Professional Helicopter Services Kings Canyon & Uluru, Kata Tjuta

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The quickest and easiest way to see Uluru, Kata Tjuta and Kings Canyon while staying at Uluru: a helicopter flight across the desert, landing at Kings Canyon Resort for a guided walk along the Kings Creek bed.

Days

4.5 hours, about 2 hours flying

Group size

Max 5

Start / finish

Ayers Rock Resort, Yulara / Ayers Rock Resort, Yulara

Return

See itinerary for details

Transport

Helicopter, with resort bus transfers

Meals

No meals are listed as included

Route

Map of Professional Helicopter Services Kings Canyon & Uluru, Kata Tjuta

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Included experiences

Uluru and Kata Tjuta — aerial tour
Lake Amadeus — flight across the desert
Kings Canyon — aerial view of the Domes of the Lost City
Kings Creek bed — guided walk
Kings Canyon Resort — landing

Professional Helicopter Services Kings Canyon & Uluru, Kata Tjuta

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Itinerary

Map

TAKE-OFF: ULURU AND KATA TJUTA FROM THE AIR

A minivan collects you from your hotel in Ayers Rock Resort and takes you to the helipad. Soon after take-off you're flying between the park's two landmarks. Uluru rises 348 metres from the plain and runs 9.4 kilometres around its base. Kata Tjuta, a Pitjantjatjara name meaning "many heads", is 36 domes of conglomerate rock, the tallest 198 metres higher than Uluru, and much of it is a sacred site closed to walkers. Helicopters never fly over the top of either; they keep to set routes that respect the sites. Your pilot gives commentary the whole way, with tips on angles for photos.

ACROSS THE DESERT: LAKE AMADEUS

Then it's north-east over the open desert. Lake Amadeus is a salt lake about 180 kilometres long, usually a dry white crust striped with red sand. Ernest Giles reached it in 1872 and named it after King Amadeus of Spain, though he had wanted to name it after his patron, the botanist Ferdinand von Mueller. Below you, dunes run in long parallel lines, dotted with desert oaks and spinifex. About two hours of flying makes up the whole tour, and this stretch shows the scale of the Red Centre in a way no road trip can.

KINGS CANYON FROM THE AIR

The ground breaks up into the George Gill Range, and Kings Canyon opens below you, sandstone walls more than 100 metres high in Watarrka National Park. From above you see the Lost City, a maze of beehive-shaped sandstone domes on the canyon rim, and the Garden of Eden, a permanent waterhole deep in the canyon where ancient cycads grow. Giles named Kings Creek in 1872 after his friend Fielder King. You land at Kings Canyon Resort. A Watarrka National Park pass is needed for this part of the day.

ON THE GROUND: THE KINGS CREEK WALK

A guide leads you into the canyon on the Kings Creek walk, about 45 minutes to an hour over rocky, uneven ground. The track follows the creek bed between ghost gums and boulders to a viewing platform looking up at the canyon walls, red rock against a blue sky. Look for zebra finches and the small rock-wallabies that live in the cliffs. Bring water and snacks, as there's no lunch. Then you board again for the flight back across the desert, and the minivan returns you to your hotel in Yulara.

Map

Good to know

Meeting point: Transfers from within Ayers Rock Resort, Yulara.
Departure time: Flights leave between about 8am and 4pm, 365 days a year, weather permitting.
Fitness: Passengers must be able to walk unassisted for 45 to 60 minutes over uneven ground, and have a moderate to high level of mobility to load and unload the helicopter without help, including steps and platforms.
Please note: The tour needs a minimum of 4 confirmed passengers to go ahead.
Please note: A Watarrka National Park pass is needed for the Kings Canyon walk.

What to bring

Hat and sunscreen
Plenty of water and snacks
Enclosed, non-slip footwear
Long sleeves, where temperatures allow

What is included

Air-conditioned bus transfers within Ayers Rock Resort
Helicopter flight over Uluru, Kata Tjuta and Kings Canyon (about 2 hours flying)
Landing at Kings Canyon Resort
Guided Kings Canyon creek bed walk (approximately 1 hour return)
Pilot commentary
A photo opportunity in front of the helicopter

Not included

Lunch — bring water and snacks

FAQ

Preparing for the trip

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.

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.

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.