APT's Outback Heritage Tour

Welcome to Alice Springs. We will meet you on arrival and transfer you to your hotel. Enjoy free time to relax and settle in to your accommodation. Tonight, meet your fellow travellers and Tour Director during a Signature Experience.

Signature Experience - Outback Bush Barbecue Delight in an evening of exceptional entertainment and outback dining, set against the dramatic backdrop of the remote East MacDonnell Ranges. Savour a gourmet two-course bush barbecue paired with premium beverages, as a talented bush balladeer brings Australia's rich heritage to life through timeless song.

Today, set out for Tjoritja (the West MacDonnell Ranges), a landscape of striking natural beauty and deep cultural significance. Your first stop is Simpsons Gap, a sacred site of great spiritual importance to the Arrernte people and the setting for several Dreamtime stories. Framed by dramatic cliffs, a permanent waterhole lies at its heart, attracting abundant wildlife. Keep watch for the elusive black-footed rock-wallaby as it moves gracefully among the rocks.

Continue to Angkerle (Standley Chasm), where a gentle walk along the creek reveals spring-fed pools that draw a rich array of birdlife. The chasm's European name honours Ida Standley, who arrived in 1914 as Alice Springs' first schoolteacher.

Later, visit Ormiston Gorge, where towering walls encircle tranquil waterholes and distinctive Central Australian flora. Here, take time to relax and absorb the serenity of this remarkable environment. The remainder of the afternoon is at leisure, allowing you to enjoy the region at your own pace.

Journey along the Mereenie Loop, an unsealed section of the Red Centre Way, linking Alice Springs and Kings Canyon. Take in the unique Australian Outback landscape as you travel to Kings Canyon. Stop at Glen Helen Gorge for sublime views of soaring red cliffs and Macdonnell Ranges. Arrive at Kings Canyon and embark on the Kings Creek Walk, a two-kilometre journey 2 km, leading to a raised viewing platform offering stunning views of the canyon's sheer cliffs. During dusk, enjoy a Signature Experience.

Signature Experience - Kings Canyon Light-Towers Experience the Light-Towers at Discovery Resorts - Kings Canyon, a captivating sound and light exhibit created by renowned British artist Bruce Munro. Known worldwide for his Field of Light installation at Uluru, Munro's latest creation is now illuminating Kings Canyon.

Journey into the heart of Watarrka National Park today, where unspoiled bush and red rock canyons create an amazing backdrop for your Signature Experience. The Luritja people have called Watarrka National Park home for more than 20,000 years. After lunch, head inside Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park. Visit Kata Tjuta (the Olgas), consisting of 36 domes that form deep valleys and steep-sided gorges. Explore Walpa Gorge before arriving at Ayers Rock Resort.

Signature Experience - Kings Canyon Rim Walk Embark on the Kings Canyon Rim Walk. On this challenging hike, venture around the rim of the canyon's incredible sandstone walls, then after reaching the lookout, marvel at the canyon itself. About halfway along is the Garden of Eden, featuring a waterhole and riverine vegetation.

At sunrise, embark on a base tour of Uluru, learning stories from the Dreamtime while you explore this icon.

Signature Experience - Sounds of Silence Dinner This evening, experience ‘A Night at Field of Light'. Indulge in a Sounds of Silence dinner under the stars. Savour a glass of sparkling before helping yourself to a ‘bush tucker' inspired buffet accompanied by the music of a didgeridoo. At the same time, immerse yourself in the spectacular Field of Light art installation.

Cross into South Australia and arrive in the outback town of Coober Pedy. In order to avoid the heat, much of the town has been built underground, including your unique hotel. Its vast lunar-like landscapes have set the backdrop for many films, including Mad Max Beyond Thunderdome and The Adventures of Priscilla, Queen of the Desert.

This morning, explore the fascinating subterrranean world of Coober Pedy with a visit to the Umoona Opal Mine. Discover the region's opal mining heritage and gain insight into life lived beneath the surface in this remarkable desert town.

Depart Coober Pedy and travel south through vast outback landscapes en route to Woomera. On arrival, explore Woomera Village, once a pivotal centre for Australia's defence and space research programs. Learn about its intriguing past as you view remnants of rocket testing and military history.

Later, check-in to the Standpipe Golf Motor Inn and take time to unwind after a day on the road. This evening, enjoy dinner at the hotel.

Depart Port Augusta this morning and travel to the town of Quorn, where rugged natural beauty and a Signature Experience awaits.

Signature Experience - Pichi Richi Explorer Train Enjoy a scenic journey aboard the Pichi Richi Explorer Train, a steam-hauled train winding through dramatic gorges and historic railway routes, offering upclose views of Ikara-Flinders Ranges ancient geology and the region's striking scenery. Continue to Wilpena Pound, remarkable for its vast, natural amphitheatre of mountains, forming a dramatic, crater-like landscape in the heart of the Ikara-Flinders Ranges National Park.

Enrich your Experience - Afternoon scenic flight (optional) Soar above the Flinders Ranges on an optional 30-minute scenic flight. Your pilot will point out the Elder Range, Edeowie Gorge, Heysen Range, Lake Torrens, Bunyeroo Gorge, Brachina Gorge, St Mary Peak and the Pound Gap; witnessing how the Flinders Ranges form the backbone of the lunar-like landscape.

Depart Wilpena Pound this morning and journey east, travelling through ever-changing outback and riverland landscapes. Stop for morning tea at Peterborough, a historic railway town rich in heritage and character, offering a glimpse into South Australia's transport history.

Trace the banks of the Murray River, pausing for lunch at Morgan Riverfront Reserve, a tranquil spot, where you can stretch your legs and enjoy the scenic river views.

Continue through the Riverland region, stopping at the riverside town of Paringa, noted for its painted silos celebrating local history and culture, and the start of the South Australian Silo Art Trail.

Arrive in Mildura later in the day and settle into your accommodation, ready to enjoy the laid-back charm of this vibrant regional city.

Enjoy a leisurely breakfast before enjoying the delights of Mildura, which served as the starting point for APT's original camping itineraries. This special departure celebrates APT's centenary by revisiting Mildura and several other destinations close to our heart.

Later, head to award-winning Trentham Estate Winery for an extended lunch overlooking the Murray River. Savour regional flavours paired with a curated wine tasting, showcasing the region's finest produce.

As evening falls, experience the captivating Trail of Lights, created by renowned artist Bruce Munro. Set against the natural bushland, this immersive installation features thousands of illuminated sculptures that come to life as the sun sets.

Depart Mildura for your drive to Melbourne, the final stop on your journey. Visit Lake Tyrell, Victoria's largest saltwater lake, renowned for its shallow, pink-hued basin - a dazzling location for photography. Continue to Melbourne, home to APT's headquarters, and set out on a tour taking in the city's wealth of attractions. Tonight, relish a farewell dinner to celebrate a special, heritage APT journey.

Your tour concludes after breakfast.