Best of Uluru & Kings Canyon

Best of Uluru & Kings Canyon

126 Views
4 Days From

$1925

Best of Uluru & Kings Canyon

4 Days Starting and ending in Alice Springs

Visiting: Alice Springs, West MacDonnell Ranges / Kings Canyon, Kings Canyon / Kata Tjuta / Uluru / Yulara, Uluru / Yulara (or Alice Springs)

Tour operator:

Intrepid Travel

Tour code:

PZKR

Guide Type:

Fully Guided

Group size:

1 - 15

Physical rating:

Medium

Age range:

15-99 years

Interests:

Cultural

From: $1925

NB: Prices correct on 05-Nov-2024 but subject to change.

This tour is no longer available, please see similar tours below or send an enquiry

Tour Overview

Spend four days in Australia’s epic Outback to marvel at some of the country’s most incredible natural wonders, discover rich First Nations culture and explore the rust-coloured landscapes at dawn and dusk. Starting in the quintessential Aussie town of Alice Springs, you’ll visit the iconic Western MacDonnell Ranges National Park (Tjoritja), Kings Canyon, Uluru, Kata Tjuta and more. Pack your hiking shoes, swimmers and special adventure shirt (you know the one), because this trip is jam-packed with outdoor activities that will show you what living in the Outback is all about.

Highlights

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

  • Embark on a guided walk through Kata Tjuta (formerly known as The Olgas) – a towering collection of 36 domed rock formations – with your knowledgable local guide.

  • Learn about the importance of great Tjunba (perentie) totem that protects the Simpsons Gap from a First Nations guide during a walk through the spiritual site.

  • Enjoy a 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 take in views of the palm forest below.

  • Travelling Australia’s Outback doesn’t have to mean uncomfortable tents and inconvenient amenities – on this trip, you’ll stay in comfortable hotels with all you could need, so you can focus on the gorgeous landscapes and fun activities.

  • By travelling on this trip, you’ll directly support our Intrepid Foundation partner, Greening Australia. Donations help them tackle Australia’s complex environmental challenges, restoring landscapes at scale – in ways that work for communities, economies and nature.

  • By travelling on this trip, you’ll directly support our Intrepid Foundation partner, Country Needs People. Donations help them support Indigenous land and sea management in Australia. Intrepid will double your impact by dollar-matching all post-trip donations made to The Intrepid Foundation.

Itinerary

Expand All

Day 1: Alice Springs

Location: Alice Springs

Accommodation: Hotel

Meals Included: dinner

G’day and welcome to Alice Springs (Mparntwe in the language of the traditional owners of the land on which Alice Springs is now located). This quintessential laidback Aussie town is the perfect place to start your journey into the ancient culture and landscapes of Australia’s Outback. This is your launching pad to reach some of the top spots on the agenda over the next few days. Your adventure officially kicks off with a welcome meeting at 6 pm, where you’ll meet your group leader and new travel companions. Until then, feel free to check out some of the town’s sights or tuck into an Outback inspired meal at one of the quirky local cafes.

Day 2: West Macdonnell Ranges / Kings Canyon

Location: West MacDonnell Ranges / Kings Canyon

Accommodation: Hotel

Meals Included: breaksfast, dinner

This morning, you’ll hit the road for Simpsons Gap in the West MacDonnell Ranges National Park (Tjoritja). Keep an eye out for rock wallabies as you take part in a guided walk through the important spiritual site. A First Nations guide will share their insights on the local flora and fauna and will tell the story of the great Tjunba (Perentie) totem that protects the gorge and its present importance to the Eastern and Northern Arrernte People. The walk will also take you along the riverbed that marks the boundary between the Eastern and Northern Arrernte tribes. Next, drive along the Stuart and Lasseter Highway and through the colourful semi-desert to Watarrka National Park, home of the majestic Kings Canyon. Your leader will take you along the Kings Creek Walk, following the trail between soaring cliffs and ethereal rock formations. You’d be hard-pressed to find a more magical place! Tonight enjoy an included dinner before visiting the Light Towers - an immersive visual and aural display.

Included Activities:
-Tjoritja-West MacDonnell Ranges - Simpsons Gap Guided Aboriginal Cultural Walk
-Watarrka National Park - Kings Canyon Creek Walk
-Watarrka National Park - Kings Canyon Light Towers by Night

Day 3: Kings Canyon / Kata Tjuta / Uluru / Yulara

Location: Kings Canyon / Kata Tjuta / Uluru / Yulara

Accommodation: Hotel

Meals Included: breaksfast

Spend the morning exploring the rugged landscape of Kings Canyon and enjoy the 3-hour 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. Then hit the road again for a scenic drive across the sprawling landscape to Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park. Keep your eyes out, there’s chance that you might spot brumbys, camels or wallabies on the drive. Arrive at Kata Tjuta (formerly known as The Olgas) – a towering collection of 36 domed rock formations. Here, you'll embark on a walk to a popular lookout to admire the stunning formations that make up Kata Tjuta – these ochre-coloured shapes are a mesmerising sight. After, you'll make your way to one of Australia’s most spiritually significant and iconic sites, Uluru. From a prime location, you’ll 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!

