Uluru & Kings Canyon Adventure
Uluru & Kings Canyon Adventure
Uluru & Kings Canyon Adventure
4 Days Starting and ending in Alice Springs
Visiting: Alice Springs / Simpsons Gap / Kings Canyon, Kings Canyon / Uluru / Yulara, Kata Tjuta / Uluru / Yulara, Uluru / Yulara (or Alice Springs)
Tour operator:
Tour code:
PZRC
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Group size:
1 - 16
Age range:
15-99 years
Interests:
Tour Overview
Take a deep dive into the sacred heart of Australia’s Red Centre, experiencing magnificent sunrises and sunsets, fascinating landscapes and incredible culture across four action-packed days. Strengthen your connection to the history and culture of this ancient landscape with a guided First Nations experience at Simpsons Gap. Visit magnificent Kings Canyon, walk through the towering domed rock formations of Kata Tjuta, and finish by marvelling at Uluru at sunset and learning about the importance of the area to Australia’s Anangu people.
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1: Alice Springs / Simpsons Gap / Kings Canyon
Location: Alice Springs / Simpsons Gap / Kings Canyon
Accommodation: Semi-permanent tents with shared facilities
Meals Included: dinner
Palya! Welcome to Alice Springs (Mparntwe in the language of the Traditional Owners of the land on which Alice Springs is now located), the heart of the Australian Outback. Your adventure begins with a welcome meeting at 8 am, where you’ll meet your trip leader and fellow travellers. Then, 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. There’ll be a quick stop in Erldunda to pick up lunch, then it’s on to your campsite near Kings Canyon. Upon return to camp join your travel companions for an included dinner.
Included Activities:
-
Day 2: Kings Canyon / Uluru / Yulara
Location: Kings Canyon / Uluru / Yulara
Accommodation: Semi-permanent tents with shared facilities
Meals Included: breaksfast, lunch, dinner
After an early breakfast, head out for a walk around the rim of Kings Canyon in Watarrka National Park. With soaring cliffs and rock formations, you’d be hard pressed to find a more magical place. The walk starts with a difficult climb to the top of the canyon to take in unrivalled views, before descending through the Lost City – a series of natural sandstone domes resembling ancient ruins. Continue to the unexpected greenery of the Garden of Eden, which stands in stark contrast to the rest of the arid landscape. In the afternoon drive to Yulara, then make your way to Australia’s most spiritually significant and iconic site, Uluru. From a prime viewing location, 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! This evening, tuck into an included dinner. Depending on the time of year this will be either before or after the sunset viewing.
Included Activities:
-
-
Day 3: Kata Tjuta / Uluru / Yulara
Location: Kata Tjuta / Uluru / Yulara
Accommodation: Semi-permanent tents with shared facilities
Meals Included: breaksfast, lunch
This morning, head out to Kata Tjuta (formerly known as 'The Olgas'), a towering collection of 36 domed rock formations. These rust-coloured beauties are truly one of Australia’s most impressive sights. Embark on the Walpa Gorge walk. On one side, Mount Olga towers above the track below – giving you a real sense of just how incredible this place is. Return to Uluru and continue connecting with First Nations culture during a stop at the Uluru-Kata Tjuta Cultural Centre, where you will also have a picnic lunch. Afterwards join your leader for a walk to the beautiful Mutitjulu Waterhole at the base of the rock. Your leader will explain what makes this waterhole sacred and its connection to the Anangu people. This evening is free for you to do as you please. You’ll have the option to visit the Field of Light, an enormous art installation that illuminates the landscape with 50,000 stems of light, or alternatively take it easy and kick back at camp. There are a number of dinner options in Yulara. Your leader will be at hand to recommend a place and facilitate transport.
