Alice Springs

Tours

Witness the splendor of Uluru on this day trip from Alice Springs. Visit a cultural centre, see rock art on a guided walk, hear some traditional stories, and top It all off with wine and dinner as the sun sets. Depart Alice Springs early to get a taste of the Australian Outback with a stop at Erldunda. ***Effective immediately to all bookings travelling from 01 April 2024 onwards, a visit to Kata Tjuta will no longer be included in the itinerary Then, go to the base of Uluru for a guided walk to see the Anangu rock art. Head to Mutitjulu Waterhole for a short hike to the home of the ancestral Wanampi water snake and share some traditional "dreamtime" stories. Sip a glass of sparkling wine as you watch the sunset over Uluru, and end the day with a barbeque dinner before the return journey to Alice Springs.

Day 1 Get picked up at Yulara's Ayers Rock (Uluru) Airport and head to your first stop, the Red Center’s Aboriginal interpretive cultural center. Enjoy this chance to learn about the cultural, ecological, historical, and geological significance of this special national park. Next, take a short drive to the base of Uluru. Walk to the Mutitjulu waterhole to discover sacred rock art sites and hear the creation stories of Kuniya and Liru before continuing the trek to Kuniya Piti. From here, drive to Kantju Gorge and admire the highest waterfall in Central Australia, an elders’ cave, and the world's oldest pantry. Finish your day at the campsite, enjoying panoramic views of the sunset as you wait for your dinner. Day 2 Get up bright and early and enjoy a light breakfast before taking in a spectacular sunrise in Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park. As you drive into the park, admire the immense mountain of Kata Tjuta. Begin your trek through the Valley of the Winds or Walpa Gorge, marveling at the mighty conglomerate rock formations. After exploring Kata Tjuta, head to the Kings Canyon region just in time to experience a glorious outback sunset followed by a hearty meal around the campfire. Day 3 Begin your day early and head to Kings Canyon (Watarrka), the ancient home and sacred grounds of the Ulpanyali and Lilla people. After arriving, marvel at the towering 100-meter cliff faces and views of sandstone chasms. Grab your water, hat, and sturdy shoes and trek through the canyon. After a well-earned rest, enjoy some downtime as the bus meanders through the spectacular route home via the Mereenie Loop Tourist Drive through the West Macdonell Ranges to your final destination of Alice Springs.

Be picked up from your Alice Springs accommodation at 7:45 AM and set off on a day of adventure and exploration! Enjoy the spectacular outback scenery and photo opportunities as you travel along the magnificent West MacDonnell Ranges, stopping at historic sites. Enjoy beautiful walks at Simpsons Gap, a natural rock amphitheater that is home to endangered black-footed rock wallabies. Stop at Standley Chasm for morning tea and a leisurely stroll. At Ochre Pits, discover rock walls covered by natural colored ochre, used for sacred ceremonies of the local Aboriginal people. Ormiston Gorge is up next: a great place for a swim, or to see the towering walls of the gorge and pound, local plants and wildlife. By now, you will have certainly worked up an appetite for lunch. The next stop is at Glen Helen. The landscape here is spectacular - a towering sandstone wall is the first thing you see as you arrive. The area includes views of Mount Sonder, one of the highest points in Central Australia, which changes colors with the light.  On the way back to Alice Springs, witness the famous and enchanting Ellery Creek Big Hole. This waterhole is one of Central Australia’s most pristine, so don’t forget your swimmers in the warmer months. Visit Flynns Memorial and from October to March, you may decide to partake in an incredible Sunset Camel Ride at the Camel farm (optional, at your own expense). The panoramic landscapes of the West MacDonnell Ranges are extraordinary for their immensity and the spectacular array of sunburnt oranges, maroons and purples on display. These mighty ranges light up in brilliant oranges and reds at sunset on the return trip to Alice Springs. Get dropped off at your accommodation in Alice Springs at approximately 5:30 PM.

