Outback Contrasts (Small Group)

Discover the stories of Alice Springs as you settle into the heart of the Red Centre. Meet your Driver Guide, whose insights bring this remote town and its character to life, then visit the historic Overland Telegraph Station for a glimpse into the region's past.

Later, deepen your connection to Country during a MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience with Rayleen Brown, who shares her knowledge of Aboriginal native foods and the traditions behind them. Rayleen's recipes have featured in Australian cookbooks, and she has appeared as a guest judge on leading culinary television shows. Naturally, there's also the chance to taste the many flavours of the region's bush tucker.

Begin your adventure from Alice Springs, travelling towards majestic Kings Canyon. Stop at Erldunda, known as the “Centre of the Centre”, where the Stuart and Lasseter Highways meet, before continuing to Kings Canyon Resort in Watarrka National Park. Explore the canyon creek bed track, following in the footsteps of the Luritja people who once found sanctuary among the Itara trees at the canyon's base.

As night falls, enjoy the “Under a Desert Moon” five-course dinner beneath the stars, featuring locally sourced produce and fine Australian wines. With a pool, restaurant and comfortable deluxe lodge rooms, Kings Canyon Resort provides a welcoming base for your Red Centre adventure.

Gaze across the deep chasm at the edge of Kings Canyon on a spectacular 6km sunrise Rim Walk, passing the sandstone domes of the ‘Lost City' and descending into the lush ‘Garden of Eden'. Alternatively, opt for a gentler stroll along the tracks surrounding the resort.

Continue towards Uluṟu, visiting the local Wanmarra Community for the Karrke Aboriginal Cultural MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience. Learn about the Luritja and Pertame peoples' spiritual connection to the land, discovering bush foods and traditional medicines used for spirituality and healing.

Journey across vast desert landscapes to Curtin Springs Station, a working farming property, before arriving at world-famous Uluṟu. At the Cultural Centre, uncover the foundations of Aṉangu culture and hear important creation stories explaining how Uluṟu was formed. Continue to your resort, reflecting on the profound connection between people, culture and Country.

Choose a slower start, or rise before dawn for the Optional Experience Sunrise Field of Light by artist Bruce Munro. Later, head to Kata Tjuta, where a walk through Walpa Gorge reveals the scale and beauty of these ancient rock formations.

After free time for lunch, return to Uluṟu for a tour around its base and gain a deeper understanding of the cultural significance of this sacred site. As the day draws to a close, enjoy sunset drinks while the colours of the outback shift and Uluṟu glows in the fading light. The evening is at leisure, with the opportunity to pre-book the Optional Experience exclusive Uluṟu Barbecue Dinner.

Travel through the vast outback, where desert landscapes stretch to the horizon and camels, cattle and Atila, also known as Mt. Conner, punctuate the view. Pause at Stuart Wells, an authentic outback roadhouse, before continuing towards Alice Springs. Along the way, divert into the West MacDonnell Ranges to explore Simpsons Gap, where rugged cliffs and a permanent waterhole create one of Central Australia's most striking natural settings. Back in Alice Springs, there's time to relax before dinner.

Your Red Centre journey comes to an end this morning. For one final perspective on the outback, you may choose to join an Optional Experience hot air balloon ride and watch the landscapes unfold from above before your onward journey.