This trip generates 38 kg of CO2-e per person per day. Learn more about our climate commitment.
Red Centre & Uluru Explorer
Journey through the heart of Australia to discover First Nations culture and striking red landscapes
Spend six days in Australia’s iconic Outback and stand in awe at some of the country’s most incredible natural wonders. Discover the rich First Nations culture and explore the rust-coloured landscapes at dawn and dusk. Starting in either Yulara or Alice Springs, you’ll visit the iconic Uluru (which you’ll see at both sunrise and sunset from different perspectives) and Tjoritja-West MacDonnell National Park, as well as Kings Canyon and Kata Tjuta. Pack your hiking shoes and your swimwear, because this trip is jam-packed with outdoor activities that will show you what living in the Outback is all about.
5.0
85 reviewsStart: Uluru , Australia
End: Alice Springs, Australia
- Duration
- 6 days
- Group size
- 1 to 16
- Minimum age
- 15 years old
- Style
- Original
- Theme
Our themes categorise trips based on a common interest or activity, while showcasing the highlights of a destination.
- Explorer
- Physical rating
Indicates how physically exerting a trip is, and how fit you will need to be to enjoy it. More info on physical ratings
From
ZAR 36,095
Why you'll love this trip
- Discover the ever-changing colours of Uluru – one of Australia’s most spiritually significant sites – and watch the sandstone monolith change shades at sunset, then walk around the base at sunrise.
- Walk through Kata Tjuta (formerly known as 'The Olgas') – a towering collection of 36 domed rock formations – with your local leader, getting all the insider history of this amazing natural landscape.
- Spend a full day exploring Tjoritja (the West MacDonnell Ranges), heading to Gosse Bluff (Tnorala) asteroid crater, then walking the Ghost Gum trail to soak in the views across Ormiston Gorge (Kwartatuma).
- 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 view the palm forest below.
- Stay at your beautifully located camp in Finke Gorge National Park in the West MacDonnell Ranges. This new campsite is private and exclusive to Intrepid, featuring glamping tents with air-conditioning and ensuite bathrooms.
Itinerary
Palya! Welcome to Yulara! Your adventure begins with a welcome meeting at 4 pm at your hotel. Straight after, you'll make your way to one of Australia’s most spiritually significant and iconic sites – Uluru. Enjoy the view from a prime viewing location as the sun sets over the epic sandstone monolith. Watching the landscape shift in colour is a truly unforgettable sight. Tonight, make sure to look up, as this is one of the best spots to stargaze in the country!
Accommodation
- Hotel (1 night)
Meals
There are no meals included on this day.
Included activities
- Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park - Uluru Sunset Viewing
Special information
If you’re flying into Alice Springs, you can opt to start your trip there instead with a pickup at 'Stay at Alice Springs Hotel' at 8.30 am this morning at no additional cost. Please let us know if you would like to take advantage of this option.
It’s very important that you attend the welcome meeting at 4pm today in Yulara as we will be collecting insurance and emergency contact details 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.
To show respect for Uluru’s cultural and spiritual significance to the Anangu people, alcohol will not be served during the sunset viewing.
Start the day in one of the best ways – by watching the sunrise over Uluru. After breakfast, set off on the Kuniya Walk with your leader as the sun climbs over the landscape and walk to Mutitjulu Waterhole with a First Nations guide. Your guide will explain what makes this waterhole sacred while sharing stories of its connection to the Anangu people. After, stop by the Uluru-Kata Tjuta Cultural Centre. This afternoon, head out to Kata Tjuta (formerly known as 'The Olgas') – 36 domed rock formations. These rust-coloured beauties are one of Australia’s most impressive sights. You’ll take the Walpa Gorge Walk between two rock formations that make up Kata Tjuta. Tonight you have the option to visit the famous Field of Light show.
Accommodation
- Hotel (1 night)
Meals
- Breakfast
Included activities
- Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park - Uluru Sunrise Viewing
- Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park - Kata Tjuta Walpa Gorge Walk
- Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park - Kuniya Walk to Mutitjulu Waterhole with local Anangu Guide
- Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park - Cultural Centre
Optional activities
- Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park - Field of Light - AUD55
Special information
Your travel time today will be approximately 2.5 hours. Your walking distance will be approximately 3.6 km or 1.5 hours on a Grade 2 (easy) and Grade 3 (moderate) track.
