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.

Finishing point

Desert Palms Hotel
74 Barrett Drive
Alice Springs
AUSTRALIA

Yes. 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/

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.

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. 

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 dry.
- Comfortable, 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 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 hot season you may wish to pack a sleep sheet so you will be comfortable no matter what the weather.
- 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 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 many campsites have electricity for guests to recharge personal items.

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, 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.

Visit: https://www.intrepidtravel.com/au/australia/red-centre-explorer-135823/tripnotes