OVERVIEW

Solos Only

Northern Territory (Red Centre) Solo Travel Tours

If you’re looking for a more vivid, ‘up close and personal’ Northern Territory experience, this small group tour is a great way to discover our impressive Red Centre. 

Uluru & Kings Canyon Small Group Tour | Northern Territory | Ayers Rock Resort Stay

Australia’s Red Centre is one of the most iconic and spiritually significant landscapes in the country. On this small group journey we explore the heart of the Northern Territory, staying at Ayers Rock Resort near Uluru and venturing deep into the desert landscapes of Kings Canyon.

Over several unforgettable days we experience the highlights of Uluru–Kata Tjuta National Park, witness spectacular outback sunsets and sunrises, and explore the dramatic canyon scenery of Watarrka National Park. Along the way there are cultural insights, unique desert experiences and the opportunity to truly appreciate the scale and beauty of the Australian outback.

This is a small group experience, exclusively for solo travellers.

PACKAGE DETAILS
  • Ages:
    45+
  • Duration:
    6 Days
  • Status:
    Early preview
  • Region:
    AustraliaNZPacific
  • Destinations:
    Australia
  • Travel Style:
    Discovery
  • Accommodation:
    Quality hotels
  • Prices from:
    AUD$T.B.A own room
  • Transport:
    Private coach
  • Pace:
    2
  • Max Group Size:
    maximum 18
REVIEWS

'My holiday to the Red Centre was a very humbling experience.  This holiday exceeded all my expectations.  Being my first holiday as a solo traveller I was apprehensive, now I have had the experience I recommend it.'

Sue, 51, Kyogle, NSW

'This trip was such a great adventure. The tour guide was absolutely brilliant and informative. The whole group got along famously even though there was a large age range! It was certainly one of the best experiences I've ever had!'

Lisa, 45, Coolum Beach, QLD
VIEW ALL REVIEWS REQUEST A QUOTE > NEED MORE HELP?
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INCLUSIONS

ACCOMMODATION & MEALS

  • 5 nights superior accommodations
  • Daily breakfast
  • 2 lunches
  • 4 dinners including highlight experiences

SIGHTSEEING & GUIDES

  • A private driver-guide (Coach Captain)
  • Sightseeing as specified by the itinerary; 
    Uluru–Kata Tjuta National Park touring
    Kings Canyon touring including Creek Bed Walk
    Karrke Aboriginal cultural experience
    Wintjiri Wiru sunset experience
    Field of Light sunrise experience

TRAVEL

  • Private air conditioned vehicle for the group
  • Overland return travel Uluru to Kings Canyon 

ADDITIONAL SERVICES

  • Small group, not more than 18 travellers
  • Complimentary airport shuttle transfers at Ayers Rock Resort

Comprehensive travel insurance is a mandatory requirement for joining this tour and is in addition to the package price.

Not included: 

  • Airfares to/from Ayers Rock (unless requested)
  • Airport transfers unless specified
  • Travel insurance
  • Excess baggage
  • Visa fees if applicable
  • Any tips or porterage at airports, hotels, drivers & local staff
  • Meals and beverages not specified on itinerary
  • Items of a personal nature such as laundry & medical expenses
  • Incidental expenses such as taxi fares, telecommunications

 

Departure Dates for this tour

Departure
Status
Price from
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3 - 8 MAY 2027
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Trip Code: red27-5

Itinerary

Highlights

  • Discover the iconic landscapes of Australia’s Red Centre
  • Witness the changing colours of Uluru at sunset with drinks and nibbles
  • Explore Uluru–Kata Tjuta National Park and learn about Anangu culture
  • Walk through the towering domes of Kata Tjuta and Walpa Gorge
  • Experience the spectacular Wintjiri Wiru drone storytelling experience
  • See the magical Field of Light installation at sunrise
  • Journey across desert landscapes to Kings Canyon and explore the canyon floor
  • Enjoy an unforgettable outback evening at the Sounds of Silence dinner

 

DAY 1

Arrive Ayers Rock (Uluru)

Welcome to the Red Centre. On arrival at Ayers Rock Airport, take the complimentary shuttle transfer to our hotel at Ayers Rock Resort. 

After check-in, the afternoon is free to relax and settle into the desert surroundings. You may wish to explore some of the complimentary cultural activities offered around the resort, including art galleries and local experiences. 

