Alice Springs to Adelaide: Epic Trip for 18 to 39 year olds

G'day and welcome to your Outback Gem trip with Topdeck! Your 9 day Red Centre adventure begins straight up by getting out into the red dirt on your journey to Yulara (the gateway resort to Uluru) for lunch. This afternoon you will marvel at the natural wonder that is Uluru (Ayres Rock) as you enjoy an informative walk around a section of its base. You will then get all of the insight into the local Aboriginal culture from your Topdeck crew before watching in awe as the desert sunset, as if by magic, changes the colour of Uluru right before your eyes. With a glass of bubbles in hand and new mates to chat with -- this is sure to make the best cover photo ever! After such a jam-packed first day on your NT travels, it is time for a filling feast at the Outback BBQ and maybe even a 'coldie' at the local bar.

It's an early start today as you make your way back to the natural wonder and famous Australian Icon that is Ayers Rock to witness a magical Uluru sunrise - you are challenged to find a more stunning way to start the day! The morning allows time for a full base walk of the rock or perhaps the fast view from a Harley Ride or Scenic Flight is more your style. Later, there's an opportunity to wander through the local Aboriginal Art markets. You may even choose to try your hand at a dot painting class to create that perfect take home souvenir. Grab a bite to eat from a choice of menus on offer in the Resort. Out there in the Red Centre is the best place for a little star gazing! Once the night sky is upon us you can venture not too far from your room to experience the glory on offer peeping into the far outer layers of the Southern night sky. Crank your neck back and check out what is all on display right above your head, finding some famous star formations and you may even spot some of the nearby planets; some are visible with the naked eye.

After a hearty breakfast, spend a few hours back in the National Park this time bound for Kata-Tjuta (The Olgas). Here you'll explore the magnificent and very different features of this ancient geological formation on a hike through the "Valley of the Winds". Take some time out with lunch before we make our journey across the dessert plains and into the Watarrka National Park, the home of the mighty Kings Canyon. Afterwards, an evening dinner under the stars and around the campfire with some special treats is the perfect way to end the day. Bed down tonight in a great Aussie Swag and drift off to sleep, and perhaps even spot a shooting star or that favourite constellation you found last night! Rest up, for the morning hike into the magic Kings Canyon is certainly worth the effort.

Start today by exploring the spectacular landscape that is Kings Canyon -- this will certainly be a highlight of your central Australia adventure. The Rim Walk skirts the edge of the canyon, allowing you to peer over into the sandstone gorge below. Also we come across age-old cycads, a mini version of the Bungle Bungles of eroded dome shapes and an oasis as you reach the Garden of Eden, which has the all important shade, a permanent waterhole. Up some more stairs and across to the south edge, views taking in the breathtaking North Walls and the many sandstone colours are on offer. You will soon discover exactly why Kings Canyon is a favourite among Topdeck guides! Fill up with a picnic lunch before tracking your afternoon drive, returning to the central Australian metropolis of Alice Springs.

The chance exists early this morning for a breath taking hot air balloon ride. The serenity as the sun rises and the views of the outback are absolutely awesome. Back to earth, venture on an excursion out amongst the Western MacDonnell Ranges. S tops will include the peaceful setting of Simpsons Gap and the impressive five metre wide Standley Chasm. Return to Alice Springs with time to grab a late lunch and explore the town centre. This afternoon is a great opportunity to check out the variety of local Aboriginal Art Galleries in Alice or a visit to Desert Park Gardens, test your nerves at the Alice Springs Reptile Centre, you will have the rest of the day to explore this unique town or book in the late afternoon Kangaroo Sanctuary tour for sunset.

This morning, cross the border into South Australia leaving the Red Centre behind and travel across the vast outback plains -- destination Coober Pedy. On the way, stop to take in the awe-inspiring Breakaways Scenic Reserve as you discover the spectacular scenery used in the filming of the riotous Australian comedy 'Priscilla Queen of the Desert'! This region is rightly known as the Opal Capital of the World, discover this remarkable underground place as you take you on a town tour and visit an underground house to see how locals survive living in the harsh desert environment of Coober Pedy followed by a tour of the Umoona Opal Mine to learn more about the discovery and mining of precious opal, Australia's National Gemstone. It's off to the multi award winning outback eatery, John's Pizza Bar, for dinner this evening before your visit to meet some local wildlife and learn about rescued Joey's at a local Kangaroo Orphanage. You will be sure to have a good nights' sleep in the underground bunkhouse.

Heading Southbound, make a brief stop in the sheep-farming township of Glendambo - population 30. Marvel at the enormous salt lakes and flat, saltbush plains of the Woomera Area where we learn about Australia's military weapons testing then explore the surface of a salt lake for some excellent photos. Travelling through Port Augusta, turn East leaving the Stuart Highway and through the Pichi Richi Pass destined for the Southern Flinders Ranges widely considered one of the most attractive natural landscapes in Australia; the Ranges combine adventure, spirituality and tranquillity. Later, check in at your accommodation before you relax over a friendly Aussie Pub dinner maybe even share a drink with the locals.

Today, experience all that the majestic Flinders Ranges have to offer. Spot emu and kangaroo early on while enjoying a scenic drive through Parachilna Gorge, one of Australia's most attractive and iconic natural landscapes. Upon entering the Flinders Ranges National Park, take in the views from Stokes Hill Lookout then hike into the natural amphitheatre of Wilpena Pound. After this morning's exploring you'll no doubt have worked up an appetite so it's off to Wilpena Pound Resort for lunch -- this is real outback hospitality! This afternoon, immerse yourself in the history of the area with a number of great outback photo stops followed by a visit to Kanyaka Ruins - a modern day reminder of the hardship European settlers endured in this harsh environment.

Your journey commences with an early start as the Festival City of Adelaide awaits! We stop along the way to take a walk then lunch while travelling on into the town of Claire with its local deli and wine selections in every store, this town is a living history book and a very picturesque one at that. Round out your day with a visit to the Barossa Reservoir Whispering Wall, a fascinating accident of design with surprising results. Tonight enjoy live music at one of the many local venues.