Uluru Hop on Hop off Kata Tjuta Sunrise (Olgas) Return

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A return bus transfer from your resort to Kata Tjuta (The Olgas), at sunrise, in the afternoon or at sunset, with time to walk Walpa Gorge, or the Valley of the Winds on the sunrise and afternoon runs. The sunrise run operates daily, year-round, and the afternoon and sunset runs on select days.

Days

About 5 hours: sunrise, afternoon or sunset

Group size

Self-guided

Start / finish

Ayers Rock Resort / Ayers Rock Resort

Return

See itinerary for details

Transport

Air-conditioned bus, hotel pick-up and drop-off

Meals

No meals are listed as included

Route

Map of Uluru Hop on Hop off Kata Tjuta Sunrise (Olgas) Return

View map

Included experiences

Kata Tjuta — sunrise or sunset from the viewing platform, or an afternoon photo stop
Walpa Gorge — 1 hour return walk
Valley of the Winds — 3 hour return walk
Sand dune — photo stop

Uluru Hop on Hop off Kata Tjuta Sunrise (Olgas) Return

Pictures / Videos

Itinerary

Map

PICK-UP AND THE DRIVE WEST

The air-conditioned bus collects you from your Ayers Rock Resort hotel in Yulara, in the dark before dawn on the sunrise run, after lunch on the afternoon run, or in the late afternoon on the sunset run; the afternoon and sunset runs go on select days only. It's about 50 km to the domes. Kata Tjuta means "many heads" in Pitjantjatjara: 36 domes of pebble and boulder conglomerate, the tallest 546 metres above the plain, higher than Uluru. There's no guide on board, so the walking is at your own pace within the times the driver gives you.

THE DUNE VIEWING AREA

Every run stops at the sand dune viewing area, where a boardwalk climbs to a platform with all the domes laid out in a line. On the sunrise run this is where you watch the first light reach them, turning the rock from grey to orange in a few minutes. On the afternoon and sunset runs it's a photo stop on the way in. Look down as well as out: the dunes around the platform are covered in spinifex and desert oaks, and lizard tracks cross the sand most mornings.

WALPA GORGE OR THE VALLEY OF THE WINDS

Then the bus drops you to walk. On the sunrise and afternoon runs you choose: Walpa Gorge is a 2.6 km return walk, about an hour, into the gap between two of the tallest domes, where the wind funnels through; walpa means windy. The Valley of the Winds is the bigger walk, about three hours over rocky ground to the Karu and Karingana lookouts, and many people rate it the best in the park. The driver tells you where and when to meet, with separate pick-up points for each walk. On the sunset run there's time for the Walpa Gorge walk.

BACK TO YULARA, OR SUNSET FIRST

After the sunrise run, Walpa Gorge walkers are collected first, then the bus goes back for the Valley of the Winds walkers and takes everyone to their hotels. The afternoon run has you back before sunset, in time for dinner plans. On the sunset run the bus takes you on from Walpa Gorge to the sunset viewing platform to watch the domes change colour in the evening light, then drives you back to your hotel after dark.

Map

Good to know

Meeting point: Pick-up from Ayers Rock Resort hotels: Desert Gardens, Sails in the Desert, Ayers Rock Resort Campground and Outback Hotel & Lodge.
Departure time: The timetable changes with sunrise and sunset times; the current schedule is available from your driver or hotel reception. Give your pick-up time and location when booking.
Please note: The afternoon run operates on select days between April and May only, and the sunset run on select days between February and March and between June and November.

What is included

Hotel pick-up and drop-off
Air-conditioned bus
Sunrise at the Kata Tjuta sunrise viewing platform, a photo stop on the afternoon run, or sunset at the viewing platform on the sunset run
Drop-off for the Walpa Gorge walk, or the Valley of the Winds walk on the sunrise and afternoon runs
Return to your hotel

Not included

Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park pass, required for entry: $38 per adult, buy online from Parks Australia
Tour guide (self-guided; complete the walks at your own pace within the recommended times)

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.

Reviews

4.8

Based on 4 reviews

Verified from

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.

(4/5)

We did the Kata Tjuta sunrise return and the sunrise itself was great, though the viewing platform felt angled more towards Uluru. There was a long wait at the toilet stop with every bus arriving at once, and Walpa Gorge comes after the Valley of the Winds, but it was spectacular when we got there.

May F Verified· Travelled 30th August 2026

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(5/5)

Today I did the Kata Tjuta sunrise return and it was extraordinary. The walk was just under 10 km with inspiring views over rockier ground than I expected, but this old body made it and I wouldn't have missed it.

Brisbanegirl life, art, food! Verified· Travelled 14th August 2026

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(5/5)

A great trip with Darren, who was friendly and funny. The walk was beautiful and the sunset over Kata Tjuta was stunning as the rocks changed colour. Bring good walking shoes as the ground is uneven.

Sarah Jane Verified· Travelled 28th July 2025

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(5/5)

I used the bus for sunrise at Kata Tjuta and the Valley of the Winds. Mike, known as Snakebite, was funny and informative, his advice on which way to walk the loop was spot on, and starting before most people made for a peaceful walk.

Kate P Verified· Travelled 7th February 2024

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