Intrepid Travel: Red Centre & Uluru Explorer

Werte! 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!

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.

Activities:

• Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park - Uluru Sunset Viewing

Staying in:

• Hotel (1 night)

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.

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.

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

Staying in:

• Hotel (1 night)

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.   

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.

Activities:

• Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park - Uluru Sunrise Base Walk

Staying in:

• Air-Conditioned Bush Tents (with shared facilities) (1 night)

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 Palm Valley Camp where you’ll spend the night. Settle in, then take an afternoon drive to Palm Valley proper. Embark on the short 2km Arankaia Walk through the valley. This is the only place in an 800km radius where the red cabbage palm tree survives. Head back to camp for dinner around the campfire.

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.

Activities:

• Watarrka National Park - Kings Canyon Rim Walk
• Palm Valley - Arankaia Walk

Staying in:

• Air-Conditioned Glamping Tents (with ensuite facilities) (1 night)

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. This afternoon, head to the Ochre Pits – one of the most significant places for the local Arrernte First Nations people. After exploring with your leader, return to Palm Valley camp for a free evening. If you’re feeling active, you could take a walk around the bluff before dinner at camp. Tonight, why not celebrate your time together by the fire, under the blanket of Outback stars.

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.

Activities:

• Tjoritja-West MacDonnell Ranges - Ormiston Gorge
• Tjoritja-West MacDonnell Ranges - Ochre Pits
• Tjoritja-West MacDonnell Ranges - Gosse Bluff Asteroid Crater (Tnorala)

Staying in:

• Air-Conditioned Glamping Tents (with ensuite facilities) (1 night)

Early this morning 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.

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.