An adventure in the rugged Outback introduces you to Aboriginal life and the culture of Alice Springs, Kings Canyon and Uluru (Ayers Rock).
A cultural discovery of rich Aboriginal heritage.
Located in the heart of the Red Centre lies Alice Springs fondly known as "The Alice". Framed by the East and West MacDonnell Ranges and red desert landscape, it is Australia's most famous outback town. Learn some of its unique history and culture with a visit to local galleries bursting with Indigenous art and stories of the Aboriginal Arrernte people. Visit the historic Telegraph Station, Royal Flying Doctor Service, the School of the Air and see unique Central Australian reptiles along the way. Take to the air for a Hot Air Balloon flight above the majestic colours of the ancient landscape or a camel trek through the red gums of the Todd River. To finish the day, view the Southern night sky with your sky guide to see one of the world's best night skies.
Traverse the Red Centre, stopping at a camel farm to ride one of these 'ships of the desert' for a unique adventure in the outback. Arriving at Kings Canyon you'll be in awe of the breathtaking landscape of rugged ranges, ancient sandstone walls rising hundreds of metres tall, a plateau of rocky domes, rock holes and gorges in the Watarrka National Park. Take a scenic flight over the grandeur of Kings Canyon for a bird's eye perspective or enjoy one of the many walks — the more relaxing Kings Creek Walk through lush ferns and eucalypts at the base or the more strenuous Rim Walk for amazing views down into the canyon. Take a refreshing dip in the exotic Garden of Eden — a permanent waterhole located deep within the canyon. A refreshing reward for those who take on this exhilarating 6km walking adventure.
Uluru (Ayers Rock) is World Heritage-listed and one of Australia's most iconic symbols right in the heart of Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park. You will be in awe of this huge monolith and eager to learn about the great spiritual significance and rich indigenous culture of the Anangu people, the traditional owners. Discover the array of fascinating sacred sites, explore caves to view sacred Aboriginal rock art and learn about the ancient traditions, bush tucker, traditional medicines, and local fauna and flora. Prepare for a truly majestic sunset as you witness the changing colours of Uluru whilst enjoying a glass of sparkling wine — or experience the Sounds of Silence dinner under the stars in the desert.
Also located in the Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park are the mysterious 500 million year-old rock formations of Kata-Tjuta (The Olgas), the Aboriginal name meaning 'many heads'. A collection of 36 weathered rock domes, Kata Tjuta is spread over an area of more than 20 kilometres. For spectacular views over the desert plains take the Valley of the Winds walk between domes and through creek beds, or an easier option, to experience this amazing landscape, meander through the ancient conglomerate within the sheer walls at Walpa Gorge. To view the true scale of Kata Tjuta, take a helicopter flight — flying past Uluru too!