Things to do in

Watarrka National Park

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.

See the incredible Kings Canyon from above on an exciting 15-minute helicopter flight! Keep your camera poised as you swoop low over the Kings Canyon and enjoy startling views of the Lost City, the Garden of Eden, Kings Creek and Carmichael Crag in an air-conditioned helicopter. Fly through the Watarkka National Park, taking in the front view of the George Gill Range. Follows Kings Creek up into Kings Canyon where you can see the paths for the Kings Creek walk and the Rim walk from above. Enjoy the spectacular view of the 100-meter-high cliff walls, the Garden of Eden and the Domes of the Lost City. During the flight, your pilot will point out the incredible scenery along the way. The return leg of your flight takes you alongside Carmichael's Crag and the Dingo pups for incredible views out over this impressive landscape. The sky will come alive with marvelous colors as you fly over the mix of rugged bushland and red sand desert. Your pilot will return you to Kings Canyon at the end of your flight.

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: Welcome to Alice Springs Arrive in Alice Springs today. You will be transferred from the airport to your hotel. Day 2: A Town Like Alice Explore the Telegraph Station – The first European settlement in Alice Springs, and learn how it relayed messages between Darwin and Adelaide for 60 years. Visit the headquarters of the Royal Flying Doctor Service – Which delivers medical services to those who live and work in remote rural Australia. Enjoy panoramic views – Over Alice and the surrounding West MacDonnell Ranges, from the top of Anzac Hill. Day 3: West MacDonnell Ranges The panoramic landscapes of the West MacDonnell Ranges are extraordinary for their immensity and array of sunburnt oranges, maroons and purples. View spectacular outback scenery and take photos as we travel along through magnificent Outback Country, stopping at the many historic locations. As we depart town, we will stop at the historical Flynn’s Grave Memorial. Enjoy beautiful walks at both Simpsons Gap and Standley Chasm. Day 4: Tour from Alice Springs to Ayers Rock via Kata Tjuta This morning, travel through the West MacDonnell Ranges. Stop to view Atila (Mt. Conner) before arriving at Ayers Rock Resort. Enjoy a leisurely drive to Kata Tjuta to take in a magnificent outback sunset, while enjoying sparkling wine. *At certain times of the year, some services may operate using the smaller vehicle. Day 5: Tour Ayers Rock and Surrounds The majestic rock formation Uluru is better known as Ayers Rock, This mighty and impressive monolith is one of Australia’s best-known natural landmarks and is sacred to the Aboriginal people, Uluru stands some 348 meters high and is 3.6 km long, its surface is made of valleys, ridges, and caves that were created over millions of years by erosion. Watch the sunrise at Uluru and then travel to Kata Tjuta and walk through Walpa Gorge. Later, visit the Uluru-Kata Tjuta Cultural Center and then tour the sacred sites around the base of Uluru. Continue to the sacred Mutitjulu Waterhole. Witness the striking color changes of Uluru at sunset before continuing to our exclusive barbecue venue, where you’ll dine from a delicious menu accompanied by a selection of beverages. Day 6: Kings Canyon & Outback Panoramas Begin your journey with a cooked breakfast at Kings Creek Station, followed by a 6 km guided walk along Kings Canyon's rim, exploring its history, geology, and wildlife. Visit the Garden of Eden for panoramic views of Watarrka National Park. Choose between a leisurely Creek Bed Walk or an optional scenic helicopter flight (additional cost). Conclude with lunch and a swim at Kings Canyon Resort (both at your expense). Day 7: Return to Alice Springs Today, you will be back in Alice Springs Day 8: Say Goodbye to Alice Springs You will be transferred to the airport or train station to meet your flight or The Ghan Train.

Day 1 Join us as we venture into the rugged wilderness, embracing the magic of the Kings Canyon region, and discovering the true essence of the Australian outback. Departing from Yulara / Ayers Rock after lunch, as the afternoon sun casts a warm glow over the rugged landscapes of the breathtaking Kings Canyon region, a hidden gem nestled in the vast wilderness. Enjoy a sumptuous and hearty meal around the campfire to feed those hungry eyes and allow you to get to know your fellow travellers. As the night unfolds, a blanket of stars spreads above, illuminating the vast desert sky, and you'll feel a profound connection to the untamed wilderness around you. Day 2 Discover the awe-inspiring Kings Canyon (Watarrka) like never before with our unforgettable expedition. Embark on a journey into the ancient landscape and sacred grounds of the Ulpanyali and Lilla people as we set off early to explore this majestic wonder. At the heart of Watarrka National Park (Kings Canyon), you'll be immersed in breathtaking beauty, surrounded by towering 100-meter cliff faces and sandstone chasms that will leave you in awe. Prepare to be captivated by jaw-dropping backdrops that evoke an indescribable sense of wonder. Lace-up your sturdy shoes, grab your water and hat, and join us as we venture on foot to explore the most captivating part of the canyon in intricate detail. Enjoy the scenic Mereenie Loop which takes you past untouched landscapes with less driving time, and more sightseeing opportunities to reach the enchanting West MacDonnell Ranges, where an evening of stargazing awaits at our cozy safari camp. Day 3 Explore the captivating Standley Chasm, traditionally known as Angkerle Atwatye, meaning “Gap of Water”, nestled among the West MacDonnell Ranges. Spot native wildlife at dawn while enjoying breakfast and looking forward to the day ahead. Marvel at the towering red walls of Ormiston Gorge, created by massive geological forces. Dip into the refreshing waters of Ellery Creek Bighole (Udepata), surrounded by tall red cliffs and sandy shores. After admiring nature's finest, we leisurely journey back to Alice Springs, making a final stop at the enchanting Simpsons Gap, where dreaming trails and stories intersect. This region features a permanent waterhole and abundant wildlife. Conclude your unforgettable experience, reminiscing about four days of exploration and cherished new friendships. We deliver you back to Alice Springs, ready to continue your evening plans in your chosen accommodation.

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.