Red Centre & Uluru Explorer
from $3165
Duration: 6 Days
Spend six days exploring the best of Australia’s Red Centre on a culturally rich and naturally wonderful small group adventure. From Yulara, admire Uluru at a number of times during the day, seeing the colour of this sacred rock change as day turns to night. Explore the depths of Kings Canyon, Kata Tjuta National Park and the West MacDonnell Ranges, stopping by gorges and pristine waterholes for a walk and swim. With First Nations culture, comfortable accommodation and a knowledgeable leader, this Red Centre adventure is the whole package.
  • Take part in a Welcome or Acknowledgement of Country at the beginning of your adventure to recognise the land of the Anangu – the First Nations custodians of this area.
  • See the sacred wonder of Uluru at multiple angles and at different points of the day. Embark on a walk around its base, and enjoy a spread of locally sourced produce at sunset, watching the rock change as dusk breaks.
  • Gaze up at the constellations on a special stargazing experience and bush tucker dinner. The night sky comes alive in the Red Centre, with no pollution to impede your view.
  • Tour a wide range of landscapes around the Red Centre, including the West MacDonnell Ranges and Kings Canyon.
  • Hike through the otherworldly Walpa Gorge and to several viewpoints for spectacular vistas of Kata-Tjuta, the towering domes that form something akin to a forest of rounded rocks.
  • Uluru - Uluru Sunset with Snacks
  • Uluru - Outback BBQ Dinner
  • Kata Tjuta - Walpa Gorge Walk
  • Uluru - Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park pass
  • Kings Canyon - Kings Canyon sunset viewing
  • Uluru - Base Walk
  • Uluru - Uluru Sunrise
  • Uluru - Uluru-Kata Tjuta Cultural Centre
  • Watarrka National Park - Karrke Aboriginal Cultural Experience (except Nov-Jan))
  • Watarrka National Park - Kings Canyon Rim Walk
  • Tjoritja-West Macdonnell National Park - Ellery Creek Big Hole
  • Tjoritja-West Macdonnell National Park - Ormiston Gorge
  • Day 1 Location: Yulara (or Alice Springs) / Uluru
    Welcome to Yulara, located on Anangu land in the red centre of Australia. You are welcome to arrive at any time today before an important welcome meeting at 5pm, where you will meet your local leader and fellow travellers. Alternatively you can join this trip in Alice Springs. Please see below for details. Although being deep in the outback, Yulara is surprisingly accessible, with flights arriving from major Australian cities. As part of your meeting your leader, or when available, a First Nations guide, will present a Welcome or Acknowledgement of Country. This practice occurs all across Australia to understand and recognise the land that you find yourself on – land of immense significance to First Nations communities. Reconvene with your crew for a memorable sunset viewing of Uluru and take the time to understand the importance of this sacred rock to the local Anangu people. Later, spend the night enjoying an Outback barbecue dinner under the stars, then maybe swap stories sitting around the campfire. There's the option to sleep under the stars in a swag for a true Aussie experience, or otherwise, enjoy a comfortable permanent tented room with a bed and light.
    Day 2 Location: Kata Tjuta / Uluru / Yulara
    Rise and shine nice and early for some spectacular sunrise viewing as you make your way to Kata Tjuta, where you’ll embark on the Walpa Gorge walk. Sandstone cliffs rise high above as you continue through the gorge, shrouded by shadows and full of First Nations history. Walpa Gorge is also one of the few places in Kata Tjuta where you might see kanyaḻa, or common wallaroo hopping around the domes. Return to camp for lunch. Enjoy some free time in the afternoon – perhaps book yourself on an outback ride on a bike or a camel through the Resort. Tonight, enjoy your own dinner at one of the on-site restaurants then retire to your accommodation, or for those who have pre-booked, witness the Field of Lights before heading off to bed.
    Day 3 Location: Uluru / Kings Canyon
    Get up with the sun and embark on the base walk around Uluru at sunrise, watching as the colours of the rock shift as night turns to day. No two angles of the sacred monolith are the same and its sheer size will leave you marvelling. Join an Anangu guide for a walk to the beautiful Mutitjulu Waterhole at the base of the rock. Your guide will explain what makes this waterhole sacred while sharing stories of the incredible landscape and its connection to the Anangu people. Afterwards, stop by the Uluru-Kata Tjuta Cultural Centre to continue immersing yourself in First Nations culture. Continue on to Kings Canyon – where you will spend the night. Snack on a packed lunch on the way and enjoy a walk and talk to discover the bush tucker and bush medicines used for spiritual and healing purposes by the Luritja and Pertame (Southern Arrernte) people. When you arrive in Kings Canyon this afternoon, soak up the views and the last of the daylight with the group at the perfectly positioned sunset viewing platform, before your optional dinner tonight.
    Day 4 Location: Kings Canyon / Alice Springs
    Get ready for another day of sun-soaked scenery in Australia’s outback. Join your group for the Kings Canyon rim walk in Watarrka National Park. The walk starts with a difficult climb to the top of the canyon to take in unrivalled views. Admire the marbled red cliffs as they plummet to the forest floor from up above. Discover its Amphitheatre, Lost City, North and South Walls and the surprisingly lush Garden of Eden, which owes its cycads and plant life to a permanent waterhole down in the canyon. After the walk we continue on our way to Alice Springs (Mparntwe in the language of the traditional owners of the land on which Alice Springs is now located). Sit back, relax and watch the desert scenery roll by your window. Once there, perhaps join your travel pals for dinner at a local pub tonight.
    Day 5 Location: West Macdonnell National Park / Alice Springs
    Spend today exploring the outback scenery of Tjoritja - West Macdonnell National Park. Head to Ellery Creek Big Hole and Ormiston Gorge for a swim (or just a toe dip in winter - the water can be freezing cold!) and relax on the beaches by the waterholes, or perhaps take a hike to check out more of the area. These two stops are traveller's favourites – not only for the swimming options available, but the incredible outback scenery that greets you at every turn. In the afternoon, make your way back to Alice Springs and head back to your accommodation in town for your final night.
    Day 6 Location: Alice Springs
    With no activities planned for today, you are free to depart at any time.
    Dates
    Prices
    Availability
    Departure Date:
    09JUL2023
    Return Date:
    14JUL2023
    3495NZD
    available
    Departure Date:
    23JUL2023
    Return Date:
    28JUL2023
    3530NZD
    available
    Departure Date:
    30JUL2023
    Return Date:
    04AUG2023
    3630NZD
    available
    Departure Date:
    13AUG2023
    Return Date:
    18AUG2023
    3630NZD
    available
    Departure Date:
    20AUG2023
    Return Date:
    25AUG2023
    3630NZD
    available
    Departure Date:
    27AUG2023
    Return Date:
    01SEP2023
    3690NZD
    available
    Departure Date:
    17SEP2023
    Return Date:
    22SEP2023
    3460NZD
    available
    Departure Date:
    08OCT2023
    Return Date:
    13OCT2023
    3430NZD
    available
    Departure Date:
    22OCT2023
    Return Date:
    27OCT2023
    3295NZD
    available
    Departure Date:
    29OCT2023
    Return Date:
    03NOV2023
    3295NZD
    available
    Last modified (date)

