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Dingo: Complete itinerary

Hiking around Ayers Rock, the Olgas & Kings Canyon · True Blue Aussie BBQ · Sunrise & Sunset over Ayers Rock · Sumptuous Northern Territory Feast · Optional: Scenic Flight, Camel Ride or Aboriginal Cultural Experience

Monday - Arrive Yulara & hike around Ayers Rock

If you've always dreamed of visiting Ayers Rock, then here is your chance! Most international flights arrive into either Brisbane or Sydney on the East Coast of Australia. Then the majority of flights from the coast arrive at Yulara by 2pm. Yulara is the closest town to Ayers Rock, or Uluru as it is known to Anangu, the local native people.

After some lunch, you'll visit the world's largest monolith, Uluru, which, at 2.5 miles long and rising over 1000 feet above the surrounding sand scrubland, literally has to be seen to be believed! It is thought that only a small portion of it is actually visible, with another 3.5 miles beneath the surface . Uluru is of deep cultural significance to the local Anangu people, and there are many opportunities whilst in the area to delve into the aboriginal culture. We'll hike around the base of the famous monolith, exploring its mysterious formations and Aboriginal art sites up close. You'll also have the option to hike to the top of Uluru, although the local Anangu people would prefer that you view their most sacred site only from afar. As the sun sets over the desert, we'll settle down to watch the magnificent color changes that occur across the face of the rock at this time of day, as we enjoy a true blue Aussie BBQ. Depending on the atmospheric conditions, the rock can dramatically change color, anything from blue to glowing red!

ACCOMMODATION: Outback Pioneer Hotel and Lodge, Yulara (L,D)

Tuesday - Uluru Options & the Olgas

Although Yulara is a small remote place there's plenty to do in the area. So this morning you'll have a free morning to do whatever you choose - you might like to take a scenic flight or helicopter ride over the surrounding desert area, or perhaps even try your hand at a camel ride! If you'd prefer to experience more of the Aboriginal culture we can also arrange that too.

This afternoon we'll head into the outback to see more of Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park. We'll be visiting the Olgas, or Kata Tjuta, as they are known by the local Anangu people. This collection of smaller, more rounded monoliths is less well known, but is equally impressive. Some people find them more captivating than Uluru itself. Kata Tjuta means "many heads" and they also have deep spiritual significance. We can explore the Kata Tjuta and hike Valley of the Winds, the main gorge which separates the two largest monoliths, before heading back to our accommodation to relax amongst the spectacular desert stars, and look for the Southern Cross and other southern constellations.

ACCOMMODATION: Outback Pioneer Hotel and Lodge, Yulara (B,L,D)

Wednesday - Hiking at Kings Canyon

This morning we'll have an early start as we head to Kings Canyon - Australia's version of the Grand Canyon - and one of the most beautiful sites in the whole of the Red Centre. We'll be spending most of the day doing a magnificent hike in and around Kings Canyon's sheer walls, rims & domes. We'll visit such areas as the "Lost City", a series of weathered buttresses which look like the ruins of an ancient city, and the lush palm tree lined "Garden of Eden". Take a dip in a nearby lake (or "watering hole" as it's known to the locals) to cool off. We'll then head back to our accommodation for our final night in the Red Centre - a sumptuous Northern Territory feast of barramundi, kangaroo, emu and bush salad.

ACCOMMODATION: Kings Canyon Resort, Kings Canyon (B,L,D)

Thursday - Kings Canyon - Yulara

This morning we head to one of our favorite billabongs, near Kings Canyon. It's warm enough all year around, so it's always a nice spot for a swim - and is a last chance to soak up the desert ambience before we head back to Yulara in time for mid-afternoon flights to the East Coast and elsewhere. Your trip to Australia's spectacular Red Centre will have been an other-worldly affair, and you'll have seen an area unique to Australia and indeed the world. (B,L)

IMPORTANT DETAILS

ACCOMMODATIONS: The Dingo is an activity-oriented trip around the Red Centre of Australia. There are not many accommodations to choose from out here, but we think you'll find the places we've chosen to be pretty comfortable. They're definitely off-the-beaten-track but they still have all the modern conveniences such as air-conditioning and ensuite bathrooms. You'll love the places we stay!

PICKUP INFORMATION: On the first day of the trip we can either pick you up from the Voyages Hotel at 1.30pm, or at Ayers Rock airport at 1pm.

DROP OFF INFORMATION: On the last day of the trip we can drop you off at Yulara airport in time for flights departing after midday, or anywhere in Yulara if you are staying on here after the Dingo ends.

FITNESS : You must have a reasonable level of fitness to enjoy yourself on the Dingo . You don't have to be young and extremely fit (although if you are, you won't be bored) but you should be in the habit of doing at least some exercise. Age and experience are not important. We would rather have a person in her 50s who hikes every couple of weeks than a 22-year-old couch potato! If you're concerned about your fitness level, have a chat with us so we can help you choose between the Dingo and our other trips.

EXPERIENCE : You don't have to have any outdoor experience at all to take our trips because we help you make the most of Australia's amazing outdoor environment. Our staff are highly trained and very experienced outdoor guides, and we will look after you! All we ask is that you are energetic, enthusiastic, and in reasonable shape, and we guarantee you'll have an incredible time. We manage the level of commitment to suit your experience, and we have an impeccable safety record. We hold all relevant government licenses.

FLEXIBILITY : Because of the off-the-beaten-path and non-commercial nature of the places we stay, we may need to change a night stop. We try to make as few changes as possible, but retain the flexibility to make sure your trip is as good as it can be. Some of our activities are weather dependent and if it's a choice between safety and an activity, your safety will always come first. In these cases we'll have a suitable alternate activity.

INCLUDED : The trip fare is US$1299 + applicable taxes and fees. We quote all prices in US dollars, so our guests from all over the world can more easily relate prices to their own currencies. The trip fare includes just about everything, specifically:

•  All guiding services. We operate with small groups, and we don't hesitate to offer a second departure when our trips start getting full. (Click here to read what our previous clients have said about their guides)

•  Comfortable accommodations for the entire period you are with us (see "Accommodations" above). We can organize extra accommodation for you, if you want to arrive earlier or leave later.

•  All your meals (as indicated), except where we've found people prefer to check out the wide range of local restaurants. (B,L,D) means breakfast, lunch & dinner included. Alcohol is not generally included, although we do spring for a few drinks here and there!

•  All activities as described in the itinerary, except optional extra activities, such as the desert camel riding . We have estimated the rates for optional extra activities run by local operators in US dollars, but these rates may vary according to the USD/AUD exchange rate of the day. There are many optional activities available at extra cost along the way - just ask your guide. None of these activities are compulsory, and nor will your trip seem less awesome if you do the more budget options. Although some people enjoy sampling the optional extras , others prefer to focus more on the hiking which is of course the reason you've chosen the Dingo in the first place!

•  All specialized equipment required for all activities - please refer to our gear list for further details.

We'll see you soon!

Itinerary valid though April 2007