Fly Uluru Gosses Bluff

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A long flight from Ayers Rock Airport over Lake Amadeus and Kings Canyon to Gosses Bluff, the ring of hills left by a meteorite strike 143 million years ago, known to the Western Arrernte as Tnorala. The bluff sits at the western end of the West MacDonnell Ranges.

Days

3.5 hours (2 to 2.5 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

Lake Amadeus — the Northern Territory's largest salt lake
Kings Canyon — circle the sheer canyon walls
West MacDonnell Ranges — gorges and creeks from the air
Gosses Bluff (Tnorala) — circle a 143 million year old meteorite crater

Pictures / Videos

Itinerary

Map

MORNING: YULARA TO AYERS ROCK AIRPORT

Your pilot's day starts before yours: you're collected from your Yulara hotel or the campground and driven the few minutes to Ayers Rock Airport. Weights are checked, the pilot seats everyone to balance the aircraft, and headsets go on so you can hear the commentary over the engine. This one is flown by plane only, a small high-wing aircraft, so the wing sits above you and every seat has a clear window.

IN THE AIR: LAKE AMADEUS AND KINGS CANYON

The plane heads north over the desert. Lake Amadeus is a salt lake about 180 km long, so big the explorer Ernest Giles could not get around it in 1872 and named it after King Amadeo of Spain. Most of the year it is a white crust scattered with red dune islands. Next comes Kings Canyon, in Watarrka National Park, cut into the George Gill Range, where sandstone walls drop about 100 metres to a palm-lined creek. The pilot circles the canyon so both sides of the plane get the view down into it.

GOSSES BLUFF: TNORALA

The last leg crosses the rocky gorges and creeks at the western end of the West MacDonnell Ranges to Gosses Bluff. A comet or meteorite struck here 143 million years ago, and the ring of hills it left stands about 150 metres high around a crater 5 km across. Ernest Giles named it in 1872 after Harry Gosse, who worked the telegraph line. To the Western Arrernte it is Tnorala, a sacred place: in their story, women danced across the sky as the Milky Way and a baby in its wooden carrier fell to earth here. The plane circles the crater, a shape that only really makes sense from above.

HOME TO YULARA

Then it's the long run back south to Ayers Rock Airport, between two and two and a half hours of flying in all, and the transfer to your accommodation, about three and a half 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: The time on your confirmation is your pick-up time; it is confirmed when you book.
Duration: About 2 to 2.5 hours of flying; about 3.5 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: A plane flight with no landing. With only 2 passengers, the flight goes only if the operator can run it, which is confirmed when you book. Every passenger has a window seat.

What is included

Scenic plane flight over Lake Amadeus, Kings Canyon and Gosses Bluff
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.