Red Centre & Uluru Explorer

Red Centre & Uluru Explorer

135 Views
6 Days From

$2165

Red Centre & Uluru Explorer

6 Days Starting in Yulara and ending in Alice Springs

Visiting: Yulara (or Alice Springs) / Uluru / Yulara, Uluru / Kata Tjuta / Yulara, Uluru / Kings Canyon, Kings Canyon / Palm Valley, West MacDonnell Ranges / Palm Valley, Alice Springs

Tour operator:

Intrepid Travel

Tour code:

PZSR

Guide Type:

Fully Guided

Group size:

1 - 16

Physical rating:

Medium

Age range:

15-99

Tour operated in:

English

Trip Styles:

Adventure Tours

From: $2165 (USD)

NB: Prices correct on 22-Feb-2025 but subject to change.

This tour is no longer available, please see similar tours below or send an enquiry

Tour Overview

Spend six days in Australia’s iconic Outback and stand in awe at some of the country’s most incredible natural wonders. Discover the rich First Nations culture and explore the rust-coloured landscapes at dawn and dusk. Starting in either Yulara or Alice Springs, you’ll visit the iconic Uluru (which you’ll see at both sunrise and sunset from different perspectives) and Tjoritja-West MacDonnell National Park, as well as Kings Canyon and Kata Tjuta. Pack your hiking shoes and your swimwear, because this trip is jam-packed with outdoor activities that will show you what living in the Outback is all about.

Highlights

  • Discover the ever-changing colours of Uluru – one of Australia’s most spiritually significant sites – and watch the sandstone monolith change shades at sunset, then walk around the base at sunrise.

  • Walk through Kata Tjuta (formerly known as 'The Olgas') – a towering collection of 36 domed rock formations – with your local guide, getting all the insider history of this amazing natural landscape.

  • Spend a full day exploring Tjoritja (the West MacDonnell Ranges), heading to Gosse Bluff (Tnorala) and the meteorite crater, then walking the Ghost Gum trail to soak in the views across Ormiston Gorge (Kwartatuma).

  • Hike across the famous Kings Canyon plateau, from the sandstone domes of the 'Lost City' to the oasis of the 'Garden of Eden'. Walk the red rock cliffs and view the palm forest below.

  • You will stay at our beautifully located camp in Finke River National Park, near Palm Valley, in the West MacDonnell Ranges. This new campsite is private and exclusive to Intrepid and has glamping tents with air-conditioning and ensuite bathrooms attached.

Places You'll See

Uluru, Australia

Itinerary

Expand All

Day 1: Yulara (Or Alice Springs) / Uluru / Yulara

Location: Yulara (or Alice Springs) / Uluru / Yulara

Accommodation: Hotel

Accommodation Name: Hotel

Werte! Welcome to Yulara! Your adventure begins with a welcome meeting at 4 pm at your hotel. Straight after, you'll make your way to one of Australia’s most spiritually significant and iconic sites – Uluru. Enjoy the view from a prime viewing location as the sun sets over the epic sandstone monolith. Watching the landscape shift in colour is a truly unforgettable sight. Tonight, make sure to look up, as this is one of the best spots to stargaze in the country!

Included Activities:
-Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park - Uluru Sunset Viewing

Day 2: Uluru / Kata Tjuta / Yulara

Location: Uluru / Kata Tjuta / Yulara

Accommodation: Hotel

Accommodation Name: Hotel

Meals Included: Breakfast

Start the day in one of the best ways – by watching the sunrise over Uluru. After breakfast, set off on the Kuniya Walk with your leader as the sun climbs over the landscape and walk to Mutitjulu Waterhole with a First Nations guide. Your guide will explain what makes this waterhole sacred while sharing stories of its connection to the Anangu people. After, stop by the Uluru-Kata Tjuta Cultural Centre. This afternoon, head out to Kata Tjuta (formerly known as 'The Olgas') – 36 domed rock formations. These rust-coloured beauties are one of Australia’s most impressive sights. You’ll take the Walpa Gorge Walk between two rock formations that make up Kata Tjuta. Tonight, you’ll head to the Kata Tjuta sunset area to watch the nightly display of reds, yellows, browns, greens and oranges.