Later this afternoon we head into Uluru–Kata Tjuta National Park. Visit the Cultural Centre to learn about the traditions and stories of the Anangu people, the Traditional Owners of this land. 

As the day draws to a close, we make our way to a sunset viewing area to witness the incredible colour changes of Uluru as the sun dips below the horizon. Enjoy drinks and nibbles while taking in this unforgettable outback setting. 

This evening we gather together for a welcome dinner at the hotel restaurant. 

Meals: Dinner

 

SNAPSHOT – WHAT’S INCLUDED:

  • Arrival day at Ayers Rock Resort
  • Visit to the Uluru–Kata Tjuta Cultural Centre
  • Uluru sunset viewing with drinks and nibbles
  • Welcome dinner with the group 

FREE TIME EXTRAS:

  • Resort cultural activities and art galleries

 

DAY 2

Uluru & Kata Tjuta Touring

After breakfast we set out to explore more of the iconic landscapes surrounding Uluru. 

Our morning includes touring around the base of Uluru, where we discover culturally significant sites and hear stories of Tjukurpa, the traditional law and creation stories of the Anangu people. We visit locations such as Mutitjulu Waterhole and Kantju Gorge, where ancient rock formations and sacred sites reveal the deep cultural significance of the area.

There will be time to return to the hotel around midday with a break for lunch at your leisure. 

This afternoon we travel to the spectacular Kata Tjuta (the Olgas), a group of massive domed rock formations that rise dramatically from the desert plains. Here we walk through Walpa Gorge, following a natural creek bed between two towering domes. 

As evening approaches we experience one of the region’s newest attractions, Wintjiri Wiru, an immersive storytelling experience combining lights, music and drone technology set against the desert landscape. Enjoy sunset drinks and a gourmet picnic hamper while the story unfolds in the night sky. 

Meals: Breakfast, Dinner 

SNAPSHOT – WHAT’S INCLUDED:

  • Uluru base touring
  • Visit to Mutitjulu Waterhole and Kantju Gorge
  • Walk through Walpa Gorge at Kata Tjuta
  • Wintjiri Wiru sunset experience with picnic dining 

FREE TIME EXTRAS:

  • Lunch at Ayers Rock Resort

 

DAY 3 

Ayers Rock to Kings Canyon

After breakfast we depart Uluru and travel overland through the vast desert landscapes of the Red Centre toward Kings Canyon.

Along the way we stop at Mount Connor Lookout, often nicknamed “Fooluru” because of its resemblance to Uluru, for a photo opportunity and a chance to appreciate the scale of the outback scenery. 

We continue to Kings Creek Station for a light lunch before travelling onward to Kings Canyon Resort.

Later this afternoon we enjoy an easy Creek Bed Walk at Kings Canyon. This relaxed walk follows the canyon floor for around two kilometres, offering impressive views of the towering canyon walls from below.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch 

SNAPSHOT – WHAT’S INCLUDED:

  • Scenic drive through the Red Centre
  • Mount Connor lookout stop
  • Light lunch at Kings Creek Station
  • Kings Canyon Creek Bed Walk

 

DAY 4

Kings Canyon

An early start today offers the opportunity to take on the Kings Canyon Rim Walk, one of the most spectacular walks in Central Australia. This challenging walk climbs to the top of the canyon, revealing breathtaking views over sandstone cliffs, domes and deep chasms. Along the way you’ll discover highlights such as the Garden of Eden and the weathered formations known as the Lost City.

Guests who prefer a slower pace may enjoy a relaxed morning at the resort.

This afternoon we take part in an immersive cultural experience with Karrke Aboriginal Cultural Tours, learning about bush tucker, bush medicines and traditional artefacts while gaining insight into the culture and knowledge of the local Luritja and Pertame people.

Later we gather for dinner at the resort restaurant. 

Meals: Breakfast, Dinner 

SNAPSHOT – WHAT’S INCLUDED:

  • Optional Kings Canyon Rim Walk
    • Time to relax at Kings Canyon Resort
    • Karrke Aboriginal cultural experience
    • Group dinner at the resort

DAY 5

Kings Canyon to Ayers Rock

After breakfast we depart Kings Canyon and journey back across the desert landscape toward Ayers Rock Resort. 

On arrival there is time to relax or choose from optional activities available around the resort. 

