Red Centre & Uluru Explorer

Red Centre & Uluru Explorer

125 Views
6 Days From

$2315

$1736

Red Centre & Uluru Explorer

6 Days Starting in Yulara and ending in Alice Springs

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

Tour operator:

Intrepid Travel

Tour code:

PZSR

Guide Type:

Fully Guided

Group size:

1 - 16

Physical rating:

Medium

Age range:

15-99 years

Tour operated in:

English

Trip Styles:

Adventure Tours

From: $2315 $1736 Operator discount: -$579 -25%

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 six days in Australia’s iconic Outback and marvel 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.

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 sunset and 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 guide, getting all the insider history of this amazing natural landscape.

  • Learn about bush tucker food (including the witchetty grub), bush medicine and the history of dot painting from First Nations guides during a special cultural experience.

  • 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 in comfortable beds every night of the trip, with hotel accommodation for four nights and an air-conditioned safari tent for one night. Who said the Outback can’t be cosy?

  • 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: Yulara (Or Alice Springs) / Uluru / Yulara

Location: Yulara (or Alice Springs) / Uluru / Yulara

Accommodation: Hotel

Welcome to the Outback, Australia! If you’re starting your trip in Alice Springs, an included shuttle will pick you up and transfer you to Yulara - please see Important Notes for pick up time and location. The adventure begins with a welcome meeting at 4 pm at your hotel in Yulara. After, you'll make your way to one of Australia’s most spiritually significant and iconic sites – Uluru. You'll enjoy the view from a prime viewing location as the sun sets over the epic sandstone monolith. Watching the incredible 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.

Included Activities:
-Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park - Uluru Sunset Viewing

Day 2: Uluru / Kata Tjuta / Yulara

Location: Uluru / Kata Tjuta / Yulara

Accommodation: Hotel

Meals Included: breaksfast

Start the day in one of the best ways – by watching a spectacular 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 the incredible landscape and its connection to the Anangu people. After, stop by the Uluru-Kata Tjuta Cultural Centre to continue immersing yourself in First Nations culture. This afternoon, head out to Kata Tjuta (formerly known as 'The Olgas') – a towering collection of 36 domed rock formations. These rust-coloured beauties are one of Australia’s most impressive sights. Embark on Walpa Gorge walk, which takes you between two of the stunning, red-domed rock formations that make up Kata Tjuta. On one side of the gorge, Mount Olga stands proudly, towering above the track below, giving you a real sense of just how incredible this place is. Tonight, you’ll head to the Kata Tjuta sunset area to watch the nightly display of reds, yellows, browns, greens and oranges.

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 - Kata Tjuta Sunset Viewing
-Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park - Kuniya Walk to Mutitjulu Waterhole with local Anangu Guide
-Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park - Cultural Centre

Day 3: Uluru / Kings Canyon

Location: Uluru / Kings Canyon

Accommodation: Air-Conditioned Bush Tents (with shared facilities)

Meals Included: breaksfast, lunch

This morning, you’ll again rise nice and early for a light brekkie, 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. When you arrive, take part in a First Nations cultural experience – where you’ll learn about bush tucker food (including the Witchetty Grub), bush medicine and the history of dot painting from local First Nations guides. Tonight, you have a free evening to sit back and relax, stargaze or swap stories with your fellow travellers.   

Day 4: Kings Canyon / Alice Springs

Location: Kings Canyon / Alice Springs

Accommodation: Hotel

Meals Included: breaksfast, lunch

Enjoy a bushman’s style buffet breakfast this morning at Kings Creek Station. After breakfast, 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. You’ll stop along the way for an included lunch. This afternoon, drive to Alice Springs, where you’ll spend the night.

Included Activities:
-Watarrka National Park - Kings Canyon Rim Walk

Day 5: West Macdonnell Ranges / Alice Springs

Location: West MacDonnell Ranges / Alice Springs

Accommodation: Hotel

Meals Included: breaksfast, lunch

Today after breakfast, you’ll hit the road for Tjoritja (West MacDonnell Ranges). First up is Standley Chasm where you'll explore the towering red walls on foot. Next, hit the Ghostgum Walk to soak in the views across the rugged Ormiston Gorge. After lunch as a group, you’ll get a chance to relax by Ellery Creek Big Hole – a tranquil waterhole that cuts through one of the gorges and a popular Outback swimming spot. The last site of today’s adventure is Simpsons Gap, where you might be lucky to spot cute rock wallabies during a short walk through the countryside. Tonight, you might like to get your group together for a farewell dinner and another spot of stargazing after sunset.

Included Activities:
-Tjoritja-West MacDonnell Ranges - Simpsons Gap
-Tjoritja-West MacDonnell Ranges - Standley Chasm Walk
-Tjoritja-West MacDonnell Ranges - Ellery Creek Big Hole
-Tjoritja-West MacDonnell Ranges - Ormiston Gorge

Day 6: Alice Springs

Location: Alice Springs

Meals Included: breaksfast

There are no activities planned for today, so you’re free to depart at any time after checking out. If you’d like to stay in Alice Springs for longer, just speak to your booking agent.

