Best of Uluru & Kings Canyon

G’day and welcome to Alice Springs (Mparntwe in the language of the traditional owners of the land on which Alice Springs is now located). This quintessential laidback Aussie town is the perfect place to start our journey into the ancient culture and landscapes of Australia’s Outback. It will act as our launching pad to reach some of the top spots on our agenda over the next days. Your Red Centre adventure officially kicks off with a Welcome Meeting at 6pm today where you’ll meet your group leader and new travel companions. Until then, feel free to check out some of the town’s sights or tuck into an outback inspired meal at one of the quirky local cafes.

After breakfast this morning, enjoy a short sightseeing tour of Alice Springs with your group leader. You’ll discover ANZAC Hill Lookout and visit the historic Telegraph Station to learn how it played an important role as the mid-point of a telegraph line running from Adelaide to Darwin in the 19th century. From here, you’ll hit the road for Simpsons Gap in the Western MacDonnell Ranges National Park (Tjoritja), where you might be lucky spot cute rock wallabies during a short walk through the countryside here. After some time to stretch your legs, you’ll get a chance to relax by Ellery Creek Big Hole, a tranquil waterhole that cuts through one of the gorges and a popular Outback swimming spot. Then, after some time to cool off, take on the Ghostgum Walk to soak in the views across of the rugged Ormiston Gorge, before heading back to Alice Springs for the evening and an included dinner.

Today you’ll take the Stuart and Lasseter Highway across the colourful semi-desert to Watarrka National Park. Upon arrival in the afternoon, enjoy a special Aboriginal cultural experience – where you’ll learn about bush tucker food (including the Witchetty Grub), bush medicine and the history of dot painting from local First Nations guides. To top off the day’s adventures, you’ll be treated to a typical Outback BBQ dinner at your accommodation in Watarrka National Park this evening.

Spend the morning exploring the rugged landscape of Kings Canyon and enjoy the 3-hour rim walk up and across the famous Kings Canyon plateau, from the sandstone domes of the 'Lost City' to the oasis of the 'Garden of Eden'. You’ll walk across the red rock cliffs that protrude from the land and take in views of the palm forest below. Then hit the road again for a scenic drive across the red landscape to Uluru - Kata Tjuta National Park. Keep your eyes out, there’s chance that you might spot brumbys, camels or wallabies on the drive. First up today, you’ll arrive in Kata Tjuta (formerly known as 'The Olgas'), a towering collection of 36 domed rock formations. Here, you'll embark on a walk to a popular lookout to admire the stunning red formations that make up Kata Tjuta – these ochre-coloured shapes are a mesmerising sight. After your walk, you'll make your way to one of Australia’s most spiritually significant and iconic sites, Uluru. From a prime location, you’ll enjoy the view as the sun sets over the epic sandstone monolith – watching the incredible landscape shift in colour is a sight you won’t soon forget!

You'll start the day early in one of the best ways imaginable – watching a spectacular sunrise over Uluru. Embark on a short walk across the rust-coloured landscape to a nearby waterhole and marvel at some of the traditional art sites. Your leader will shed light on the history and nature here and explain how the Anangu people are deeply connected to the lands. Afterwards, stop by the Uluru-Kata Tjuta Cultural Centre to continue learning about First Nations culture. After some time here, we’ll stop by Yulara for any travellers flying out of Uluru to catch the free airport shuttle. Then, for those finishing the trip where we started, in Alice Springs, we’ll hit the highway just after lunch. We’ll arrive in Alice Springs in the evening when your Outback adventure will come to an end.