Outback Australia: The Color of Red
- Duration
- 5 Days
- Prices From:
- US$ 2,358
Experience the wonders of the Red Centre of the Outback with visits to unique Alice Springs, the remarkable Kings Canyon and the amazing Uluru- Kata Tjuta National Park, home to the unusual Olga’s and the iconic Ayers Rock. Enjoy two dinners under the stars.
Begin your Outback experience in Alice Springs in the geographic centre of Australia and almost equidistant from both Adelaide in the south and Darwin in the north with 2 nights’ accommodation. The town was named after Lady Alice Todd, wife of Sir Charles Todd, a British astronomer, meteorologist and electrical engineer. It is also affectionately called “The Alice” or simply “Alice”. On your first afternoon, have a tour of Alice Springs visiting the Overland Telegraph Station and the Royal Flying Doctor Service, a service which provides essential medical support for people living in remote Australian communities around the town.
The next day takes you to the West MacDonell Ranges where you will have a walk to Simpson’s Gap and the Standley Chasm with its deep red sandstone formations. There will be time for a swim at the Ellery Creek Big Hole and also to explore the Ochre Pits to learn about the importance of ochre to the Aboriginals for medicinal and magical purposes. There will be a visit to the Royal Flying Doctor Service to see how this facility provides medical assistance. This evening, you will have dinner in the bush with traditional bush food under the stars.
The following morning, depart from Alice Springs and head towards the Kings Canyon which is approximately midway between Alice Springs and Ayers Rock It is a formation of tall red rock faces that soar above dense palm forests and is a refuge for more than 600 species of native plants and animals, many unique to the area. Stop en route at Rainbow Valley which is renowned for its sandstone bluffs and cliff faces. Then continue to the Henbury Meteorite Conservation Reserve which was formed by a meteor over 4000 years ago falling on the earth’s surface causing 12 craters still clearly visible today. Later you will take a 6 kilometre/ 3.6 mile walk along the rim of King’s Canyon where the highlights are the domed 'Lost City', a stop at Cotterill's Lookout and the luscious 'Garden of Eden'. If a more relaxed walk is desired, you can walk along the Creek Bed. In the evening, once again under the stars, you will enjoy a 4 course dinner while looking up at the Southern Night Sky. Overnight at King’s Canyon.
The next day, you continue through the Outback to the Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park. Stop en route at King’s Creek Station and the Luritja Road with amazing views of Mount Connor. The drive along the Lasseter Highway provides excellent photo ops of the enormous mountain. Stop for a BBQ lunch at Curtin Springs and hear about the Severin Family which has lived here since 1956. Later, enter Uluru - Kata Tjuta National Park. Learn about Tjukurpa people, their history, knowledge, religion, morality and law of the Aboriginals and their ancestors. Next it’s off to the Olgas (Kata Tjuta) with their large, steep dome-like formations. They consist of 36 domes spread over an area of more than 20 square miles and are believed to be around 500 million years old. In the evening, watch the sun set over Ayers Rock (Uluru). Overnight at Ayers Rock.
Your final day in the Outback takes you to see the sunrise over the Olgas and Ayers Rock after which head to the Uluru - Kata Tjuta Cultural Centre for breakfast and an insight into the history of the local Anangu People. Later take a walk around the base of Ayers Rock, a very large piece of rock situated in the desert and a monolith of red sandstone rising out of the flat landscape. To the indigenous Aboriginal people, it is a very sacred place. Hear timeless stories, see rock art, and visit the Mutitjulu Waterhole, an important water source for the Aboriginal people and animals in the area. After this, your Outback experience comes to an end.
