Outback Contrasts: A Journey to the Centre

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)