Adventure Tours Uluru Family Tour with Kata Tjuta & Kings Canyon - Eco Tent (Yulara to Yulara)

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A four-day family trip through Australia's Red Centre from Yulara, taking in Uluru, Kata Tjuta and Kings Canyon, designed for families with children aged 5 to 16.

Days

4 days, 3 nights

Age

Families with children 5 to 16; not for 4 and under

Group size

Small group, 8 to 24

Start / finish

Yulara / Yulara
Desert Gardens Hotel or Ayers Rock Airport, around 9am on day 4

Return

Desert Gardens Hotel or Ayers Rock Airport, around 9am on day 4

Accommodation

3 nights in permanent safari tents at private campsites, shared facilities

Transport

4WD all-terrain vehicle with a local guide; pick-up at Desert Gardens Hotel or Ayers Rock Airport

Meals

3 breakfasts, 2 lunches and 3 dinners

Route

Map of Adventure Tours Uluru Family Tour with Kata Tjuta & Kings Canyon - Eco Tent (Yulara to Yulara)

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Included experiences

Kata Tjuta — Walpa Gorge walk
Uluru — sunset viewing with snacks
Uluru — sunrise, rock art and the full base walk
Uluru-Kata Tjuta Cultural Centre
Kings Canyon — Rim Walk, Lost City and Garden of Eden
Yulara — free evening, optional Field of Light or camel tours

Adventure Tours (ATA) Uluru Family Tour with Kata Tjuta & Kings Canyon - Eco Tent (Yulara to Yulara) (formerly Uluru Adventure)

Pictures / Videos

Itinerary

Map

DAY 1: YULARA, KATA TJUTA AND THE ULURU SUNSET

Your guide meets you in Yulara at about 2pm. The resort town was built in the 1980s so that hotels could move away from the foot of the rock, which is why every bed sits about 20 km from it. A short drive west brings you to Kata Tjuta (The Olgas), whose Pitjantjatjara name means "many heads": 36 domes, the tallest rising 546 metres above the plain. The Walpa Gorge Walk follows a creek bed about 3 km return between two of the biggest domes. Walpa means windy, and you'll feel why. As evening comes, it's a light snack at the sunset viewing area while Uluru (Ayers Rock) turns from orange to deep red, then dinner at camp under the stars. Have lunch before you're collected, and keep hats and water bottles handy.

Overnight: Uluru area (permanent eco tent)

DAY 2: ULURU SUNRISE AND ON TO KINGS CANYON

Set the alarm for sunrise, when first light lands on the eastern face of Uluru. The rock rises 348 metres above the plain, and geologists think most of it lies hidden underground. Your guide then takes you to one of its culturally significant sites to share Anangu rock art and creation stories. After that you walk the full Uluru Base Walk, about 10 km on the flat past waterholes, caves and sacred places where the Anangu ask you not to take photos. After lunch, the Cultural Centre shows the work of Western and Central Desert artists and tells how the park was handed back to its traditional owners in 1985. Then it's about four hours to a private camp near Watarrka National Park, the Luritja name for the Kings Canyon country.

Overnight: Near Kings Canyon (permanent eco tent)

DAY 3: KINGS CANYON AND BACK TO YULARA

The morning belongs to the Kings Canyon Rim Walk, about 6 km across the top of sandstone walls more than 100 metres high. The steep climb at the start, known as Heartbreak Hill, gets the hard part done early. On top you weave through the Lost City, a maze of beehive domes weathered out of the sandstone, then drop down a staircase into the Garden of Eden, a permanent waterhole shaded by cycads, plants whose family is older than the dinosaurs. From the rim you look across the Amphitheatre and the sheer North and South Walls, where one wall glows orange and the other sits in shadow. Carry your three litres of water: the rangers mean it.

After lunch it's about three hours back to Yulara, with the rest of the afternoon and evening yours. You can watch the sun set on Uluru a second time from a different spot, for free, or book an extra. Field of Light by artist Bruce Munro spreads more than 50,000 solar-powered lights across the desert. Wintjiri Wiru tells an Anangu story in the sky with more than a thousand drones, and you can see some of it from the horizon at camp. There are also camel rides at the camel farm, where visiting the camels themselves costs nothing, and an Outback Sky Tour. Dinner is back at camp, with one last night under a desert sky.

Overnight: Yulara (permanent eco tent)

DAY 4: YULARA AND HOME

No early alarm today. Breakfast is at camp, then a ten-minute transfer to Desert Gardens Hotel or Ayers Rock Airport, the only airport in the park area, depending on your flight. If you fly out later, leave your bags at Desert Gardens and wander Ayers Rock Resort, where the Anangu Lawn Gallery and the souvenir shops sell local art, before the free shuttle takes you to the airport.

Map

Good to know

Meeting point: If your flight arrives before 1pm, meet your guide at Desert Gardens Hotel at 1:45pm (Outback Lodge at 1:40pm); the free airport shuttle runs from the terminal. If it arrives between 1pm and 1:40pm, meet your guide outside Ayers Rock Airport at 2pm. Don't book flights arriving after 1:40pm, as you won't be able to join the tour. Give your flight details when booking.
Finishes: Desert Gardens Hotel or Ayers Rock Airport, about 9am on day 4.
Minimum age: Not suitable for children 4 and under.
Fitness: 3 out of 5 — an average level of fitness.
Dietary needs: No pork, no dairy, vegetarian, vegan and gluten-free options are available if requested when booking. Requests can't be taken once the trip has started, and religious diets or specially sourced produce can't be catered for.
Please note: Luggage is one soft bag or backpack up to 15 kg plus a day pack; no hard suitcases. Medical facilities may be hard to reach, so give full details of any conditions or medication when booking. International travellers must show proof of travel insurance on day 1. Minimum group of 8.

What to bring

Water bottles to carry 3 litres — required for the Kings Canyon Rim Walk
Lightweight, breathable clothing
Long-sleeved shirts and long pants for sun protection
Warm layers, puffer jacket, gloves and beanie for winter nights (down to 0°C in June to August)
Comfortable closed-in hiking shoes
Hat, sunglasses and sunscreen
Torch or headlamp
Power bank and chargers
Toiletries, insect repellent and personal medication
Day pack
Optional: fly head net and ear plugs

What is included

3 breakfasts, 2 lunches and 3 dinners
All-terrain 4WD vehicle with a local guide
3 nights in permanent eco tents at campsites with shared facilities
Uluru and Kata Tjuta National Park entry
Uluru Cultural Centre
Kings Canyon Rim Walk
Ewings Lookout and the sunset viewing area
Multilingual audio guide (French, German, Japanese, Korean or Spanish)
Final-day transfer to Desert Gardens Hotel or Ayers Rock Airport

Not included

Optional activities such as Field of Light, camel tours, Wintjiri Wiru and the Outback Sky Tour
Lunch on day 1
Travel insurance (compulsory for international travellers)

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

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.

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 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.