    04 Jul 2023

    Trip title

    Red Centre & Uluru Explorer

    Trip code

    POKR

    Validity

    Validity: 01 Apr 2023 to 31 Mar 2024

    Introduction

    Spend six days exploring the best of Australia’s Red Centre on a culturally rich and naturally wonderful small group adventure. From Yulara, admire Uluru at a number of times during the day, seeing the colour of this sacred rock change as day turns to night. Explore the depths of Kings Canyon, Kata Tjuta National Park and the West MacDonnell Ranges, stopping by gorges and pristine waterholes for a walk and swim. With First Nations culture, comfortable accommodation and a knowledgeable leader, this Red Centre adventure is the whole package.

    Style

    Original

    Themes

    Explorer

    Transport

    Private vehicle

    Physical Rating

    3

    Physical preparation

    This trip can be enjoyed by just about anyone with a reasonable level of fitness. Some trips may have individual inclusions that may be of a higher physical rating compared to the overall rating of the trip. Please read the day-to-day itinerary carefully to find out more details on each day's activities, and whether they are suitable for you. Activities can be opted out of if you don't want to participate. KINGS CANYON, ULURU & KATA TJUTA This trip includes walks and hikes around the major landmarks of this area. Please read the daily itinerary carefully for details. Walking is the best way to explore these stunning geological features in this otherwise flat landscape, so make sure you bring along comfortable walking shoes.

    Joining point

    Desert Gardens Hotel

    1 Yulara Drive

    Yulara

    AUSTRALIA

    Joining point instructions

    This trip's default start location is at the Desert Gardens Hotel in Yulara, where you will meet your group and your leader. If you are flying into Ayers Rock Airport you can take advantage of the free shuttle bus service to Yulara Resort. This service does not need to be pre-booked. Store your luggage and return in time for the group meeting. If you are flying into Alice Springs you can opt to start your trip there instead with a pick-up in Alice Springs in the morning of day 1 of the trip. This is available as an optional service at an additional cost. Your departure from Alice Springs will be at 9:30am at Stay at Alice Springs Hotel (formerly Aurora Alice Springs). Please speak to your booking agent for more details and to book.

