| Countries Visited:
Australia |
Tour Type: Coach Tour
Tour Duration: 6 Days (5 Nights)
From: Ayers Rock to Alice Springs
Tour Code: NSKA
Operator: AAT Kings |
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 Click Map To Enlarge
Tour Description
Discover Australia's outback on this 6 day fully escorted premium coach tour. Starting in Ayers Rock and finishing in Alice Springs, experience the best of the Red Centre. Sunset viewing of Uluru & Kata Tjuta, walks in the Kings Canyon & Walpa Gorge and a base walk of Ayers Rock and sightseeing touring of the Alice. Tour Inclusions:
- Full Buffet Breakfasts (5) (B)
- You are Invited Dinner (1) (D)
- Hotel Dinners (1) (D)
- Tour by luxury air-conditioned coach with 2-door access, restroom, seatbelts, reclining seats and panoramic windows
- Tour with an experienced, professional Tour Director and Tour Driver
- Twin share rooms with private facilities in centrally located hotels
- Welcome Drink
- All Purpose Travel Wallet & Map
- Hotel porterage included
- Airport Transfers (Day 1 from Ayers Rock Airport - flights to arrive prior to 3.00pm; Day 6 to Alice Springs Airport - flights anytime)
Included Tour Highlights:
- Watch sunset over Uluru (Ayers Rock)
- Sunrise at Uluru (Ayers Rock)
- Uluru base walk
- Walk through Kata Tjuta (the Olgas)
- Climb Kings Canyon in Watarrka National Park
- Visit the Royal Flying Doctor Service and School of the Air
- Telegraph Station
- Alice Springs Desert Park
- Visit Simpsons Gap
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Day
1 |
Arrive Ayers Rock
Upon arrival in Ayers Rock you will be transferred to your hotel. Meet your Tour Director and fellow travelling companions this afternoon and travel to the Uluru sunset viewing area. Enjoy a complimentary glass of sparkling wine as the sun sets over the western horizon and the evening sky brings out the many shades of colour for which Uluru is renowned. Don't forget your camera! Stay: Desert Gardens Hotel, Ayers Rock Resort (2 nights) |
Day
2 |
Uluru (Ayers Rock) – Kata Tjuta (The Olgas)
Travel to the Uluru sunrise viewing area, Talinguru Nyakunytjaku, to see the Red Centre set alight by the first rays of the sun. Enjoy a cup of tea or coffee as the colours of Uluru gradually change as the sun rises over the horizon. Tour the base of Uluru where you will be introduced to the natural and cultural landscapes of this remarkable region. Enjoy a guided walk into the Mutitjulu Waterhole. View Aboriginal rock paintings and learn about the flora and fauna and Aboriginal history of the area. Visit the Uluru - Kata Tjuta Cultural Centre where there is time to read the Tjukurpa (Aboriginal law) or purchase some locally made Aboriginal art. This afternoon visit the massive series of domes known as Kata Tjuta (the Olgas) and walk into Walpa Gorge. The walking trail through the gorge follows the natural creek bed between two of the tallest domes of Kata Tjuta. Take in a magnificent outback sunset at Kata Tjuta with a complimentary glass of sparkling wine. (B) |
Day
3 |
Kings Canyon
We drive through sandhill country to Watarrka National Park and Kings Canyon. For the energetic, a guided climb to the Kings Canyon rim will be rewarded with magnificent views of the national park. Alternatively you may prefer to explore the boulder-strewn canyon floor, an easier walk. The sheer red rock face of the canyon soars over 100 metres above lush palm forests, sheltering them from the surrounding desert conditions. The park is a conservation area whose rock holes and gorges provide refuge to over 600 species of plants and many native animals. While the Luritja Aboriginal people have called the area their home for over 20,000 years, it was little known to Europeans until recently. Stay: Kings Canyon Resort, Kings Canyon (B/D) |
Day
4 |
Alice Springs
We travel through beautiful desert landscapes from Kings Canyon along the Stuart Highway to Alice Springs. On arrival we tour the sights of Alice Springs including the School of the Air, which provides an educational service for children living in remote areas. Stop at the historic Telegraph Station and the Royal Flying Doctor Service. Learn how this marvellous facility operates to provide a 'mantle of safety' to the people of the outback. Conclude with a panoramic view of Alice Springs from the top of Anzac Hill. Stay: Chifley Alice Springs Resort, Alice Springs (2 nights) (B) |
