Tour Details - Red Centre Explorer - Ayers Rock to Alice Springs

Itinerary

Day 1: Arrive Ayers Rock

On arrival at Ayers Rock Airport you will be transferred to your hotel. Join your Tour Director on a drive around Uluru (Ayers Rock). Tour the base of Uluru where you will be introduced to the natural and cultural landscapes of this remarkable region. Enjoy a guided walk to 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. Later, enjoy a complimentary glass of sparkling wine as you watch the spectacular colours of sunset at Uluru (Ayers Rock).
Hotel: Desert Gardens hotel, Rock View rooms, Ayers Rock Resort.

Day 2: Kata Tjuta (the Olgas)

See the Red Centre set alight by the first rays of the sun from the Kata Tjuta dune viewing area. Visit the massive series of domes known as Kata Tjuta (the Olgas) and walk through Walpa Gorge to the Valley of the Winds. The large, steep dome-like formations of Kata Tjuta are spectacular and have great cultural significance for the Anangu people. Then you’ll head to Curtain Springs to experience a family-run cattle station and take in views of Atila (Mt. Conner). At Kings Canyon Resort tonight indulge in the unforgettable 6 course dinner with wine, ‘Under the Desert Moon’; the only light comes from the moon and the flickering glow of the fire.
Hotel: Kings canyon resort, Deluxe Spa Rooms. B HD

Day 3: Kings Canyon – Glen Helen

Start the day with a Rim Walk exploration of Kings Canyon. Stop at Cotterill’s Lookout and for a swim at the ‘Garden of Eden’ (seasonal). For a more relaxed walk, you can choose the Creek Walk. Later, we’re off the beaten track, travelling along the Mereenie Loop, an unsealed trail running through desert country. Stop for a picnic lunch at Jump-up Lookout, overlooking the George Gill Range. Visit Gosse Bluff, a place of cultural significance to the Western Arrernte Aboriginal people. Tonight we stay at quaint Glen Helen, situated on the western end of the spectacular West MacDonnell Ranges, for a wonderful chance to enjoy the outback in this rustic setting.
Hotel: Glen helen resort. B L D

Day 4: West MacDonnell Ranges

Take a hike into Ormiston Gorge to experience the geology, landforms and variety of native flora and fauna. There’s time to explore the Ochre Pits and learn about ochre’s importance, having been used for thousands of years by the Aboriginal tribes for medicinal and magical purposes. It’s time for a swim in Ellery Creek or you can just lie in the shade of the ghost gums and enjoy a ploughman’s lunch. Then we walk to dramatic Angkerle (Standley Chasm). Created over millions of years the deep red sandstone formation contrasts with the carpet of lush green ferns and gums on the valley floor. This afternoon relax on the drive into Alice Springs, stopping en route for a short walk along Simpson’s Gap, with its lovely river red gum scenery.Hotel: Chifley Alice Springs Resort, River Gum Rooms, Alice Springs. B L D

Day 5: Depart Alice Springs

Alice Springs has an interesting heritage and you’ll hear what life is like in such an isolated town on our sightseeing tour. An informative guided walk through the historic Telegraph Station provides insights into how the station was used for communication between Darwin and Adelaide for 60 years before becoming a school for local Aboriginal children. At the School of the Air you’ll learn how children living in remote areas are taught before continuing in to the Royal Flying Doctor Service, a crucial service which provides a lifeline of essential medical support for remote Australian communities. Your tour concludes this afternoon with your transfer to Alice Springs Airport. B