Intrepid Travel: Best of Uluru & Kings Canyon

Hit the road to Simpsons Gap in West MacDonnell Ranges National Park (Tjoritja). Keep an eye out for rock wallabies on a guided walk through this spiritual site with a First Nations guide. They’ll share insights on the local flora and fauna and the story of the great Tjunba (Perentie) totem that protects the gorge. 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 to Kings Canyon. Your leader will take you along the Kings Creek Walk, following the trail between huge cliffs and ethereal rock formations. You’d be hard-pressed to find a more magical place! Tonight enjoy an included dinner before an optional visit to the Light Towers – an immersive visual and aural display.

Your travel time today will be approximately 4.5 hours. Please note that First Nations people have complex community obligations, and at times activities or experiences may be cancelled at late notice due to cultural commitments.

Activities:

• Tjoritja-West MacDonnell Ranges - Simpsons Gap Guided Aboriginal Cultural Walk
• Watarrka National Park - Kings Canyon Creek Walk

Staying in:

• Hotel (1 night)

Spend the morning exploring the rugged Kings Canyon and do the famous rim walk up and across the Kings Canyon plateau. From the sandstone domes of the 'Lost City' to the oasis of the 'Garden of Eden', you’ll walk across 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. Arrive at Kata Tjuta (formerly known as The Olgas) – a collection of 36 towering rock domes – and walk to a popular lookout to admire the formations. After, head to one of Australia’s most spiritually significant and iconic sites, Uluru. Enjoy the view from a prime location as the sun sets over the epic sandstone monolith – watching the landscape shift in colour is a sight you won’t soon forget!

Your travel time today will be approximately 5 hours. Your trekking time today will be approximately 4 hours or 6 km. The King Canyon rim walk is a Grade 4 walk, which requires a good level of fitness and mobility. Your leader can suggest shorter options for those seeking an easier walk. Sturdy enclosed shoes are required for all walks within the national park. If the temperature is over 36 degrees, the Kings Canyon rim walk will be closed and an alternative activity will be provided. To show respect for Uluru’s cultural and spiritual significance to the Anangu people, alcohol is not served at the sunset experience.

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

Staying in:

• Hotel (1 night)

Start the day early in one of the best ways imaginable: watching sunrise over Uluru. Then, walk across the rust-coloured landscape to a nearby waterhole where you'll see some 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.

Your leader-led Kuniya walk at the base of Uluru runs from the Kuniya carpark to Mutitjulu Waterhole and is a 1km Grade 2 (easy) walk. For those flying out of Yulara's Airport or extending their stay in Yulara, a drop-off at the airport is available at 11.30 am (in time for flights departing after 12.30 pm. Please have your luggage ready and take it with you when you leave the accommodation this morning. If your flight leaves before 12.30 pm, please note that you’ll miss out on this morning's activities. It’s recommended that you stay an additional night in Yulara. Alternatively continue to Alice Springs from here (no additional cost), arriving at about 6.30 pm. Please consider these times when booking onward transportation or flights from Yulara or Alice Springs.

Activities:

• Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park - Uluru Sunrise Viewing
• Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park - Cultural Centre
• Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park - Kuniya Walk to Mutitjulu Waterhole