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Experience ancient culture and magical moments in Australia’s outback

Sacred sites, vast landscapes and 600 million years of history – it could only be Australia’s Red Centre. Join an experienced local leader and group of like minded travellers on a six-day Premium adventure through the outback, discovering the wonders of Uluru, Kata Tjuta, Alice Springs and Kings Canyon. Learn about the connection between the land and Aboriginal peoples and take part in fantastic dining experiences utilising native bush ingredients. But getting up close and personal with rugged and remote parts of Australia doesn’t mean you have to rough it – enjoy comfortable and well-appointed hotels each night. Come and see what makes this sun-soaked piece of the planet so unforgettable.

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Terms & Conditions
Start
Alice Springs, Australia
Finish
Yulara, Australia
Destination
Australia
Style
Premium
Theme
Explorer
Code
POPR
Physical rating
Ages
Min 15
Group size
Min 1, Max 12

Why you'll love this trip

premium accommodation

Our best accommodation and highest level of service.

premium experiences

Unusual, exceptional and authentic on-trip experiences.

premium knowledge

Led by our most experienced and highest rated local leaders.

  • Experience the allure of Uluru from your Feature Stay hotel, offering modern amenities, fantastic service and stunning views of the Uluru and Kata Tjuta.

  • Taste the best of the outback during unique Exclusive Experiences, enjoying multicourse dinners under the stars and creative meals made with locally sourced, native ingredients.

  • Get to know the awe-inspiring landscapes of Kings Canyon as your local leader introduces you to a world of sandstone formations, rare plants and native wildlife.

  • Understand the connection between the landscapes and the Luritja and Pertame people during a cultural experience in Watarrka National Park.

  • Marvel at the Field of Lights, an outdoor art installation made up of more than 50,000 artificial lights, while canapes compliment this Exclusive Experience.

Is this trip right for you?

  • 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.

  • On some days of the trip, you’ll spend several 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.

  • 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, sturdy walking shoes.

  • Our leaders are the classic do-it-all Aussie – they know the best spots to watch the sunset, can drive you to your next destination, take you on a guided hike or even whip up dinner for the group on some trips. While they won’t always do all these jobs on every trip, 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.

Hiker walking through West Macdonnell ranges, NT, Australia
Uluru field of lights, Northern Territory, Australia
PAR3-O_australia_northern-territory_uluru_couple
PKOSC_kings-canyon_watering-hole
Leader explaining local customs at Uluru
Leader led group hike through Uluru
Karrke First Nations Experience near Kings Canyon
Passengers hike through rocky kings canyon
The Sound of Silence Meal, in the Northern Territory Australia.

Itinerary
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Welcome to Australia’s Red Centre! Your adventure begins in Alice Springs (Mparntwe in the language of the traditional owners of the land on which Alice Springs is now located). On arrival at Alice Springs Airport, you'll be met by a representative and transferred to your hotel. A welcome meeting will take place at 1pm today where you’ll meet your local leader and fellow travellers. Begin with an Acknowledgment of Country, then your leader will introduce you to the sights of Alice Springs. Start with a visit to the Araluen Arts Centre, then head out to the historical Telegraph Station, the site of the first European settlement in Alice Springs. Drive up to Anzac Hill and take in panoramic views of Alice Springs and the surrounding landscape. Pay a visit to the grave of First Nations artist Albert Namatjira, finishing with a deeper understanding of the town and its history. In the evening, enjoy a welcome dinner with your group.
Accommodation
  • Crowne Plaza or similar (1 night)
Included Activities
  • Alice Springs - Town Tour
  • Alice Springs - Old Telegraph Station
  • Alice Springs - Welcome Dinner
  • Complimentary Airport Arrival Transfer
Meals Included
  • Dinner
Special Information
Please advise your travel agent of your flight details at the time of booking so we can organise the arrival transfer for you. It’s very important that you attend the welcome meeting as we will be collecting insurance details and next of kin information at this time. If you are going to be late please let your travel agent or hotel reception know. Ask reception or look for a note in the lobby for more information on where the meeting will take place.

