A 55 minute helicopter flight from Yulara that takes in Uluru and Kata Tjuta, then heads out across the salt flats of Lake Amadeus, the largest salt lake in the Northern Territory, looking for wild camels on the desert plains.
- 55 minute helicopter flight over Uluru, Kata Tjuta and Lake Amadeus
Pictures / Videos
Itinerary
LIFT-OFF FROM YULARA
Your flight leaves the Ayers Rock Helicopters base in Yulara, with check-in time set when you book. After a short briefing you climb aboard and rise over the red sand dunes and desert oaks that surround the resort town. The country below looks flat and empty from the ground, but from a few hundred metres up you see the patterns: old fire scars, wandering dune ridges and the tracks of animals in the sand.
ULURU AND KATA TJUTA
First come the two great landmarks of the national park. Uluru rises 348 metres above the plain, a single block of sandstone whose colour shifts from orange to deep red with the light. To the west, Kata Tjuta ("many heads") is a cluster of 36 domes, the tallest about 546 metres above the plain. Helicopters keep to set routes around both, so you see them from alongside, with time to pick out the gorges between the domes.
OUT TO LAKE AMADEUS
Then the pilot heads north across the desert to Lake Amadeus, a salt lake about 180 km long and the largest in the Northern Territory. Most of the year it's a dry crust of white salt, cracked into patterns that look like a map from above. Ernest Giles named it in 1872 after King Amadeus of Spain. The plains around it are where you hunt for wild camels. Brought to Australia from the 1840s as pack animals and later let loose, they now roam the Centre in large herds. After 55 minutes in the air you land back at Yulara.
Good to know
- Meeting point: Ayers Rock Helicopters, Tourist Information Centre, Yulara. Your check-in time and place are set when you book.
- Duration: 55 minutes of flying.
- Please note: Give each passenger's correct weight when you book. Anyone 90 kg or over must be declared before the flight, passengers 120 kg or over may pay extra, and anyone more than 10% over their declared weight can be refused if it would put the helicopter over its limit. If the pilot cancels for weather or maintenance, you get a full refund.
What to bring
- Camera or phone for photos
What is included
- 55 minute helicopter flight over Uluru, Kata Tjuta and Lake Amadeus
FAQ
Preparing for the trip
What immunisations do I need?
For the latest information on immunisations, we strongly recommend you or contact the Travellers Medical and Vaccination Centre (www.traveldoctor.com.au) to discuss health requirements for your trip. They will advise you about appropriate inoculations.
Do I need to take any medical supplies?
It is not necessary to bring any medical supplies other than any personal items you may require. Each tour carries a first aid box, and the tour guides are all certified in First Aid.
Do I need travel insurance?
Insurance is important in protecting visitors from loss or damange of goods, medical problems, cancelation by passengers or other casualties. Its highly recommended. Some tours on this website require you to have travel insurance. If you are Australian then it is not necessary.
Where can I get more information about this trip?
If you find that this tour page doesn't answer all your questions, then please get in contact with us! Our passionate team are always available to answer any queries you may have.
Will I be able to use my mobile whilst on tour?
You can use your mobile while touring in Australia or New Zealand, but coverage may be limited in remote areas. For best connectivity, consider purchasing a local SIM card or an international roaming plan.
How fit do I need to be?
These tours are designed to be fun, informative and active, and can be enjoyed by anyone with a moderate degree of fitness and agility. Travellers should be comfortable with hiking or walking up to 5km each day.
What should I pack?
Depending on where in Australia or New Zealand you decide to visit, your luggage will vary. For exact information please visit the "What to bring" section of each tour page.
Private tours and families
Is it possible to travel in a private group?
If you are looking for a private tour based on one of these trips, please contact us directly and we may be able to help. Over the years we have worked with families, groups of friends, schools, clubs and charities to put together the perfect trip.
Booking the trip
Does the tour price include flights?
