local Anangu people. Later, spend the night enjoying an Outback barbecue dinner under the stars, then maybe swap stories sitting around the campfire. You do have the option to sleep under the stars in a swag, or otherwise, enjoy a comfortable tented room with a fully-made bed and electricity.
Accommodation
  • Permanent furnished tented camp (with shared facilities) (1 night)
Included Activities
  • Uluru - Uluru Sunset with Snacks
  • Uluru - Outback BBQ Dinner
Meals Included
  • Dinner
Special Information
It’s very important that you attend the welcome meeting in the hotel lobby today as we will be collecting insurance and emergency contact details at this time, and then head to our permanent tented camp for check-in. If you are going to be late please let your travel agent know. We can also book you onto a transfer from Alice Springs to Yulara this morning at an additional cost (departure at 6:30am).

Rise and shine nice and early for some spectacular sunrise viewing as you make your way to Kata Tjuta, where you’ll embark on a walk to the Walpa Gorge. Sandstone cliffs rise high above as you continue through the gorge, shrouded by shadows and full of First Nations history. If you’ve got the energy you can choose to tackle the legendary Valley of the Winds. This six-kilometre walk can be challenging, but you’re rewarded with a spectacular perspective on mind-blowing rock formations. Return to camp for lunch where you and the group can decide where you would like to eat, with a number of options available in Yulara. Enjoy some free time in the afternoon – perhaps book yourself on an Outback ride with a bike or a camel as your mode of transport. Tonight, enjoy your own dinner at one of the on-site restaurants then retire to your accommodation, or take the option to witness the Field of Lights before heading off to bed.
Accommodation
  • Permanent furnished tented camp (with shared facilities) (1 night)
Included Activities
  • Kata Tjuta - Walpa Gorge Walk
  • Uluru - Uluru & Kata Tjuta National Park Entrance
Optional Activities
  • Uluru - Uluru Bike Ride - AUD50
  • Uluru - Uluru Segway Tour - AUD180
  • Yulara - Field of Lights - AUD98
Meals Included
  • Breakfast
  • Lunch
Special Information
Today's total driving time is approximately 3 hours. The Walpa Gorge Walk at Kata Tjuta takes up to 3 hours. Sturdy shoes are required. To avoid disappointment we recommend booking the Field of Lights experience prior to travel as it does sell out well in advance.

Get up with the sun and embark on a walk around Uluru at sunrise, watching as the colours of the rock shift as night turns to day. No two angles of the sacred monolith are the same and its sheer size will leave you marvelling. 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. Continue on to Kings Canyon – where you will spend the night. Snack on a packed lunch on the way and enjoy a walk and talk to discover the bush tucker and bush medicines used for spiritual and healing purposes by the Luritja people. When you arrive in Kings Canyon this afternoon, soak up the views and the last of the day light with the group at the perfectly positioned sunset viewing platform, before choosing your dinner tonight.
Accommodation
  • Hotel (1 night)
Included Activities
  • Kings Canyon - Kings Canyon Sunset
  • Uluru - Base Walk
  • Kings Canyon - Karkke Cultural Experience
  • Uluru - Uluru Sunrise
  • Uluru - Uluru Cultural Centre
Meals Included
  • Breakfast
  • Lunch
Special Information
Today's total driving time is approximately 5 hours. The 10km walk around the base of Uluru this morning takes approximately 3 hours to complete.

Get ready for another day of sun-soaked scenery in Australia’s outback. Join your group on a morning walk along the rim of Kings Canyon. Admire the marbled red cliffs as they plummet to the forest floor from up above, making sure you capture all the scenery with some epic panorama images. Discover its Amphitheatre, Lost City, North and South Walls and the surprisingly lush Garden of Eden, which owes its cycads and plant life to a permanent waterhole down in the canyon. If you’re feeling like an easier walk you can also take the Kings Creek Walk by yourself – it’s shorter but won’t miss the spectacular views of the canyon. Make your way to Alice Springs and later perhaps join your travel pals for dinner at a local pub. A great chance to celebrate your outback Australia adventure with a drink or two – your group leader knows of all the best watering holes to go to.
Accommodation
  • Hotel (1 night)
Included Activities
  • Kings Canyon - Rim Walk
Meals Included
  • Breakfast
Special Information
The Rim Walk at Kings Canyon takes approximately 3-4 hours. If you would like to opt out the leader can suggest an alternative and easier walk for you. Please note that this afternoon's drive from Kings Canyon to Alice Springs is around 500 km which will take approximately 5.5 hours. Sit back, relax and watch the desert scenery roll by your window.

