Central Australia Escape

Welcome to the Outback. Be met on arrival in Uluru and transfer to your hotel, Sails in the Desert. Spend the rest of the afternoon at leisure. You might like to make use of your hotel's amenities and take a dip in the pool. Tonight, you will meet your fellow travellers during a relaxed welcome dinner. Stay Two Nights: Sails in the Desert (D)

Rise early to explore the base of Uluru before the crowds arrive. It's cooler this time of morning, with the Outback's scorching heat yet to settle in. As you walk around the base of Uluru with a guide, hear stories from the Dreamtime, as well as the history behind this ancient landmark. Afterwards, visit the Cultural Centre and learn about the Anangu people, the traditional landowners of Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park. This evening, enjoy a special Signature Experience. (B/L/D)

Signature Experience - Sounds of Silence Dinner Dine under the stars at a memorable Sounds of Silence dinner. With Uluru visible in the distance, toast the scene with a glass of sparkling and feast on a delicious bush tucker-inspired buffet, while the music from a didgeridoo sets the scene. As night falls, watch the land around Uluru light up with thousands of coloured lights as far as the eye can see. The Field of Light is world-renowned and guaranteed to be a highlight of your trip.

Enjoy more time to explore Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park. Visit Kata Tjuta, also known as The Olgas, an area of over 20 square kilometres consisting of 36 domes. These domes soar up to 546 metres, forming deep valleys and steep-sided gorges. An important Anangu cultural site, Kata Tjuta translates to ‘many heads'. Later this afternoon, step aboard your 4WD and make the journey to Kings Canyon. Stay Two Nights: Kings Canyon Resort and Lodge (B/L/D)

Signature Experience - See Kings Canyon Light Towers Light-Towers, located at Discovery Resorts - Kings Canyon, presents an enchanting fusion of sound and light crafted by renowned British artist Bruce Munro. Widely celebrated for his iconic Field of Light art installation at Uluru, Munro's latest creation brings magical illumination to Kings Canyon.

Journey into the heart of Watarrka National Park today, where unspoiled bush and red rock canyons create an amazing experience. The Luritja people have called Watarrka National Park home for more than 20,000 years. You might like to join an optional scenic flight over Kings Canyon to take in a different perspective of the towering red rock cliffs (own expense). (B/L/D)

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.

It's back aboard your trusty 4WD to travel from Kings Canyon along the Mereenie Loop Road to Alice Springs. En route, stop at at Gosses Bluff Crater for lunch. You'll arrive in Alice Springs this afternoon. Upon arrival, take a tour of the remote township. Stay Two Nights: Crowne Plaza Alice Springs (B/L/D)

Today, journey to Tjoritja, also known as the West MacDonnell Ranges. Once here, head to Simpsons Gap, a sacred scenic area that's an important spiritual site to the Arrernte people. This is the site where several Dreamtime stories are said to have taken place. Among the towering cliffs rests a permanent watering hole, which makes for excellent wildlife viewing. Keep an eye out for black-footed rock-wallabies.

Continue to Angkerle and follow a creek where spring-fed pools attract a variety of unique birdlife. The chasm's European name, Standley Chasm, is a tribute to Ida Standley, who became the first school teacher in Alice Springs in 1914. Afterwards, visit Ormiston Gorge, where you can pause and relax while taking in the unique flora in the area.

The remainder of the afternoon is yours to enjoy at leisure. This evening, celebrate your final night in the Outback with a special Outback Bush BBQ. Savour a three-course meal while you're entertained with boomerang demonstrations, cattleman stories and music performances. (B/L/D)

Your outback journey comes to an end today. After breakfast, be transferred to Alice Springs Airport for your onward flight. (B)