6 Day Red Centre Active Adventure Itinerary

As your plane descends over vast red outback, you know you have arrived somewhere special where adventure awaits.

Situated in Australia's geographic centre, Alice Springs is the gateway to Australia's most iconic landscapes. Nestled between the beautiful MacDonnell Ranges, the town is surrounded by gorges and stark desert plains. It is home to galleries of outstanding works from local indigenous artists.

1,200 kilometres from the nearest ocean and 1,500 kilometres from the nearest city, it's certainly remote. But Alice brims with local colour you can't find anywhere else. You won't forget your visit in a hurry.

Accommodation: Alice Springs - 2 Nights

Begin your adventure with a thrilling off-road journey into Finke Gorge National Park. You're on your way to the desert oasis of Palm Valley. Hang on tight - this is a true 4WD experience!

Palm Valley Outback Safari by 4WD

A custom-designed 4WD tour vehicle allows you access to Palm Valley's hard-to-reach destinations. Enjoy an exhilarating drive along the sandy tracks, rugged cliffs and sandstone hills of Finke Gorge National Park. Arrive at Kalaranga (The Amphitheatre) to witness the early morning sun's spectacular light show across the red sandstone formations of the area.

Through the Central Australian landscape, we’ll take you down the very edge of the Finke River and into the amazing Palm Valley. You’ll see the important sights and visit an Aboriginal community, Hermannsburg, known to the local Arrernte people as ‘Ntaria’. You'll gain a true understanding of what it's like to live in such a remote area.

Over a picnic lunch, your guide will tell you all about the park’s cultural significance for the Arrernte people. You'll spend the rest of the day touring enormous rock formations, pinnacles, gorges, and endless palm trees before returning to Alice Springs.

You never forget your first glimpse of magnificent Ayers Rock. As you travel by coach through the rugged desert landscapes, you are entering its homeland: Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park.

After settling into Ayers Rock Resort, your base for the next three nights, it's time to explore the incredible vistas that surround you.

Accommodation: Uluru/Ayers Rock - 3 Nights

Ayers Rock is also known as Uluru, which is the name given by the Yankunytjatjara people whose land the rock is situated on.

Today you will trek around the full base of Uluru, the most profound and culturally significant monolith in Australia.

Guided Uluru Sunrise Trek

Approximately one hour before sunrise you will meet your guide to begin your small group tour. Arriving at the base of Uluru, you will begin a very special sunrise trek around the 12 kilometre base trail.

Uluru is so much more than a rock, and you will experience its many different moods, colours and textures as you walk. The colours and textures are simply stunning. You'll witness an unforgettable sunrise, visit waterholes and discover ancient rock art sites. Enjoy a picnic outback breakfast as you listen to the sounds of the desert all around you.

As you make your way around the base, your guide will detail the stories, legends and significance of Uluru to the local Aboriginal people. From the Tjukurpa of Liru (poisonous snake) and Kuniya (woman python) to the story of the Mala people heard along the Mala Walk to Kantju Gorge, you will have the opportunity to truly immerse yourself in the beautiful culture and history of this amazing place.

After arriving back at the starting location, your guide will return you to your accommodation at Ayers Rock Resort.

Kata Tjuta Domes Guided Afternoon Tour

A guided tour of the domes of Kata Tjuta is the perfect introduction to this spiritually significant region.

Also known as the Olgas, the ochre-coloured rock formations of Kata Tjuta are steeped in ancient history. The tallest dome is a towering 546 metres high - that's the same height as One World Trade Centre in New York. Your knowledgeable guide will explain the cultural significance of Kata Tjuta as a sacred Aboriginal men’s ceremonial site.

Walk between two of Kata Tjuta's largest domes into Walpa Gorge, a narrow creek valley. Guarded against the hot sun, it's a gorgeous haven of wildflowers, rare plants, and desert-dwelling animals.

Walpa means "wind" or "whistle" in the local language of the Anangu people. The gorge is aptly named: take time to listen to the wind hissing through the chasms. The spirituality of this amazing location embraces everyone who ventures here.

Lace up your walking boots and take a guided journey to the rugged ranges of remote Kings Canyon. Here in the heart of Watarrka National Park, ancient sandstone walls rise hundreds of metres to a plateau of rocky domes, rock holes and gorges.

Enjoy a cooked breakfast at Kings Creek Cattle and Camel Station before reaching the canyon itself. The flat face and sheer drop of the Kings Canyon walls are both frightening and inspiring in their size and stark, natural beauty.

Standing at the rim of Kings Canyon makes you feel like you’re on the edge of the earth. You have the option of a 3 hour Rim Walk of Kings Canyon or a more relaxing Creek Bed walk. You will need a good level of fitness for The Rim Walk but you will be rewarded with breathtaking views into the canyon itself.

The Creek Bed Walk is a 2 kilometre stroll with views of the canyon rim. Following this you will have time to relax at Kings Canyon Resort. Take a dip in the pool or for Creek Bed walkers, take an optional helicopter flight (extra cost).

On the final day of your journey head back to Alice Springs, Australia's most famous outback town. The day is free for you to enjoy at your leisure before departing Alice Springs. Visit the Aboriginal art galleries, historic sites, or take a desert drive to see the gorges, waterholes, and cliffs. Your Red Centre experience ends here in Alice Springs.

Farewell from the Red Centre

After the most amazing trip, return your rental vehicle at Alice Springs Airport today prior to boarding your onward flight. We know you will enjoy your holiday and our promise to you is to make your travels through Australia as hassle-free and hospitable as possible - ensuring that today you leave with a camera full of photos, and huge smiles on your faces when recalling your holiday!