Uluru: All-inclusive Small Group Expedition

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B​elow itinerary based on 2024 travel 6 day tour

D​ay 1 - Arrive Alice Springs

Please check your required arrival time with the office before booking your flights.

Today you'll be met by your friendly and professional crew. Enjoy a brief tour of Alice Springs including Anzac Hill, before checking in to the DoubleTree by Hilton for our overnight stay. 

• Stay: DoubleTree by Hilton Alice Springs
• Included Meals: Dinner

D​ay 2 - Kings Canyon

Today we depart Alice Springs and travel the Mereenie loop through the West MacDonnell Ranges to Kings Canyon. Enjoy the scenic drive and visit Standley Chasm and Ormiston Gorge before checking in to the Kings Canyon Resort where we will spend the next two nights.

• S​tay: Kings Canyon Resort
• I​ncluded Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

D​ay 3 - Watarrka National Park

Today enjoy the wonders of the majestic Kings Canyon. Two walks are available, including the spectacular 6 km rim walk. This walk features breathtaking views of the Watarrka National Park before descending into the ‘Garden of Eden’. A less arduous walk is also available along the canyon floor (2.6km). Upon returning to the resort this afternoon, there is the opportunity to take helicopter flights over Kings Canyon and Watarrka National Park. 15 minute flights cost approximately $200 per person. 

Please note: Weight limits apply to all scenic flights.

• S​tay: Kings Canyon Resort
• I​ncluded Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

D​ay 4 - Uluru

This morning we depart Kings Canyon for Uluru. Pass through Kings Creek Station and enjoy an informative paper talk and lunch at Curtin Springs, before arriving at the award-winning Sails in the Desert Hotel, part of the Ayers Rock Resort.

Enjoy a lap of Uluru before returning to the resort, ready for this evening's unique 'Sounds of Silence' dining experience under the stars. Offering the best of the Red Centre distilled into four magical hours, the evening 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 the didgeridoo and enjoy a premium bush tucker inspired buffet incorporating native bush ingredients. Afterwards, settle back and listen to the resident star talker decode the southern night sky. 

Note: Voyages Ayers Rock Resort have moved to cashless transactions

• Stay: Sails in the Desert Hotel
• Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

D​ay 5 - Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park & Field of Light

This morning, early risers will experience the sun rising over Uluru and the colours of dawn spreading across the landscape. After breakfast, head off to discover Kata Tjuta (the Olgas) and admire the stunning rock formations on a guided walk into Walpa Gorge.

We take in the cultural centre and enjoy a guided drive around the base of Uluru, which stands 348 metres above the desert plains. Learn about traditional Anangu culture as you marvel at one of the largest monoliths in the world!

Later this afternoon we prepare for our visit to artist Bruce Munro's global phenomenon 'Field of Light'. Aptly named Tili Wiru Tjuta Nyakutjaku (looking at lots of beautiful lights), 'Field of Light' features 50,000 slender stems crowned with radiant frosted spheres, spread across an area the size of 7 football fields.

Departing the resort before sunset, we head to an exclusive dune top location with majestic views of Uluru. Enjoy drinks and canapes as Field of Light gently illuminates and the 50,000 glass spheres come to life. After your host provides some insights into this remarkable installation, you’ll head off to explore the stunning display via the dedicated pathways. This evening we return to the hotel for dinner and our final night at Sails in the Desert.

*Please note that dinner this evening will be at approximately 9pm.

• Stay: Sails in the Desert Hotel
• Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

D​ay 6 - Ayers Rock Resort

After breakfast enjoy the morning at your leisure. You will then be transferred to the airport or back to Alice Springs.

Please note if you are travelling back to Alice Springs to catch the Ghan, it will be an early start and lunch will be provided.

• I​ncluded Meals: Breakfast

B​elow itinerary based on 2025 travel 8 day tour

Day 1 - Arrive Alice Springs

Welcome to Alice Springs, the heart of Australia, in more ways than one. Today, you'll meet our passionate Outback Spirit crew, who will be looking after you for the next eight days.

Check-in at DoubleTree by Hilton, where we'll stay for the first two nights. Meet your fellow travellers for welcome drinks and a short briefing on what you can expect during the Red Centre Explorer tour, before dinner at the hotel.

