Things to do in

Petermann

Travel from Ayers Rock Resort to the beautiful Kings Canyon in Watarrka National Park, stopping for breakfast at Kings Creek Station along the way. Once at Kings Canyon, you'll make the rock climb to its rim for some marvelous views of Watarrka National Park and the spectacular surroundings. Follow the rim of the canyon along the 3-hour circuit walk, stopping to look down into the canyon gorge at various look-out points along the way. Time permitting, you may choose to descend into the green oasis of the 'Garden of Eden.' While the tour is recommended for those with a good level of fitness, you may opt for the easier, shorter walk to explore the boulder-strewn canyon floor. Then, you can grab lunch at your own expense. Finally, begin your return journey to Ayers Rock Resort.

Day 1 Get picked up at Yulara's Ayers Rock (Uluru) Airport and head to your first stop, the Red Center’s Aboriginal interpretive cultural center. Enjoy this chance to learn about the cultural, ecological, historical, and geological significance of this special national park. Next, take a short drive to the base of Uluru. Walk to the Mutitjulu waterhole to discover sacred rock art sites and hear the creation stories of Kuniya and Liru before continuing the trek to Kuniya Piti. From here, drive to Kantju Gorge and admire the highest waterfall in Central Australia, an elders’ cave, and the world's oldest pantry. Finish your day at the campsite, enjoying panoramic views of the sunset as you wait for your dinner. Day 2 Get up bright and early and enjoy a light breakfast before taking in a spectacular sunrise in Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park. As you drive into the park, admire the immense mountain of Kata Tjuta. Begin your trek through the Valley of the Winds or Walpa Gorge, marveling at the mighty conglomerate rock formations. After exploring Kata Tjuta, head to the Kings Canyon region just in time to experience a glorious outback sunset followed by a hearty meal around the campfire. Day 3 Begin your day early and head to Kings Canyon (Watarrka), the ancient home and sacred grounds of the Ulpanyali and Lilla people. After arriving, marvel at the towering 100-meter cliff faces and views of sandstone chasms. Grab your water, hat, and sturdy shoes and trek through the canyon. After a well-earned rest, enjoy some downtime as the bus meanders through the spectacular route home via the Mereenie Loop Tourist Drive through the West Macdonell Ranges to your final destination of Alice Springs.

Day 1: Alice Springs to Uluru / Ayers Rock We depart either from Alice Springs or Yulara (Uluru Airport) and head towards Ayers Rock, with stops at Mt Connor (false Uluru) and Curtin Springs for toilets before lunch at our campground. Those arriving at Ayers Rock Airport will join the group after lunch before heading to the Red Centre's Aboriginal interpretive centre. (Ayers Rock guests must eat lunch before joining the group) The national park is rich in cultural, ecological, historical, and geological significance. Getting up close and personal to Uluru, we begin to comprehend its sheer size and magnificence. Our base walk towards Kuniya Piti continues as we walk to Mutitjulu waterhole and discover sacred rock art sites in family caves. It is here that we admire Central Australia's highest waterfall (even more spectacular when it rains), an elders' cave, and the world's oldest pantry. Afterwards, we retreat for panoramic views of one of the most incredible sunsets on the planet. We then sit down for a campsite dinner. Day 2: Uluru to Kata Tjuta to Kings Canyon It's an early rise and light breakfast as we head off for a spectacular sunrise in Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park. You thought Uluru was special and just when you think it couldn’t get any more majestic we approach the stunning silhouette of Kata Tjuta. Here we set off on a hike through the Valley of the Winds or Walpa Gorge marveling at the mighty conglomerate rock formations. After exploring Kata Tjuta we make our way towards Kings Canyon region just in time to experience a glorious outback sunset followed by a hearty meal around the campfire. Day 3: Kings Canyon to West MacDonnell Ranges In the morning we venture into the ancient landscape and sacred grounds of the Ulpanyali and Lilla people to explore the mighty Kings Canyon (Watarrka). In the centre of Watarrka National Park (Kings Canyon), we find towering 100-metre cliff faces, sandstone chasms, and jaw-dropping backdrops that will make your hair stand on end. On foot, we explore the canyon (the most seasonally applicable part of it) in more detail. Rest up in the bus as we head back up north via Mereenie Loop Tourist Drive, before heading out towards the West MacDonnell Ranges for an evening of stargazing. Day 4: Standley Chasm and Tjoritja West MacDonnell Ranges to Alice Springs In the West MacDonnell Ranges, Standley Chasm is a 3-metre-wide, 80-metre-high gorge known traditionally as Angkerle Atwatye. Track west and dive into Ellery Creek Bighole, originally called Udepata, surrounded by tall red cliffs and sandy Ellery Creek. Continuing on to Ormiston Gorge with its towering red walls. Our final stop is at Simpsons Gap, where a number of dreaming trails and stories cross, before we begin our leisurely journey back to Alice Springs. Having seen the best of central Australia's natural icons, we'll return you to Alice Springs to your hotel and evening plans after four days of exploration.