Included Activities:
-
-
-
Optional Activities:
-
Day 4: Uluru / Yulara (Or Alice Springs)
Location: Uluru / Yulara (or Alice Springs)
Meals Included: breaksfast
Start the day early in one of the best ways imaginable – watching a spectacular sunrise over Uluru and one last walk with your leader to learn more about the Mala people and their significance. If you feel energetic you can also opt to do the entire base walk this morning (approximately 11km). Your leader will pick you up again at the end of the walk. 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.
Included Activities:
-
-
Optional Activities:
-
What's Included
-
Accommodation
Semi-permanent tents with shared facilities (3 nights) -
Watarrka National Park - Kings Canyon Outback BBQ & Grill Restaurant Dinner
-
Watarrka National Park - Kings Canyon sunset viewing
-
Watarrka National Park - Kings Canyon Rim Walk
-
Watarrka National Park - Karrke Aboriginal Cultural Experience (except Nov-Jan))
-
Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park - Walpa Gorge Walk
-
Uluru - Uluru Sunset
-
Yulara - Uluru sunrise walk
-
Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park - Kuniya Walk to Mutitjulu Waterhole
-
Meals
3 breakfasts, 2 lunches, 2 dinners
-
Watarrka National Park - Kings Canyon Sunset Viewing
Transport
- DRIVING DISTANCES IN AUSTRALIA
- Australia is a BIG country! In fact, the whole of Europe fits into Australia with plenty of room to spare. Australians are accustomed to driving long distances on holiday, but you may not be. Perth to Broome is roughly the length of Portugal. Driving from Alice Springs to Darwin is about the length of the UK, and Perth to Adelaide is about the same distance from Spain to Poland. However, that's why we think seeing Australia from the ground is better. We live in a country that has it all; stunning coastline and beaches, the outback, tropical rainforests, and some seriously amazing landscapes and wildlife. Please read the itinerary carefully for travel time estimates.
- HOT WEATHER
- From October to March it is likely that you will experience temperatures over 35C/95F. These extreme temperatures place stress on the air-conditioning units within our vehicles which can make travelling uncomfortable. Your leader will assist with regular breaks and information to assist keeping cool and hydrated.
Accommodation
- CAMPING
- This trip operates throughout the cooler months (February to mid-November) which is a perfect time for camping. Our 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 note that facilities are shared with other nearby campsites, including toilets and shower blocks, which are a short walk from where we camp.
- SLEEPING BAG
- A sleeping bag is recommended for this trip. Please bring your own or request to hire one through us at the time of booking (additional cost). Ask your booking agent to request a sleeping bag for you if you like to take advantage of this option. Please note that winter nights in the desert can get very cold (below zero), however during the warmer months (shoulder season) a sleeping bag liner may be sufficient. Please take into consideration the weather and the season in which you are travelling and plan accordingly.
Important Information
- START POINT LOCATION & TIME
- This trip starts in Alice Springs with a pick-up on day 1 at 8:00 am. It is very important that you are on time as we will be departing for Kings Canyon right away and are unable to delay our departure. We recommend you arrive a day prior to your trip.
- END POINT LOCATION & TIME
- You have the option of finishing your trip either at Yulara Resort (approx. 10:30am), at Ayers Rock Airport (approx. 12:00pm) or back in Alice Springs (approx. 5:30 pm). If your flight from Yulara (Ayers Rock Airport) departs before 1:00pm you will need to miss today's activities and make your own way to the airport via the Resort shuttle bus.
- CAMPING
- The accommodation on this trip is at private semi-permanent tented campsites. Tents are twin-share, unless a single supplement has been purchased. You'll have stretcher beds to sleep on and pillows are provided. Please bring your own sleeping bag, or 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
- Tents on this trip are twin-share. 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.
- SLEEPING BAG
- A sleeping bag is recommended for this trip. Please bring your own or request to hire one through us at the time of booking (additional cost). Please note that winter nights in the desert can get very cold (below zero), however during the warmer months a sleeping bag liner may be sufficient. Please take into consideration the weather and the season in which you are travelling and plan accordingly.