• Stay: DoubleTree by Hilton Alice Springs
• Included Meals: Dinner

Day 2 - Exploring Alice Springs

Today, we explore Alice Springs and surrounds and see natural rock formations that are truly spectacular. After breakfast, we'll venture to the West MacDonnell Ranges and enjoy a walk to Simpsons Gap. Known as 'Rungutjirpa' by the Arrernte people, Simpsons Gap is an important spiritual site and home to dozens of rare plants and native wildlife.

We'll then visit Standley Chasm-Angkerle Atwatye, a cultural icon of Central Australia and 100% owned and operated by the Arrernte community. We'll break for morning tea and depart the West MacDonnell Ranges to visit the Alice Springs Desert Park. Here we'll enjoy lunch and immerse ourselves in the stories of the desert that will help us to appreciate and enjoy the beautiful landscape that we are travelling through.

This evening, we enjoy a classic-style outdoor BBQ and show under the incredible night sky.

• Stay: DoubleTree by Hilton
• Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 3 - Kings Canyon

Today, we say goodbye to Alice Springs and go deeper into the outback. First up is a visit to Ellery Creek for a short walk and morning tea, then we travel to Ormiston Gorge to see its towering red cliffs. We'll stop for lunch at Glen Helen, a haven of outback hospitality, before our journey to the mighty Kings Canyon and Watarrka National Park.

As we drive through the outback, we'll take the scenic Mereenie Loop 4WD track through the West MacDonnell Ranges and arrive at Kings Canyon Resort, where we'll spend the next two nights.

Tonight, we dine at Carmichael’s, a relaxed space situated in Kings Canyon Resort surrounded by native trees and bushlands.

• Stay: Kings Canyon Resort
• Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 4 - Kings Canyon & Watarrka National Park

This morning, we depart early to experience the beauty of Kings Canyon. Two walks are available, including the spectacular 6km rim walk, which features breathtaking views of the Watarrka National Park before descending into the 'Garden of Eden'. For those who wish to save energy, a more relaxed walk is also available along the creek on the canyon floor (2.6km).

After the morning's activities, we return to Kings Canyon Resort for lunch and to rest and refresh. The afternoon is spent learning about Aboriginal culture with Karrke Aboriginal Cultural Experience and Tours. In the Aranda language, Karrke is the Aboriginal name for the western Bowerbird, which is native to Central Australia, and our guide will teach us about bush tucker and bush medicines used for spiritual and physical healing.

For those wishing to take the optional helicopter flight over Kings Canyon, today is the day. (at own expense.)

As afternoon turns to evening, we'll enjoy sunset drinks and canapes at Light-Towers, an immersive sound and light installation by the acclaimed artist Bruce Munro. Tonight, we'll enjoy dinner at the newly renovated Kings Canyon Bar & Grill and gather to recall the day's adventures.

• Stay: Kings Canyon Resort
• Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 5 - Uluru Kata Tjuta National Park

Today is special. We depart Kings Canyon for Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park, passing through Kings Creek Station to enjoy an informative paper talk and lunch at Curtin Springs, a million-acre cattle station. In the early afternoon, we arrive at the award-winning Sails in the Desert Hotel, part of the Ayers Rock Resort.

This evening, we are transferred to the Wintjiri Wiru Sunset Dinner. A breathtaking cultural storytelling experience through choreographed drones, lasers and projections illuminating the night sky.

After a short journey from the resort, we venture to an open-air theatre set upon a dune top. Enjoy cocktails infused with native ingredients while taking in the incredible views of Uluru. As darkness descends, enjoy a gourmet dinner hamper where native ingredients are combined with modern techniques to create a balanced and flavourful palette as the night sky lights up before our eyes. Witness the ancient Mala story re-told and feel a powerful connection to country listening to a traditional Inma soundtrack and narration in the local Pitjantjatjara language.

• Stay: Sails in the Desert Hotel
• Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 6- Uluru

After breakfast, we depart to discover Kata Tjuta (the Olgas) and admire the stunning rock formations on a guided walk into Walpa Gorge, an ancient temple crafted by nature.

