Just the Centre - 3.5 day Uluru, Kings Canyon Tour

An unhurried exploration of the Red Centre's highlights over 3.5 days with the zany Wayward Bus: great guides, small groups, 3 nights camping (2 nights at Uluru!) and lots of hiking. For 8 days overland to/from Adelaide, see our 'Face the Outback'.

Start in Alice Springs. Visit Kings Canyon, Uluru (Ayers Rock) and KataTjuta (Olgas). Finish in Yulara (Ayers Rock Airport) or return to Alice.

Alice Springs Alice Springs and Central Australia Northern Territory

3.5 days and 3 nights. Advantages include: (1) 3 big hikes over 3 mornings before days get too hot; (2) 3 afternoons spent driving in air-con comfort, other afternoon is free time; (3) 2 nights at Yulara: double chances Uluru sunrises/sunsets; (4) one-way option also Alice to Yulara.

Maximum 24 people.

A good level of fitness is an advantage for completing the 3 main hikes, ranging from 6 to 9 km. We have an "open ages, open minds" attitude. Our tours generally attract an international mix of travellers with most in their 20s and 30s.

(1) Tours depart Alice every day at 12noon. (2) Pick ups are from 11am around Alice and at 12.30pm from Alice Airport. (3) Tours may be finished either at Yulara at 12noon Day 4 or back in Alice by 6pm. (4) Most tours tend to run full, please check with us for availability if booking in last 5 days. (5) $370 to 31 Mar 2007. Child rate $295. (6) Uluru NP fee $25 is extra. (7) Fuel surcharge $10 per person. (8) Luggage should not exceed 15kgs. (9) Special diets on request.

Day 1 - Alice Springs to Kings Canyon Departing Alice at noon, we travel through vibrant red dunes and the craggy ranges of Central Australia to our secluded bush campsite near Kings Canyon with a choice of tents or swags (yes, decent loos/showers!). We cook up some top tucker tonight. Day 2 - Kings Canyon to Uluru The 6km/3hr Rim Walk is led by your knowledgeable driver-guide. Admire the sandstone domes of the Lost City, cliff top views along the walls and the shady Garden of Eden pool. After a hearty lunch we head for Uluru passing flat-topped Mt Conner and a break at Curtin Springs Station Roadhouse, the only service point on the 300km from Kings Creek to Yulara. Move in to our comfy campsite at Yulara for the next two nights. Uluru sunsets are awesome - our two night stay is 'insurance' against cloud cover! Day 3 - Uluru & Kata Tjuta After catching Uluru Sunrise, we recommend the full 9km base walk (self-guided). Of major interest are the many sacred sites around the Base, notably the Mala & Mutitjulu waterholes - small springs supporting life since the Dreamtime. With our driver-guide's commentary, free ranger-led interpretive walks & time in the Cultural Centre, you will be introduced to life in the shadow of Uluru. You can climb if you choose but the Anangu traditional owners prefer visitors not to. After lunch, we have free time to take up some of the excellent options on offer: short walking tours and activities with the Anangu people, scenic flights, Harley rides etc or enjoy free time in the campsite pool or Yulara Bar. Get ready for perhaps a different angle on sunset and prepare for another tasty dinner. Day 4 - End at Yulara or return to Alice Springs Some people think we save the best till last. Hike the 8 kms Valley of the Winds trail at KataTjuta (3 hours guided). Finish at Yulara 12 noon - we can drop you at Ayers Rock Airport (or catch free shuttle). Arriving back in Alice by 6.00 pm with drop offs at accomodations.

Activity rate guide
AUD$ 295
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