- LONG TRAVELLING DAYS & EARLY MORNINGS
- This trip involves some early mornings and long travelling days. Please see the daily itinerary for more information. Please consider the weather when you are thinking of travelling and ensure you are well hydrated in the desert heat.
Mode of 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.
- PARTICIPATORY CAMPING
- Our camping trips in Australia stay in a variety of campsites, from powered sites with permanent tents and shared bathroom facilities, to bush camping in remote locations. Check your daily itinerary for more details. On all camping trips you will be expected to lend a hand to ensure your experience is a comfortable one for everyone, whether it is helping to bring equipment from the bus, gathering firewood, making your beds up in a tent, putting together your picnic lunch or helping to wash up. Your leader will let you know how you can contribute as well as ensure that we leave all our campsites ready for the next visitors when we depart.
Check out our Q&As
-
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 our Comfort style 'Best of Uluru & Kings Canyon' (PZKR). -
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
1 Select your preferred date
2024 Dec
2024 Jan
2025 Feb
2025 Mar
2025 Apr
2025 May
2025 Jun
2025 Jul
2025 Aug
2025 Sep
2025 Oct
2025 Apr
2026 May
2026 Jun
2026 Jul
2026 Aug
2026 Sep
2026 Oct
2026
Saturday - Tuesday
Nov 23, 2024 - Nov 26, 2024Saturday - Tuesday
Dec 14, 2024 - Dec 17, 2024Saturday - Tuesday
Jan 18, 2025 - Jan 21, 2025Saturday - Tuesday
Feb 08, 2025 - Feb 11, 2025Saturday - Tuesday
Mar 01, 2025 - Mar 04, 2025Saturday - Tuesday
Mar 15, 2025 - Mar 18, 2025Saturday - Tuesday
Mar 29, 2025 - Apr 01, 2025Tuesday - Friday
Apr 08, 2025 - Apr 11, 2025Tuesday - Friday
Apr 15, 2025 - Apr 18, 2025Tuesday - Friday
Apr 22, 2025 - Apr 25, 2025Tuesday - Friday
Apr 29, 2025 - May 02, 2025Tuesday - Friday
May 06, 2025 - May 09, 2025Tuesday - Friday
May 13, 2025 - May 16, 2025Tuesday - Friday
May 20, 2025 - May 23, 2025Tuesday - Friday
May 27, 2025 - May 30, 2025Tuesday - Friday
Jun 03, 2025 - Jun 06, 2025Tuesday - Friday
Jun 10, 2025 - Jun 13, 2025Tuesday - Friday
Jun 17, 2025 - Jun 20, 2025Thursday - Sunday
Jun 19, 2025 - Jun 22, 2025Tuesday - Friday
Jun 24, 2025 - Jun 27, 2025Thursday - Sunday
Jun 26, 2025 - Jun 29, 2025Tuesday - Friday
Jul 01, 2025 - Jul 04, 2025Thursday - Sunday
Jul 03, 2025 - Jul 06, 2025Thursday - Sunday
Jul 17, 2025 - Jul 20, 2025Tuesday - Friday
Jul 22, 2025 - Jul 25, 2025Thursday - Sunday
Jul 24, 2025 - Jul 27, 2025Tuesday - Friday
Jul 29, 2025 - Aug 01, 2025Thursday - Sunday
Jul 31, 2025 - Aug 03, 2025Tuesday - Friday
Aug 05, 2025 - Aug 08, 2025Tuesday - Friday
