Uluru & Kings Canyon Discovery

As this Short Break departs at 7.00am, accommodations will need to be pre-booked for the previous night. Travel from Alice Springs to Uluru (Ayers Rock) aboard a luxury vehicle. Take in the rugged desert landscapes of the region, passing through the beautiful MacDonnell Ranges. While travelling through this remote country, your friendly Driver Guide will provide informative and entertaining commentary. Learn about the natural and geological history of the region, as well as the unique Australian desert flora and fauna such as the Perentie, the Thorny Devil and the Red Kangaroo. Stop at a local Roadhouse for a quick break and comfort stop then see Atila (Mt Conner) in the distance as you travel through Curtin Springs Station before arriving at Ayers Rock Resort, rested, relaxed and ready to explore the amazing World Heritage-listed Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park.

This afternoon enter Uluru Kata Tjuta National Park for an afternoon of discovery. Visit the Cultural Centre where you'll have time to explore the galleries and you may be lucky enough to see local Aboriginal Artists at work. Travel to the base of Uluru where you'll be amazed as your local guide shares the Aboriginal Tjukurpa (creation) stories that breathe life into this giant formation. Feel the spirit of the land as your guide takes you on a walk to Mutitjulu Waterhole, interpreting the meaning of the ancient Rock Art and sacred sites you'll see along the way. With plenty of time, travel to the Uluru Sunset Viewing Area where you can relax with a sparkling wine or two while you enjoy a famous Uluru sunset. Witness the incredible changing colours as the sun sets below the horizon. You'll arrive back at Ayers Rock Resort 30 minutes after sunset. Stay: Outback Hotel & Lodge, Desert Gardens Hotel or Sails in the Desert Hotel, Ayers Rock Resort

The Red Centre is all about spectacular sunrises and sunsets. This morning you'll experience sunrise from Talinguru Nyakunytjaku, a purpose-built viewing area, with tiered platforms so you're able to get the perfect view as the sun peaks over the horizon. Kata Tjuta is very different to Uluru. It's made up of a series of giant textured domes that rise out of the desert like 36 heads. After sunrise you'll take a self-guided walk through Walpa Gorge, a 1.3km track that follows the natural creek bed between two of Kata Tjuta's largest domes.

After the hike, sit back and enjoy your ride back to Ayers Rock Resort where you'll arrive in time for lunch (own expense). Travel through spectacular desert scenery from Ayers Rock Resort to Kings Canyon. Pass through Curtin Springs Station and view Atila (Mt. Conner). Along the way your Driver Guide will provide informative commentary about the history of the surrounding cattle stations on the way to Kings Canyon Resort. Keep a look out for wild horses and camel along the way. Arrive at Kings Canyon Resort where you may have time to view the stunning sunset behind Carmichaels Crag to finish off the day. Stay: Kings Canyon Resort, Standard Rooms

Make the rocky climb to the rim of the canyon for marvellous views of Watarrka National Park at sunrise. Follow the rim of the canyon stopping to look down into the canyon gorge at look-out points. 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 floor. Following the hike, travel by luxury vehicle through beautiful desert landscapes. Stop at Kings Creek Station, a working cattle and camel station for lunch (own expense) where you'll have the opportunity to try their famous camel burger!

Stop at Erldunda, a roadhouse located at the junction of the Stuart Highway and Lasseter Highway, where you can purchase afternoon tea. Travel along the Stuart Highway before arriving in Alice Springs.

As this Short Break concludes after 7.00pm, accommodations will need to be pre-booked for tonight.