What's Included

  • Accommodation
    Hotel (4 nights), Air-Conditioned Bush Tent (with shared facilities) (1 night)

  • Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park - Uluru sunset viewing

  • Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park - Uluru sunrise viewing

  • Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park - Walpa Gorge Walk

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

  • Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park - Kata Tjuta sunset viewing

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

  • Watarrka National Park - Kings Canyon Rim Walk

  • Tjoritja-West Macdonnell National Park - Simpsons Gap

  • Tjoritja-West Macdonnell National Park - Standley Chasm walk

  • Tjoritja-West Macdonnell National Park - Ellery Creek Big Hole

show more

What's Not Included

  • Insurance

  • International Travel

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 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 pick-up location at the time of booking. The trip finishes in Alice Springs on day 6 after breakfast and you are free to depart at any time. 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.

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 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) or Premium Red Centre (POPR).

  • 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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15-Jul-2024

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03-Jun-2024

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1 Select your preferred date

Monday - Saturday

Dec 16, 2024 - Dec 21, 2024
$2315 $1736

Operator discount: -$579

Monday - Saturday

Feb 10, 2025 - Feb 15, 2025
$2315

Monday - Saturday

Mar 31, 2025 - Apr 05, 2025
$2050

Friday - Wednesday

Apr 11, 2025 - Apr 16, 2025
$2165

Friday - Wednesday

Apr 25, 2025 - Apr 30, 2025
$2165

Friday - Wednesday

May 16, 2025 - May 21, 2025
$2165

Friday - Wednesday

May 30, 2025 - Jun 04, 2025
$2165

Friday - Wednesday

Jun 06, 2025 - Jun 11, 2025
$2275

Friday - Wednesday

Jun 13, 2025 - Jun 18, 2025
$2275

Friday - Wednesday

Jun 20, 2025 - Jun 25, 2025
$2275

Friday - Wednesday

Jun 27, 2025 - Jul 02, 2025
$2380

Friday - Wednesday

Jul 11, 2025 - Jul 16, 2025
$2380

Friday - Wednesday

Jul 18, 2025 - Jul 23, 2025
$2380

Friday - Wednesday

Jul 25, 2025 - Jul 30, 2025
$2380

Friday - Wednesday

Aug 08, 2025 - Aug 13, 2025
$2380

Friday - Wednesday

Aug 15, 2025 - Aug 20, 2025
$2380

Friday - Wednesday

Sep 05, 2025 - Sep 10, 2025
$2380

Friday - Wednesday

Sep 12, 2025 - Sep 17, 2025
$2380

Friday - Wednesday

Sep 19, 2025 - Sep 24, 2025
$2165

Friday - Wednesday

Oct 10, 2025 - Oct 15, 2025
$2275

Friday - Wednesday

Oct 17, 2025 - Oct 22, 2025
$2275

Friday - Wednesday

Oct 24, 2025 - Oct 29, 2025
$2275

Friday - Wednesday

Nov 07, 2025 - Nov 12, 2025
$2275

Friday - Wednesday

Dec 05, 2025 - Dec 10, 2025
$2165

Friday - Wednesday

Jan 02, 2026 - Jan 07, 2026
$2165

Friday - Wednesday

Feb 13, 2026 - Feb 18, 2026
$2165

Friday - Wednesday

Apr 10, 2026 - Apr 15, 2026
$2275

Friday - Wednesday

Apr 24, 2026 - Apr 29, 2026
$2275

Friday - Wednesday

May 15, 2026 - May 20, 2026
$2275

Friday - Wednesday

May 29, 2026 - Jun 03, 2026
$2275

Friday - Wednesday

Jun 05, 2026 - Jun 10, 2026
$2390

Friday - Wednesday

Jun 12, 2026 - Jun 17, 2026
$2390

Friday - Wednesday

Jun 19, 2026 - Jun 24, 2026
$2390

Friday - Wednesday

Jun 26, 2026 - Jul 01, 2026
$2500

Friday - Wednesday

Jul 10, 2026 - Jul 15, 2026
$2500

Friday - Wednesday

Jul 17, 2026 - Jul 22, 2026
$2500

Friday - Wednesday

Jul 24, 2026 - Jul 29, 2026
$2500

Friday - Wednesday

Aug 07, 2026 - Aug 12, 2026
$2500

Friday - Wednesday

Aug 14, 2026 - Aug 19, 2026
$2500

Friday - Wednesday

Aug 21, 2026 - Aug 26, 2026
$2390

Friday - Wednesday

Sep 04, 2026 - Sep 09, 2026
$2390

Friday - Wednesday

Sep 11, 2026 - Sep 16, 2026
$2390

Friday - Wednesday

Sep 18, 2026 - Sep 23, 2026
$2275

Friday - Wednesday

Oct 09, 2026 - Oct 14, 2026
$2275

Friday - Wednesday

Oct 16, 2026 - Oct 21, 2026
$2275

Friday - Wednesday

Oct 23, 2026 - Oct 28, 2026
$2275

Friday - Wednesday

Nov 06, 2026 - Nov 11, 2026
$2390

Friday - Wednesday

Dec 04, 2026 - Dec 09, 2026
$2500

Friday - Wednesday

Jan 01, 2027 - Jan 06, 2027
$2500

Friday - Wednesday

Feb 12, 2027 - Feb 17, 2027
$2390

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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