This evening we enjoy a memorable highlight experience — the Sounds of Silence Dinner. Watch the sunset over Uluru while enjoying canapés and drinks, followed by a bush-tucker inspired dinner under the desert sky. The evening concludes with stargazing and stories of the southern night sky. 

Meals: Breakfast, Dinner 

SNAPSHOT – WHAT’S INCLUDED:

  • Scenic drive across the Red Centre
    • Return to Ayers Rock Resort
    • Sounds of Silence desert dinner experience
    • Stargazing and didgeridoo performance 

FREE TIME EXTRAS:

  • Optional camel ride experience
  • Optional scenic helicopter flight 

 

DAY 6

Field of Light & Depart Ayers Rock

Before dawn we return to the desert for a magical experience at the Field of Light installation by artist Bruce Munro. 

Wander among the 50,000 glowing spheres that illuminate the desert landscape before making your way to a raised viewing area to watch the sunrise over Uluru.

After returning to the hotel for breakfast, check out and take the complimentary shuttle transfer to Ayers Rock Airport for your onward flight.

Meals: Breakfast 

SNAPSHOT – WHAT’S INCLUDED:

  • Field of Light experience at sunrise
    • Sunrise viewing over Uluru
    • Return breakfast at the hotel
    • Complimentary resort transfer to the airport

 

View Full Itinerary

ACCOMMODATION

NORTHERN TERRITORY HOTELS

Destination

Hotel Name

Star Rating

   

Kings Canyon

Kings Canyon Resort (standard room)

4 Star

Ayers Rock

Desert Gardens Ayers Rock Resort (garden room)

4 Star

Hotels may be subject to change, due to circumstances outside of our control. Should this occur, a hotel of a similar standard will be provided.

Desert Gardens Ayers Rock

Desert Gardens Ayers Rock Resort

1 Yularra Drive, Yulara NT 0872
Tel: 02 8296 8010

Accommodation options are diverse from deluxe rock view rooms to shady poolside rooms all located under a canopy of towering gum trees and garden beds dotted with native flowers. Learning about Australia's native fauna and traditional Indigenous bush foods will awaken an appetite to uncover Desert Gardens Hotel's restaurants and bars. White Gums Restaurant helps prepare you for the day with an interactive buffet breakfast, while lunch served on Bunya Bar's terrace comes with a side of total relaxation. Argnuli Grill's Red Centre inspired a la carte grill menu provides a perfect ending to the day.

Check in: from 3pm                            
Check out: by 10am

Kings Canyon Resort

Luritja Rd, Petermann NT 0872
Tel: 08 8956 7442

Kings Canyon Hotel is the Oasis in the outback. Their signature restaurant, Desert Oasis Bistro, services a selection of light meals, beverages and snacks in a relaxed outback setting. Naturally the Thirsty Dingo Bar is always popular for a cool beverage after your day out at the canyon.

Check in: from 3pm                            
Check out: by 10am

 

Hotel descriptions are taken from the hotel website and edited to suit our page.


More About Accommodation

GETTING THERE

Starts In: Alice Springs, Australia
Ends In: Ayers Rock, Australia

Start and end destinations are the travel points to arrive to and depart from to join your holiday.

First Day Information
We have group pre dinner drinks meet up followed by dinner. Expect commencement time around 6:30PM (advised at time documents issued)

Final Day Information
Tour ends after hotel check out. Ayers Rock Resort provides airport transfers. 

Hotel Check In/Out Times
Consider the hotel check in time on arrival and the hotel check out time on departure. If you arrive prior to the check in time, the hotel will store your luggage until the check in time and can also store your luggage until you are ready to depart for your onward journey.  Hotel checkout time is 10am. If you have a flight later that day the hotel will be happy to store your luggage. Ayers Rock Resort (various hotels including Desert Gardens Hotel) offers airport transfers for guests. Liaise with reception at your hotel prior to departure.

AIRPORT TRANSFERS
By your own arrangement. See MORE INFORMATION details on our website.  

FLIGHT INFORMATION
As an Australian travel company we can provide flight assistance for flights originating from Australia. If joining the tour from outside Australia we recommend making your own flight arrangements or to use the service of a travel advisor located within your country of residence for access to best fares.