Spend today exploring the Outback scenery of the West Macdonnell Ranges. Head to Ellery Creek Big Hole and Ormiston Gorge for a swim (or just a toe dip in winter - the water can be freezing cold) and relax on the beaches by the waterholes, or perhaps take a hike to check out more of the area. These two stops are part of the West MacDonnell Ranges and are traveller's favourites – not only for the swimming options available, but the incredible outback scenery that greets you at every turn. In the afternoon, make your way back to Alice Springs, and after freshening up at your accommodation, enjoy a memorable bush tucker and stargazing experience. Under a blanket of stars, follow the constellations above as you listen to expert guides tell the stories of the ground beneath your feet and the heavens above. Afterwards head back to your accommodation in town.
Accommodation
  • Hotel (1 night)
Included Activities
  • West Macdonnell Ranges - Ellery Creek Big Hole
  • West Macdonnell Ranges - Ormiston Gorge
  • Alice Springs - Earth Sanctuary Dinner & Star Talk
Meals Included
  • Lunch
  • Dinner
Special Information
Today's total driving time is approximately 4 hours. There are a number of shorter walks today, adding up to approximately 3 hours in total.

With no activities planned for today, you are free to leave the accommodation at any time. That doesn’t mean your adventure has to come to an end! If you would like to spend more time in Alice Springs and explore more of the Red Centre, we’ll be happy to organise additional accommodation (subject to availability).
Meals Included
There are no meals included on this day.
Want to tailor this itinerary?

Meals

3 breakfasts, 3 lunches, 2 dinners

Transport

Private vehicle

Accommodation

Permanent furnished tented camp (with shared facilities) (2 nights), Hotel (3 nights)

Included activities

  • Uluru - Uluru Sunset with Snacks
  • Uluru - Outback BBQ Dinner
  • Kata Tjuta - Walpa Gorge Walk
  • Uluru - Uluru & Kata Tjuta National Park Entrance
  • Kings Canyon - Kings Canyon Sunset
  • Uluru - Base Walk
  • Kings Canyon - Karkke Cultural Experience
  • Uluru - Uluru Sunrise
  • Uluru - Uluru Cultural Centre
  • Kings Canyon - Rim Walk
  • West Macdonnell Ranges - Ellery Creek Big Hole
  • West Macdonnell Ranges - Ormiston Gorge
  • Alice Springs - Earth Sanctuary Dinner & Star Talk

Dates & availability

Trip departures are unavailable.

There are currently no scheduled departures on our Red Centre & Uluru Explorer 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.

LATE REQUESTS
Please note that if you book this trip while it is On Request, or very close to departure, it may take us longer than our usual 2-4 business days to provide you with an outcome about whether it can be confirmed. This is due to a number of external factors, such as staffing levels at some of our hotels which may impact their ability to confirm services in a timely manner. We would like to thank you in advance for your patience when requesting your trip. Alternatively, if you require a faster outcome, you could choose an alternative date further in the future that can be confirmed immediately by us.

SINGLE SUPPLEMENT
A single supplement is available if you’d prefer not to share a room on this trip. The single supplement excludes Day 1 and Day 2 (Tented Camps) where you will be in shared accommodation and is subject to availability. Please speak to your booking agent for further information.

START POINT LOCATION
This trip's start point location is Yulara, however if you are flying into Alice Springs you can opt to start this trip there instead. We offer a pick-up in Alice Springs as an optional service. Please speak to your booking agent for more details.

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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