Fly Uluru Desert Explorer

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Two hours in a light plane over the four big sights of the Red Centre: Uluru, Kata Tjuta, the salt of Lake Amadeus and the sheer walls of Kings Canyon. It suits anyone short on time who still wants to see all four.

Days

3 hours (2 hour flight)

Age

All ages; under 3s on a lap

Group size

Shared small plane, at least 2 passengers

Start / finish

Yulara / Ayers Rock Airport / Yulara

Return

See itinerary for details

Transport

High-wing light plane, with hotel transfers in Yulara

Meals

No meals are listed as included

Route

View map

Included experiences

Uluru — the rock from above
Kata Tjuta — the domes from the air
Lake Amadeus — the Northern Territory's largest salt lake
Kings Canyon — sheer cliff walls and valleys from above

Pictures / Videos

Itinerary

Map

PICK-UP AND BOARDING AT AYERS ROCK AIRPORT

Your pick-up collects you from your Yulara hotel or the campground and drives you to Ayers Rock Airport, where you board a small high-wing plane, with the wing above you so nothing blocks the view. Your pilot seats everyone to balance the load, and every seat has a window. With only a short stay in the Red Centre, this is how you see its four great sights in one morning or afternoon, and sunrise and sunset departures put the best light on all of them.

ULURU AND KATA TJUTA

The flight starts over Uluru, rising 348 metres above the plain, then crosses the dunes to the 36 domes of Kata Tjuta, the tallest of them 546 metres high. From above you see the gullies, caves and valleys that are closed to walkers. The plane doesn't fly a full circle around either, out of respect for their sacred significance to the Anangu, the traditional owners who were handed back the park in 1985.

LAKE AMADEUS

From there you fly north over red sand ridges to Lake Amadeus, the largest salt lake in the Northern Territory, around 180 kilometres long. Most of the year it's a dry crust of salt, patterned in white, pink and rust. The explorer Ernest Giles reached it in 1872 and named it after King Amadeo of Spain. Watch the plains on the way for wild camels, which roam much of this country.

KINGS CANYON AND THE FLIGHT HOME

The last leg reaches Kings Canyon in Watarrka National Park, where sandstone walls rise more than 100 metres above Kings Creek. From the air you see what walkers on the rim only glimpse: the side valleys, the domes of weathered rock known as the Lost City, and the green gash of palms and cycads in the Garden of Eden. There's no landing on this flight. After two hours in the air you're back at Ayers Rock Airport and driven to your accommodation, about three hours after pick-up.

Map

Good to know

Meeting point: Pick-up from Desert Gardens, Sails in the Desert, Outback Hotel & Lodge or Ayers Rock Campground at Yulara; other accommodation is collected from the nearest of these. With your own car, meet at the General Aviation Lounge at Ayers Rock Airport. Be at the pick-up point 5 minutes early.
Departure time: Flights run through the day, with sunrise and sunset departures; the time on your confirmation is your pick-up time, and it can shift with the seasons, so it is confirmed when you book.
Duration: Flight time 2 hours; about 3 hours from pick-up to drop-off.
Minimum age: No minimum age. Children under 3 can fly on an adult's lap with an infant restraint and earmuffs; from 3 they need their own seat.
Fitness: No walking is involved beyond getting in and out of the aircraft. Weights in kilograms are needed for every passenger when you book, because the pilot balances the load; arriving more than 10% over your stated weight can mean you can't fly.
Please note: Planes need at least 2 passengers for a flight to go. The pilot allocates seats for balance, and every plane passenger gets a window. Flights don't circle all the way around Uluru or Kata Tjuta, out of respect for their sacred significance. There is no landing on this flight.

What is included

2 hour scenic flight in a light plane
Return transfer from Yulara accommodation

Not included

Food and drink

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.