- Duration
- 5 Days
- Prices From:
- US$ 2,358
Itinerary
Welcome to Ayers Rock
Welcome to the Red Centre! This afternoon you'll meet your Journey Director and fellow travellers and then take a drive to Uluru -- Kata Tjuta National Park. Having lived in the region for tens of thousands of years, Traditional Owners, the Anangu, have a strong connection with this land. You'll learn about Tjukurpa, the history, knowledge, religion, morality and law of the local Aboriginal people and their ancestors. Travelling to the spectacular domes of Kata Tjuta, you'll take a guided walk through Walpa Gorge, following the natural creek bed between two of the largest domes. Kata Tjuta has great cultural significance for the Anangu people, specifically for Anangu men. Later enjoy canapes and wine at the Uluru sunset viewing area. As the sun sets over the western horizon, the evening sky brings out the many shades of colour for which Uluru is renowned. This evening get to know your fellow travellers over a delicious meal at Ilkari Restaurant at your hotel.
| Meal Plan | Dinner |
|---|---|
| Duration | 1 Night |
| Accommodation |
Sails in the Desert Hotel |
| Location | View map |
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Sails in the Desert Hotel
In Australia's Red Centre, the five star Sails in the Desert hotel beautifully contrasts Uluru's raw natural beauty with a decidedly luxurious outback holiday experience. Against a canvas of neutral tones and textures, the mystery, colour and wisdom of the local indigenous Anangu people is …
In Australia's Red Centre, the five star Sails in the Desert hotel beautifully contrasts Uluru's raw natural beauty with a decidedly luxurious outback holiday experience. Against a canvas of neutral tones and textures, the mystery, colour and wisdom of the local indigenous Anangu people is interwoven into every facet of Sails in the Desert's modern design. Discover the passion behind Aboriginal art at Sails in the Desert's Mulgara Gallery. Then be lulled into complete relaxation by one of the Red Ochre Spa's package treatments.
Sails in the Desert hotel features an expansive gumtree lined heated swimming pool and a diversity of modern dining, bar and lounge options. Awaken your taste buds with Mayu's signature dining experience, relax and feast in the brasserie-style Ilkari Restaurant or let time tick by as you enjoy cocktails, music and culinary temptations in the Walpa Lobby Bar. Choose Sails in the Desert for an outback holiday with a unique style and modern luxury.Facilities
- Bar(s)
- Complimentary WI-FI
- Daycare/Babysitting Service
- Golf
- Parking
- Pool (s)
- Restaurant(s)
- Room Service
- Tennis
Photo gallery
Photo 1 of 3
Ayers Rock - Kings Canyon
You'll start the day with an impressive sunrise over Uluru (Ayers Rock) from the sunrise viewing area. Take a walk at the base of Uluru and hear timeless stories, see rock art, and visit Mutitjulu Waterhole, once an important water source for the Aboriginal people and animals in the area. Visit Curtin Springs Station at lunch time. Curtin Springs has been home to the Severin family since 1956 when Peter Severin arrived with his young wife Dawn, their toddler son Ashley and 1,500 head of cattle! Sit down to a BBQ lunch and meet one of the locals as you hear about the Severin family and the logistics of running a million acre cattle property. This evening you're treated to the unique dining experience, Under a Desert Moon, set in the wilderness under a canopy of the southern night sky (weather permitting). Enjoy a glass of sparkling wine and canapés followed by a four course dinner, prepared from fresh produce.
| Meal Plan | Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner |
|---|---|
| Duration | 1 Night |
| Accommodation |
Kings Canyon Resort |
| Location | View map |
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Kings Canyon Resort
Kings Canyon Resort is an oasis in the outback for travellers looking to explore the Red Centre from a well-appointed base, complete with pampering amenities and activities for everyone to enjoy. After exciting, fun-filled days hiking and sightseeing in the rugged terrain of Watarrka National …
Kings Canyon Resort is an oasis in the outback for travellers looking to explore the Red Centre from a well-appointed base, complete with pampering amenities and activities for everyone to enjoy. After exciting, fun-filled days hiking and sightseeing in the rugged terrain of Watarrka National Park, enjoy outstanding hotel facilities and relax in the comfort and convenience of your Kings Canyon hotel room.