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

Day 3: Uluru / Kings Canyon

Location: Uluru / Kings Canyon

Accommodation: Air-Conditioned Bush Tents (with shared facilities)

Accommodation Name: Air-Conditioned Bush Tents (with shared facilities)

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch

This morning, you’ll again rise nice and early for a light breakfast, before heading out for a sunrise walk along Uluru’s base. Walk the entire circuit of this natural wonder as you watch the land come alive in the sunlight. Then, drive to Watarrka National Park, stopping for an included lunch along the way. Tonight, you have a free evening to sit back and relax, stargaze or swap stories with your fellow travellers.   

Included Activities:
-Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park - Uluru Sunrise Base Walk

Day 4: Kings Canyon / Palm Valley

Location: Kings Canyon / Palm Valley

Accommodation: Hotel

Accommodation Name: Air-Conditioned Glamping Tents (with ensuite facilities)

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Enjoy a bushman’s style breakfast this morning at Kings Creek Station. After, spend the morning exploring the rugged landscape of Kings Canyon and tackle the Rim Walk up and across the famous Kings Canyon plateau, from the sandstone domes of the 'Lost City' to the oasis of the 'Garden of Eden'. You’ll walk across the red rock cliffs that protrude from the land and take in views of the palm forest below. Later, drive via the Mereenie Loop to Palm Valley Camp where you’ll spend the night. Settle in, then take an afternoon drive to Palm Valley proper. Embark on the the short 2km Arankaia Walk through the valley. This is the only place in an 800km radius where the red cabbage palm tree survives. Head back to camp for dinner around the campfire.

Included Activities:
-Watarrka National Park - Kings Canyon Rim Walk
-Palm Valley - Arankaia Walk

Day 5: West Macdonnell Ranges / Palm Valley

Location: West MacDonnell Ranges / Palm Valley

Accommodation: Hotel

Accommodation Name: Air-Conditioned Glamping Tents (with ensuite facilities)

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Today after breakfast, you’ll hit the road for a full day tour of Tjoritja (the West MacDonnell Ranges). First, head to Gosse Bluff (Tnorala), a unique asteroid crater formed over 140 million years ago. Next up is Ormiston Gorge (Kwartatuma) where you'll head out onto the Ghost Gum Walk to soak in the views across the gorge. There will be plenty of time to relax at the swimming hole and cool off with a swim here. This afternoon, head to the Ochre Pits – one of the most significant places for the local Arrernte First Nations people. After exploring with your leader, return to Palm Valley camp for a free evening. If you’re feeling active, you could take a walk around the bluff before dinner at camp. Tonight, why not celebrate your time together by the fire, under the blanket of Outback stars.

Included Activities:
-Tjoritja-West MacDonnell Ranges - Ormiston Gorge
-Tjoritja-West MacDonnell Ranges - Ochre Pits
-Tjoritja-West MacDonnell Ranges - Gosse Bluff Asteroid Crater (Tnorala)

Day 6: Alice Springs

Location: Alice Springs

Meals Included: Breakfast

Early this morning head to 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.

What's Included

  • Accommodation
    Hotel (4 nights), Air-Conditioned Bush Tent (with shared facilities) (1 night)

  • Meals
    5 breakfasts, 3 lunches

  • Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park - Uluru Sunset Viewing

  • Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park - Uluru Sunrise Viewing

  • Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park - Kata Tjuta Walpa Gorge Walk

  • Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park - Kata Tjuta Sunset Viewing

  • Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park - Kuniya Walk to Mutitjulu Waterhole with local Anangu Guide

  • Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park - Cultural Centre

  • Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park - Uluru Sunrise Base Walk

  • Watarrka National Park - Kings Canyon Rim Walk

  • Palm Valley - Arankaia Walk

  • Tjoritja-West MacDonnell Ranges - Ormiston Gorge

show more

What's Not Included

  • Insurance

  • International Travel

Transport

  • Private vehicle

Accommodation

  • The style of accommodation indicated in the day-to-day itinerary is a guideline only and may change. On some occasions, alternative arrangements may need to be made due to the lack of availability of rooms in our preferred accommodation. In these cases, we will use a similar standard of accommodation.
  • Throughout the trip, we request that our properties prepare rooms in time for our arrival, especially if we're arriving prior to normal check-in time. However, this isn't always possible which means we won't be able to check-in immediately on arrival at some hotels. Instead, we can store our luggage and explore our new destination or on some trips, have use of shared day rooms until all rooms are available.
  • BUSH TENTS AT KINGS CREEK STATION
  • Your accommodation at Kings Creek Station is in simple bush tents, 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.