Included Activities:
-Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park - Kata Tjuta Walpa Gorge Walk
-Watarrka National Park - Kings Canyon Rim Walk
-Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park - Uluru Sunset Viewing

Day 4: Uluru / Yulara (Or Alice Springs)

Location: Uluru / Yulara (or Alice Springs)

Meals Included: breaksfast

You'll start the day early in one of the best ways imaginable – watching a spectacular sunrise over Uluru. Embark on a short walk across the rust-coloured landscape to a nearby waterhole and marvel at some of the traditional art sites. Your leader will shed light on the history and nature here and explain how the Anangu people are deeply connected to the lands. After, stop by the Uluru-Kata Tjuta Cultural Centre to continue learning about First Nations culture. After some time here, stop by Yulara for any travellers flying out of Uluru to catch the free airport shuttle. Then, for those finishing the trip in Alice Springs, hit the highway just after lunch. Arrive in Alice Springs in the evening, where your Outback adventure will come to an end. If you’d like to extend your stay, just speak to your booking agent.

Included Activities:
-Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park - Kuniya Walk to Mutitjulu Waterhole with local Anangu Guide
-Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park - Uluru Sunrise Viewing
-Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park - Cultural Centre

What's Included

  • Accommodation
    Hotel (3 nights)

  • Tjoritja / West MacDonnell National Park - Guided Aboriginal cultural walk

  • Kings Canyon - Creek Walk

  • Kings Canyon - Light Towers by Night

  • Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park - Walpa Gorge Walk

  • Watarrka National Park - Kings Canyon Rim Walk

  • Uluru - Uluru Sunset

  • Uluru - Kuniya Walk to Mutitjulu Waterhole with Anangu guide

  • Uluru - Uluru Sunrise

  • Meals

    3 breakfasts, 2 dinners

  • Tjoritja-West MacDonnell Ranges - Simpsons Gap Guided Aboriginal Cultural Walk

show more

Transport

  • Private vehicle

Accommodation

  • 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.

Important Information

  • START & END TIMES
  • The trip starts in Alice Springs with a Welcome Meeting at 6pm on Day 1 at our joining point hotel. The trip finishes on day 4 in either Yulara with a drop off at the airport at 11:30am or on arrival in Alice Springs by 6:30pm. Accommodation is not included on this day but can be booked on request (in Alice Springs only).
  • SINGLE SUPPLEMENT
  • A Single Supplement can be booked if you’d prefer not to share a room on this trip, subject to availability.
  • 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.

Mode of Transport

  • Private vehicle

Check out our Q&As

  • Is this trip right for you

    Temperatures in Australia's Red Centre can be extreme, so you will need to be well prepared. 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, too as in winter, temperatures can drop below zero at night.

    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 you’ll want to fit as much of this amazing place in as you can in four short days!

    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 your guides have other cultural commitments, in which case there will be alternative activities.

    This trip forms part of some longer combination tours. If you would like to continue exploring Australia with us, consider booking our Best of Australia (PZKAC) trip. See our website for details. If you are looking for a camping-based trip in the Red Centre you might like our 4-day Uluru & Kings Canyon Explorer trip. Search trip code PZRC on our website.

  • What policies are in place for Covid-19?

    Please contact us for latest COVID-19 policies

  • How long has the tour company been trading?

    Intrepid Travel has been taking travellers around the world for over 30 years

  • Will the accommodation included meet local health and safety regulations?

    Yes

  • What Ethical Travel credentials does the tour company have?

    Since 2002, The Intrepid Foundation has supported over 130 organisations across the world. We’re creating positive impact through the joy of travel, community and connection.

  • Do you operate a “single share” option and how does it work?

    Over 50% of traveller travel solo with Intrepid. You can choose to share a room with another solo travelle of the same sex for no additional charge, or choose to pay a single supplement if you’d like your own room. Please request this when booking, and we will secure you a single supplement wherever possible. Please note, if you are booking a last-minute trip, it may be harder for us to secure a single room

Reviews of this operator

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$2110

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$2010

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$2110

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$2210

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$2110

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$2010

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$2010

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$2010

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$2010

Book with Confidence

  • Free Date Changes

    Intrepid Travel allows you to make 10 free date changes, as long as the change is made at least 56 days before the start of the tour.

  • Transfer as credit to Future Tours

    Intrepid Travel allows you to transfer existing payments to a future tour to avoid cancellation fees if you can't travel and inform intrepid travel, 56 days before departure.

  • Low Deposit

    Intrepid Travel requires a minimum deposit of 400 USD per person or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 56 days before departure.

  • Cancellation Policy

    We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of intrepid travel charges.

    Up to 56 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.

    At 55 days before tour starts: Forfeit 30% of booking price.

    At 30 days before tour starts: Forfeit 60% of booking price.

    At 14 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.

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