Facilities
- Barbeques (BBQ)
- Conference Facilities
- Laundry facilities
- Parking
- Pool (s)
- Restaurant(s)
- Tennis
Photo gallery
Photo 1 of 5
Kings Canyon - Alice Springs
Perfect for observing the changing colours of the landscape, today you're off on a sunrise 6km Rim Walk exploration of the spectacular Kings Canyon. As you venture around the rim, highlights include the domed 'Lost City', and the luscious 'Garden of Eden'. If you'd prefer a more relaxed walk you can opt or a walk along the Creek Bed. Afterwards we're off the beaten track, travelling along the Mereenie Loop Road past Gosses Bluff and then through the West MacDonnell Ranges and then continue to Alice Springs and enjoy dinner at your hotel.
| Meal Plan | Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner |
|---|---|
| Duration | 2 Nights |
| Accommodation |
Crowne Plaza Alice Springs Lasseters |
| Location | View map |
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Crowne Plaza Alice Springs Lasseters
Situated at the foot of the MacDonnell Ranges and backing onto the Alice Springs Golf Course, Crowne Plaza Alice Springs Lasseters offers contemporary and stylish accommodation. Each room has been thoughtfully designed to offer an area of ultimate relaxation and comfort. Rooms have a spacious …
Situated at the foot of the MacDonnell Ranges and backing onto the Alice Springs Golf Course, Crowne Plaza Alice Springs Lasseters offers contemporary and stylish accommodation. Each room has been thoughtfully designed to offer an area of ultimate relaxation and comfort. Rooms have a spacious and bright aspect with each room offering a private balcony or courtyard showcasing magnificent views of Central Australia. Whether you are after a workout or just want to relax take advantage of the outdoor heated lap pool, spa, sauna and gym. Located at the property is the contemporary Tali Restaurant which provides the perfect setting with both indoor and alfresco dining experiences.
Facilities
- Bar(s)
- Bicycles
- Business Centre
- Conference Facilities
- Daycare/Babysitting Service
- Golf
- Gym/Fitness Centre
- Internet Access
- Laundry facilities
- Parking
- Pool (s)
- Reception (24 hrs)
- Restaurant(s)
- Room Service
- Tennis
- Wheelchair Accessible Rooms
Photo gallery
Photo 1 of 4
Alice Springs & West MacDonnell Ranges
This morning you will visit the historic Overland Telegraph Station and learn about the overland telegraph line and why Alice Springs is in this location. Then you will travel out to West Macdonnell ranges where we will take a walk into Standley Chasm and Simpson Gap. Tonight, you will enjoy a dining experience with local hosts at an open-air barbecue dinner with campfires as the Milky Way lights up the wide Australian sky.
| Meal Plan | Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner |
|---|
Farewell from Alice Springs
This morning you'll visit the Royal Flying Doctor Service to see how this facility provides medical assistance to those living in remote outback Australia. Before your trip comes to an end, visit the School of the Air to learn how children living in the far reaches of the Outback receive an education over the air waves. Your Inspiring Journey concludes in the late morning.
| Meal Plan | Breakfast |
|---|
Other Information
DEPARTURES:
From Alice Springs;
2022: To be advised
From Uluru (Ayers Rock);
2022: To be advised
PRICE INCLUDES:
- 4 nights' accommodation
- Meals as listed
- Private car transfers on arrival and departure
- Wine included with dinner
- Services of a professional tour director
PRICE EXCLUDES:
- Travel insurance
- International and domestic airfare & airfare taxes
- Visa fees if applicable
- Meals and beverages not mentioned
- Gratuities
- Items of a personal nature
TERMS & CONDITIONS:
Prices are "from" per person based on twin/double share accommodation and for travel in low season. Seasonal surcharges and blackout dates may apply. Limited seat/spaces and all pricing is subject to change and availability. Rates for single or triple travellers are available on request - please enquire.
12 Oct 2021
