Let the fun begin, as we fly from Brisbane to Alice Springs!
Arriving around lunchtime!
Freshen up before we embark on a MBANTUA SUNSET & STARLIGHT BUSH DINNER.
RT Tours Australia’s motto is ‘Food, Culture and Country’. Chef, guide and Arrernte descendant Bob Taylor takes you on an informative trip before presenting you with his own specially prepared menu. First stop is the Historical Telegraph Station Reserve before an easy graded walk. Drive west through the spectacular MacDonnell Ranges to visit the majestic Simpson’s Gap and enjoy a three course bush meal under the stars.
Overnight - The Diplomat Motel
Spend the morning at leisure exploring the town of Alice Springs.
We will then head off to Kings Canyon!
Arriving in time for lunch and afternoon at leisure.
We will meet up before sunset and head over to the Sunset Viewing Platform and enjoy a drink as you watch the canyon come alive with colour.
As the sun dips behind Carmichael's Crag and the George Gill Range, watch the spellbinding changing colours of the sandstone and sky before the stars come out. It is a must do experience!
The mesmerising shift of red, orange and pink colours are created by the red center’s natural sandy environment preventing the light from the sun's rays coming through, enabling an array of red light to reflect on the range and sky to emphasise an array of vibrant colours.
With only a short walking distance from the campground and the resort; bring your camera and a chair, grab a drink from the pop-up bar, sit back to enjoy the spectacular view and take in the magical environment.
Overnight - Kings Canyon
For the fit and adventurous ones amongst us, you can walk the rim of the Canyon.
The Rim Walk will take you on a 6 kilometre circuit transcending down into the Garden of Eden and back to the top to wonder at the 360 views. Depending on what pace you take to absorb the humbling scenery, the walk can take around 3-4 hours.
The start of the walk is the most difficult, with around 500 steep steps to climb – once you are up there it will be one of the most magical experiences of your life. After you take in the views from the top of the stairs, continue your journey through Priscilla’s Crack made famous by the classic Australian movie Priscilla Queen of the Desert and to the first lookout across the canyon.
From there you will see the marvelous sandstone domes (a mini-Purnululu) known as the Lost City due to it resembling an ancient city.
Next up is your choice to continue exploring the top or take the stairs down to the picturesque Garden of Eden filled with lush greenery where you can cross a secured bridge over the sacred watering hole. Once you have captured this iconic moment take the stairs back up to the south side of the canyon.
The best time to take on this experience is during sunrise as the sun slowly reflections onto the sandstone turning a stunning array of oranges and reds.
Other Walks near Kings Canyon
For a more gentle hike - or for hikers who have done the rim and are looking to view the canyon another way, the Kings Creek hike is a gentle 2.6 kilometre walk that follows a trail between the two soaring canyon walls. As you arrive at the lookout point, you will be welcomed by spectacular views of the sheer cliff face at the far end of the canyon. This hike is completely immersive as you see, feel and smell the natural wonders and the flora and fauna of the canyon.
We will head off to Uluru - driving approximately 300km.
Arriving in the afternoon.
Spend the afternoon at leisure.
At sunset we will be collected from our hotel and stroll among the stars.
The experience begins with a convenient hotel pick-up and short transfer to the remote desert location with majestic views of Uluru.
You’re welcomed at an exclusive dune top just after the sun has set on the horizon. Savour a selection of outback canapes with sparkling wine or beer as your host provides insight into the light installation that awaits you. As darkness falls, 50,000 glass spheres gently come to life. Covered under a sky brilliant with stars, Field of Light beckons you to explore and lose yourself momentarily in the rhythms of coloured light.
Return to our hotel for dinner (own expense)
Overnight - The Lost Camel
Today we willl embark on a ULURU SACRED SITES tour
Depart Ayers Rock Resort mid-afternoon for Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park. Join your driver/guide and learn the significance of ancient Aboriginal rock art, about the area’s flora and fauna, and culture of its traditional owners, the Anangu. Enjoy guided walks of the Mala and Mutitjulu Waterhole sacred sites and view ancient rock art and hear stories of traditional Anangu life. Learn the Tjukurpa (creation) story of Kuniya and Liru.
Next we will take a 25 minute helicopter flight to see Uluru at the closest regulated distance, providing you the chance to take photos with an unparalleled perspective from within the National Park. From Uluru, track towards Kata Tjuta where you’ll explore the northern side of these majestic domes, allowing you to gain access to an area otherwise off-limits from the ground. On the flight back, see views of Lake Amadeus and indigenous flora.
Rest of the afternoon at leisure.
Overnight - The Lost Camel
Early morning wake up as we embark on a ULURU HIGHLIGHTS tour.
As you travel towards Uluru, its vast shape rises from the sand dunes as the early dawn light highlights its presence in this country. Your guide will take you to a special location to watch the sun rise over this amazing monolith. After breakfast, visit Mutitjulu Waterhole and learn the creation story of Kuniya and Liru before driving around the base of Uluru.
After lunch we will particpate in a Dot Painting Workshop
Maruku Arts is a not-for-profit art and craft corporation 100% owned and operated by Anangu (Aboriginal people from the Central and Western deserts) for over 30 years. Approximately 900 artists make up the collective that is Maruku. Maruku exists to benefit the artists, their families, their communities and to play a key role in keeping the traditional cultural practices strong and alive throughout the Anangu lands. Maruku is a regional art centre and therefore a representative of Anangu culture and art. Sharing stories and passing on traditional methods of painting plays an important part in the sustainability of Aboriginal culture, the world’s oldest living culture. Join Maruku’s local Anangu artists for a fun introduction to the unique desert artform – Dot Painting. Learn about the symbols and painting styles used to depict the Creation time (Tjukurpa) stories. Be inspired and join the artists to complete your own story in painting which you will take home as a memento of your experience. An absorbing and fulfilling experience for all ages.
We will meet up for dinner!
Overnight - The Lost Camel
Rise and shine, it's time to embark on a SEIT KATA TJUTA tour.
Revel in the early morning serenity of this truly spiritual place as the sunrise colours change on Kata Tjuta, then enjoy an outback picnic breakfast. Learn all about this rich, diverse environment as you walk between the walls of Walpa Gorge. The spirituality of this special place touches everyone who ventures here.
Rest of the day at leisure.
As this will be our last night in the Red Centre, we will meet for the Sound of Silence dinner!
Dine under a million stars at the acclaimed Sounds of Silence for an unforgettable evening. Travel out to a private dining setting in the middle of the desert and sip on a glass of sparkling wine with the sound of a lone didgeridoo filling the air. Marvel at the colours as the sun slowly sets over Kata Tjuta and Uluru before enjoying a feast of Northern Territory delights.
Overnight - The Lost Camel
All good things have to come to and end!
We leave Ayers Rock bound for Brisbane, via Alice Springs.
