Outback Australia: The Color of Red
- Duration
- 5 Days
- Prices From:
- US$ 2,377
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$ 2,377
Itinerary
Welcome to Alice Springs
This afternoon you'll meet your Journey Director who will share their take on what life is like in such an isolated Australian town like Alice Springs. We'll visit the Royal Flying Doctor Service to see how this facility provides medical assistance to those living in remote outback Australia. Then a visit to the School of the Air, a crucial service providing education to children living in remote Australian communities. Tonight, you will enjoy a local dining experience with your hosts at an open-air barbecue dinner with campfires as the Milky Way lights up the wide Australian sky.
| Meal Plan | 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
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 drive to Simpsons Gap and Standley Chasm which was created over millions of years, the deep red sandstone formation contrasts with the lush green ferns and gum trees on the valley floor. This afternoon you have some free time to relax by the pool or choose to explore on your own more of Alice Springs.
| Meal Plan | Breakfast and Dinner |
|---|
Alice Springs - Kings Canyon
Today we drive further through the West MacDonnell Ranges to Kings Canyon. Along the way there'll be time to see the cool waters at Ellery Creek Big Hole. Travelling off-road along the Mereenie Loop road we will travel past Tylers Lookout and Gosses Bluff. This afternoon you're off on a 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'. 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). The only light comes from the moon and the flickering glow of the fire and the only sound is soft music intertwined with the whispering of the breeze through the Desert Oak trees and the crackling flames. Enjoy sparkling wine and canapes followed by a four-course dinner, prepared from fresh produce and ingredients unique to the Australian Outback.
| Meal Plan | Breakfast, Lunch and Highlight 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 - Uluru (Ayers Rock)
This morning you will journey to Uluru. Your first stop is Curtin Springs which 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 afternoon we enter Uluru - Kata Tjuta National Park and make our way to the domes of Kata Tjuta (the Olgas). Here you'll join your Travel Director for a guided-walk through Walpa Gorge. The large, steep dome-like formations of Kata Tjuta are amazing to walk through and have great cultural significance for the Anangu people. As the sun sets, you'll see spectacular changing colours over Uluru from the prime sunset viewing area. This evening share a few laughs with your fellow travellers over a delicious meal at Ilkari Restaurant.
| Meal Plan | Breakfast, Lunch and Highlight 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
Kata Tjuta (The Olgas) - Farewell from Ayers Rock
You'll start the day with an impressive sunrise over Kata Tjuta (the Olgas) and Uluru (Ayers Rock) from the fantastic Kata Tjuta dune viewing area. From here it's off to the Uluru - Kata Tjuta Cultural Centre for breakfast an insight into the history of the local Anangu People. Take a walk around the base of Uluru and hear timeless stories, see rock art, and visit Mutitjulu Waterhole, an important water source for the Aboriginal people and animals in the area. In the late morning your Colour of Red Inspiring Journey comes to and end and you'll be transferred to the airport for your flight.
| 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.
24 Sep 2021
