Intrepid Travel - Best of Uluru & Kings Canyon Itinerary

Welcome to Alice Springs

G’day and welcome to Alice Springs (Mparntwe in the language of the traditional owners of the land on which Alice Springs is now located). This quintessential laidback Aussie town is the perfect place to start your journey into the ancient culture and landscapes of Australia’s Outback. This is your launching pad to reach some of the top spots on the agenda over the next few days. Your adventure officially kicks off with a welcome meeting at 6 pm, where you’ll meet your group leader and new travel companions. Until then, feel free to check out some of the town’s sights or tuck into an Outback inspired meal at one of the quirky local cafes.

Included Meals: Dinner

Accommodation: Alice Springs - 1 Night

Accommodation:

Mercure Alice Springs Resort

Situated on the banks of the famous Todd River, Mercure Alice Springs Resort offers spectacular views of the towering River Red Gum. Well-manicured lush green lawns of the hotel create a relaxing atmosphere, letting you soak in the Australian Outback charm in the Northern Territory (NT).

West MacDonnell Ranges & Kings Canyon

Start your day exploring Simpsons Gap in Tjoritja (West MacDonnell Ranges National Park) with a First Nations guide, learning about local flora, fauna, and the Tjunba totem. Walk along the riverbed marking the boundary between Eastern and Northern Arrernte tribes. Journey onward through semi-desert landscapes to Watarrka National Park and hike the scenic Kings Creek Walk, surrounded by majestic cliffs and rock formations. Cap off the day with an included dinner and a visit to the Light Towers, an immersive visual and auditory experience.

Included Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Approximate Travel Time: 4 hours 30 mins

Accommodation: Kings Canyon - 1 Night

Accommodation:

Kings Canyon Resort

Set in a prime location and nestled in amongst a rugged bush setting, these rooms offer deluxe accommodation with a spacious spa bath and feature a window providing scenic views. Each Deluxe Spa Room also features a private balcony offering a magnificent outlook onto a rocky escarpment that is tastefully lit at night.

Kings Canyon to Uluru (Ayers Rock)

Spend the morning on a 3-4 hour (6km) rim walk across Kings Canyon, from the sandstone domes of the 'Lost City' to the lush 'Garden of Eden.' Enjoy sweeping views of red cliffs and palm forests below. Then, take a scenic drive to Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park, spotting wildlife along the way. Explore Kata Tjuta's 36 domed rock formations from a popular lookout, then head to Uluru. End the day watching the sun set over this iconic monolith, as the landscape transforms in color. To show respect for Uluru’s cultural and spiritual significance to the Anangu people, alcohol is not served on the sunset tour.

The King Canyon rim walk today is a Grade 4 walk, which requires a good level of mobility and health. Your leader can suggest shorter options for those seeking an easier walk. Sturdy enclosed shoes are required for all walks within the National Park. If the temperature is over 36 degrees, the Kings Canyon rim walk will be closed and an alternative activity will be provided.

Included Meals: Breakfast

Accommodation: Uluru/Ayers Rock- 1 Night

Accommodation:

Desert Gardens Hotel - Uluru

Desert Gardens Hotel offers air-conditioned rooms, some with a private balcony or views of Ayers Rock (Uluru). Guests can unwind in the outdoor pool, or at the restaurant and bar. Spa facilities, shops, tour information, and cafes are conveniently located a short walk from the property or via a free shuttle bus. Set amongst native gardens, each room at Desert Gardens Hotel includes a TV, minibar and tea and coffee making facilities.

Uluru/Ayers Rock (or Alice Springs)

You'll start the day early in one of the best ways imaginable – watching a spectacular sunrise over Uluru. Embark on a short walk across the rust-coloured landscape to a nearby waterhole and marvel at some of the traditional art sites.

Your leader will shed light on the history and nature here and explain how the Anangu people are deeply connected to the lands. After, stop by the Uluru-Kata Tjuta Cultural Centre to continue learning about First Nations culture. After some time here, stop by Yulara for any travellers flying out of Uluru to catch the free airport shuttle.

Then, for those finishing the trip in Alice Springs, hit the highway just after lunch. Arrive in Alice Springs in the evening, where your Outback adventure will come to an end. If you’d like to extend your stay, just speak to your friendly Travel Designer at First Light Travel for further options.

Included Meals: Breakfast

Important Notes

Start & End Times
The trip starts in Alice Springs with a Welcome Meeting at 6pm on Day 1 at our joining point hotel. The trip finishes on day 4 in either Yulara with a drop off at the airport at 11:30am or on arrival in Alice Springs by 6:30pm. Accommodation is not included on this day but can be booked on request (in Alice Springs only).

Single Supplement
A Single Supplement can be booked if you’d prefer not to share a room on this trip, subject to availability.

Long Travelling Days & Early Mornings
This trip involves some early mornings and long travelling days. Please see the daily itinerary for more information. Take into consideration the weather when you are thinking of travelling and ensure you and your family are well hydrated in the desert heat.

Itinerary Variations:
The provider strives to improve trip itineraries. If improvements can be made, or if circumstances beyond their control make changes necessary, the provider reserves the right to vary itineraries and to make substitutions.

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