    Finish point

    Desert Palms Hotel

    74 Barrett Drive

    Alice Springs

    AUSTRALIA

    Important information

    SINGLE SUPPLEMENT A single supplement is available if you’d prefer not to share a room on this trip. The single supplement applies to all nights of your trip and is subject to availability. START POINT LOCATION & TIME This trip starts in Yulara with a welcome meeting on Day 1 at 5pm at the reception of Desert Gardens Hotel. For those who would prefer to join the trip from Alice Springs, we offer an arrival transfer to Yulara departing from Alice Springs at 9:30am on Day 1. Please contact us to book this transfer no later than 7 days prior to your trip. FIELD OF LIGHTS This is a popular optional activity enjoyed by many visitors to Uluru and is not included on this trip. To avoid disappointment, ensure you pre-book this activity prior to travel through Ayers Rock Resort. Bookings should be made for Day 2.

    Group leader

    AUSTRALIAN LEADERS All group trips are accompanied by a group leader. In Australia your group leader is often also your driver, taking you from start to finish. The aim of the group leader is to take the hassle out of your travels and to help you have the best trip possible. Your leader will provide information on the places you are travelling through, offer suggestions for things to do and see, as well as recommend great local eating venues. They will also introduce you to our local friends along the way. Please be aware they will be juggling many things on your tour and may have less time to spend with you. They will always be working hard to ensure you and your group have a fantastic time exploring Australia.

    Safety

    Most national governments provide regularly updated foreign travel advice on safety issues involved with international travel. We recommend that you check your government's advice for their latest travel information before departure and ensure that your travel insurance covers you for all destinations and activities on your trip. Please refer to our website's safety page for links to major travel advisories and updates on safety issues affecting our trips here: https://www.intrepidtravel.com/travel-alerts We strongly recommend the use of a neck wallet or money belt while travelling, for the safe-keeping of your passport, flight tickets, cash and other valuable items. Leave your jewellery at home - you won't need it while travelling. Many of our hotels have safety deposit boxes, which is the most secure way of storing your valuables. A lock is recommended for securing your luggage. Your leader will accompany you on all included activities, however, during your trip you'll have some free time to pursue your own interests or relax and take it easy. While your leader will assist you with the available options in a given location, please note that any optional activities you undertake are not part of your Intrepid itinerary, and Intrepid makes no representations about the safety of the activity or the standard of the operators running them. Please use your own good judgement when selecting an activity in your free time. Please also note that your Leader has the authority to amend or cancel any part of the trip itinerary if it's deemed necessary due to safety concerns. Intrepid's operational safety policies can be viewed on our website at the link below. We recommend that you take a moment to read through this information before travelling, and would appreciate any feedback on how safety is being managed on our trips.

    https://www.intrepidtravel.com/safety-guidelines

    REMOTE AREA TRAVEL We carry a satellite phone on all our remote/overland trips to be used by our leaders in the event of an emergency and for your safety. Our leaders are all First Aid trained and certified.

    Communications

    PHONE COVERAGE & WIFI In remote areas of Australia travelling even a small distance from populated areas will see phone coverage drop off dramatically. The extent of coverage will depend on your phone provider. If you are spending longer in Australia it might be a good idea to purchase a local SIM card. Telstra and Optus deliver better coverage in rural and regional areas, while Vodafone can be very patchy. Wifi is common at accommodations in urban areas of Australia, but many of the more remote properties may not offer this service, and some properties may charge a fee for usage.

    Visas

    PASSPORT You’ll need a valid passport to travel internationally and most countries require your passport to have a minimum of 6 months validity, so remember to check the expiry date. We need your passport information to get everything ready for your trip so it’s important that the information on your booking matches your passport exactly. Please take care to provide the correct details. We recommend carrying a copy of the photo page of your passport while travelling and leaving a copy at home with family or friends. VISAS Many countries require a visa and obtaining the correct visa is your responsibility. We recommend you check your visa requirements as soon as you have booked your trip. This will ensure you have time to prepare your documents and for your visa application to be processed. Entry requirements can change and are different depending on your nationality. Please refer to your government's foreign travel advisories, the consular websites for the countries you’re travelling to and those you may transit through. Always follow visa advice from official websites; not all visa information found online may be valid. You can also head to Intrepid’s Entry & Health requirement page to get the latest information on travel documents and visa requirements, plus local government COVID-19 vaccination and quarantine policies: https://www.intrepidtravel.com/au/visa-health-requirements All travellers, except New Zealand citizens, must obtain a visa or travel authority before travelling to Australia. Failure to do so means you may not be allowed to board your flight to Australia. Most nationalities can obtain an Electronic Travel Authority via the internet before arrival. Please check the following website or with your relevant Australian visa issuing office for your nationalities requirements. http://www.eta.immi.gov.au/ Please see here for the most up to date COVID-19 information about travelling to and within the Northern Territory, including any current border restrictions: https://coronavirus.nt.gov.au/travel/quarantine

