Depart Alice Springs and travel in our custom built 4WD vehicle through some of the countries most remote regions. Explore Uluru National Park, Kings Canyon, Warburton, Kalgoorlie and Hyden as you make your way to Perth where your tour concludes.
Day 1. Alice Springs
On arrival in Alice Springs transfer to your hotel. Then join your Driver/Guide with a tour of the town's historical and industrial landmarks such as the Royal Flying Doctor Service base, the Old Telegraph Station and School of the Air before dinner.
Day 2. West MacDonnell Ranges, Glen Helen
Today you’ll visit the highlights of the West MacDonnell Ranges including the red gorge and towering cliffs of Simpsons Gap. Next you visit Standley Chasm, gouged by flood water over millions of years. You’ll then be taken Ormiston Gorge, on the western boundary of the MacDonnell Ranges. Continue on to Glen Helen Gorge, the mesmerising contrast of colours formed between the blue sky and the red sandstone is a sight to behold.
Day 3. Palm Valley, Finke River, Kings Canyon
Today you’ll travel the Mereenie Loop Road to the remarkable Palm Valley. Located in the heart of Finke Gorge National Park, Palm Valley is home to more than 400 species of plant life, creating a colourful oasis among the rugged rocks and gorges of the harsh central Australian desert. Stay at APT's exclusive wilderness lodge, located among Desert Oak trees in a secluded part of Kings Creek Station. In the heart of the country, Kings Canyon Wilderness Lodge is sure to give you a memorable Australian Outback experience.
Day 4. Kings Canyon, Uluru
This morning discover the remarkable formation of Kings Canyon where you have a choice of guided walks. The 2.5 hour walk takes you to the canyon rim and through the Lost City to the Garden of Eden (requires a good degree of fitness). The easier canyon floor walk takes you deep into the canyon between the towering orange walls. Rejoin your tour this afternoon and see Mt Conner en route to Ayers Rock Resort. There is no better way to relax than with sunset drinks at magical Uluru. Unwind and enjoy the incredible red and orange hues of the dusk sky.
Day 5. Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park
Today's touring will give you an in-depth experience of Uluru. Start your day by watching the sun come up. Take a tour around the base of Uluru before lunch at the Uluru Cultural Centre (own expense). This afternoon, take a walk to the famous landmark of Kata Tjuta (Olgas), a group of domed rock formations. Then drive to Walpa Gorge, a striking red rock feature, before a sunset viewing of Uluru. This evening is at leisure. You may like to try a mouth-watering VIP barbecue, or enjoy the Sounds of Silence experience - a feast of Australian delicacies under the desert night sky (own expense).
Day 6. Lasseters Cave, Giles Weather Station, Gunbarrel Highway, Warburton
Special permits are required for our journey today as we join the Outback Highway. This unsealed road travels westward and travels past the Petermann Ranges. Visit Lasseter's Cave, named after the eccentric man who claimed to have discovered a rich gold reef in central Australia, and died in mysterious circumstances on an expedition to recover it. The next stop on your tour is Giles Weather Station, where you'll learn about the fascinating work done by some of the country's top meteorologists. Continue onto the remote community of Warburton is famed for extraordinary glass work and traditional Aboriginal art. Visit the Warburton Arts and Cultural Centre. See the collection produced by local artists and learn about the amazing Ngaanyatjarra world, where every feature of the landscape is known and named.
Day 7. Great Central Road, Leonora
This morning's journey will start early and continue along the Great Central Road, known as The Outback Way. A mass of geological and cultural landmarks await you on this journey, including vast salt lakes, scenic nature reserves, waterholes, natural springs and caves. See the gnamma holes, a useful source of water for the local Ngaanyatjarra people.
Day 8. Lake Ballard, Kalgoorlie
Located on the outskirts of Leonora is the ghost town of Gwalia, deserted since the closure of the major employer, a gold mine, in 1963. The mine was once managed by a young geologist named Herbert Hoover, who later became the 31st president of the USA. Frozen in time, the town is now a monument to its own fascinating history. Travel onwards to Lake Ballard, where you'll stop for lunch and to explore the statues created by world-renowned artist Antony Gormley. Situated round the salt lake, these ghost-like steel figures shimmer in the heat, fusing art and nature to moving effect. This afternoon we visit the Ora Banda Historical Inn, a delightful old Pub with a colourful past including it's very own ghost. Tour Kalgoorlie, known as the City of Gold, producing more than half of the gold mined in Australia and see Kalgoorlie's Golden Mile, reputed to be the richest square mile in the world.
Day 9. Coolgardie, Wave Rock
Journey to Coolgardie, the original site of Western Australia's gold rush. Visit the Gold Museum, offering an excellent introduction to the early history of the Coolgardie goldfields. Continue across the wheat belt to the outback town of Hyden. Tonight celebrate with your new found friends at our Farewell Dinner.
Day 10. Wave Rock, York, Perth
Explore the mesmerising natural wonder of Wave Rock, rising 15 metres high. This rock formation appears like prehistoric surf, now frozen in time. Visit York, enjoy a tour with a local guide. Cross the Darling Ranges on the way to Perth arriving approximately 5.30pm.