After breakfast, hit the road once more and enjoy splendid views of the Western MacDonnell Ranges before stopping at the colorful ochre pits, learning about their place in Aboriginal culture. Continue to Ormiston Gorge. With a beautiful waterhole as its centrepiece, the gorge is the perfect place to stop for a relaxing lunch. Take a short walk to a lookout point to appreciate the landscape from a different perspective, then drive on to Ellery Creek Big Hole, where rugged cliffs plunge into a water-filled gorge below. There will be time for a swim here if you’d like to cool off (or just dip your toes if the water is too cold), then pay a visit to the Standley Chasm, a dramatic geological formation that is culturally significant to the Western Arrernte people. Return to Alice Springs for an optional dinner at the Northern Territory institution, Hanuman.
Accommodation
  • Crowne Plaza or similar (1 night)
Included Activities
  • Alice Springs - Anzac Hill
  • Tjoritja-West Macdonnell Ranges - Standley Chasm
  • Tjoritja-West Macdonnell National Park - Ellery Creek Big Hole
  • Tjoritja-West Macdonnell National Park - Ormiston Gorge
Meals Included
  • Breakfast
  • Lunch
Special Information
Today’s total driving time is approximately 4 hours. There are a number of shorter walks today, adding up to approximately 3 hours in total.

Rise bright and early to begin the journey south towards Kings Canyon, one of the Northern Territory’s most spectacular sights. On arrival, get to know the incredible landscape on foot by visiting Karrke on the edge of Watarrka National Park. Here you’ll gain a unique insight into First Nations culture as you join a guide to learn about the landscapes, bush tucker, bush medicines and how they are used for healing and their spiritual significance to the Luritja and Pertame people. Return to your accommodation in the afternoon to get ready for dinner this evening – you’re in for a real treat! Dine under the stars for a true outback experience, and tuck into a fabulous five course meal made with seasonal and locally sourced products paired with complimentary wines.
Accommodation
  • Kings Canyon Resort (1 night)
Included Activities
  • Kings Canyon - Dining Under a Desert Moon Experience
  • Watarrka National Park - Kings Canyon Karkke Cultural Experience (April to October only)
Meals Included
  • Breakfast
  • Lunch
  • Dinner
Special Information
Today’s total driving time is approximately 5.5 hours. Please note there will be no shade for the duration of the walk. Please note that the Karrke Aboriginal Cultural Experience is only available on trips departing between April and end of October.

Before saying goodbye to Kings Canyon, go on the iconic Kings Canyon rim walk, taking approximately 3-4 hours. First, climb the stairs to the top of the canyon (there’s plenty of places to stop for photos or to catch your breath!) then things get a bit easier. Walk through Priscilla’s Crack, made famous after featuring in Priscilla Queen of the Desert, a classic Australian film. Continue to the sandstone domes of the Lost City, resembling the remains of ancient civilisation. From here you can continue to explore the top of the canyon, or descend into the Garden of Eden, where a waterhole gives life to abundant flora and fauna. In fact, Kings Canyon is home to over 600 unique species of native plants and animals – your leader will point out some interesting examples as you walk. If you’re feeling like an easier walk you can also take the Kings Creek Walk by yourself – it’s shorter but won’t miss the spectacular views of the canyon. You may also choose to spend your morning relaxing at the hotel instead. Then, carry on to Mt Conner and stop at a viewpoint where you can admire the flat-top mountain’s unusual shape. Stop off at an ancient salt lake then carry on to Yulara, your gateway to the enormous sandstone monolith of Uluru. Tonight’s Feature Stay accommodation is really something special. Modern, bright and airy, the hotel combines first-class service with a relaxed atmosphere, providing a perfect base for your explorations. This evening, make the most of your first night near Uluru. Sample canapes while watching the sun set over the majestic Field of Lights. Seeing the colours of the landscape change as day turns into night is really something else. The Field of Lights is an art installation of more than 50,000 artificial lights which illuminate the landscape as far as the eye can see.
Accommodation
  • Sails in the Desert or similar (1 night)
Included Activities
  • Uluru - Sunset & Field of Lights
  • Watarrka National Park - Kings Canyon Rim Walk
Meals Included
  • Breakfast
  • Lunch
Special Information
Today’s total driving time is approximately 4 hours. Please note that the rim walk at Kings Canyon is graded 4 in terms of difficulty. The 6km loop takes about 3-4 hours to complete. If you would like to opt out the leader can suggest an alternative and easier walk for you. The leader may recommend a shorter hike for the group if the heat is too intense. You may also choose to relax at the hotel instead of joining the walk.

