Outback Spirit - Red Centre Explorer

Embark on an unforgettable 8-day adventure through Australia's Red Centre, from Alice Springs to Uluru. This fully accommodated tour offers a deep dive into the rugged beauty of Australia’s heartland, with visits to iconic landmarks like the World Heritage-listed Uluru and Kata Tjuta (The Olgas). Experience the magic of Uluru’s stunning sunrise, and explore the striking Walpa Gorge and Kings Canyon on guided walks. Marvel at the internationally acclaimed ‘Field of Light’ display as it transforms the desert into a mesmerizing array of colors. Discover the West MacDonnell Ranges, with highlights including Standley Chasm and Ormiston Gorge. Indulge in a once-in-a-lifetime dining experience under the stars at the ‘Sounds of Silence’ dinner. Stay in luxury at the 5-star Sails in the Desert Hotel, ensuring comfort after each adventure.

Today, you'll be warmly welcomed by your friendly and professional crew. Begin your journey with a scenic tour of Alice Springs, including a visit to the iconic Anzac Hill, before checking in to the comfortable DoubleTree by Hilton for a relaxing overnight stay.

Today, explore Alice Springs and its surrounds, discovering natural rock formations that are truly spectacular. After breakfast, venture to the West MacDonnell Ranges for a walk to Simpsons Gap. Known as 'Rungutjirpa' by the Arrernte people, Simpsons Gap is a significant spiritual site and home to rare plants and native wildlife. Next, visit Standley Chasm-Angkerle Atwatye, a cultural icon of Central Australia, fully owned and operated by the Arrernte community. After a morning tea break, depart the West MacDonnell Ranges to visit the Alice Springs Desert Park. Enjoy lunch and immerse yourself in the desert’s stories, deepening your appreciation of the stunning landscape. In the evening, indulge in a classic-style outdoor BBQ and enjoy a show under the incredible night sky.

Today, say farewell to Alice Springs and journey further into the heart of the outback. The adventure begins at Ellery Creek, a stunning natural waterhole where you’ll enjoy a short walk and morning tea while soaking in the beautiful surroundings. From there, continue to Ormiston Gorge, renowned for its towering red cliffs and picturesque landscapes. Pause for a delicious lunch before continuing on to the breathtaking Kings Canyon and Watarrka National Park, one of the most iconic and rugged areas in the Red Centre. As the day progresses, take the scenic Mereenie Loop 4WD track, which winds through the West MacDonnell Ranges, offering spectacular views of the rugged outback. Arrive at Kings Canyon Resort, where you’ll relax and unwind for the next two nights. Tonight, enjoy a delicious dinner at Carmichael’s, a charming restaurant nestled within the resort, surrounded by native trees and bushland. It’s the perfect setting to reflect on the beauty of the day.

This morning, depart early to explore the stunning beauty of Kings Canyon. Two walks are offered to suit all preferences, including the exhilarating 6km rim walk, which boasts breathtaking panoramic views of Watarrka National Park before descending into the serene ‘Garden of Eden’. For those looking for a more leisurely pace, a gentler 2.6km walk along the canyon floor creek is also available. After the morning's adventures, return to Kings Canyon Resort for a relaxing lunch and time to rest and refresh. In the afternoon, immerse in Aboriginal culture with the Karrke Aboriginal Cultural Experience and Tours. The name "Karrke" comes from the Aranda word for the western Bowerbird, native to Central Australia. The guide will share insights into bush tucker and medicinal plants used for both spiritual and physical healing. For those wishing to take their experience to new heights, an optional helicopter flight over Kings Canyon is available (at own expense). As the day draws to a close, enjoy sunset drinks and canapés at Light-Towers, an awe-inspiring sound and light installation by renowned artist Bruce Munro. The evening culminates with a delicious dinner at the newly renovated Kings Canyon Bar & Grill, where the day's memorable experiences can be reflected upon.

Depart Kings Canyon for Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park, passing through Kings Creek Station, where an informative paper talk and lunch are enjoyed at Curtin Springs, a vast million-acre cattle station. In the early afternoon, arrive at the award-winning Sails in the Desert Hotel, part of the Ayers Rock Resort. This evening, transfer to the Wintjiri Wiru Sunset Dinner, a breathtaking cultural storytelling experience featuring choreographed drones, lasers, and projections that illuminate the night sky. After a short journey from the resort, venture to an open-air theatre set atop a dune. Enjoy cocktails infused with native ingredients while taking in the incredible views of Uluru. As darkness falls, indulge in a gourmet dinner hamper, where native ingredients are artfully combined with modern techniques to create a balanced and flavorful palette. Witness the ancient Mala story re-told, connecting deeply with the land as the traditional Inma soundtrack and narration in the local Pitjantjatjara language fill the air.

After breakfast, depart to explore Kata Tjuta (the Olgas), where stunning rock formations await on a guided walk through Walpa Gorge, a natural temple shaped over millennia. Next, visit the cultural centre and enjoy a guided tour around the base of Uluru, which rises 348 meters above the desert plains. Learn about the traditional Anangu culture and discover why Uluru, one of the largest monoliths in the world, holds such deep spiritual significance. In the afternoon, unleash creativity during the Maruku Arts dot painting workshop, led by a local Anangu artist. Discover the symbolism, tools, and techniques behind traditional art and create your own piece to take home as a memorable keepsake.After freshening up at the resort, prepare for an unforgettable experience at Bruce Munro's global phenomenon, ‘Field of Light.’ Aptly named Tili Wiru Tjuta Nyakutjaku (looking at lots of beautiful lights), this breathtaking installation features 50,000 slender stems crowned with radiant frosted spheres across an area the size of seven football fields. Depart the hotel before sunset for an exclusive dune-top location offering majestic views of Uluru. Enjoy drinks and canapés as the Field of Light installation begins to glow, with the 50,000 glass spheres lighting up the desert. After your host shares insights into this remarkable art piece, explore the display along dedicated pathways. The evening concludes with a relaxing dinner back at the hotel.

Early risers will witness the sun rising over Uluru, as the colors of dawn spread across the landscape. Enjoy breakfast at the hotel before departing for the Mala Walk. Along the way, admire impressive examples of rock art, leading to Kantju Gorge, a place of profound peace, surrounded by sheer vertical walls. Return to the hotel for lunch, with the afternoon free to relax or participate in additional touring. Options include visiting the Gallery of Central Australia or joining a Bush Tucker Experience. In the evening, enjoy the unforgettable 'Sounds of Silence' dining experience under the stars. The evening begins with canapés and chilled sparkling wine on a viewing platform overlooking Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park. As the sun sets and darkness falls, listen to the haunting sound of the didgeridoo while savoring a premium bush tucker-inspired buffet featuring native bush ingredients. Afterward, relax as the resident star talker decodes the southern night sky. Following this extraordinary experience, return to Sails in the Desert for the final night.

Enjoy a hearty breakfast at the hotel before heading to the Yulara township, located just outside Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park. If your flight departs from Ayers Rock Airport, bid farewell here. Otherwise, continue the journey back to Alice Springs, where the Red Centre Explorer tour concludes.