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Uluru & Kings Canyon Express

4 Days | Go on an Outback adventure to the spiritual heart of Australia

Excellent

3 reviews

4 days

Start

Uluru , Australia

Finish

Uluru , Australia

Trip Code

PZRE

Min Age

Trip Size

1 - null

Physical Rating

Meals

3 breakfasts, 2 lunches, 2 dinners

Transport

Private vehicle

Accommodation

Semi-permanent tents with shared facilities (3 nights)

From £608(4 days)

Trip Informations

Experience the wonder of the Red Centre’s most significant sites on this four-day action-packed adventure. Not a moment is spared as you start in Yulara, then head straight into Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park for a captivating sunset. Explore the wonders of Kings Canyon and Watarrka National Park, learning about bush tucker, dot painting and more from local Luritja and Pertame (Southern Aranda) guides. See Kata Tjuta up close on the Walpa Gorge walk, then finish with a sunrise over Uluru and a guided walk to the Mutitjulu Waterhole. Who knew a four-day adventure could be this awe-inspiring?

Why you’ll love this trip

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

Understand the connection between the landscapes of Watarrka National Park and the Luritja and Pertame people during a special Aboriginal cultural experience.

Take a guided walk to the Mutitjulu Waterhole to see more of the incredible landscape and learn about its connection to the Anangu people.

Explore Kings Canyon’s breath-taking scenery of soaring red cliffs, sandstone domes and tranquil gardens, then wind through two of the Kata Tjuta’s domed rock formations on the Walpa Gorge Walk.

Deepen your connection to Country during a visit to the Uluru-Kata Tjuta Cultural Centre.

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. 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 (in winter temperatures can be below zero at night!) so make sure you check the forecast and have a suitable sleeping bag and warm clothes for the climate.

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 4 short days!

As this is a camping trip, we rely on group participation to give everyone the best experience. You won't need to pitch your own tents as these are semi-permanent at our campsite, but you will need to help with loading and unloading our bus and with the preparation of meals and cleaning up. When everyone lends a hand, everything is much more enjoyable!

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.

If you’re looking for a longer, non-camping trip in the Red Centre, you might like to consider the 6-day Red Centre & Uluru Adventure. Search trip code PZSR on our website. Alternatively, if it is even more comfort you are after, search for Best of Uluru & Kings Canyon (PZKR) or Premium Red Centre (POPR).

Itinerary

DAY 1
Day 1 • Yulara (Alice Springs) / Uluru / Yulara
Palya! Welcome to Yulara, the heart of Australia’s Red Centre and the joining point of your Outback adventure. Your trip begins with a welcome meeting at 4:30 pm, where you’ll meet your trip leader and fellow travellers. After a quick stop at your camp to drop off your bags, head straight out into Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park. From a prime viewing location, watch the incredible landscape shift in colour as the sun sets over Uluru. It’ll be a moment you won’t soon forget. Back at camp this evening, tuck into an included dinner. Depending on the time of year this will be either before or after the sunset viewing.
Accommodation
Semi-permanent tents with shared facilities (1 night)
Meals
Dinner
Included activities
Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park - Uluru Sunset Viewing
Special information
This trip starts in Yulara at 4:30 pm at our joining point hotel (please see the essential trip information for details). It is very important that you are on time for this meeting.
Please let us know if you plan on arriving on the Virgin flight landing at 3:30 pm (from Melbourne) or 3:40 pm (from Brisbane) as we can pick you up from the airport. If your flight is delayed beyond 4 pm you will need to make your own way to the starting point hotel (with the free resort shuttle bus) and your leader will pick you up from there after sunset. You may want to consider arriving a day early.
Alternatively, you have the option to join the trip in Alice Springs instead, at no additional cost. Departure from Alice Springs will be at 9:00 am. Please let us know if you would like to take advantage of this option.
To show respect for Uluru’s cultural and spiritual significance to the Anangu people we do not serve alcohol during the sunset viewing.
DAY 2
Day 2 • Kings Canyon
Start the day early with a breakfast at camp, then hit the road through the iconic rusty red landscape of the Outback to Watarrka National Park. Home to the remarkable scenery of King’s Canyon, after arriving at the park you’ll take part in a special Aboriginal cultural experience. Learn from local Luritja and Pertame (Southern Aranda) guides about bush tucker (including the witchetty grub), bush medicine and the history of dot painting, deepening your connection to your incredible surroundings. Then head to your campsite and get settled in, watch the sun set over the desert landscape and join your fellow travellers for dinner at the resort restaurant.
Accommodation
Semi-permanent tents with shared facilities (1 night)
Meals
Breakfast
Lunch
Dinner
Included activities
Watarrka National Park - Karrke Aboriginal Cultural Experience (except Nov-Jan)
Special information
Today’s total travel time is approximately 4.5 hours.
The Karrke Aboriginal Cultural Experience is only available on trips departing between April and the end of October.
DAY 3
Day 3 • Kings Canyon / Kata Tjuta / Yulara
After another early breakfast, get fully immersed in the scenery of Watarrka National Park during a walk around the rim of Kings Canyon. There’s a difficult climb to start with, but you’ll be rewarded with views of the soaring cliffs and palm forest below. Descend to the Lost City, a series of natural sandstone domes resembling ancient ruins, then continue to the Garden of Eden, named for its unexpected greenery standing in contrast to the surrounding landscape. Next, head to Kata Tjuta (formerly known as 'The Olgas'), a towering collection of 36 domed rock formations. Enjoy the impressive sight from afar before heading on the Walpa Gorge walk, which takes you between two of the natural wonders. Mount Olga stands proudly towering above the track below, giving you a real sense of just how incredible this place is. After your walk, you'll make your way back to camp at Yulara.
Accommodation
Semi-permanent tents with shared facilities (1 night)
Meals
Breakfast
Lunch
Included activities
Watarrka National Park - Kings Canyon Rim Walk
Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park - Kata Tjuta Walpa Gorge Walk
Special information
Today's total driving time is approximately 4.5 hours.
The 6 km 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. The Walpa Gorge walk is approximately 2.6 km, taking about one hour to complete.
DAY 4
Day 4 • Uluru / Yulara (or Alice Springs)
This will be a morning to remember. Rise early to watch the sun rise over Uluru, a truly awe-inspiring moment. As the sun continues its climb over the landscape, set off on the Kuniya Walk with your leader to the Mutitjulu Waterhole. Your leader will explain what makes this waterhole sacred and its connection to the Anangu people. After, continue connecting with First Nations culture during a stop at the Uluru-Kata Tjuta Cultural Centre. Then make your way back to Yulara, where your Outback adventure will come to an end. If you’re flying out of Alice Springs, you can remain on the vehicle as your leader will be heading back to Alice Spring, arriving in the early evening.
Meals
Breakfast
Included activities
Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park - Uluru Sunrise Walk
Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park - Kuniya Walk to Mutitjulu Waterhole
Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park - Cultural Centre
Special information
You have the option of finishing your trip either at Yulara Resort (approx 12 pm), at Ayers Rock Airport (approx 12:30 pm) or back in Alice Springs (approx 6:30 pm). If your flight from Yulara (Ayers Rock Airport) departs before 1:30 pm you’ll miss today's activities and will need to make your own way to the airport via the free Resort shuttle bus.
Depending on the season, you’ll either visit the Cultural Centre today or sometime earlier in the itinerary.
Accommodation is not included on Day 4. If you wish to stay longer in Yulara, post-tour accommodation will need to be booked directly with your preferred property.