This morning, drive to Kata Tjuta, an impressive series of massive red domes. Here you’ll embark on a fascinating 1-hour walk into the Walpa Gorge, alive with pink flowers and native wildlife. Your leader will be on hand to point out rare plants, and if you’re lucky, you may see wallaroos hopping around the rocks! Head back to your accommodation to relax and pick up some lunch in town. After a little rest, get out to experience the big rock for yourself – seeing this iconic formation for the first time is a memory that will stay with you. Explore the base of Uluru on the Mala walk, where you will enter ancient caves and rock art as your leader teaches you about the history of the Mala people. After a full day of exploring, get ready for a dinner experience like no other, the Sounds of Silence. Sit down to a fantastic meal created with native bush ingredients. Set beneath a sky full of stars and to the sounds of the didgeridoo, this is the perfect finale to your Premium Red Centre adventure.
Accommodation
  • Sails in the Desert or similar (1 night)
Included Activities
  • Kata Tjuta - Morning Excursion & Walpa Gorge Walk
  • Uluru - Sounds of Silence Dinner
  • Uluru - Mala Walk
Meals Included
  • Breakfast
  • Dinner
Special Information
Today’s total driving time is approximately 1.5 hours. Today's walk into Walpa Gorge is an easy 3km return hike.

Kata Tjuta is a highly culturally sensitive area. To avoid revealing any sacred places, Anangu ask that you keep both sides of the gorge in frame when you film, paint, draw or photograph Walpa Gorge. By respecting these wishes, you will be contributing to the protection and continuation of some of the world’s oldest spiritual and cultural beliefs.

Before your tour concludes, 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. Return to your accommodation, at which point your Red Centre adventure comes to an end.
Included Activities
  • Uluru - Mutitjulu Waterhole Cultural Walk
Meals Included
  • Breakfast
Special Information
For those departing from Yulara Airport today, your leader can drop you at Yulara Airport around 12:30pm (shuttle buses are available for earlier departures). If your flight leaves in the morning please note that you will miss out on this morning's activities. You can also transfer to Alice Springs (approximately 5 hours) on the last day of the trip.
Want to tailor this itinerary?

Meals

5 breakfasts, 3 lunches, 3 dinners

Transport

Private vehicle

Accommodation

Hotel (4 nights), resort (1 night)

Included activities

  • Alice Springs - Town Tour
  • Alice Springs - Old Telegraph Station
  • Alice Springs - Welcome Dinner
  • Complimentary Airport Arrival Transfer
  • Alice Springs - Anzac Hill
  • Tjoritja-West Macdonnell Ranges - Standley Chasm
  • Tjoritja-West Macdonnell National Park - Ellery Creek Big Hole
  • Tjoritja-West Macdonnell National Park - Ormiston Gorge
  • Kings Canyon - Dining Under a Desert Moon Experience
  • Watarrka National Park - Kings Canyon Karkke Cultural Experience (April to October only)
  • Uluru - Sunset & Field of Lights
  • Watarrka National Park - Kings Canyon Rim Walk
  • Kata Tjuta - Morning Excursion & Walpa Gorge Walk
  • Uluru - Sounds of Silence Dinner
  • Uluru - Mala Walk
  • Uluru - Mutitjulu Waterhole Cultural Walk

Premium Inclusions

  • Arrival airport transfer
  • Tipping for accommodation, activities and transport
  • Luggage transfer
  • Daily breakfast and signature local meal experiences
  • 24/7 on-ground support

Dates & availability

Trip departures are unavailable.

There are currently no scheduled departures on our Premium Red Centre & Uluru trip. If you are interested in other trips in the region visit one of the links below.

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Important notes

LATE REQUESTS
Please note that if you book this trip very close to departure, it may take us longer than our usual 2-4 business days to provide you with confirmation. This is due to a number of external factors, such as staffing levels at some of our hotels which may impact their ability to confirm services in a timely manner. We would like to thank you in advance for your patience when requesting your trip. Alternatively, if you require a faster outcome, you could choose an alternative date further in the future that can be confirmed immediately by us.

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. Please speak to your booking agent for further information.

END POINT LOCATION
This trip's end point location is Yulara, however if you are flying out of Alice Springs you can opt to end your trip there instead. We offer a drop-off in Alice Springs as an optional service. Please speak to your booking agent for more details.

Essential trip information

Want an in-depth insight into this trip? Essential Trip Information provides a detailed itinerary, visa info, how to get to your hotel, what's included - pretty much everything you need to know about this adventure and more.

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