Red Centre & Uluru Explorer

Welcome to the Outback, Australia! If you’re starting your trip in Alice Springs, an included shuttle will pick you up and transfer you to Yulara - please see Important Notes for pick up time and location. The adventure begins with a welcome meeting at 4 pm at your hotel in Yulara. After, you'll make your way to one of Australia’s most spiritually significant and iconic sites – Uluru. You'll enjoy the view from a prime viewing location as the sun sets over the epic sandstone monolith. Watching the incredible landscape shift in colour is a truly unforgettable sight. Tonight, make sure to look up, as this is one of the best spots to stargaze in the country.

Start the day in one of the best ways – by watching a spectacular sunrise over Uluru. After breakfast, set off on the Kuniya Walk with your leader as the sun climbs over the landscape and walk to Mutitjulu Waterhole with a First Nations guide. Your guide will explain what makes this waterhole sacred while sharing stories of the incredible landscape and its connection to the Anangu people. After, stop by the Uluru-Kata Tjuta Cultural Centre to continue immersing yourself in First Nations culture.  This afternoon, head out to Kata Tjuta (formerly known as 'The Olgas') – a towering collection of 36 domed rock formations. These rust-coloured beauties are one of Australia’s most impressive sights. Embark on Walpa Gorge walk, which takes you between two of the stunning, red-domed rock formations that make up Kata Tjuta. On one side of the gorge, Mount Olga stands proudly, towering above the track below, giving you a real sense of just how incredible this place is. Tonight, you’ll head to the Kata Tjuta sunset area to watch the nightly display of reds, yellows, browns, greens and oranges. (B)

This morning, you’ll again rise nice and early for a light brekkie, before heading out for a sunrise walk along Uluru’s base. Walk the entire circuit of this natural wonder as you watch the land come alive in the sunlight. Then, drive to Watarrka National Park, stopping for an included lunch along the way. When you arrive, take part in a First Nations 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. Tonight, you have a free evening to sit back and relax, stargaze or swap stories with your fellow travellers.    (B/L)

Enjoy a bushman’s style buffet breakfast this morning at Kings Creek Station. After breakfast, 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.  You’ll stop along the way for an included lunch. This afternoon, drive to Alice Springs, where you’ll spend the night. (B/L)

Today after breakfast, you’ll hit the road for Tjoritja (West MacDonnell Ranges). First up is Standley Chasm where you'll explore the towering red walls on foot. Next, hit the Ghostgum Walk to soak in the views across the rugged Ormiston Gorge. After lunch as a group, 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. The last site of today’s adventure is Simpsons Gap, where you might be lucky to spot cute rock wallabies during a short walk through the countryside. Tonight, you might like to get your group together for a farewell dinner and another spot of stargazing after sunset. (B/L)

There are no activities planned for today, so you’re free to depart at any time after checking out. If you’d like to stay in Alice Springs for longer, just speak to your booking agent. (B)