    Why we love it

    Take part in a Welcome or Acknowledgement of Country at the beginning of your adventure to recognise the land of the Anangu – the First Nations custodians of this area.

    See the sacred wonder of Uluru at multiple angles and at different points of the day. Embark on a walk around its base, and enjoy a spread of locally sourced produce at sunset, watching the rock change as dusk breaks.

    Gaze up at the constellations on a special stargazing experience and bush tucker dinner. The night sky comes alive in the Red Centre, with no pollution to impede your view.

    Tour a wide range of landscapes around the Red Centre, including the West MacDonnell Ranges and Kings Canyon.

    Hike through the otherworldly Walpa Gorge and to several viewpoints for spectacular vistas of Kata-Tjuta, the towering domes that form something akin to a forest of rounded rocks.

    Is this trip right for you

    For the first two nights of this trip, your accommodation is in a permanent tented camp. This isn't the most basic camping experience, as you'll have beds with bedding and linen, electricity, and cooling fans inside your tent. Please note that facilities are shared with others at the campsite, including toilets and shower blocks, which are a short walk from where we camp. If you are looking for a shorter, camping-only trip, you might like to consider our 3 day Uluru & Kings Canyon Express, or 4 day Uluru & Kings Canyon Adventure. Search for trip codes PZRU & PZRC on our website. Temperatures in the Red Centre can be extreme. During the day the weather can be very hot (and the Australian sun is very strong) so please bring appropriate clothing, use sun protection and drink plenty of water. In the evenings temperatures really drop, so bring base layers and warm clothing, including to sleep in. On some days of the trip, you’ll spend many hours driving through very sparse areas of Australia. Sit back and enjoy landscapes that you would miss in any other form of travel. Think of it as a great way to get to know your fellow travellers. The drive days can be long, but it’s as much about the journey as the destination, and half the fun is the camaraderie.

    Health

    GENERAL HEALTH All travellers need to be in good physical health in order to participate fully on this trip. When selecting your trip please make sure you have read through the itinerary carefully and assess your ability to manage and enjoy our style of travel. Please note that if in the opinion of our group leader or local guide any traveller is unable to complete the itinerary without undue risk to themselves and/or the rest of the group, we reserve the right to exclude them from all or part of a trip without refund. You should consult your doctor for up-to-date medical travel information or for any necessary vaccinations before departure. We recommend that you carry a first aid kit as well as any personal medical requirements in their original packaging as they may not easily be obtained while travelling. COVID-19 The safety and wellbeing of our travellers, leaders, crew, staff, and suppliers continues to remain our highest priority as we travel. You can read more about how we will keep you safe on our trips, including our COVID-19 Health & Safety Guidelines here: https://www.intrepidtravel.com/safe-travels VACCINATION POLICY From 1 January 2023, Intrepid will no longer require travellers to provide proof of vaccination against COVID-19 for this trip. However, we continue to strongly recommend that all travellers get vaccinated to protect themselves and others. Specific proof of testing or vaccination may still be required by your destination or airline. Please ensure you check travel and entry requirements carefully. For more information, including a detailed FAQ about this policy, please visit https://www.intrepidtravel.com/covid19. HEALTH SCREENING If you are unwell prior to travelling, please stay at home and contact us to make alternative arrangements. From 1 January 2023, Intrepid will no longer require travellers to complete a self-screening health form at the group meeting for this trip. If you are displaying any COVID-19 symptoms or have any health concerns during the trip, we will follow the advice of local health authorities to determine whether medical assistance, isolation or further action is required. Travellers who test positive while taking part in an Intrepid trip will need to leave the group for a minimum of five days and may only rejoin the group if presenting as asymptomatic – our team will assist them in arranging a place to self-isolate and any onward journey. It's quite possible that the destination country may have different or more strict protocols than your home country regarding COVID-19. This may include hotel or hospital quarantine or quarantine for the group. Please check your government's travel advice or contact the closest embassies to find out the details. We ask all travellers to continue to monitor their health throughout their travels and report any relevant symptoms to their tour leader. HYDRATION Daytime temperatures across Australia can be extreme from October to March with temperatures over 40C/104F. Even for travellers familiar with these temperatures, it’s easy to become dehydrated. The key point to remember is not to wait until you’re thirsty, but to drink water regularly. Adding an electrolyte solution can aid in replenishing the salts/electrolytes lost when travelling at this time of year.