Aug 12, 2025 - Aug 15, 2025Thursday - Sunday
Aug 14, 2025 - Aug 17, 2025Tuesday - Friday
Aug 19, 2025 - Aug 22, 2025Thursday - Sunday
Aug 21, 2025 - Aug 24, 2025Tuesday - Friday
Aug 26, 2025 - Aug 29, 2025Thursday - Sunday
Aug 28, 2025 - Aug 31, 2025Tuesday - Friday
Sep 02, 2025 - Sep 05, 2025Thursday - Sunday
Sep 04, 2025 - Sep 07, 2025Tuesday - Friday
Sep 09, 2025 - Sep 12, 2025Thursday - Sunday
Sep 11, 2025 - Sep 14, 2025Tuesday - Friday
Sep 16, 2025 - Sep 19, 2025Thursday - Sunday
Sep 18, 2025 - Sep 21, 2025Tuesday - Friday
Sep 23, 2025 - Sep 26, 2025Tuesday - Friday
Oct 07, 2025 - Oct 10, 2025Thursday - Sunday
Oct 09, 2025 - Oct 12, 2025Tuesday - Friday
Oct 14, 2025 - Oct 17, 2025Thursday - Sunday
Oct 16, 2025 - Oct 19, 2025Tuesday - Friday
Oct 21, 2025 - Oct 24, 2025Tuesday - Friday
Oct 28, 2025 - Oct 31, 2025Tuesday - Friday
Apr 07, 2026 - Apr 10, 2026Tuesday - Friday
Apr 21, 2026 - Apr 24, 2026Tuesday - Friday
Apr 28, 2026 - May 01, 2026Tuesday - Friday
May 05, 2026 - May 08, 2026Tuesday - Friday
May 12, 2026 - May 15, 2026Tuesday - Friday
May 19, 2026 - May 22, 2026Tuesday - Friday
May 26, 2026 - May 29, 2026Tuesday - Friday
Jun 02, 2026 - Jun 05, 2026Tuesday - Friday
Jun 09, 2026 - Jun 12, 2026Tuesday - Friday
Jun 16, 2026 - Jun 19, 2026Thursday - Sunday
Jun 18, 2026 - Jun 21, 2026Tuesday - Friday
Jun 23, 2026 - Jun 26, 2026Thursday - Sunday
Jun 25, 2026 - Jun 28, 2026Tuesday - Friday
Jun 30, 2026 - Jul 03, 2026Thursday - Sunday
Jul 02, 2026 - Jul 05, 2026Thursday - Sunday
Jul 16, 2026 - Jul 19, 2026Tuesday - Friday
Jul 21, 2026 - Jul 24, 2026Thursday - Sunday
Jul 23, 2026 - Jul 26, 2026Tuesday - Friday
Jul 28, 2026 - Jul 31, 2026Thursday - Sunday
Jul 30, 2026 - Aug 02, 2026Tuesday - Friday
Aug 04, 2026 - Aug 07, 2026Thursday - Sunday
Aug 06, 2026 - Aug 09, 2026Tuesday - Friday
Aug 11, 2026 - Aug 14, 2026Thursday - Sunday
Aug 13, 2026 - Aug 16, 2026Tuesday - Friday
Aug 18, 2026 - Aug 21, 2026Thursday - Sunday
Aug 20, 2026 - Aug 23, 2026Tuesday - Friday
Aug 25, 2026 - Aug 28, 2026Thursday - Sunday
Aug 27, 2026 - Aug 30, 2026Tuesday - Friday
Sep 01, 2026 - Sep 04, 2026Thursday - Sunday
Sep 03, 2026 - Sep 06, 2026Tuesday - Friday
Sep 08, 2026 - Sep 11, 2026Thursday - Sunday
Sep 10, 2026 - Sep 13, 2026Tuesday - Friday
Sep 15, 2026 - Sep 18, 2026Thursday - Sunday
Sep 17, 2026 - Sep 20, 2026Tuesday - Friday
Sep 22, 2026 - Sep 25, 2026Tuesday - Friday
Oct 06, 2026 - Oct 09, 2026Thursday - Sunday
Oct 08, 2026 - Oct 11, 2026Tuesday - Friday
Oct 13, 2026 - Oct 16, 2026Thursday - Sunday
Oct 15, 2026 - Oct 18, 2026Tuesday - Friday
Oct 20, 2026 - Oct 23, 2026Tuesday - Friday
Oct 27, 2026 - Oct 30, 2026Book 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.
-
Terms and Conditions