Important Information

  • START & END TIME & LOCATION
  • The trip starts on day 1 either in Alice Springs with a pick up from Stay at Alice Springs Hotel at 8:30 am or with a Welcome Meeting at 4pm in Yulara at our joining point hotel. Please advise us of your preferred start location at the time of booking. The trip finishes in Alice Springs on the last day (day 6) mid-morning. We recommend you book your departure flight from Alice Springs no earlier than 12:30pm on the last day. Accommodation is not included on this day but can be booked on request.
  • SINGLE SUPPLEMENT
  • A Single Supplement can be booked if you’d prefer not to share a room and tent on this trip, subject to availability. The single supplement excludes nights 4 and 5. On those nights you will be sharing with another traveller of the same gender.

Mode of Transport

  • Private vehicle

Check out our Q&As

  • Is this trip right for you

    Temperatures in Australia's Red Centre can be extreme, so you will need to be well-prepared with clothing for the weather. Depending on the time of the year, daytime can be very hot (and the Australian sun is very strong year-round) so always use sun protection and drink plenty of water. In the evenings temperatures can really drop, so bring sufficient warm clothing - in winter temperatures can be below zero at night.

    As sunrise and sunset times as well as weather conditions vary throughout the year, the order of activities may change to ensure you have the best experience possible. On occasion, the First Nations experiences may not be available should our guides have other cultural commitments, in which case we will include alternative activities.

    This trip involves some early mornings and on some days of the trip, you’ll spend several hours driving through very sparse areas of Australia. Sit back and enjoy landscapes that you would miss in any other form of travel. Extra space can be tight, and conditions may feel a little cramped. Think of it as a great way to get to know your fellow travellers. The days can be long, but we want to fit as much of this amazing place in as we can in 6 short days!

    If you’re looking for a shorter, camping-based trip in the Red Centre, you might like to consider the 4-day Uluru & Kings Canyon Explorer trip. Search trip code PZRC on our website. Alternatively, if it is even more comfort you are after, search for Best of Uluru & Kings Canyon (PZKR) or Premium Red Centre (POPR).

  • What policies are in place for Covid-19?

    Please contact us for latest COVID-19 policies

  • How long has the tour company been trading?

    Intrepid Travel has been taking travellers around the world for over 30 years

  • Will the accommodation included meet local health and safety regulations?

    Yes

  • What Ethical Travel credentials does the tour company have?

    Since 2002, The Intrepid Foundation has supported over 130 organisations across the world. We’re creating positive impact through the joy of travel, community and connection.

  • Do you operate a “single share” option and how does it work?

    Over 50% of traveller travel solo with Intrepid. You can choose to share a room with another solo travelle of the same sex for no additional charge, or choose to pay a single supplement if you’d like your own room. Please request this when booking, and we will secure you a single supplement wherever possible. Please note, if you are booking a last-minute trip, it may be harder for us to secure a single room

Reviews of this operator

Maroochy Dazza (Google Reviewer)  

Just leaving a review to...

24-Aug-2023

Just leaving a review to share how much I enjoyed my Central America trip. I thought the guide, Aura was so knowledgeable and organised and clearly a great ambassador for Intrepid. She gave us lots of information on each region, helped us organise anything we needed and dealt with queries from passengers very well and diplomatically. She made the trip run smoothly. She was also keen to explain the Intrepid vision and how the company values making a difference to locals and is a credit to your company. I did Guatemala and beyond and thoroughly enjoyed it - very fast paced, lots to see and do and a great overview of the region. I would definitely recommend 👍

LivvyGrace 4 (Google Reviewer)  

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15-Jul-2024

I just completed my first Intrepid tour which was 33 days travelling around Central America - I had the time of my life! It was great to have the benefit of a guide (Fluffy was amazing!) and be able to ask questions at any point, but I also liked the freedom that you were permitted throughout. The group tour made boarder crossings seamless and the whole process felt easy - there was never one hiccup. As a solo female traveller, I felt safe throughout, and I cannot recommend Central America enough - the people, the food, the sun and the activities were just amazing :) Can't wait to book my next adventure soon!

V Open (Google Reviewer)  

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26-Oct-2022

I have just come back home after doing Intrepid's 10-day Vietnam Express Northbound tour. What a SUPERB tour. We saw lots and did lots, it was jam-packed full of sights and activities. Our tour leader, Tam, was the best ever. Very knowledgeable, organised and lots of fun too. The other 10 people on the group were all lovely. The places we visited were very interesting. We even visited local homes and ate just like the local people do. I highly recommend Intrepid to anyone considering touring a new country. This was my 5th tour with them and they have consistently been fantastic.

