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 road for Simpsons Gap in the West MacDonnell Ranges National Park (Tjoritja). Keep an eye out for rock wallabies as you take part in a guided walk through the important spiritual site. A First Nations guide will share their insights on the local flora and fauna and will tell the story of the great Tjunba (Perentie) totem that protects the gorge and its present importance to the Eastern and Northern Arrernte People. 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 of the majestic Kings Canyon. There’ll be a quick stop in Erldunda to pick up lunch, then it’s on to your campsite near Kings Canyon. Upon return to camp join your travel companions for an included dinner. (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. In the afternoon drive 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 dinner. Depending on the time of year this will be either before or after the sunset viewing. (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. Embark 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. Return to Uluru and continue connecting with First Nations culture during a stop at the Uluru-Kata Tjuta Cultural Centre, where you will also have a picnic lunch. Afterwards join your leader for a walk to the beautiful Mutitjulu Waterhole at the base of the rock. Your leader will explain what makes this waterhole sacred and its connection to the Anangu people. This evening is free for you to do as you please. 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, or alternatively take it easy and kick back at camp. There are a number of dinner options in Yulara. Your leader will be at hand to recommend a place and facilitate transport. (B/L)

Start the day early in one of the best ways imaginable – watching a spectacular sunrise over Uluru and one last walk with your leader to learn more about the Mala people and their significance. If you feel energetic you can also opt to do the entire base walk this morning (approximately 11km). Your leader will pick you up again at the end of the walk. 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)