Uluru & Kings Canyon Express

Welcome to Australia’s Red Centre! Your adventure kicks off bright and early in Alice Springs this morning with a welcome meeting to start the trip. There’s plenty of culture to be found in Alice Springs (Mparntwe), the town’s traditional owners are the Arrernte people, although many different First Nations communities now call this place home. It’s the perfect place to start our journey into the ancient culture and landscapes of Australia’s Red Centre and acts as launching pad to reach some of Australia’s most incredible sights. To the west of the township, you’ll discover the beautiful Macdonnell Ranges that span 161 kilometres of Australian outback. And to the south-west, you’ll find Uluru and Kings Canyon – our next destination for today. With a short stop in Erldunda to stretch your legs along the way, you’ll arrive in Kings Canyon and then be treated to an Aboriginal cultural experience that will teach you about bush tucker and bush medicine, and you’ll discover the meaning behind some of the patterns and symbols in traditional dot paintings – it's the perfect way to start your journey. Later this evening, enjoy sunset at Kings Canyon and then return to your camp for a night under the expansive starlit sky.

After breakfast this morning, head out to soak in the remarkable scenery of Watarrka National Park during the Kings Canyon Rim Walk. 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 the 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 stopping for lunch at Curtin Springs, you’ll head to Uluru and Kata Tjuta National Park for a gentle walk through Walpa Gorge (AKA Windy Gully). In contrast to this morning’s challenging climb, the Walpa Gorge walk is short and sweet, and especially picturesque in the afternoon as the sun lights the gorge. This evening, enjoy the view as the sun sets over the epic sandstone monolith, Uluru – watching the incredible landscape shift in colour is a sight you won’t soon forget. (B/L/D)

Start the day early in one of the best ways imaginable – watching a spectacular sunrise over Uluru. You’ll be up bright and early to set off on a short walk at the base of the Rock with your leader as the sun climbs over the landscape and sets Uluru aglow with morning light. During your walk, you’ll learn more about creation stories and the cultural significance of this incredible Outback landscape. Then, make our way back to Yulara to drop off anyone leaving us here, before departing for Alice Springs. You will arrive back in Alice Springs this evening at which time your Outback adventure will come to an end. (B)