Day
5 |
Aboriginal Culture
Spend time with a local Aboriginal guide at the Alice Springs Desert Park. You will learn of life and survival of the Arrernte People, including bush food, the search for water and kinship. Visit the Nocturnal House and enjoy reserved seating at the Birds of Prey Presentation. Later, you’ll visit the historic Telegraph Station and continue on to Simpson’s Gap, a prominent waterhole in the West MacDonnell Ranges, with its lovely river red gum scenery. You are invited to join us on a discovery tour at the Earth Sanctuary World Nature Centre. Enjoy dinner and afterwards hear from the Falzon brothers, Tom and Danny, about the sustainable lifestyle they have established. They may even lead you on a sing-a-long accompanied by the didgeridoo and guitar. (B/D) |
Day
6 |
Depart Alice Springs
Your tour concludes this morning after breakfast. You will be transferred to Alice Springs Airport for your onward flight. Or if you wish to stay longer in Alice Springs you may join an optional 4WD Safari to Palm Valley. It will take you through the West MacDonnell Ranges and down the bed of the Finke River into Palm Valley. Marvel at the spectacular rock forms, white sands and an oasis of rock pools and palm trees. After lunch you’ll return to Alice Springs via Hermannsburg, an Aboriginal community and historic precinct renowned for its Aboriginal art collection. (B) |
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Itinerary is based on 2012 departures. Click on the icon to the left if you would like to view the 2012 brochure online. |
Tour Prices
Tour prices are per person. Please request a quote for tour availability. |
EXCLUSIVE SPECIAL OFFER*
2012 Season Sale! Save up to $200 per couple. Exclusive to Global Journeys. Deposit this month only to qualify!
Subject to availability at the time of booking.
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| START DATE |
END DATE |
BROCHURE
(Twin Share) |
BROCHURE
(Single) |
OUR
SAVINGS |
OUR
PRICE |
| 07 Apr 2012 |
12 Apr 2012 |
AU $2,139 |
AU $2,734 |
Save $95 |
AU $2,044 |
| 05 May 2012 |
10 May 2012 |
AU $2,139 |
AU $2,734 |
Save $95 |
AU $2,044 |
| 02 Jun 2012 |
07 Jun 2012 |
AU $2,139 |
AU $2,734 |
Save $95 |
AU $2,044 |
| 23 Jun 2012 |
28 Jun 2012 |
AU $2,139 |
AU $2,734 |
Save $95 |
AU $2,044 |
| 14 Jul 2012 |
19 Jul 2012 |
AU $2,239 |
AU $2,974 |
Save $100 |
AU $2,139 |
| 04 Aug 2012 |
09 Aug 2012 |
AU $2,239 |
AU $2,974 |
Save $100 |
AU $2,139 |
| 01 Sep 2012 |
06 Sep 2012 |
AU $2,239 |
AU $2,974 |
Save $100 |
AU $2,139 |
| 22 Sep 2012 |
27 Sep 2012 |
AU $2,239 |
AU $2,974 |
Save $100 |
AU $2,139 |
| 29 Sep 2012 |
04 Oct 2012 |
AU $2,239 |
AU $2,974 |
Save $100 |
AU $2,139 |
| 13 Oct 2012 |
18 Oct 2012 |
AU $2,239 |
AU $2,974 |
Save $100 |
AU $2,139 |
| 03 Nov 2012 |
08 Nov 2012 |
AU $2,239 |
AU $2,974 |
Save $100 |
AU $2,139 |
Note: The majority of departures above will proceed or are guaranteed to depart. We will outline the status of your departure date in your quote along with all applicable discounts and specials. |
Tour Discounts & Options:
Tour options, extras, upgrades and discounts! |
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Click on the descriptions below for more detail. We will apply all valid discounts automatically to your quote to provide you with the best possible price. Terms & Conditions apply to the discounts below.
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General Information
The information below relates to this itinerary only. |
Tour Operator: AAT Kings
An AAT Kings escorted coach tour is the hassle-free freeway to holiday. Everything has been arranged in advance so travellers don't have to worry about getting lost, finding attractions and reading maps or speeding tickets. On an AAT Kings tour, there is a perfect balance of planned sightseeing and free time for independent exploration or just relaxing and doing nothing at all.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, AAT Kings have one of the newest coach fleets in Australia. Their modern and luxurious Mercedes Benz and Scania coaches are equipped with air conditioning, reclining seats, seatbelts, restrooms, two door access, ample legroom and large panoramic windows, so you won't miss a thing.