The local Anangu guide for the Kuniya Walk may not be available at short notice due to other community obligations. If this is the case on your departure, your leader will be taking you to Mutitjulu waterhole instead.
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.
We recommend that you pre-book your Field of Light experience, as this activity can sell out in advance. You can book with us or your booking agent at the time of booking. If you would rather wait and try to get a better price by booking this locally on the ground, you can, but keep in mind that this is a popular activity and places are limited. Alternatively you can also book this online directly with the operator at Ayers Rock Resort. Please book time slots after 6:50pm only.
This morning, you’ll again rise nice and early for a light breakfast, before heading out for a sunrise walk along Uluru’s base. Walk the entire circuit of this natural wonder as you watch the land come alive in the sunlight. Then, drive to Watarrka National Park, stopping for an included lunch along the way. Tonight, you have a free evening to sit back and relax, stargaze or swap stories with your fellow travellers.
Accommodation
- Air-Conditioned Bush Tents (with shared facilities) (1 night)
Meals
- Breakfast
- Lunch
Included activities
- Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park - Uluru Sunrise Base Walk
Special information
Your travel time today will be approximately 4 hours. Your walking distance will be approximately 10.6 km or 3.5 hours on a Grade 3 (moderate) track.
Tonight's accommodation is in simple bush tents at King's Creek Station, set against the spectacular backdrop of the George Gill Ranges. Although small and basic in design, the tents feature air conditioning units, light and power, and are twin share with all linen provided. There are shared toilet and shower facilities, a camp kitchen with a fire pit, and a nearby grassed picnic area and swimming pool.
Enjoy a bushman’s style breakfast this morning at Kings Creek Station. After, spend the morning exploring the rugged landscape of Kings Canyon and tackle the 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. Later, drive via the Mereenie Loop to our exclusive camp within Finke Gorge National Park, on the banks of the Finke River, where you’ll spend the night. Settle in, then perhaps embark on the Kalangarra Walk for some scenic views of the valley and the river bed. Head back to camp for dinner around the campfire.
Accommodation
- Permanent Tented Camp (with ensuite facilities) (1 night)
Meals
- Breakfast
- Lunch
- Dinner
Included activities
- Watarrka National Park - Kings Canyon Rim Walk
Optional activities
- Finke River - Kalarranga Walk - Free
Special information
Your travel time today will be approximately 3.5 hours.
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.
Please note that tonight and tomorrow night are single supplement exceptions. On those nights you will be sharing a twin-bedded tent with another traveller of the same gender.
Our camp is on Aboriginal Land and therefore is a dry zone. Please refrain from bringing and consuming alcohol. The same applies to Hermannsburg, which is a dry community.
Today after breakfast, you’ll hit the road for a full day tour of Tjoritja (the West MacDonnell Ranges). First, head to Gosse Bluff (Tnorala), a unique asteroid crater formed over 140 million years ago. Next up is Ormiston Gorge (Kwartatuma) where you'll head out onto the Ghost Gum Walk to soak in the views across the gorge. There will be plenty of time to relax at the swimming hole and cool off with a swim here. After exploring with your leader, return to our Finke River camp for a free evening. Tonight, why not celebrate your time together by the fire, under the blanket of Outback stars.
Accommodation
- Permanent Tented Camp (with ensuite facilities) (1 night)
Meals
- Breakfast
- Lunch
- Dinner
Included activities
- Tjoritja-West MacDonnell Ranges - Ormiston Gorge
- Tjoritja-West MacDonnell Ranges - Gosse Bluff Asteroid Crater (Tnorala)
Special information
Your travel time today will be approximately 5.5 hours. Your walking distance will be approximately 2.5 km or 1.5 hours on a Grade 3 (moderate) track.
Early this morning head to Simpsons Gap, a permanent waterhole where it is often possible to spot black-footed rock wallabies. Then head to Alice Springs, where your trip will come to an end. There are no further activities planned when you arrive, so you can leave at any time. If you’d like to stay in Alice Springs for longer, just speak to your booking agent ahead of time.
Meals
- Breakfast
Special information
Your travel time today will be approximately 2 hours.
We recommend you book your departure flight from Alice Springs no earlier than 12.30 pm today.
