Red Centre Explorer

6 days - Ayers Rock to Alice Springs

Premium Escorted Tour - Tour code NSKA

From the lush wildlife of the Kakadu Wetlands to the ancient rock formations of Uluru and Kata Tjuta, the splendour of Katherine Gorge to the boulder strewn majesty of Kings Canyon there really is no place on earth quite like Australia's outback Northern Territory.

Daily itinerary

Day 1: Arrive Ayers Rock

On arrival in Ayers Rock you will be transferred to your hotel. Meet your Tour Director and fellow travelling companions this afternoon and travel to the Uluru sunset viewing area. Enjoy a complimentary glass of sparkling wine as the sun sets over the western horizon and the evening sky brings out the many shades of colour for which Uluru is renowned. Don't forget your camera!

Hotel: Desert Gardens Hotel, Ayers Rock Resort, 2 nights.

Day 2: Kata Tjuta (the Olgas)

Travel to the Uluru sunrise viewing area, Talingu nyakunytjaku, to see the Red Centre set alight by the first rays of the sun. Enjoy a cup of tea or coffee as the colours of Uluru gradually change as the sun rises over the horizon. Tour the base of Uluru where you will be introduced to the natural and cultural landscapes of this remarkable region. Enjoy a guided walk into the Mutitjulu Waterhole. View Aboriginal rock paintings and learn about the flora and fauna and Aboriginal history of the area. Visit the Uluru - Kata Tjuta Cultural Centre where there is time to read the Tjukurpa (Aboriginal law) or purchase some locally made Aboriginal art. This afternoon visit the massive series of domes known as Kata Tjuta (the Olgas) and walk into WaIpa Gorge. The walking trail through the gorge follows the natural creek between two domes of Kata Tjuta. Enjoy sunset with a complimentary glass of sparkling wine followed by a delicious barbecue under the stars. B HD

Day 3: Kings Canyon

We drive through sandhill country to Watarrka National Park and Kings Canyon. For the energetic, the guided climb to the canyon rim will be rewarded with magnificent views of the national park. Alternatively, you may prefer to explore the boulder-strewn canyon floor, an easier walk. The sheer red rock face of the canyon soars over 100 metres above lush palm forests, sheltering them from the surrounding desert conditions. The park is a conservation area whose rock holes and gorges provide refuge for over 600 species of plants and many native animals. While the Luritja Aboriginal people have called the area their home for over 20,000 years, it was little known to Europeans until recently.

Hotel: Kings Canyon Resort, Kings Canyon. B D

Day 4: Alice Springs

We travel through beautiful desert landscapes from Kings Canyon along the Stuart Highway to Alice Springs. On arrival we tour the sights of Alice Springs including the School of the Air, which provides an educational service for children living in remote areas. Stop at the historic Telegraph Station and the Royal Flying Doctor Service. Learn how this marvellous facility operates to provide a 'mantle of safety' to the people of the outback. Conclude with a panoramic view of Alice Springs from the top of Anzac Hill.

Hotel: Chifley Alice Springs Resort, Alice Springs, 2 nights. B D

Day 5: Aboriginal Culture

This morning spend time with a local Aboriginal guide. You will learn of life and survival of the Arrente People, including bush food, the search for water and kinship. Later visit the Alice Springs Desert Park. Learn about Australia's unique desert marsupials and reptiles. Visit the Nocturnal House and Nature Theatre. We travel to Simpsons Gap, one of the most prominent waterholes in the West MacDonnell Ranges, with its striking gorges and river red-gum scenery. Walk along the stony watercourse lined with cycads, ghost gums, cypress pines and acacias. Return to Alice springs this afternoon. B

Day 6: Depart Alice Springs

Your tour concludes this morning after breakfast. You will be transferred to Alice Springs Airport to connect with your onward flight. Or if you wish to stay longer in Alice Springs you may join an optional 4WD Safari to Palm Valley. You'll travel through the West MacDonnell Ranges to Hermannsburg, renowned for its Aboriginal art collection and then to Palm Valley to see rock formations, white sands and an oasis of rock pools and palm trees. B

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