Alice Springs

Architecture

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. 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.

Embark on an exhilarating 4-day adventure through Australia's Red Centre with the Rock to Rock tour, tailored for travelers aged 18-49. Day 1 (Dinner) Your journey begins at 6:00 AM in Alice Springs with a pick-up from your accommodation, or at 1:00 PM from Ayers Rock Airport. Enjoy a scenic drive to Uluru! Once the group assembles, we'll take a guided walk around Uluru, followed by a breathtaking sunset view with sparkling wine. End the day with a hot shower, a hearty meal back at camp, and an unforgettable night sleeping under the desert stars. Day 2 (Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner) Start the day early with breakfast before heading to Kata Tjuta to witness a stunning Uluru sunrise. Trek through the Valley of the Winds, followed by a refreshing lunch. Journey through the Outback, taking in sights like the George Gill Range, before setting up camp at Kings Creek Station. Enjoy a traditional Aussie BBQ by the campfire under the magnificent stars. Day 3 (Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner) After breakfast, explore the remarkable Kings Canyon with a hike around the famous Rim Walk. Relax in the serene Garden of Eden, then return to Kings Creek Station for some downtime and lunch. That evening, retreat to our private bush camp at Curtin Springs Station. Capture sunset views of Mt Conner and spend your final night under the outback stars. Day 4 (Breakfast) Enjoy a leisurely start to the day with a well-deserved sleep-in and a delicious cooked breakfast. Make a final photo stop at Uluru before concluding the tour at the airport around 10:00 AM.

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. Float gently across the vast expanse of the Central Australian outback – keeping an eye out for native wildlife including the iconic red kangaroo and gain an appreciation of the remoteness of the area as the balloon glides across the landscape. After landing, you may become involved in assisting the crew as they pack the nylon balloon away or may prefer to take photographs, the choice is yours. At the ballooning landing site, there is time to enjoy the desert tranquility as light refreshments accompanied by Australian sparkling wine and fruit juice are served. There is an opportunity to purchase ballooning souvenirs and a commemorative flight certificate is given to all participants. Please note: Depending on many operational factors, which vary each day, passengers may be on the ground or in the balloon when the sun is actually coming over the horizon or rising, either way you will still see an amazing dawn.

Your guide will collect you from outside your Alice Springs accommodation. You’ll see spectacular outback scenery and have ample photo opportunities as we travel along the magnificent West MacDonnell Ranges, stopping at historic sites. Enjoy beautiful walks at Simpsons Gap, Standley Chasm (for morning tea), and the Ochre Pits. Our next stop is at Ormiston Gorge for a sit-down lunch. On our way back to Alice Springs, we stop to spend time at Ellery Creek Big Hole. This waterhole is one of Central Australia’s most pristine, so don’t forget your swimmers in the warmer months! 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. In the winter months, these mighty ranges light up in brilliant oranges and reds at sunset on the return journey to Alice Springs. You can expect to be back at your accommodation at approximately 5:30 pm.