Your ballooning adventure begins in the cool pre-dawn darkness as you are picked up from your accommodation in Alice Springs. During the drive to the desert launch site you will get to know the crew as they make final weather checks and explain the routine for the morning. At the launch site gas burners are used to inflate the balloons just as the sun lights up the rugged MacDonnell Ranges. Once floating gently in the air you will appreciate the vast remoteness of the Australian outback. Wildlife, particularly big red kangaroos are seen nearly every day as the balloon floats above spinifex grasses, mulga scrub and cattle stations. After landing, enjoy a program designed to allow you a unique opportunity to experience the Australia bush. Most landings are in the desert, kilometers away from the nearest road. There is no traffic, no other people and no noise. The perfect place to enjoy a glass of sparkling Australian wine or if you prefer some tropical apple and guava juice. Perhaps mix the two for a delightful morning cocktail. Drinks are accompanied by a variety of muffins, biscuits, slices of cheese and fresh fruit. It's the perfect mix to enjoy before reboarding your bus to return to “town”.

Embark on a guided journey through the stunning landscapes close to the MacDonnell Ranges. Travel by camel and choose between an afternoon, midday, or sunset tour, catering to your sense of adventure and desire to immerse yourself in the unexpected serenity of the Australian desert. Start your ride at Pyndan Camel Tracks and allow your guide to lead you into White Gums Station to enjoy panoramic vistas across the MacDonnell Ranges. Discover the majesty of the outback, bond with your camel, explore the rugged terrain, and encounter native wildlife like kangaroos and eagles. Visit the Camel Lounge to learn about these creatures and shop for souvenirs. Chat with your guide about camels in Central Australia, camel farm life, and sustainable tourism practices. Enjoy light refreshments with the sunset tour, then be dropped off at your desired Alice Springs location.

Travel from Alice Springs to Uluru (Ayers Rock) aboard a luxury coach. Enjoy the rugged desert landscapes and the scenic views as you pass through the beautiful MacDonnell Ranges. On this 6-hour transfer you’ll stop at a camel farm and learn about the impact camels had in opening up Central Australia. Camels, ideally suited to the hot, dry climate of Australia’s interior, were imported in the 19th century and remained the principal means of outback transport until railways and roads were established. You’ll have a chance to ride a camel during your visit (not included in the tour price). While travelling through this remote country, your driver/guide will provide informative and entertaining commentary. Learn about the region’s natural and geological history, and about the unique Australian desert flora and fauna. The Perentie monitor lizard, the thorny devil, and the red kangaroo make their home here. You’ll also hear about the traditional customs and beliefs of local Aboriginals. There will be time for a stop at the Erldunda road house for a quick break. Take in the views of flat-topped Atila (Mt. Conner) in the distance before arriving at Ayers Rock Resort rested, relaxed, and ready to explore the amazing World Heritage Site of Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park.

Enjoy a transfer service departing either Alice Springs or Ayers Rock Resort. Travel in a modern, with a toilet onboard, and drop-down televisions. Alice Springs Departures You'll be picked up outside your Alice Springs accommodation at approximately 06:00 AM. Arrive at Yulara at approximately 11:45 AM. Be dropped off at Ayers Rock Resort. Ayers Rock Departures You'll be picked up at specific accommodations in Ayers Rock Resort just after sunset. Be transferred to your Alice Springs accommodation, arriving around midnight. Note that Ayers Rock pick-up times vary depending on which month you travel. 