We take in the cultural centre and enjoy a guided drive around the base of Uluru, which stands 348 metres above the desert plains. Learn about traditional Anangu culture and why Uluru, one of the largest monoliths in the world, is such a sacred site.

We let our creativity shine this afternoon during the Maruku Arts dot painting workshop. A local Anangu artist will teach us about traditional art, symbols, tools, and more. Through the workshop, you'll have the opportunity to create something to share with your family.

We freshen up back at the resort and prepare for our visit to artist Bruce Munro's global phenomenon 'Field of Light'. Aptly named Tili Wiru Tjuta Nyakutjaku (looking at lots of beautiful lights), 'Field of Light' features 50,000 slender stems crowned with radiant frosted spheres spread across an area the size of 7 football fields.

Departing the hotel before sunset, we head to an exclusive dune top location with majestic views of Uluru. Enjoy drinks and canapes as Field of Light gently illuminates and the 50,000 glass spheres come to life. After your host provides some insights into this remarkable installation, you'll explore the stunning display via the dedicated pathways.

This evening, we return to the hotel for dinner. 

*Please note that dinner this evening will be at approximately 9 pm.

• Stay: Sails in the Desert Hotel
• Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 7 - Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park

Early risers will experience the sun rising over Uluru this morning and the colours of dawn spreading across the landscape. Breakfast is at the hotel before we depart for the Mala Walk. Admire the fine examples of rock art along this walk before arriving at Kantju Gorge, a place of profound peacefulness surrounded by sheer vertical walls.

We return to the hotel for lunch with an afternoon ahead of us, which you can spend at your leisure or participate in additional touring of the area, including a visit to the Gallery of Central Australia and a Bush Tucker Experience.

This evening, we'll enjoy the unique 'Sounds of Silence' dining experience under the stars. Offering the best of the Red Centre distilled into four magical hours, the evening 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 the didgeridoo and enjoy a premium bush tucker-inspired buffet incorporating native bush ingredients. Afterwards, settle back and listen to the resident star talker decode the southern night sky.

After this incredible experience, we return to Sails in the Desert for our final night.

• Stay: Sails in the Desert Hotel
• Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

D​ay 8 - Farewell

Enjoy a hearty breakfast at the hotel before we drive to the Yulara township just outside Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park. If your flight home is out of Ayers Rock Airport we will say farewell, otherwise we will journey back to Alice Springs where the Red Centre Explorer tour comes to an end.

• Included Meals: Breakfast

The Red Centre Season commences in March and ends in October.

Book 2024 season (6 day tour) and save $500 per person + return economy airfares and taxes up to the value of $1,500 per person*

• S​eptember & October 2024 - from $4,495 per person twin share
• August 2024 - from $4,795 per person twin share
• A single supplement of $1,600 applies for solo traveller

B​ook 2025 season (8 day tour) by 30 September 2024 and save $1,000 per person*

• M​arch, September & October 2025 - from $5,635 per person twin share
• A​pril, May, June, July & August 2025 - from $5,985 per person twin share
• A single supplement of $2,200 applies for solo traveller

Call our travel advisors today on 1300 414 198 to book your space before they sell out.

P​lease note the discount has already been applied to above pricing

Staying at good quality to exceptional accommodation

• DoubleTree by Hilton Alice Springs
• Kings Canyon Resort
• Sails in the Desert

We recommend that you take Travel insurance for unexpected incidents - Ask our Travel advisors for Insurance details.

Can I travel if I require special assistance or mobility aids? Passengers are required to have a reasonable level of mobility to be able to board and alight the coach unaided. Due to space restrictions aboard our coaches, we are unable to accommodate passengers who require the use of wheelchairs or walkers. Vehicles are not equipped with wheelchair ramps or lifters. Passengers requiring physical or mental assistance must be accompanied by a companion who is willing and capable of providing such assistance.

Passengers can bring a walking stick, however we recommended that it be telescopic/collapsible for ease of storage.

Can I bring a sleep Apnoea (CPAP) Machine? Please advise us in advance if you require a sleep apnoea machine, so we can request the most appropriate room for you. Your machine can be brought as additional luggage.