Intrepid Travel: Red Centre & Uluru Explorer

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.

This trip's default start location is at our hotel in Yulara, where you will meet your group and your leader at 4pm. It’s very important that you attend the welcome meeting as we will be collecting insurance details and next of kin information 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. If you are flying into Alice Springs you can opt to start your trip there instead with a pick-up at 'Stay at Alice Springs Hotel' at 8:30 am in the morning of day 1 at no additional cost. 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, 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 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.

Your travel time today will be approximately 45 minutes to 1 hour. Walpa Gorge is a Grade 3 (moderate) 2.6km return walk, taking around 1 hour. The Kuniya walk runs from the Kuniya carpark to Mutitjulu Waterhole and is a 1km Grade 2 (easy) walk. 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 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.   

Your travel time today will be approximately 4 hours. The Uluru base walk is 10.6 km of track that takes you around the whole circumference of the rock. It is a Grade 3 walk (moderate) and takes around 3.5 hours to complete. Note that the Karrke Aboriginal Cultural Experience is only available on trips departing between April and end of October. Tonight's accommodation is in simple bush tents at King's Creek Station, set against the spectacular backdrop of the George Gill Ranges. Although 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.

Staying in:

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

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.

Your travel time today will be approximately 4.5 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

Staying in:

• Hotel (1 night)

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.

Standley Chasm is a Grade 1, 1.2km/30 min return walk. Ghost Gum Walk is a Grade 3, 2.5km/90 min loop. Your leader will choose the most appropriate walks in Simpsons Gap depending on the weather and your group.

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

Staying in:

• Hotel (1 night)

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.