Intrepid Travel: Uluru & Kings Canyon Family Adventure

Wake up early for another chance at spotting Uluru change colours from purple to red to orange. After getting in a good breakfast, grab a hat and sunscreen up for guided walk to the Mutitjulu Waterhole. One of the only permanent water sources around Uluru, your guide, a local member of the local Aboriginal Anangu community, will share Creation Stories about the site and point out any animals, bush foods and plant life that live here. Stop by the Uluru-Kata Tjuta Cultural Centre to learn more about the park and its significance before you head to Kata-Tjuta this afternoon for the Walpa Gorge Walk. Tucked into two of Kata Tjuta’s towering domed rocks, the Walpa Gorge is a little oasis full of plant life. This evening 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.

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. We recommend that you pre-book your Field of Light experience, as this activity can sell out in advance. You can book with us or your booking agent at the time of booking. If you would rather wait and try to get a better price by booking this locally on the ground, you can, but keep in mind that this is a popular activity and places are limited. Alternatively you can also book this online directly with the operator at Ayers Rock Resort.

Activities:

• Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park - Cultural Centre
• Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park - Kata Tjuta Walpa Gorge Walk
• Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park - Kuniya Walk to Mutitjulu Waterhole with local Anangu Guide
• Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park - Uluru Sunrise Viewing

Staying in:

• Outback Hotel & Lodge (1 night)

Today you’ll be taking to two wheels for a trip around the base of Uluru. After a light breakfast, head out with your leader to get fitted for bikes for an up-close experience with one of Australia’s most culturally significant sites. Make sure to bring plenty of water while out on the trail and watch how the surface of Uluru varies as you cycle around it. Finish your ride and say goodbye to Uluru as you leave for your next destination at Watarrka National Park. Kick back for the drive through the Australian Outback and stop for an included lunch along the way. Arrive at your accommodation and after a busy morning out exploring, you’ll have a free evening to get to know the other families or take some time to relax under the stars.

Your travel time today will be approximately 4 hours. Your cycling distance will be approximately 3 hours. Individual bikes are available for children aged between six and ten years old. A tag-a-long bike will be available for children between four and six. Helmets are also included in the bicycle hire. 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 Bike Ride

Staying in:

• Kings Creek Station Glamping (1 night)

Wake up to the incredible outback landscape of the Kings Creek Station, where a bushman’s style breakfast awaits any hungry adventurers. You’ll have about an hour this morning exploring the trails around the station with your leader as your guide. The Kings Creek walking path will take you along an easy path along the bottom of the gorge between two giant red canyon walls. Later today, depart for tonight’s accommodation in Finke Gorge National Park, travelling via the Mereenie Loop. Settle into your cosy campsite by the Finke River, where you’ll have the option to stretch your legs and any excess energy on the Kalangarra Walk. Grab a spot by the campfire for dinner tonight.

Your travel time today will be approximately 3.5 hours. The 2.6 Kings Creek Walk takes around 1 hour to complete and is a Grade 2 (easy). Sturdy enclosed shoes are required for all walks within the National Park.

Activities:

• Watarrka National Park - Kings Creek walk

Staying in:

• Palm Valley Campsite (1 night)

Get set for a full day of outdoor Australian fun in Tjoritja (West MacDonnell Ranges). This morning, you’ll leave the campsite and make your first stop at the site of an asteroid crater. Formed over 140 million years ago, the Gosse Bluff (Tnorala) has for years been both a site of cultural and scientific significance. Take a walk around the comet’s impact site and learn about why the local Western Arrernte Aboriginal people believed this site to be celestial. Your next site is Ormiston Gorge (Kwartatuma), where you’ll have time to walk between the Ghost Gum trees and cool off in the swimming hole. After a busy day, return to your camp in Finke River, then enjoy your last evening together as a group.

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 - Gosse Bluff Asteroid Crater (Tnorala)

Staying in:

• Palm Valley Campsite (1 night)

Get an early start today and travel to Simpsons Gap. Another site of significance to the Traditional Custodians, the site offers a scenic view of Tjoritja (West McDonnell National Park) and is a frequent stop for black-footed rock wallabies who visit at sunrise and sunset. You’ll then depart for 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.

Activities:

• Tjoritja-West MacDonnell Ranges - Simpsons Gap