No. Tour prices do not include any travel arrangements other than for the duration of the tour itself. If you need assistance with booking flights or buses our travel team and certainly help - Just ask!
How far in advance do I need to book my tour?
As a rule of thumb, try to book at least 2 weeks prior to departure, this will usually get you a seat on the date you want. That being said, we cannot guarantee that spaces will be available at the time of your booking so, if you can, book as soon as possible. Bookings can still be made right up until the departure date of the tour if seats are available. If you know when you'd like to travel, please contact us and we will let you know if you need to book soon or if you have time.
Do I have to book this tour online?
Definitely not. Our website is designed to make is easy and convenient for you to schedule your tour. However we understand sometimes its nice to talk to someone directly. So by all means give us a call and we can organise your trip over the phone.
If I book more than one tour can I get a discount?
Absolutely! If you are booking multiple tours then we may be able to offer you a discount. Send us an email at info@lostinaustralia.org and let us know what you thinking of doing and we can put together a price for you.Also, be sure to look out for monthly specials on tours. We often have some great bargains.
How do I know when a tour is available?
You can check the departure dates of tours by using our calendar on the top right hand corner of the tour page. This will tell you what days the tour departs. For availability of seats please contact us directly at info@lostinaustralia.org or call us.
If I make a deposit only, when will I need to pay the balance?
Balance on tours need to be paid at least 30 days prior to departure. Failure to do so could result is the cancellation of your seat with a fee charged. If you need more time to clear your balance then let us know ASAP and arrangements can be made.
Who travels with us
Is it ok to travel alone on one of these tours?
Plenty of travellers book these tours on their own. Solo travellers are very much welcomed and encouraged. During your outback adventure you'll meet new and interesting people and forge relationships that last a lifetime.Solo travellers will usually share a room with a travelling companion of the same sex, but even if you do get your own room you won't be charged extra. On camping tours there are generally enough tents available that you can have your own if you choose to.For more information please contact us directly.
Cost and Fees
Do I need to tip the guide?
If you had an amazing time on tour and wish to tip your guide, that is completely up to you. Tipping is not customary in Australia and is not at all expected.
Will I need additional money?
Travellers are advised to bring some cash, as ATMs and banks can be few and far between in the remote parts of the trip. It is handy to have some extra cash, as the tour does stop by local shops and cafes.
Are there any hidden fees I need to know about?
Our tour prices are completely transparent. There are no additional fees involved that are not included in the overall tour price shown. If you wish to do optional activities such as helicopter rides or wildlife safaris, then an extra cost may be needed. However, this will always be made clear at the time of your booking.
What does Paid Locally mean?
Some tours require you to pay national park fees directly, in cash, to the tour guide on the morning of departure. Rest assured this will be subtracted from the tour price when reserving your tour.
Whilst on tour
Can I book extra accommodation for the start and end of the tour?
We know our country inside and out and would be happy to give you good recommodations. Please contact us for recommendations.
Where do I meet the tour?
For pick-up times and locations, please check the "Start/Finish" section directly under the itinerary, which lists every pick-up point and its time.There is a lot of information there to help you plan your flights and arrival.Please review it carefully, as pick-ups can vary from tour to tour.
Reviews
Real reviews from travellers who've done this tour, gathered from around the web and paraphrased.
How we collect and publish reviews
Where they come from. Our reviews are gathered from independent review sites and from guests who share feedback with us directly after their trip. They come from people who have actually travelled on the tour. Some longer trips are made up of shorter tours we also sell, run back to back — where a review was written about one of those legs, the review says so.
Why some are edited. Many of our guests travel in their second or third language. Where a review is hard to read, we lightly edit spelling, grammar and punctuation, or paraphrase a sentence for clarity. We never change the rating, the meaning or the sentiment, and we never write a review on a guest's behalf.
Reading the originals. Reviews sourced from public review sites appear there in their original form, and can be read in full at their original source at any time.