    Food and dietary requirements

    While travelling with us you'll experience the vast array of wonderful food available in the world. Your group leader will be able to suggest restaurants to try during your trip. To give you the maximum flexibility in deciding where, what and with whom to eat, generally not all meals are included in the trip price. This also gives you more budgeting flexibility. As a rule our groups tend to eat together to enable you to taste a larger variety of dishes and enjoy each other's company. If you have dietary requirements and/or food allergies, please let your booking agent know prior to departure. DIETARY REQUIREMENTS Australia eats multi-culturally. Everything from meat pies to ramen, tacos, curries, rice and pasta are part of the national diet. Vegetarians and vegans are well catered for in Australia and most restaurants and cafes will have a good selection of vegetarian meals. Gluten and lactose-free diets are also well catered for.

    Money matters

    CURRENCY The Australian Dollar (A$ or AUD) is the currency of Australia. CREDIT CARDS Credit and debit cards can be used for purchases in most shops and restaurants. ATMs are common across Australia but may be limited in remote areas. Your leader will advise when this may occur so you can withdraw enough cash in advance. Credit cards in Australia require a PIN rather than a signature and may have a small surcharge for purchases. SPENDING MONEY When it comes to spending money on the trip, every traveller is a little different. You know your spending habits better than we do, so please budget an appropriate amount for things like optional meals, drinks, shopping, optional activities, and laundry. Make sure you have read the itinerary and inclusions thoroughly so you know what is included in the trip price and what you may need to pay for while travelling. TIPPING In Australia, tipping, while appreciated can be the exception rather than the norm. As a guide, tipping is appropriate in a restaurant for a meal (10-15% as a general rule). In a taxi, a cafe or bar, rounding up is acceptable. You can consider tipping your leader for outstanding service throughout your trip. The amount is entirely a personal preference; however as a guideline AU$2-5 per person, per day can be used. Of course you are free to tip more or less as you see fit, depending on your perception of service quality and the length of your trip. Remember, a tip is not compulsory and should only be given when you receive excellent service. CONTINGENCY FUNDS We try to plan for every eventuality, but there are still some things beyond our control. We reserve the right to change an itinerary after departure due to local circumstances or a Force Majeure Event. In such emergency circumstances, the additional cost of any necessary itinerary alterations will be covered by you. Please note we are not responsible for any incidental expenses that may be incurred as a result of the change of itineraries including but not limited to visas, vaccinations or non-refundable flights. Make sure you have access to an extra US$500 for emergencies (e.g. severe weather, natural disasters, civil unrest) or other events that result in unavoidable changes to the itinerary (e.g. transport strikes or cancellations, airport closures). Sometimes these things necessitate last-minute changes to enable our trips to continue to run, and as a result, there may be some extra costs involved. The recommended amount is listed in USD for the relatability of universal travellers, however, local currency may be needed once in the country to cover these costs.

    What to take

    LUGGAGE LIMIT Due to limited vehicle space and strictly enforced road laws regarding weight limits, your main piece of luggage must be soft-sided and weigh no more than 15kg/33lb. You can also bring a day pack/bag to carry water, camera, sunscreen, etc when you’re exploring during the day. Please note that we are unable to carry large suitcases, particularly hard/externally framed suitcases as they are difficult to store and can damage equipment and other travellers' belongings.