Day 1: Kata Tjuta (The Olga’s) | Uluru Sunset Passengers departing from Alice Springs will be picked up at 6 am before taking the 4.5-hour drive towards Yulara for an early lunch. Passengers departing from Yulara or Uluru Airport will be picked up between 1:15-2:00 pm. After a short drive, arrive at Kata Tjuta (The Olga’s). Its 36 domes are of various sizes and provide quite a contrast to Uluru. You’ll get to know the landscape pretty well on an afternoon hike between the domes. As the evening unfolds, enjoy a light snack as the sun slowly sets, casting various earthy tones across Uluru. The perfect end to a remarkable day awaits you back at camp as you enjoy a delicious spread of food with your group. If the weather permits, sit outside under the stars. Day 2: Uluru - Kings Canyon An early start this morning is rewarded with an Uluru sunrise. Your guide will take you to one of the significant cultural sights of Uluru, outlining Anangu rock art and passing on one of the site's creation stories. Enjoy a self-guided, full base walk around Uluru. Once you’ve had lunch, visit the Cultural Centre, and view hand-crafted art by local First Nation Peoples of the Western and Central Deserts. Travel onto our exclusive campsite near the Watarrka National Park (Kings Canyon), where the group will have dinner and enjoy the stars. Day 3: Kings Canyon - Uluru The main attraction of Watarrka National Park is undoubtedly Kings Canyon – a huge gorge enclosed by sheer rock walls many meters high. Your guide will point these out on a trek that takes in the canyon’s most famous locations, such as the Lost City, the Garden of Eden, the Amphitheatre, and, of course, the North & South Walls of the canyon. After lunch, we hit the road again for a three-hour drive to Yulara in the late afternoon. Passengers on the 2-night tour will depart directly for Alice Springs, arriving around 6 pm. For those doing the 3-night tour, this evening, you have the choice to enjoy one of the following optional activities in Yulara: a Sunset Camel Cruise, the Field of Lights, Sounds of Silence, the Wintjiri Wiru Drone display (all additional cost); or if you’d like to experience the Uluru sunset from a different perspective (and free of charge), tonight is the opportunity to do it! After dinner, relax at your camp for a night under the stars. Day 4: Yulara (Uluru / Ayers Rock Airport) After a short sleep-in, enjoy a hearty breakfast at our exclusive camp. Depending on your departure time, take our free 10-minute transfer directly to Yulara’s Desert Gardens Hotel, or Uluru Airport (Uluru / Ayers Rock Airport, airport code: AYQ). If you have plenty of spare time before your flight, you can leave your luggage at the Desert Gardens Hotel, and spend some time in Yulara Resort shopping at your leisure. Please note: There are regular free airport shuttles from the Desert Gardens Hotel to the Ayers Rock Airport.

Discover the rugged beauty of the West MacDonnell National Park on a guided bush walk through the Standley Chasm. Keep a look out for native wildlife, go for a swim in Ellery Creek Bighole, and admire the towering walls of Ormiston Gorge. Depart from central Alice Springs and travel to the Standley Chasm a 3-meter-wide, 80-meter-high gorge among the West MacDonnell Ranges. Spot the native wildlife as we you this beautifully rugged area. Head west to the Ellery Creek Bighole, known traditionally as Udepata, surrounded by tall red cliffs and sandy Ellery Creek. Cool off in the swimming hole here. You will also enjoy lunch in a scenic location nearby. Then, discover the towering red walls of Ormiston Gorge. Spend time here admiring nature and its finest before beginning the leisurely journey back towards Alice Springs, with a final stop at another remarkable feature of the Tjoritja West MacDonnells region, Simpsons Gap, before heading back to Alice Springs.

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: Leaving Alice Springs early, we travel towards Uluru, stopping at Mt Connor (false Uluru) lookout and Curtin Springs for a toilet break before getting to our campground for lunch. You can also opt for a complimentary pick-up service from Ayers Rock Airport or Ayers Rock Campground, where your outback adventure begins. Prepare to be awe-struck by the heart of the Red Centre and the region's rich heritage and Aboriginal significance, which you will learn more about at the interpretive cultural center. Get up close and personal with Uluru, the colossal monolith, as you embark on a base walk to the Mutitjulu waterhole, discovering sacred rock art sites and ancient creation stories. Explore the remarkable Kantju Gorge, home to Central Australia's highest waterfall and an elders' cave, ending your day with a mesmerizing sunset at Uluru lookout, accompanied by a hearty dinner. Day 2: Rise early and savor a light breakfast as you venture towards a captivating sunrise in the Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park. Witness the majestic silhouette of Kata Tjuta, a remarkable sight to behold. Embark on an invigorating hike through the awe-inspiring Valley of the Winds or Walpa Gorge, marveling at the mighty conglomerate rock formations. Conclude your exploration of Kata Tjuta, and head back to Yulara to finish the tour. This tour ends in Ayers Rock estimated drop-off time is around midday. (we do not return to Alice Springs)

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.