Essence of the Red Centre: Ayers Rock, Kings Canyon & Alice Springs

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.

Travel to Kata Tjuta (The Olgas) where your guide will reveal the many attributes of this diverse environment. Arriving at Walpa Gorge you will walk between the mighty conglomerate domes and hear how these 36 domes that makeup Kata Tjuta have evolved over millions of years. Your guide will return you to your hotel in time for those joining Sounds of Silence or Tali Wiru dinner or Field of Lights.

Entered into the Australian Tourism Hall of Fame, Sounds of Silence offers the best of the Red Centre distilled into four magical hours - an evening of dining under the sparkling outback sky.

The Sounds of Silence experience begins with canapes and chilled sparkling wine served on a viewing platform overlooking the Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park. As the sun sets and darkness falls, listen to the sound of a didgeridoo and join your table of fellow travelers for an unforgettable dining experience.

The attentive staff will keep your glass full with a quality selection of Australian wine and beer while first course is served. As the night sky twinkles to life, help yourself to a bush tucker inspired buffet that incorporates native bush ingredients.

Settle back and listen to the resident star talker decode the southern night sky. Locate the Southern Cross, the signs of the zodiac, the Milky Way, as well as planets and galaxies that are visible due to the exceptional clarity of the atmosphere.

As you wind down after a delicious dinner, you are offered a choice of tea, coffee or port. In winter, guests gather around a campfire to savour a special treat of hot mulled wine.

As you travel towards Uluru its vast shape rises from the sand dunes as the early dawn light highlights it presence in this country. Your guide will take
 you to a special location with uninterrupted views to watch the sun rise over this amazing monolith. Enjoy a picnic breakfast before you experience the highlights of Uluru. Your guide will escort you on a short walk to Mutitjulu Waterhole at Uluru where you will learn the creation stories of Liru (poisonous snake) and Kuniya (Python). You will drive around the base of Uluru before returning to the resort.

Travel through spectacular desert scenery from Ayers Rock Resort to Kings Canyon Resort by luxury coach. Pass through Curtin Springs and view Atila (Mt. Conner). After turning off the Lasseter Highway and onto Luritja Road your Driver/Guide will provide informative commentary about the history of the surrounding cattle stations. Arrive at Kings Canyon Resort before dusk. You may have time to view the sun set behind Carmichaels Crag to finish off the day.

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.

Your guide will escort you on the rocky climb to the rim of Kings Canyon. The views of Watarrka National Park from the top of the canyon are magnificent as are the views down into the canyon itself. Follow the rim of the canyon stopping to view the canyon gorge at look-out points. Time permitting, you may choose to descend to the green oasis of the 'Garden of Eden'. The walk may take up to 3 hours and is rocky and steep in parts. It is for those with a good level of fitness. Alternatively, you may wish to take an easier, shorter walk to explore the boulder strewn canyon floor with our Driver/Guide.

Travel by luxury coach through beautiful desert landscapes. Stop at Kings Creek Station, a working cattle/camel station for lunch (own expense), why not try their famous camel burger. Followed by a brief stop at Angus Downs.

From Angus Downs the coach stops at Erldunda, where you may purchase afternoon tea. Travel along the Stuart Highway before arriving at your hotel in Alice Springs.

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.