    Below are some essential and recommended items for this trip. Please review the ‘Climate and Seasonal Information’ to ensure you pack appropriately for the weather at the time of year you are travelling. ESSENTIALS - Lightweight clothing. You will need to bring a mixture of lightweight clothing and layers. Long shirts and pants are useful to protect against the harsh Australian sun. Clothes should be easy to wash and quick to dry. - Comfortable, sturdy, closed-in shoes. These will help to protect your feet from cuts and scratches when walking through bush/grasslands and will act as a protective barrier in the rare case of a bite or sting. - Sun protection. Wide-brimmed hat, sunscreen, sunglasses. RECOMMENDED - A spare pair of shoes that can get wet, along with two lightweight towels. - A pair of slip-on shoes/sandals that you can carry in your day pack for riding the bus and casual wear. - A headlamp or torch is recommended for around your accommodation at night. - Sleep sheet. If you are travelling during the hotter months you may wish to pack a sleep sheet so you can be comfortable no matter what the weather. - Seasonal sleepwear. It may get very chilly overnight in colder months, so ensure you have something appropriate to sleep in that can keep you warm. - Ear plugs. - Binoculars for spotting wildlife. VALUABLES Try to avoid bringing unnecessary valuables. We strongly recommend that you photocopy all important documents e.g. air tickets, passport, vaccination certificate, etc. and keep the copies separate from the originals. While not valid, a photocopy makes it much easier to obtain replacements if necessary. BATTERIES/POWER Most of our trips have access to power to recharge batteries for phones and cameras every couple of days. There are some days where there is no power at the campsites at all. We always recommend that you carry an extra battery or power bank for your phone/camera just in case. Your vehicle will be equipped with a 12 volt “cigarette lighter” socket which may be used at the crew’s discretion, however, do bear in mind that only one piece of equipment can be charged at a time and it will not be allowed if there is a risk of running the vehicle’s batteries low. Batteries may also be recharged from hotel room wall sockets. Hotels and campsites may have sockets for guests to recharge personal items. MORE! If you need some further tips for packing, you can always check out our ultimate packing list.

    https://www.intrepidtravel.com/packing-list

    WATER BOTTLE Please bring your own water bottle to refill along the way. Although it can be difficult to avoid bottled water when travelling, please use the water dispensers which are provided on some of our vehicles and at some of our accommodation. Your leader will advise whether tap water is safe to drink in your destination and if it is you can simply refill with tap water. When unable to avoid bottled water it is better to buy the largest available and distribute into your smaller bottle for the day. If you are walking or trekking as part of your trip you will need to carry at least 2L of water with you.

    Climate and seasonal

    AUSTRALIAN NATIONAL HOLIDAYS The following national holidays are observed in Australia, which can affect our itinerary as traffic can be extreme, and shops, restaurants and attractions can be closed: New Year's Day (01 January) Good Friday (date varies) Anzac Day (25 April) Christmas Day (25 December) Boxing Day (26 December) CENTRAL AUSTRALIA WEATHER Central Australia, which includes Alice Springs, Uluru and the surrounding desert, has a semi-arid climate. The area experiences large variations in temperature from season to season. Temperatures can be extreme on either side of the scale. They can rise above 40C/104F in summer and can drop below 0C/32F overnight in winter. Make sure you are well prepared no matter the season!

    A couple of rules

    We like to think our Intrepid travellers are all connected by a love of adventure and passion for seeing the world in a different way. We've laid down a few non-negotiable rules to ensure everyone feels connected, comfortable and safe on our trips. We ask that you respect your fellow travellers, group leader, and local people and places we visit in all circumstances. We don't tolerate any forms of violence and expect that you follow the local laws, customs and regulations in any destination we travel to. Any behaviour contrary to the above, including any behaviour that prevents our staff from performing their duty of care or continuing the itinerary as planned, may result in travellers being removed from the trip. If you consume alcohol while travelling, we encourage responsible drinking and expect you to abide by local alcohol laws. To ensure the well-being of everyone on the trip, all decisions made by group leaders and ground staff are final. Romantic relationships between travellers and group leaders are not permitted while on trip. By travelling with us, you agree to comply with these rules and the laws and customs of all countries visited. If something is concerning you during your travels with us, please speak to your group leader or local guide immediately. Alternatively, contact us on the emergency contact number detailed in your Essential Trip Information’s Problems and Emergency Contact section.

    Feedback

    Can’t stop thinking about your adventure? Tell us all about it! We read each piece of feedback carefully and use it to make improvements for travellers like you. Share your experience with us at: http://www.intrepidtravel.com/feedback/

    Emergency contact

    While we always endeavour to provide the best possible holiday experience, due to the nature of travel and the areas we visit sometimes things can and do go wrong. Should any issue occur while you are on your trip, it is imperative that you discuss this with your group leader or our local representative straight away so that they can do their best to rectify the problem and save any potential negative impact on the rest of your trip. We recognise that there may be times when your group leader/local partner may not be able to resolve a situation to your satisfaction - if this is the case, please ask the leader to speak to their direct manager. You may also choose to provide details in your online feedback, which we ask you to complete within 30 days of the end of your trip. Please do be aware that it is very difficult for us to provide any practical help after the trip is completed, so informing us while still travelling will give us the opportunity to resolve the issue in real-time. For general contact details please use the following page: http://www.intrepidtravel.com/ourtrips/contact/ In case of a genuine crisis or emergency, you can reach our local office on the number below: ALL general enquiry must be directed to our reservations team. In case of a GENUINE EMERGENCY, or concerns about a missed pick-up on the day of departure ONLY, please contact our local Operations Team on the number listed below: Intrepid's Local Operator: +61 8 8950 9910