Inclusions

Meals

3 breakfasts, 2 lunches, 2 dinners

Transport

Private vehicle

Accommodation

Semi-permanent tents with shared facilities (3 nights)

Activities

Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park - Uluru Sunset Viewing

Watarrka National Park - Karrke Aboriginal Cultural Experience (except Nov-Jan)

Watarrka National Park - Kings Canyon Rim Walk

Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park - Kata Tjuta Walpa Gorge Walk

Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park - Uluru Sunrise Walk

Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park - Kuniya Walk to Mutitjulu Waterhole

Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park - Cultural Centre

Dates and availability

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Ending

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Important notes

START POINT LOCATION & TIME

This trip starts with a welcome meeting in Yulara at 4:30pm. It is very important that you are on time. Please let us know if you plan on arriving on the Virgin flight landing at 3:30pm (from Melbourne) or 3:40pm (from Brisbane) as we can pick you up from the airport. Please note that if your flight is delayed beyond 4pm you will need to make your own way to the starting point hotel (with the free resort shuttle bus) and your leader will pick you up from there after sunset. You may want to consider arriving a day early. Alternatively, you have the option to join the trip in Alice Springs instead, at no additional cost. Departure from Alice Springs will be at the Stay at Alice Springs hotel at 9:00am on day 1 of the trip. Please let us know if you would like to take advantage of this option.

END POINT LOCATION & TIME

You have the option of finishing your trip either at Yulara Resort (approx 12pm), at Ayers Rock Airport (approx 12:30pm) or back in Alice Springs (approx 6:30pm). Please note that if your flight from Yulara (Ayers Rock Airport) departs before 1:30pm you will miss today's activities and you will need to make your own way to the airport via the free Resort shuttle bus. Accommodation is not included on Day 4. If you wish to stay longer in Yulara, post-tour accommodation will need to be booked directly with your preferred property.

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. Pillows are provided. 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. Please speak to your booking agent for further information. Please note that all tents have single beds. No double beds are available.

LONG TRAVELLING DAYS & EARLY MORNINGS

This trip involves some early mornings and 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.

ITINERARY VARIATIONS

Depending on the time of year the order of the itinerary may vary slightly to take into account sunrise and sunset times.

Reviews (4)

5 stars

Samantha

Nov 02, 2024

If anyone is considering going to Australia you can not go without seeing a part of the outback and Uluṟu is definitely an amazing place that should not be missed

susan

Sep 04, 2024

Ronald our guide was a class act. The time we spent at Uluru was magical . To be so close this amazing rock and to understand more about the cultural significance to the aboriginal people was an amazing experience. The Kings Canyon Rim walk was unforgettable.

robert

Sep 04, 2024

My wife has written a review for the both of us.

Andrew

Jul 21, 2024

Really enjoyed my short 3-day trip to Ularu, Kata Tjuta and Kings Canyon (also passing Mt Conner/Artilla). Amazed by the variety AND similarities between the sites, learning some geological and cultural facts - thanks Federico our guide. But highlight was Kaarke Cultural experience with Natasha & Peter. Well done Intrepid.