Northern Territory

Sunrise Tours

Rise early to travel the short distance to a desert location overlooking Uluru. Your driver/guide will provide insights and the background to the art installation. Under the cover of darkness, wander through the pathways that encompass the 50,000 spheres of light in the desert, before making your way up the hill to the Dune Top viewing area. Watch the transformation of colors and life as the desert awakens, while enjoying tea, coffee, or hot chocolate. Gaze in awe as the sun rises in the distance behind Uluru and the first rays of sunlight creep across the desert sky. See the landscape, including Kata Tjuta behind you, be flooded with light. Immerse yourself in the desert landscape as the sun rises over the Red Centre. As the natural light brightens the landscape, see the Field of Light dim for the day. Capture some photos from this unique raised location, where you can view both Uluru and Kata Tjuta in all their natural glory.

Travel to Kata Tjuta (the Olgas) where your Driver Guide will explain the geological development of the area over the millennium. Watch the spectacular sunrise over Kata Tjuta with Uluru in the distance from the western dune viewing area, and enjoy a light breakfast. Your Driver Guide will then escort you on a 2-3 hour walk to the Valley of the Winds lookout. Marvel at the unique flora and admire the view of the central valley of the domes of Kata Tjuta. Later return to Ayers Rock Resort.

Sit back and relax as you travel into the Kata Tjuta National Park. Be amazed by the incredible sight of Uluru in the distance on your way to Talinguru Nyakunytjaku. Make your way onto the viewing platform to see many kilometers into the distance, an ideal photo opportunity. Watch the first rays of the sun set the Red Centre alight, while enjoying a warming cup of tea or coffee. Your experienced guide will give you an historical overview of the National Park, where the aboriginals have lived for 22,000 years. Arguably Australia’s most recognizable and fascinating icon, Ayers Rock, stands 348 meters high. Be overwhelmed by its incredible size, presence, and inherent spirituality. Just 40 kilometers to the west of iconic Uluru, take in the sights of Kata Tjuta, also known as the Olgas. Stop at a viewing point with spectacular views of Kata Tjuta, be sure to have your camera at the ready. Walpa Gorge is a lush desert haven for plants and animals. The gentle but rocky track leads into a world of rare plant species and lush evergreen shrubs known as Spearwood. Take a 1-hour walk through the gorge, learn about local flora and fauna, and the geology of this amazing formation.

Your ballooning adventure begins in the cool pre-dawn darkness as you are picked up from your accommodation in Alice Springs. During the drive to the desert launch site you will get to know the crew as they make final weather checks and explain the routine for the morning. At the launch site gas burners are used to inflate the balloons just as the sun lights up the rugged MacDonnell Ranges. Once floating gently in the air you will appreciate the vast remoteness of the Australian outback. Wildlife, particularly big red kangaroos are seen nearly every day as the balloon floats above spinifex grasses, mulga scrub and cattle stations. After landing, enjoy a program designed to allow you a unique opportunity to experience the Australia bush. Most landings are in the desert, kilometers away from the nearest road. There is no traffic, no other people and no noise. The perfect place to enjoy a glass of sparkling Australian wine or if you prefer some tropical apple and guava juice. Perhaps mix the two for a delightful morning cocktail. Drinks are accompanied by a variety of muffins, biscuits, slices of cheese and fresh fruit. It's the perfect mix to enjoy before reboarding your bus to return to “town”.

Wake early for this tour of a lifetime! Enjoy a light breakfast and hot tea or coffee as you absorb the enormity and beauty of your surroundings. Board your coach for the drive to the sacred site of Kuniya Piti and be captivated as your driver shares the Tjukurpa.   Hike around the base of Uluru on the Mala Walk. See some of the sacred sites where Aboriginal communities live and prepare for their ceremonies. Some believe that as you walk through this area, you’ll be surrounded by the spirit of the Mala Tjukurpa – the hare-wallaby people. See the vision of a powerful waterfall in a desert at Kantju Gorge! Continue along the Lungkata Walk and hear the Tjukurpa story of a cheeky Blue Tongue Lizard. Discover ancient Aboriginal rock paintings and learn about the Indigenous and European history of Uluru. End at Kuniya Piti, where you will get a certificate of your achievement.

The tour begins with pickup from select accommodations in Yulara, 1.5 hours before sunrise, and heads to Talinguru Nyakunytjaku, a viewing area near Uluru.  Upon arrival, enjoy coffee and/or tea while you wait for the spectacular sun to creep over the horizon. When the sun rises, watch the landscape be transformed with color as the light touches the desert plains and shines on Uluru. At the end of a magical sunrise, you will be dropped off back at your accommodation in Ayers Rock Resort. 

Your guide will meet you at the entrance of your accommodation at Ayers Rock Resort, from where you will travel through the landscape to the entrance of Uluru Kata Tjuta National Park. From there is it a 40-kilometre journey through the desert landscape to the mighty rock formation. On arrival at the viewing area, walk to the best vantage point to see the 36 domes that comprise this spiritual place while watching the sun's morning glow as the desert comes alive. Make your way to the western side of Kata Tjuta where you will have the opportunity to relax and enjoy an outback picnic breakfast. As you approach the entrance to Walpa Gorge, named for the wind (Walpa) that whistles between the massive domes that shape Kata Tjuta, the result of aeons of weathering and continual upheaval, your guide will share the significance of this sacred ceremonial site. Take a stroll between these mighty conglomerate rock walls as your guide explains how the environment and the geology have evolved over millions of years. Your guide will return you to your accommodation at Ayers Rock Resort at the end of the tour.

Your guide will escort you on the rocky climb to the rim of Kings Canyon. The views of Watarrka National Park from the top of the canyon are magnificent as are the views down into the canyon itself. Follow the rim of the canyon stopping to view the canyon gorge at look-out points. Time permitting, you may choose to descend to the green oasis of the 'Garden of Eden'. The walk may take up to 3 hours and is rocky and steep places. It is for those with a good level of fitness. Alternatively, you may wish to take an easier, shorter walk to explore the boulder strewn canyon floor with our Driver/Guide. Return to Kings Canyon Resort.