    Responsible travel

    Our Responsible Travel Policy outlines our commitment to preserving the environment, supporting local communities, protecting the vulnerable, and giving back to the places we travel. All our trip leaders, suppliers, and staff are trained on these principles and are core to us delivering sustainable, experience-rich travel. Explore the different parts of our Responsible Travel Policy by visiting: https://www.intrepidtravel.com/responsible-travel RECONCILIATION ACTION PLAN As an Australian-owned business with a vision to change the way people see the world, Intrepid is committed to reconciliation and strengthening relationships between Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and non-Indigenous peoples. While Intrepid might have done a lot to empower communities, businesses and our partners around the world over the years, there’s still a lot for us to do here at home. We are working towards a better, more inclusive and fairer Australia. You can find more information about our Reconciliation Action Plan here: https://www.intrepidtravel.com/reconciliation

    The Intrepid Foundation

    We created our not-for-profit, the Intrepid Foundation because you – our travellers – told us you wanted to make an even greater impact in the communities you visit. The Foundation works by teaming up with partners around the world so that together we can deliver greater positive impact at scale. Partners are identified by our local staff who live and work in our destinations. They harness their powerful community connections to determine the issues that matter most and select local partners who can deliver real solutions. Since 2002, the Intrepid Foundation has raised more than 12.8 million dollars and supported more than 130 communities worldwide. Now, with almost 40 partners all over the world, your donations are helping to restore forests in Kenya, empower women in Honduras and promote elephant welfare in Laos, to name just a few. By simply being on this trip, Intrepid Travel will make a donation to the Intrepid Foundation on your behalf. If you choose to donate too, 100% of your donations will go directly to our partners on the ground – where they’re needed most. For more information about the Intrepid Foundation, please ask your leader or visit our website: http://www.theintrepidfoundation.org/ This trip directly supports Greening Australia, who are restoring landscapes at scale – in ways that work for communities, economies and nature. They’re taking action to rebuild resilient ecosystems across Australia, from the warm waters of the Great Barrier Reef to the cool island ark of Tasmania. Donations help them tackle Australia’s complex environmental challenges through large on-ground restoration projects and research initiatives that help scale their impact. To find out more or make a donation, visit: www.theintrepidfoundation.org/t/greening-australia

    Transport notes

    DRIVING DISTANCES IN AUSTRALIA Australia is a BIG country! In fact, the whole of Europe fits into Australia with plenty of room to spare. Australians are accustomed to driving long distances on holiday, but you may not be. Perth to Broome is roughly the length of Portugal. Driving from Alice Springs to Darwin is about the length of the UK, and Perth to Adelaide is about the same distance from Spain to Poland. However, that's why we think seeing Australia from the ground is better. We live in a country that has it all; stunning coastline and beaches, the outback, tropical rainforests, and some seriously amazing landscapes and wildlife. Please read the itinerary carefully for travel time estimates. HOT WEATHER From October to March it is likely that you will experience temperatures over 35C/95F. These extreme temperatures place stress on the air-conditioning units within our vehicles which can make travelling uncomfortable. Your leader will assist with regular breaks and information to assist keeping cool and hydrated.

    Travel insurance

    Travel insurance is compulsory on all our trips for those travelling internationally. We require that at a minimum you are covered for medical expenses including emergency repatriation. If you are travelling within your home country or region please confirm before travel that you are entitled to access the public medical system easily should an accident occur. We strongly recommend all travellers have a policy that also covers personal liability, cancellation, curtailment and loss of luggage or personal effects. For international trips, you will not be permitted to join the group until evidence of travel insurance and the insurance company's 24-hour emergency contact number has been sighted by your leader. If you have credit card insurance your group leader will require details of the participating insurer/underwriter, the level of coverage, policy number, and emergency contact number rather than the bank's name and your credit card details. Please contact your bank for these details prior to arriving in-country. For travellers who reside within the European Union, Switzerland or USA the requirement to purchase travel insurance cannot be compulsory. However the purchase of travel insurance is still highly recommended, and travellers from these regions who decline travel insurance when travelling outside of their home region must sign a Travel Insurance Waiver Form at the Group Meeting, recognizing personal responsibility for emergency medical and repatriation costs should they arise. For assistance with travel insurance or other services, please visit the link below: https://www.intrepidtravel.com/booking-resources/our-services AUSTRALIANS TRAVELLING DOMESTICALLY Travel insurance will help ensure you’re protected in case of any unforeseen changes to your journey – such as flight cancellations or COVID-19 related disruptions. For this reason, we recommend you purchase comprehensive domestic travel insurance for your trip. This may not be something you would have typically done in the past when travelling domestically in Australia, but it does offer you a number of benefits in these dynamic times. While Australians and Australian Permanent Residents travelling within Australia are not required to be covered for hospital care due to being covered by Medicare, a comprehensive domestic travel insurance policy should cover you for expenses resulting from – among other things – COVID-19 related changes, including an outbreak in your destination or on your departure necessitating changes to your travel plans that incur additional costs. Domestic travel insurance plans may also include personal liability, cancellation, curtailment, loss of luggage and personal effects, and other benefits. It is also advisable that domestic travellers have current ambulance cover in the case of emergency evacuation or incidents requiring ambulance transportation. Please be sure to carefully check the policy’s inclusions with your preferred insurer.