Travel through the desert scenery between Ayers Rock Resort and Alice Springs on this transfer between the two locations. Your experienced driver/guide will provide comprehensive commentary as you pass through the beautiful rugged scenery of the outback. You will pass by Atila (Mount Conner) and stop at a local roadhouse for some afternoon tea. The driver guide will drop you off at your Alice Springs hotel.                                                                                                                                                                                                                              

Day 1: Alice Springs to Uluru / Ayers Rock We depart either from Alice Springs or Yulara (Uluru Airport) and head towards Ayers Rock, with stops at Mt Connor (false Uluru) and Curtin Springs for toilets before lunch at our campground. Those arriving at Ayers Rock Airport will join the group after lunch before heading to the Red Centre's Aboriginal interpretive centre. (Ayers Rock guests must eat lunch before joining the group) The national park is rich in cultural, ecological, historical, and geological significance. Getting up close and personal to Uluru, we begin to comprehend its sheer size and magnificence. Our base walk towards Kuniya Piti continues as we walk to Mutitjulu waterhole and discover sacred rock art sites in family caves. It is here that we admire Central Australia's highest waterfall (even more spectacular when it rains), an elders' cave, and the world's oldest pantry. Afterwards, we retreat for panoramic views of one of the most incredible sunsets on the planet. We then sit down for a campsite dinner. Day 2: Uluru to Kata Tjuta to Kings Canyon It's an early rise and light breakfast as we head off for a spectacular sunrise in Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park. You thought Uluru was special and just when you think it couldn’t get any more majestic we approach the stunning silhouette of Kata Tjuta. Here we set off on a hike through the Valley of the Winds or Walpa Gorge marveling at the mighty conglomerate rock formations. After exploring Kata Tjuta we make our way towards Kings Canyon region just in time to experience a glorious outback sunset followed by a hearty meal around the campfire. Day 3: Kings Canyon to West MacDonnell Ranges In the morning we venture into the ancient landscape and sacred grounds of the Ulpanyali and Lilla people to explore the mighty Kings Canyon (Watarrka). In the centre of Watarrka National Park (Kings Canyon), we find towering 100-metre cliff faces, sandstone chasms, and jaw-dropping backdrops that will make your hair stand on end. On foot, we explore the canyon (the most seasonally applicable part of it) in more detail. Rest up in the bus as we head back up north via Mereenie Loop Tourist Drive, before heading out towards the West MacDonnell Ranges for an evening of stargazing. Day 4: Standley Chasm and Tjoritja West MacDonnell Ranges to Alice Springs In the West MacDonnell Ranges, Standley Chasm is a 3-metre-wide, 80-metre-high gorge known traditionally as Angkerle Atwatye. Track west and dive into Ellery Creek Bighole, originally called Udepata, surrounded by tall red cliffs and sandy Ellery Creek. Continuing on to Ormiston Gorge with its towering red walls. Our final stop is at Simpsons Gap, where a number of dreaming trails and stories cross, before we begin our leisurely journey back to Alice Springs. Having seen the best of central Australia's natural icons, we'll return you to Alice Springs to your hotel and evening plans after four days of exploration.

The panoramic landscapes of the West MacDonnell Ranges are extraordinary with their immensity and array of sunburnt oranges, maroons and purples. View spectacular outback scenery and take photos as you travel along through magnificent Outback Country, making stops at the many historic locations. Depart Alice Springs to explore The West Macs, stopping at the historical Flynn’s Grave Memorial, resting place of Reverend Flynn, founder of The Royal Flying Doctor Service. Next up, travel to Simpsons Gap, featuring towering cliffs and a permanent waterhole. The site is significant to the Arrernte people as the home of giant goanna ancestors. Take a walk to sport black-footed rock wallabies and take magnificent photos. Lastly, you will visit Standley Chasm. Traditionally known as Angkerle Atwatye, this is an important cultural place, sacred to womens’ dreaming in Aboriginal culture. Take a 0.75 mile (1.2km) walk to access the dramatic 262 foot (80 metre) tall rock-face. On the way there or back, note the unusual features of the natural landscape here, the unique micro climate in this valley has created some distinctive features, such as ancient Cycads and a myriad of rock types and pebbles that are thousands of years old, washed down from miles upstream. After your walk enjoy Morning Tea at local cafe. Then make your way back to Alice Springs where you will have the afternoon free to explore.