5 Day Short Break to Alice Springs, Uluru & Kings Canyon

Day 1 - Arrive Alice Springs

On arrival at Alice Springs Airport you will be transferred to your hotel (flights to arrive prior to 12.15pm).

Tour the sights of ‘The Alice’ including the School of the Air and the historic Telegraph Station, which marks the original site of the first European settlement in Alice Springs. Visit the Royal Flying Doctor Service, where you will hear how medical aid reaches those who live in the remote outback. You’ll also visit the Alice Springs Reptile Centre, where you can see up-close and maybe touch some of the lizards and snakes of Central Australia’s semi-arid desert.

Your day concludes with a panoramic view of the township of Alice Springs and the MacDonnell Ranges from the top of Anzac Hill.

Hotel: Aurora Alice Springs, Crowne Plaza Alice Springs Lasseters or Mercure Alice Springs Resort, Alice Springs.

Day 2 - Alice Springs – Uluṟu Sacred Sites & Sunset

Travel through the West MacDonnell Ranges to Ayers Rock Resort.

This afternoon, visit the Uluṟu-Kata Tjuṯa Cultural Centre, where you can learn about Aboriginal culture and see Aboriginal arts and crafts. Tour the base of Uluṟu (Ayers Rock) in comfort as your Driver Guide provides commentary about the numerous sacred sites and features to be found at Uluṟu. Continue by coach to the Kuniya Walk from where you’ll be escorted on foot to the beautiful Mutitjulu Waterhole. View Aboriginal rock paintings and learn about the area as your Driver Guide points out some native flora and explains the Aboriginal and European history of Uluṟu.

In the late afternoon, travel to the Uluṟu sunset viewing area. Witness the striking colour changes of Uluṟu at sunset while enjoying nibbles and sparkling wine.

Hotel: Outback Pioneer Hotel, Desert Gardens Hotel or Sails in the Desert Hotel, Ayers Rock Resort, 2 nights.

Day 3 - Uluṟu Sunrise – Kata Tjuṯa

Rise early this morning to travel to Talinguru Nyakunytjaku in Uluṟu-Kata Tjuṯa National Park. Watch the first rays of the sun set the Red Centre alight while enjoying a warming cup of tea or coffee.

Then travel to the mystical 36 domes of Kata Tjuṯa (the Olgas). On the way, enjoy panoramic views of the southern side of Kata Tjuṯa from a viewing platform, before arriving at the base of Walpa Gorge. Spend some time exploring the gorge and the unusual conglomerate rock formations. The walking trail through Walpa Gorge follows the natural creek between two of the tallest domes of Kata Tjuta.

On returning to Ayers Rock Resort, your afternoon is at leisure.

Day 4 - Uluṟu – Kings Canyon – Alice Springs

Travel from Ayers Rock Resort to Kings Canyon, stopping for breakfast at Kings Creek Station along the way.

Make the rocky climb to the rim of the canyon for marvellous views of Watarrka National Park. Follow the rim of the canyon, stopping at vantage points to look down into the canyon gorge. Time permitting, you may choose to descend into the green oasis of the ‘Garden of Eden’. The circuit walk takes approximately 3 hours to complete and is rocky and steep in parts. It is recommended for those with a good level of fitness. Alternatively, you may wish to take an easier, shorter walk to explore the boulder-strewn canyon creek bed. This afternoon travel to Alice Springs.

Hotel: Aurora Alice Springs, Crowne Plaza Alice Springs Lasseters or Mercure Alice Springs Resort, Alice Springs.

Included Meals: Breakfast

Day 5 - Depart Alice Springs

Your short break concludes this morning. You’ll be transferred to Alice Springs Airport for your onward flight (flights anytime).

Please note that prices are subject to availability at time of booking and may change without notice.

• Jan-Feb 2020 - departs Thu
• March 2020 - departs Tue, Thu, Fri & Sun

Tour with BUDGET accommodation

Twin share - from $1295 per person (Dec19-Mar20)

Solo Traveller - from $1690 per person (Dec 2019-Mar 2020)

Tour with STANDARD accommodation

Twin share - from $1450 per person (Dec 2019-Mar 2020)

Solo Traveller - from $2015 per person (Dec 2019-Mar 2020)

Tour with SUPERIOR accommodation

Twin share - from $1555 per person (Dec 2019-Mar 2020)

Solo Traveller - from $2215 per person (Dec 2019-Mar 2020)

Call our local travel team on 1300 414 198 to book your holiday. We can also assist with best airfare of the day and additional accommodation if you would like to extend your break.

Choose from a range of accommodation standards below.

BUDGET ACCOMMODATION:

Aurora Alice Springs

This 109 room vibrant hotel is the only Alice Springs accommodation on the Todd Mall - the most centrally located accommodation in Alice Springs, Australia.The Todd Mall is the main shopping, dining and tourist precinct and offers a unique walking experience.

Outback Pioneer Hotel, Uluru

The Outback Pioneer Hotel provides comfortable, clean accommodation for the traveller who is simply looking for somewhere to rest between their outback adventures. Standard Rooms are comfortable and spacious and feature one queen and one single bed. All rooms have private en suite, television and movies on demand.

STANDARD ACCOMMODATION:

Crowne Plaza Alice Springs Lasseters

The hotel is nestled beneath the famous MacDonnell Ranges. All rooms feature a private balcony with views of the nearby 18-hole Alice Springs Golf Course, the Todd River, swimming pool or the MacDonnell Ranges.

Desert Gardens Hotel, Uluru

Voyages Desert Gardens Hotel is centrally located to all resort and touring facilities and offers a range of accommodation, from shaded poolside rooms to deluxe rooms overlooking the desert.

SUPERIOR ACCOMMODATION:

Mercure Alice Springs Resort

Situated on the banks of the famous Todd River, Mercure Alice Springs Resort offers spectacular views of the towering River Red Gum. Well-manicured lush green lawns of the hotel create a relaxing atmosphere, letting you soak in the Australian Outback charm in the Northern Territory (NT).

Sails in the Desert

In the heart of Australia's Red Centre, the hotel beautifully contrasts Uluru's raw natural beauty with a luxurious outback holiday experience. Soaring white sails crown Ayers Rock Resort's Sails in the Desert Hotel, shading 228 luxury five star rooms and suites.

Please Note: There will be refurbishments between 25 Jan - 26 Jun 2019, and 4 Nov 2019 - 30 Jun 2020. Sails in the Desert will be working to ensure there is minimal disturbance and impact to its operation and guests.

Flight Information:

• Day 1: Flights to arrive prior to 12.15 pm into Alice Springs Airport
• Day 5: Flights to depart anytime from Alice Springs Airport

Fitness Requirements:

• Uluru: Low level of fitness required. Approximately 1 hour gentle walk
• Kata Tjuta: Moderate level of fitness required. Uneven surfaces to complete Walpa Gorge walk
• Guests can return to the coach at any time if needed
• Kings Canyon: Good level of fitness required for the 3 hour canyon Rim Walk
• Low to moderate level of fitness required for the canyon Creek Bed Walk

What to Bring:

• Enclosed walking shoes
• Sunglasses, hat, sunscreen
• Water bottle to hold 3 litres for the Rim Walk or 1.5 litres for the Creek Bed Walk
• Warm layers in cooler months
• Flynet in summer months (optional)
• Cash if purchasing Aboriginal artwork
• Snacks for breakfast (Day 3)