Inclusions and activities
Destinations
AustraliaMeals
5 breakfasts, 3 lunches, 2 dinners
Transport
Private vehicle
Accommodation
Hotel (2 nights), Air-Conditioned Bush Tents (with shared facilities) (1 night), Permanent Tented Camp (with ensuite facilities) (2 nights)
Included activities
- Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park - Uluru Sunset Viewing
- Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park - Uluru Sunrise Viewing
- Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park - Kata Tjuta Walpa Gorge Walk
- Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park - Kuniya Walk to Mutitjulu Waterhole with local Anangu Guide
- Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park - Cultural Centre
- Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park - Uluru Sunrise Base Walk
- Watarrka National Park - Kings Canyon Rim Walk
- Tjoritja-West MacDonnell Ranges - Ormiston Gorge
- Tjoritja-West MacDonnell Ranges - Gosse Bluff Asteroid Crater (Tnorala)
Optional activities
- Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park - Field of Light - AUD55
- Finke River - Kalarranga Walk - Free
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Before you book you should know
- Temperatures in Australia's Red Centre can be extreme, so you will need to be well-prepared with clothing for the weather. Depending on the time of the year, daytime can be very hot (and the Australian sun is very strong year-round) so always use sun protection and drink plenty of water. In the evenings temperatures can really drop, so bring sufficient warm clothing - in winter temperatures can be below zero at night.
- As sunrise and sunset times as well as weather conditions vary throughout the year, the order of activities may change to ensure you have the best experience possible. On occasion, the First Nations experiences may not be available should our guides have other cultural commitments, in which case we will include alternative activities.
- This trip involves some early mornings and 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 days can be long, but we want to fit as much of this amazing place in as we can in 6 short days!
- If you’re looking for a shorter, camping-based trip in the Red Centre, you might like to consider the 4-day Uluru & Kings Canyon Explorer trip. Search trip code PZRC on our website. Alternatively, if it is even more comfort you are after, search for Best of Uluru & Kings Canyon (PZKR).
START & END TIME & LOCATION
The trip starts on day 1 either in Alice Springs with a pick up from Stay at Alice Springs Hotel at 8:30 am or with a Welcome Meeting at 4pm in Yulara at our joining point hotel. Please advise us of your preferred start location at the time of booking. The trip finishes in Alice Springs on the last day (day 6) mid-morning. We recommend you book your departure flight from Alice Springs no earlier than 12:30pm on the last day. Accommodation is not included on this day but can be booked on request.
SINGLE SUPPLEMENT
A Single Supplement can be booked if you’d prefer not to share a room and tent on this trip, subject to availability. The single supplement excludes nights 4 and 5. On those nights you will be sharing with another traveller of the same gender.
DIETARY REQUIREMENTS
It is very important that you advise us of any dietary requirements and allergies at least 2 weeks prior to departure. We need this information well ahead of time to be able organise catering for the trip. Alice Springs' remote location means that some food items will not be available on short notice, and once the trip has commenced changes to dietary requirements are not possible.
Visa information is provided by Sherpa, a third-party. The "Add connection" feature shows transit visa requirements only and does not include full entry visa needs. Please note, additional service fees apply if you choose to purchase a visa through Sherpa.
Travel and visa requirements
Hotel (2 nights), Air-Conditioned Bush Tents (with shared facilities) (1 night), Permanent Tented Camp (with ensuite facilities) (2 nights)
The style of accommodation indicated in the day-to-day itinerary is a guideline only and may change. On some occasions, alternative arrangements may need to be made due to the lack of availability of rooms in our preferred accommodation. In these cases, we will use a similar standard of accommodation.
Throughout the trip, we request that our properties prepare rooms in time for our arrival, especially if we're arriving prior to normal check-in time. However, this isn't always possible which means we won't be able to check-in immediately on arrival at some hotels. Instead, we can store our luggage and explore our new destination or on some trips, have use of shared day rooms until all rooms are available.
Outback Hotel & Lodge
Yulara Drive
Yulara
AUSTRALIA
Instructions
This trip's default start location is the Outback Hotel & Lodge in Yulara at 4pm, where you will meet your group and your leader. Flights into Yulara (Ayers Rock Airport, airport code AYQ) are met by the free resort shuttle bus which will drop you at your accommodation.
If you are flying into Alice Springs you can opt to start your trip there instead with a pick-up at 'Stay at Alice Springs Hotel' at 8:30 am in the morning of day 1 at no additional cost. Please let us know if you would like to take advantage of this option.
Dates and prices
Prices can change anytime
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Reviews
5 . 85 reviews
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