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Outback Contrasts: A Journey to the Centre

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 Trip Length
5 Days
 Trip Starts
Alice Springs
 Trip Finishes
Uluru
5 Day Outback Contrasts: A Journey to the Centre Itinerary (Inspiring Journeys)
Countries Explored: Australia
Accommodation
4 - 5 Star
Max. Group Size
22
Guide Level
Fully Guided
Trip Code
CRAU

Overview

Read reviews and enjoy exclusive savings on Inspiring Journeys 5 Day Outback Contrasts: A Journey to the Centre. Witness the rugged landscape of the Red Centre and marvel at the ancient cultures that have cared for this land for generations. Experience the majesty of Uluru, Kings Canyon and view rock art dating back thousands of years, witness striking landscapes and be immersed in the stories of the Dreamtime.

Itinerary

Please Note: As this journey departs from Crowne Plaza Alice Springs Lasseters at 9.00am, accommodation will need to be pre-booked for the previous night. Meet your Journey Director who will share their take on what life is like in such an isolated town as Alice Springs. Visit the historic Overland Telegraph Station, site of the first European settlement in the town. Hear how the north and south of Australia were connected by a single wire.

Then the stunning landscapes of the West MacDonnell Ranges take centre stage, as you embark on a walk through Simpsons Gap, and later view Alice Springs and surrounds from the top of Anzac Hill. This evening, enjoy an open-air Local Dining Experience barbecue around a campfire with your local hosts, as the Milky Way lights up the sky. (D) Stay: Crowne Plaza Alice Springs Lasseters

Now we're off the beaten track exploring along the Giles Track, crossing dry river beds and outback landscapes to Kings Canyon Resort. This evening you're treated to the unique Local Dining Experience, Under a Desert Moon, set in the wilderness under a canopy of the Southern Night sky (weather permitting).

The only light comes from the moon and the flickering glow of the fire and the only sound is soft music intertwined with the whispering of the breeze through the Desert Oak trees and the crackling flames. Enjoy sparkling wine and canapés followed by a degustation dinner, prepared from fresh produce and ingredients unique to the Australian Outback. (B/L/D) Stay: Kings Canyon Resort, Deluxe Spa Room

This morning, you're off on a six-kilometre Rim Walk, an exploration of the spectacular Kings Canyon. As you venture around the rim, highlights include the domed ‘Lost City', and the luscious ‘Garden of Eden'. If you'd prefer a more relaxed walk you can opt to set off on a two-kilometre stroll along the boulder-strewn canyon creek bed that leads to impressive views of the canyon rim. Now you will journey to Uluru. Immerse yourself in Indigenous culture on a visit to the Wanmarra Aboriginal Community and learn about the Luritja and Pertame people's spiritual connection to the land.

Discover bush food and medicine used for spirituality and healing. Leaving Kings Canyon behind, travel across desert landscapes to Curtin Springs Station, a vast farming property, for lunch. Afterwards, you'll arrive at Ayers Rock Resort, your launchpad to Australia's heart, in Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park. This evening, watch as the outback sun bids a fiery farewell, the perfect backdrop for sparkling sundowners at Uluru. (B/L) Stay Two Nights: Sails in the Desert Hotel, Ayers Rock Resort

Under the cover of darkness, wander through 50,000 magical hand-crafted frosted glass spheres of light, in colours changing from ochre, deep violet, blue and gentle white. Then make your way to the dune top and watch in awe as the sun pops up in the distance behind Uluru, flooding the landscape with light. Then you're off to explore the Uluru-Kata Tjuta Cultural Centre and learn about the spiritual connection the local Anangu caretakers have with the land.

Skirt the red walls of Uluru, hear timeless stories, view spectacular rock art, and visit the culturally significant Mutitjulu Waterhole. This afternoon you'll make your way to Kata Tjuta, 36 domes of red-hued sedimentary rock. Join your Journey Director for a walk deep into Walpa Gorge, where you'll hear about the area's distinct geological and cultural history. The evening, join your fellow travellers for a Celebration Dinner at Ilkari Restaurant. (B/CD)

Your inspiring Red Centre journey comes to an end this morning and you'll be transferred to Ayers Rock Airport for your onward flight. (B)

Trip Inclusions

  • Experience true outback life as you enjoy lunch on Peter Severin's million acre property in the heart of the Red Centre
  • Bask in the glow of the campfire as you indulge in a five course degustation with matching wines in the beautiful Kings Canyon Resort
  • Enter Walpa Gorge, an ancient temple crafted by nature, and discover the scenic wonders of the West MacDonnell Ranges
  • Nestled in the rugged bush, unwind in your Deluxe Spa Room at Kings Canyon Resort, with a private balcony overlooking a beautiful rock escarpment

  • Hand-picked accommodation
  • Complimentary refreshments throughout the journey
  • Travel by bespoke vehicle with reclining seats, WiFi and air-conditioning
  • Expert Journey Director
  • All entrance and National Park fees
  • Sustainable Travel Kit, including refillable water bottle and backpack
  • Departure airport transfer

  • Total of 9 meals are included throughout this tour

  • Comfortable walking shoes
  • Sunglasses, sunscreen and hat
  • Water bottle
  • Warm layers in cooler months

  • Day prior – flights to arrive anytime into Alice Springs Airport
  • Day 5 – flights to depart anytime from Ayers Rock Airport

  • Good level of fitness required for the Kings Canyon Rim Walk. Low to moderate level of fitness for the Kings Canyon Creek Bed Walk

  • Itinerary and inclusions are subject to change
  • Price is for land, cruise and internal flights as specified. Flights not specified are not included
5.0
AVG. RATING 5.0 / 5
1 Review
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Congratulations AAT Kings 8 , NSW, Australia, May 2017
This 'Inspiring Journey' was excellent in every way. AAT Kings are to be complimented on the content and standard of the tour. The Driver/Tour Director was to be complimented on all aspects of his role. Accommodation and food a very high standard. I would have no hesitation in recommending this tour. Value for money+++.
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Prices & Dates

There are currently no departures available on this trip. Either it's the end of the season and new departures will be released shortly, or this itinerary has been changed and will no longer continue. Feel free to contact us for information about when next seasons dates will be released or click here to view the general release dates for all destinations.

Note
Tour & cruises prices are per person. Prices shown have savings applied, are subject to availability and may be withdrawn at any time without notice. Prices and trip information are correct at the time at this point in time, however are subject to confirmation at the time of booking and are subject to change by Inspiring Journeys. For cruise itineraries, cabin images are sourced from Inspiring Journeys. These should be treated as indicative only. Cabin inclusions, upholsteries and room layout may differ to the image(s) shown depending on the ship selected and your sailing dates.

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