AAT Kings have designated certain departures as Guaranteed Departures, which means they have reached minimum passenger numbers and will definitely run as scheduled. Global Journeys continue to add Guaranteed Departure status to tours online as they achieve minimum numbers. If you book on a non Guaranteed Departure AAT Kings will determine if the tour will operate no later than 6 weeks prior to departure. If the tour is withdrawn we will work to offer you a suitable alternative. If you aren't happy with the options offered any money paid on your booking will be refunded.
This depends on the touring style you are booking. Short Break bookings will receive e-documentation. If you are booking an AAT Kings escorted tour (Premium, Cost Saver, Explorer or Camping) you will receive paper documents in a complimentary leather travel wallet as well as luggage labels and a useful booklet containing valuable holiday information. You will also receive a map of the region you are visiting when you get on tour.
Documents for AAT Kings guided tours are delivered to the hotel or address you are staying at prior to your tour depending on the tour type chosen. We also provide you with a tour itinerary and arrival instructions by email, once we have all your flight information and personal details.
To suit all different holiday styles AAT Kings offer a range of different touring types.
- Premium tours are guided by a Tour Director and Driver and include more luxurious accommodation and facilities, more meals and exclusive dining experiences as well as extra sightseeing and cultural highlights.
- CostSaver tours are designed to offer value for money with clean and comfortable accommodation, breakfast daily, some dinners and plenty or free time, while also benefiting from an expert Tour Director and Driver throughout.
- Explorer tours are run in our luxury mini-coach vehicles and average around 20 travellers. These active itineraries explore less accessible locations, stay in a mix of Premium tour standard accommodation and character-filled boutiques and are escorted by a dedicated Driver guide.
- Short Breaks showcase the highlights of a region or city in a short time, they allow extra flexibility as standalone or pre or post tour options. Short Breaks are run by our expert Driver guides.
With such a diverse range of destinations and touring styles there is no set age or type who travel with AAT, you can expect a wide-range of like-minded travellers. Families with children, young couples, baby boomers, solo travellers, small groups and more can be found on our Guided tours.
There is certainly no age limit for touring, with children as young as 6 through to seniors travelling, however, the general demographic tends to be over 40.
As AAT Kings is sold internationally you will also find that there are people from all over the world on their tours, particularly North Americans, British, Europeans and many Asian nations.
Depending on the tour you choose and the time of year you are travelling our group sizes can vary from fewer than 21 people up to 50 people, so there is a great opportunity to mingle and make new friends.
While it’s not compulsory in Australia or New Zealand, tipping is becoming an increasingly accepted practice in all areas of the service industry, but particularly in restaurants, bars and taxis. Likewise on your AAT Kings tour, if you feel that your Tour Director, Driver, Driver guide or Private cook has done an excellent job, then we would recommend tipping up to the equivalent of AU $5 per day. However, it’s not compulsory. It is up to you!
The beauty of travelling with AAT Kings is that you won't be travelling alone. You'll have a group of like-minded travellers and soon to be friends to share in the experience with. They also offer a room matching service on all Guided tours (not applicable on Explorer or Short Breaks) so you don't have to pay a single room supplement. AAT Kings room matching service means they will work to match you with another solo traveller of the same sex but if they can't they will provide a single room at no extra cost.
Yes, they can accommodate children, however they must be over 6 years of age. Children under 18 must be accompanied by an adult. AAT Kings do recommend that people travelling with children consider whether the itinerary is suitable, in particular the activities involved and the duration of the tour to ensure children’s comfort.
We have a dedicated section on our website providing more detailed information on AAT Kings including more FAQ's on what you need to know before, during and after your travel; as well as information on what to expect on tour, and a comprehensive search facility to enable you to easily find more of their tours. Read more> (NB: This link will take you away from this tour itinerary page).
Airport Transfer Information
Free Airport Transfers
AAT Kings offers a hotel or airport transfer at the start and end of your tour, or in-conjunction with pre or post accommodation booked with Global Journeys & AAT Kings. All flight information must be given to Global Journeys at least 6 weeks prior to departure so that transfers can be booked. If you book your own pre or post accommodation then transfers cannot be included.
AAT Kings Short Breaks in the Northern Territory only include airport transfers in Ayers Rock (these meet all incoming flights and leave Ayers Rock 2 hours prior to your departure flight time). In Alice Springs and Darwin they have a range of transfer options negotiated at competitive prices.
Terms & Conditions:
Yep, all the boring small print! We still recommend you read it all though, as no one likes surprises. Click here to read them now - they will open in a new window, or print them off to read over later with a cup of coffee!
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