If making your own flight arrangements, we require a copy of your flight itinerary. Although transfers are not provided this information is provided to hotels for approximating your arrival time. It also assists if there are unexpected flight delays which impacts your arrival time and/or ability to join the tour or check into the hotel as expected.

VISA/ENTRY INFORMATION
See 'VISA/ENTRY' information in our MORE INFORMATION section below.

DETAILS

Read on for other key trip information that you should know before you decide on joining the group.

TRIP AVAILABILITY
If this trip seems right for you then we encourage you to book early and secure your place with a deposit.  Tour space is limited. Also, many services on this tour must be booked well in advance. To ensure your place, please check trip availability at your earliest convenience.

FELLOW TRAVELLERS  ‘SOLOS ONLY’
You will enjoy this small  group experience with a maximum group size of 18 travellers. This tour is exclusively for single-solo travellers. Should group size finalise with less than 10 travellers the Palm Valley 4WD day out will be shared with other passengers not with Encounter Travel.

THE PACE  [2 out of 5]
A leisurely to moderately paced tour. You will see a lot on this tour and cover a lot of ground. There are some walks on this tour that are easy paced. Travellers of 75 years or over will be required to return a Fit to Travel form that is completed by their doctor. 

Touring is always most enjoyed when you have a good level of fitness. A minimum average level of fitness is recommended for this tour.  If you are joining the tour we recommend that on the months leading up to the tour, that you exercise regularly, at least a few times a week, such as taking brisk walks for at least 40 minutes at a time.

See MORE INFO > General Information for more about fitness.

ABOUT THE MEALS   
A daily full breakfast is included at each hotel of stay.

Are you a flexitarian?
If you have dietary requirements, please advise if it is due to allergies or for medical reasons or if it is a personal preference and if you are flexible. Dietary requirements will limit choices. If a dietary requirement is not essential due to medical reasons and you are a flexitarian, then we recommend that you exclude your personal preferences if not necessary to provide more options with the meal choices.

Lunches and Dinners
It is regular for most of our trips that we include welcome and farewell dinners for our groups. In addition, we include other group dining experiences to ensure that everyone can enjoy the benefit of travelling and dining as a group.  There’s nothing better than to share a meal with new friends and discuss the day’s adventures.  The dinners included will be set courses or buffets. The lunches included are Ploughman lunches (or the equivalent).

COACH CAPTAIN/DRIVER-GUIDE
This is a private group tour with one driver-guide, leading the group. The trip suits an independent style traveller, content with travelling without the additional services of a tour escort. Your driver-guide will share their knowledge of this part of our Red Centre and give direction on daily meeting times.

TRANSPORT
Private, air-conditioned transport for our group on a coach. The coach size will be determined by the final group number. For the visit to Palm Valley, a purpose built 4WD vehicle is used.

LUGGAGE INFORMATION AND RESTRICTIONS 
Vehicle Luggage Allowance

This is restricted to one medium size suitcase per person not exceeding 23kg (50lbs) in weight and 76x46x25 cm (28 .5x19.5x10”) in dimension. 

Please note: these allowances are for coach travel only and may differ from your airline luggage allowances. Please check with the airlines for weight and size restrictions on your luggage.

Hand Luggage Allowance
Hand luggage should be one piece per person and small and light enough to fit under your coach seat or in the small overhead compartment. If luggage does not fit comfortably in the overhead luggage racks, it will be stored in the coach luggage compartment whilst in transit. Please note that luggage with adjustable handle and wheels will not fit in the overhead compartments and cannot be accepted as hand luggage. 

ABOUT MOBILE PHONE USE / INTERNET  
Free wifi is available on the coach, please keep in mind that you will be travelling in remote areas and may not be accessible at all times.

The hotels offer free wifi except for Kings Canyon Resort, this will be at an additional cost.

TRAVELLER REVIEWS

'My holiday to the Red Centre was a very humbling experience.  This holiday exceeded all my expectations.  Being my first holiday as a solo traveller I was apprehensive, now I have had the experience I recommend it.'

Sue, 51, Kyogle, NSW

'This trip was such a great adventure. The tour guide was absolutely brilliant and informative. The whole group got along famously even though there was a large age range! It was certainly one of the best experiences I've ever had!'

Lisa, 45, Coolum Beach, QLD

'Fantastic, well organised tour with a great group of people. Highly recommend Encounter Travel.'

Deb, 55, Wamberal, NSW
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