Itinerary

 

Day 2. West MacDonnell Ranges, Simpsons Gap, Angkerle (Standley Chasm)
Tour the picturesque West MacDonnell Ranges with a visit to Simpsons Gap, where black-footed wallabies live among the rocky slopes. Walk through the narrow cleft at Angkerle, a spectacular five-metre break in the range and a sacred site to the original inhabitants of the land. When the Outback sun strikes the towering walls of the chasm, they blaze in a brilliant mix of fiery reds and oranges. This afternoon visit the Alice Springs Desert Park and learn more about Australia's desert plants and animals. The remainder of the day is free to for you to explore Alice Springs on your own. Perhaps take part in some optional activities. (L)

 

Day 3. Kata Tjuta (Olgas), Olga Gorge Walk, Uluru (Ayers Rock) Sunset Drinks
Depart Alice Springs and travel through the West MacDonnell Ranges. Enjoy a short stop at the Outback Camel Farm and learn a little about the impact that camels had in opening up this remote part of Australia. Continue past the Mt Conner mesa before arriving at Ayers Rock Resort. After time to settle in and explore some of the resort's facilities, rejoin the coach and drive out to the domes of Kata Tjuta. This cluster of 36 rock formations dominates the western skyline of the Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park and is thought to have once been a single rock, many times the size of Uluru. Take a guided walk along the path of the natural creek bed between the red walls of Olga Gorge. Some of the plants within the gorge are so rare that they are only found in and around these distinct sandstone monoliths. As the sun sinks in the vast desert sky, travel to our special vantage point at Uluru's sunset strip. Enjoy a complimentary glass of wine while watching the sunset, a stunning display of light, shade and colour on the coarse surface of Uluru.
Two Night Stay: Ayers Rock Resort, choice of hotel.
 

Day 4. Uluru at Sunrise, Mutitjulu, Mala Walk,
Rise early this morning to view Uluru in the first light of the new day. With a tea or coffee in hand, take in the beauty of the monolith at sunrise. Join a guided walk to the sacred site and waterhole of Mutitjulu, and hear stories of Aboriginal myth and legend. Later, join the Mala Walk along the base of Uluru, seeing ancient artwork and caves. Visit Kantju Gorge with its sheer walls rising almost vertically from the water. This evening, enjoy the 'Sounds of Silence' desert dinner in a picturesque bush setting. Sit down and enjoy a gourmet meal of Australian delicacies including kangaroo, crocodile, barramundi and emu, followed by a guided tour of the stars in the night sky. (D)

 

Day 5. Ayers Rock Resort at Leisure, Watarrka National Park, Kings Canyon
This morning is at leisure to relax and soak up the atmosphere of Ayers Rock Resort. Visit the Information Centre, browse through the shops, go for a swim or undertake some of our exciting optional activities. This afternoon, travel through the vast red sandhills of the Australian Outback to majestic Kings Canyon in Watarrka National Park.
Accommodation: Kings Canyon, choice of hotel.
 

Day 6. Kings Canyon,
This morning you have a choice between two guided walks at Kings Canyon. The rim walk takes you up to the canyon rim where the views of the canyon walls and the surrounding countryside are spectacular. Wander through the strange rock domes of the 'Lost City' and climb down into the lush valley where the 'Garden of Eden' waterhole is found. The other walk is easier and takes you along the canyon floor through the varied vegetation that thrives in the shadow of the orange canyon walls which tower above you. Rejoin the coach and travel to Kings Creek Station, a huge cattle station which also herds wild camels for export to Arabian countries. Learn a little about life on a genuine Outback property before continuing to the township of Alice Springs.
Accommodation: Alice Springs, choice of hotel.
 

Day 7. Alice Springs
Enjoy the morning at leisure to relax or undertake optional activities, such as the Aboriginal Culture Tour (own expense). Transfer to Alice Springs Airport or to the railway station to join The Ghan to Darwin or Adelaide.

 

Departures
Every Day