Explore Kings Canyon from above with this helicopter tour. Soar over sights like the Garden of Eden watering hole and the large sandstone formations of the Domes of the Lost City. Meet your pilot and feel the rush of lifting off from the helipad. Make your way to the 440-million-year-old canyon. Admire uninterrupted views of red sandstone cliffs which are picturesquely dotted with local flora. Let your pilot help you to capture the best angles for photos at locations like the oasis at the Garden of Eden watering hole and the natural sandstone outcrops at the Domes of the Lost City. Listen as your pilot offers commentary on the history and geology of the region. Get your picture taken in front of the helicopter. Return to the landing point at the end of your flight.

Enjoy a pickup in an air-conditioned car to and from any hotel or campsite within Ayers Rock Resort before taking in the incredible aerial view of Uluru, Kata Tjuta and Lake Amadeus.  Fly across to the spectacular domes of Kata Tjuta for a view that will leave you speechless. Marvel at the amazing formations that due to the sacredness of this area, much of it is off-limits from the ground, so the only way to really appreciate it is to see them from above.  See Uluru which is the world’s largest monolith. Admire Kata Tjuta's 36 rock domes combine to create a spectacle even larger, and standing 546 meters above the desert plains. You will soar high and low above Australia's second biggest salt lake, Lake Amadeus which stretches for 180km. Guaranteed window seat on our Fixed Wing Aeroplanes.

Mt Conner is situated on a vast, fully operational, privately owned cattle station, called Curtin Springs Station. While the dams on the property were constructed for watering cattle, here you will find the perfect natural habitat for red kangaroos and a vast array of birds and reptiles of the Red Centre. You will discover an ancient inland salt lake and learn about the European history of the region. While you enjoy a glass of sparkling wine, you will be captivated by the spectacular changing colours of sunset over Mt Conner before returning to enjoy a delicious outback dinner prepared by the cook at Curtin Springs Station.

Travel by luxury coach through the spectacular desert scenery of the Northern Territories, departing Ayers Rock for Kings Canyon on the western edge of the George Gill Range. Sit back and relax as you admire the ancient landscape, settled by indigenous Australians more than 40,000 years ago. Pass through Curtin Springs cattle station before viewing Attila (Mt. Conner) from the coach. After turning off the Lasseter Highway and onto the Laritja Road, your driver will provide a history of the surrounding cattle stations. Upon arrival at Kings Canyon, there may be time to view the sunset behind Carmichaels Crag.

Day 1 Travel from Alice Springs to Uluru (Ayers Rock) aboard a luxury vehicle. Take in the rugged desert landscapes of the region, passing through the beautiful MacDonnell Ranges. While travelling through this remote country, your friendly Driver Guide will provide informative and entertaining commentary. Learn about the natural and geological history of the region. Stop at a local Roadhouse for a quick break then see Atila (Mt Conner) in the distance as you travel through Curtin Springs Station before arriving at Ayers Rock Resort, rested, relaxed and ready to explore the amazing World Heritage-listed Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park. This afternoon, enter Uluru Kata Tjuta National Park. Visit the Cultural Centre where you’ll have time to explore the galleries and you may be lucky enough to see local Aboriginal Artists at work. Travel to the base of Uluru where you’ll be amazed as your local guide shares the Aboriginal Tjukurpa (creation) stories that breathe life into this giant formation. Feel the spirit of the land as your guide takes you on a walk to Mutitjulu Waterhole, interpreting the meaning of the ancient Rock Art and 4 sacred sites you’ll see along the way. Travel to the Uluru Sunset Viewing Area where you can relax with a sparkling wine or two while you enjoy a famous Uluru sunset. Witness the incredible changing colours as the sun sets below the horizon. You’ll arrive back at Ayers Rock Resort 30 minutes after sunset. Day 2 This morning you might choose to have a slow start to the day or you might choose to book an optional Sunrise Field of Light tour, scenic helicopter flight (all at additional cost). Travel through spectacular desert scenery from Ayers Rock Resort. Pass through Curtin Springs Station and view Atila (Mt. Conner). Along the way your Driver Guide will provide informative commentary about the history of the surrounding cattle stations on the way to Kings Canyon. You’ll arrive at Kings Canyon Resort in time to relax and before enjoying a spectacular sunset. In the summer months drinks are available for purchase at the sunset viewing area (cash only) or you might choose to experience the Artist Bruce Munro’s Light Towers (Additional Cost) before or after have dinner (on your own). Day 3 Rise early to make the rocky climb to the rim of the canyon for marvellous views of Watarrka National Park at sunrise. Follow the rim of the canyon stopping to look down into the canyon gorge at look-out points. The circuit walk takes approximately 3 hours to complete and is rocky and steep in parts. It is recommended for those with a very good level of fitness. Alternatively, you may wish to take an easier, shorter walk to explore the boulder strewn canyon floor. You will board your coach to travel to Alice Springs. Along the way stop at Erldunda, a classic Northern Territory Roadhouse located at the junction of the Stuart Highway and Lasseter Highway. Travel along the Stuart Highway before arriving in Alice Springs.