Uluru & Kings Canyon Adventure

Welcome to Australia’s Red Centre! Your adventure kicks off in Yulara – set in the heart of the outback, this tiny town is your gateway to the wonders of Uluru and Kings Canyon. Although being deep in the outback, Yulara is surprisingly accessible, with flights arriving from major Australian cities, plus we offer optional transfers from Alice Springs that coincide with the start of the trip in Yulara. Meet your fellow travellers and local leader for a 1:30pm meeting at the Desert Gardens Hotel in Yulara. Then it’s time to head to Kings Canyon (approximately 4 hours). Settle into camp on arrival, then later enjoy an included dinner around the campfire under the starlit sky. (D)

After breakfast this morning, head out to soak in the remarkable scenery of Watarrka National Park during a walk around the rim of Kings Canyon. With soaring cliffs and ethereal 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, the remnants of eons of weathering. Continue down to the Garden of Eden, named for its lush greenery that stands in contrast to the rest of the arid landscape. After your walk, travel to the edge of Watarrka National Park to learn more about the First Nations culture of the region. Meet with local guides who will provide insight into the food, art, medicine and languages of the Luritja and Pertame (Southern Arrernte) people, leaving you with a greater understanding of culture and Country. Return to Yulara, then make your way to Australia’s most spiritually significant and iconic site, Uluru. 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 soon forget! This evening, tuck into an included barbecue dinner, and if weather permits you can then swap stories around a campfire under the stars. (B/L/D)

This morning, 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! The best way to explore the otherworldly landscape is on foot, so set off on the Valley of the Winds walk, stopping off at two awe-inspiring lookout points along the way. It is steep, rocky and difficult in places, so proper footwear is a must.

The Valley of the Winds is a culturally sensitive men’s area. Anangu ask that you don’t take any video or photographs of Kata Tjuta during this walk. You are welcome to take close up photographs of flora, fauna and people, however; please refrain from capturing images of the rock formations. According to Anangu culture, these formations hold knowledge that should only be learned in person on location by those with the cultural authority to do so. By respecting these wishes, you are ensuring the protection of Anangu cultural beliefs and spirituality.

Return to Uluru and join an Anangu guide for a walk to the beautiful Mutitjulu Waterhole at the base of rock. Your guide will explain what makes this waterhole sacred while sharing stories of the incredible landscape and its connection to the Anangu people. Afterwards, stop by the Uluru-Kata Tjuta Cultural Centre to continue immersing yourself in First Nations culture. This evening, those who have pre-booked will visit the Field of Light Uluru, an enormous art installation that illuminates the landscape with 50,000 stems of light. (B/L/D)

Start the day early in one of the best ways imaginable – watching a spectacular sunrise over Uluru. Set off on the Uluru base walk with your leader as the sun climbs over the landscape. Return to Yulara, after which your Red Centre adventure comes to an end. (B)