Uluru & Kings Canyon Adventure

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 open road toward Watarrka National Park. The drive will be framed by the iconic rusty red landscape, and keep an eye out for a glimpse of a kangaroo or two! There’ll be a quick stop in Erldunda to pick up lunch, then it’s on to your campsite near Kings Canyon. Take some time to settle in before joining your newfound travel companions for dinner at the resort restaurant. (D)

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. Head back to camp to refuel with a picnic lunch, then this afternoon you’ll enjoy a First Nations cultural experience. Learn about bush tucker (including the witchetty grub), bush medicine and the history of dot painting from local Luritja and Pertame (Southern Aranda) guides. It’ll be a very special end to a remarkable day! (B/L)

This morning, pack up and 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. Here, you’ll have a picnic lunch at the Kata Tjuta lookout area – talk about a meal with a view – before embarking 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. After your walk, make your way to Uluru, one of Australia’s most spiritually significant and iconic sites. 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 forget! This evening, tuck into an included dinner. Depending on the time of year this will be either before or after the sunset viewing. (B/L/D)

Start the day early in one of the best ways imaginable – watching a spectacular sunrise over Uluru. Set off on the Kuniya Walk with your leader as the sun climbs over the landscape and walk to Mutitjulu Waterhole. Your leader will explain what makes this waterhole sacred and its connection to the Anangu people. After, continue connecting with First Nations culture during a stop at the Uluru-Kata Tjuta Cultural Centre. 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. (B)