Jack Edwards (Google Reviewer)  

I have travelled with Intrepid...

03-Jun-2024

I have travelled with Intrepid a number of times now and can't recommend them enough. The trips are always exciting, full of history and immersive in the culture and environment. The office staff are great too and always happy to help with any questions you might have. Everywhere I have gone with the company has been different but the guides and itinerary have always been excellent and full of knowledge and passion for their country. Add in the social responsibility angle the company has and it top quality ethical practice and you can't go wrong

Jo Clayton (Google Reviewer)  

I recently went on an...

15-Mar-2024

I recently went on an 11 day tour of India with Intrepid and was impressed with every aspect of the tour, the tour leader and the organisation behind the scenes. I always travel alone so it was a big deal to join a tour, I didn't want to feel less independent or ferried about. I loved being part of a group and the things we saw and did on the tour, I would never have known about or seen if I had been by myself. I loved it from start to finish. Yes the overnight trains were not easy to sleep on, but I managed. Meeting locals on board was a high light for me. English is widely spoken in India and its amazing who you strike up a chat with. I had two problems on the tour - one my own fault and one hotel related. The support from Intrepid was amazing. I cannot thank them enough for going the extra mile to support me. I recommend Intrepid 100% and have gone from thinking an organised tour is for people who don't know about Lonely Planet and can't do solo stuff, to realising its a faster, better, more fun way to get to know a country truly and deeply whilst on a bit of a budget. I will book again and again with Intrepid. I loved it that much! Big thanks to tour leader Daddy H. Devender for his help on day one, and Nick in the Oz office for his fab customer care skills. Also the person who staffed the emergency whatsapp in India - you saved my sanity helping me get there a day late! THANK YOU ALL X

Nicole  

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12-Oct-2021

This was my first international solo trip, but I never felt “alone” - there was always someone to go shopping, hike, or grab a quick bite with. The itinerary was a great balance between organized activities, while still allowing free time for exploring. Each location was unique and charming in its own way. Spending the night in the holy city of Moulay Idriss and wandering the winding streets of Chefchaouen were especially memorable. Thank you Mustapha and Intrepid for an incredible adventure!

Declan Curry (Google Reviewer)  

I have recently completed the...

07-Feb-2025

I have recently completed the Premium India In Depth tour. A most wonderful introduction to this amazing continent. From the Taj Mahal to Tigers 🐅 in the wild , dining whe the locals eat and a couple of meals with families was a great way to embrace the people and their culture. Magnificent architecture,be it Forts or Shrines. The most informative and inspiring of guides was great to have with us. Mumbai to Delhi and 6 more cities plus A Safari included. Best trip to experience India 🇮🇳. Prepare to have all your senses assaulted . Go for it.

Alice Norton (Google Reviewer)  

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29-Feb-2024

I have just completed a 12 day food tour of Vietnam, and had an amazing time. Our tour leader was great, knowledgeable and kind, who helped throughout the trip with recommendations for places on our free days, and spas. All the food we tried was delicious. It is a very fast paced tour, and Bon tried to maximise our experiences for the best.

Lisa Hosking (Google Reviewer)  

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06-Feb-2025

Just got back from Southern India and I have to say our guide was great! Greeted by Sebi’s lovely smile each morning. His knowledge was great and his interpersonal skills were amazing! Managed the group well and took great care of us all! Thank you!

D' ARTICULATE (Google Reviewer)  

They offer some great deals...

11-Jan-2025

They offer some great deals and group travel itineraries without the flights but will include them if needed by the traveller ; leaving one to choose a more personal holiday stance or exploration & time schedule too. Neat!

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Friday - Wednesday

May 30, 2025 - Jun 04, 2025
$2165 (USD)

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Book with Confidence

  • Free Date Changes

    Intrepid Travel allows you to make 10 free date changes, as long as the change is made at least 56 days before the start of the tour.

  • Transfer as credit to Future Tours

    Intrepid Travel allows you to transfer existing payments to a future tour to avoid cancellation fees if you can't travel and inform intrepid travel, 56 days before departure.

  • Low Deposit

    Intrepid Travel requires a minimum deposit of 400 USD per person or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 56 days before departure.

  • Cancellation Policy

    We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of intrepid travel charges.

    Up to 56 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.

    At 55 days before tour starts: Forfeit 30% of booking price.

    At 30 days before tour starts: Forfeit 60% of booking price.

    At 14 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.

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