Red Centre & Uluru Explorer

  • Australia
  • Duration: 6 Days
  • Start: Yulara or Alice Springs, Australia
  • Finish: Alice Springs, Australia
  • Destination: Australia
  • Group size: 1-16
  • Operator: Intrepid
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.

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Highlights

Journey through the heart of Australia to discover First Nations culture and striking red landscapes

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.

 


Why you’ll love this trip

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 leader, 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) asteroid 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.

 


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).

 


 

Inclusions and activities

*Meals: 5 breakfasts, 3 lunches, 2 dinners
*Transport: Private vehicle
*Accommodation: Hotel (2 nights), Air-Conditioned Bush Tents (with shared facilities) (1 night), Air-Conditioned Glamping Tents (with ensuite facilities) (2 nights)

 

Included Activities

*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 – 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
*Tjoritja-West MacDonnell Ranges – Ochre Pits
*Tjoritja-West MacDonnell Ranges – Gosse Bluff Asteroid Crater (Tnorala)

 


 

Important notes

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.

DIETARY REQUIREMENTS
It is very important that you advise us of any dietary requirements and allergies at least 2 weeks prior to departure. We need this information well ahead of time to be able organise catering for the trip. Alice Springs’ remote location means that some food items will not be available on short notice, and once the trip has commenced changes to dietary requirements are not possible.

 


 

Booking terms & conditions

Before you book a trip with Intrepid, please take the time to read and understand what terms and conditions apply to your booking. For most of our trips, you will be booking directly with Intrepid so our Standard Booking Conditions and any applicable Special Conditions will apply. Please note that there are three versions of the Standard Booking Conditions depending on what location you are booking from.

Itinerary

Day 1 • Yulara (or Alice Springs) / Uluru / Yulara

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!

Special information

If you’re flying into Alice Springs, you can opt to start your trip there instead with a pickup at ‘Stay at Alice Springs Hotel’ at 8.30 am this morning at no additional cost. Please let us know if you would like to take advantage of this option.

It’s very important that you attend the welcome meeting at 4pm today in Yulara as we will be collecting insurance and emergency contact details at this time. If you are going to be late, please let your travel agent or hotel reception know. Ask reception or look for a note in the lobby for more information on where the meeting will take place.

To show respect for Uluru’s cultural and spiritual significance to the Anangu people, alcohol will not be served during the sunset viewing.

Day 2 • Uluru / Kata Tjuta / Yulara

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 have the option to visit the famous Field of Light show.

Special information

Your travel time today will be approximately 2.5 hours. Your walking distance will be approximately 3.6 km or 1.5 hours on a Grade 2 (easy) and Grade 3 (moderate) track.

The local Anangu guide for the Kuniya Walk may not be available at short notice due to other community obligations. If this is the case on your departure, your leader will be taking you to Mutitjulu waterhole instead.

Kata Tjuta is a highly culturally sensitive area. To avoid revealing any sacred places, Anangu ask that you keep both sides of the gorge in frame when you film, paint, draw or photograph Walpa Gorge. By respecting these wishes, you will be contributing to the protection and continuation of some of the world’s oldest spiritual and cultural beliefs.

We recommend that you pre-book your Field of Light experience, as this activity can sell out in advance. You can book with us or your booking agent at the time of booking. If you would rather wait and try to get a better price by booking this locally on the ground, you can, but keep in mind that this is a popular activity and places are limited. Alternatively you can also book this online directly with the operator at Ayers Rock Resort.

Day 3 • Uluru / Kings Canyon

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.

Special information

Your travel time today will be approximately 4 hours. Your walking distance will be approximately 10.6 km or 3.5 hours on a Grade 3 (moderate) track.

Tonight’s accommodation is in simple bush tents at King’s Creek Station, 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.

Day 4 • Kings Canyon / Palm Valley

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 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.

Special information

Your travel time today will be approximately 3.5 hours.

The 6km Kings Canyon rim loop takes around 3-4 hours to complete and is a Grade 4 (moderate to challenging) walk so should only be attempted if you are fit and healthy. Your leader can suggest shorter options for those seeking an easier walk. Sturdy enclosed shoes are required for all walks within the National Park.

Day 5 • West MacDonnell Ranges / Palm Valley

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.

Special information

Your travel time today will be approximately 5.5 hours. Your walking distance will be approximately 2.5 km or 1.5 hours on a Grade 3 (moderate) track.

Day 6 • Alice Springs

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.

Special information

Your travel time today will be approximately 2 hours.

We recommend you book your departure flight from Alice Springs no earlier than 12.30 pm today.

Dates and prices

From AUD $2,850 per person, twin share · 6 Days

December 2026 1 departure
January 2027 1 departure
February 2027 1 departure
March 2027 2 departures
April 2027 2 departures
May 2027 4 departures
June 2027 6 departures
July 2027 6 departures
August 2027 9 departures
September 2027 6 departures
October 2027 2 departures
November 2027 2 departures
December 2027 1 departure
January 2028 1 departure
February 2028 1 departure
March 2028 2 departures

Prices are per person, twin share, in AUD and can change at any time. Tap a departure to enquire.

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