    Your fellow travellers

    As you travel on a group trip you will be exposed to all the pleasures and maybe some of the frustrations of travelling in a group. Your fellow travellers will probably come from all corners of the world and likely a range of age groups too. We ask you to be understanding of the various needs and preferences of your group - patience with your fellow travellers is sometimes required for the benefit of everyone's travel experience. Remember too that you have responsibilities to the group. If you are requested to be at a place at a certain time, ensure that you don't keep the rest of the group waiting. We have found time and time again that the very best trips we operate are those where the dynamics within the group work well - this takes just a little effort on your part. Due to privacy reasons, we are unable to provide you with contact details and any personal information about your fellow travellers booked on your trip prior to departure. SOLO TRAVELLERS The beauty of our style of travel is that it caters to travellers who are travelling solo and who want to meet and share experiences with like-minded people. On our trips rooming is organised on a twin-share basis. We pair up solo travellers with another traveller of the same gender as per the gender marker on each of their passports. As a responsible tour operator, we strive to create a safe and inclusive environment for everyone. In the case that your gender identity differs from what is indicated on your passport, please contact us so that we can discuss rooming options with you. We also have an optional single supplement available on most trips for travellers who prefer to have their own room. Please note that this only applies to accommodation during the tour. Pre-trip and post-trip accommodation booked through us will be on a single room basis. On a small selection of itineraries some accommodations are booked on an open gender, multi-share basis (for example on a felucca in Egypt or an overnight train in Vietnam). In those instances it will clearly be stated in our Essential Trip Information prior to booking and travelling.

    Itinerary disclaimer

    ITINERARY CHANGES Our itineraries are updated regularly throughout the year based on customer feedback and to reflect the current situation in each destination. The information included in this Essential Trip Information may therefore differ from when you first booked your trip. It is important that you review this information prior to travel so that you have the latest updates. Due to weather, local conditions, transport schedules, public holidays, or other factors, further changes may be necessary to your itinerary once in-country. The order and timing of included activities in each location may also vary seasonally to ensure our travellers have the best experience. Your tour leader will keep you up to date with any such changes once on tour. OPTIONAL ACTIVITIES A selection of optional activities that have been popular with past travellers are listed in the day-to-day itinerary. This isn't an exhaustive list and should be used as a guide only for some of what might be available. Prices are approximate, are for entrance only, and don’t include transport to and from the sites or local guides unless indicated. All activities are subject to availability, and maybe on a join-in basis. It may not be possible to do all the activities listed in the time available at each destination, so some pre-planning for what you are most interested in is advised. When it's recommended that travellers pre-book these activities, look for a note in the Special Information section of the day-to-day itinerary. For most, they can either be organised independently on the day, or let your leader know you are interested in the Group Meeting and they can assist. Where activities are considered medium or high risk, we work with operators whose safety and credentials we have sighted and assessed. Although it is possible that you may find the same activity cheaper with another operator on the ground, we cannot vouch for the safety or quality of that operator. Medium and high-risk activities not listed above have not been assessed by us and as such our staff and leaders are unable to assist you with organising these activities. Activities that contravene our Responsible Travel policies are also not listed. Please remember that the decision to partake in any activity not listed is at your own discretion and risk. ABORIGINAL & TORRES STRAIT ISLANDER CULTURAL EXPERIENCES & COMMUNITIES First Nations people have complex community obligations, and at times activities or experiences may be cancelled at late notice due to cultural commitments. In the case that we are unable to include planned activities with First Nations communities, we will endeavour to find a suitable alternative in the same or another destination on your trip.

    Accommodation

    Permanent furnished tented camp (with shared facilities) (2 nights),Hotel (3 nights)

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