Australia’s Red Centre Discovery

Today you will arrive at Ayers Rock Airport and join your touring program in the Red Centre.

Please note:

• Please ensure your flight arrives no later than 13:20, as later arrivals will miss the scheduled transfer and afternoon touring.
• This is a semi-guided experience combining a 4-day/3-night tour with a 1-day tour. Guided days are led by accredited Red Centre guides, and accommodation is included. Some components of the itinerary are self-guided, as indicated.
• These are shared tours and may include participants not traveling with TripADeal. The maximum number of passengers on the 4-day/3-night portion is 14.

To join your first 4-day/3-night tour:
Flight arrivals before 12:30: Upon arrival at Ayers Rock Airport, collect your luggage, follow the hotel transfer signs, and board the AAT Kings coach outside the terminal. This is a complimentary transfer to the Ayers Rock Resort. Upon arrival at the Resort, make your way to the Outback Pioneer Hotel which is where you will be staying tonight as part of the tour, and ask them to store your luggage. After completing the 13:30 pick-ups from the Airport, your guide will meet you at the front of the Outback Pioneer Hotel at 13:45.

We recommend:

• Please make sure you have had lunch before you are collected in the afternoon as it is not included as part of the tour.
• Flight arrivals between 12:30 and 13:20: The tour operator of the 4-day/3-night will pick up from the airport at 13:30.

This afternoon, travel into Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park, where you will explore the base of the magnificent Uluru. Take short guided walks around the base (Mala and Kuniya walks) and gain insight into the sacred traditions and stories of the Anangu people, deepening your understanding of this spiritually significant landscape. As the sun begins to set, savour drinks and a BBQ dinner while witnessing the breathtaking colours of Uluru at sunset.

Important Notes:

• Flights are not included in this package and should be purchased independently, once minimum numbers have been met. Please refrain from booking flight arrangements until confirmation that minimum numbers have been met.
• Do not book a flight that arrives any later than 1:20pm as after this time you will miss the pick-up for the tour and the guide will not be able to head back to the airport to collect you.
• We suggest to have lunch prior to arrival into Ayers Rock Airport

Overnight: Outback Pioneer Hotel or similar

Meals included: Dinner

An early start this morning is well worth the effort as you witness the spectacular sunrise over Uluru. Enjoy tea or coffee as the first light of day illuminates the landscape, bringing the monolith to life - a truly memorable Red Centre experience. Following sunrise, return to the hotel for breakfast before departing to explore Kata Tjuta (formerly the Olgas).

Here, you will enjoy a leisurely walk through Walpa Gorge, surrounded by the impressive domes, and take in sweeping views from the viewing platform while learning more about this remarkable natural environment. This is a moderate, 2.6 km return walk that takes approximately 1 hour. After, return to the resort where you will have time to purchase lunch at your own expense before continuing the journey. This afternoon, travel onwards to Kings Canyon Resort in Watarrka National Park.

Upon arrival, settle in and enjoy dinner before your overnight stay.

Overnight: Kings Canyon Resort or similar

Meals included: Breakfast; Dinner

After breakfast, set out on a guided Kings Canyon Rim Walk, one of the Northern Territory’s most spectacular hikes. This Grade 4, 6-kilometre loop takes approximately 3–4 hours and rewards your efforts with breathtaking views and remarkable natural formations. The walk begins with its most challenging section, a steep climb of around 500 steps. Once at the top, you’ll be rewarded with sweeping 360-degree views across the canyon. Continue along the rim and descend into the lush Garden of Eden, before climbing back to the top to take in more panoramic vistas.

Along the way, pass through Priscilla’s Crack, made famous by the iconic Australian film The Adventures of Priscilla, Queen of the Desert, and pause at the first lookout over the canyon. From here, admire the remarkable sandstone domes known as the “Lost City,” often described as a miniature version of Purnululu National Park due to their striking resemblance to an ancient cityscape. After exploring the rim, descend to the tranquil Garden of Eden, a permanent waterhole surrounded by lush greenery. Cross the secured bridge over the sacred watering hole and take time to soak in this serene and photogenic setting before climbing back up to the southern side of the canyon.

This afternoon, return to the nearby Kings Canyon Resort for a relaxing break. Lunch is at your leisure (not included), and you may wish to book one of the resort’s optional experiences. Your guide will provide full details on Day 1 and can assist with bookings.

Optional Experiences (subject to change):
Kings Canyon Helicopter Flights

• 8-Minute Dash
• 15-Minute Kings Canyon
• 30-Minute Range Safari

Light-Towers Installation

• Light Towers at Sunset (includes drinks & nibbles)

Overnight: Kings Canyon Resort or similar

Meals included: Breakfast; Dinner

Enjoy a leisurely breakfast before setting out on the gentle Kings Creek Bed Walk, a relaxed way to experience a different side of Kings Canyon. This Grade 2 return walk covers 2.6 kilometre and takes approximately one hour, following the sandy creek bed at the base of the canyon and offering impressive views of the towering red rock cliffs above.

After your walk, return to Kings Canyon Resort to check out. You’ll have time to purchase lunch at your own expense before beginning the journey to Alice Springs. Arrival into Alice Springs is expected at approximately 17:30, marking the conclusion of your unforgettable 4-day/3-night adventure through the Red Centre.

Overnight: Crowne Plaza Alice Springs Lasseters or similar

Meals included: Breakfast

Today is yours to explore Alice Springs at your own pace. There are many wonderful experiences to choose from, depending on your interests. You might visit The Kangaroo Sanctuary Alice Springs to see rescued kangaroos up close, or wander through the beautiful native gardens at Olive Pink Botanic Garden to discover the unique flora of the Red Centre.

For a truly memorable start to the day, consider a sunrise hot air balloon flight with Outback Ballooning, offering sweeping views across the desert landscape. Wildlife enthusiasts may enjoy exploring Alice Springs Desert Park, where the region’s native animals and ecosystems are showcased, while history lovers can step back in time at the Alice Springs Telegraph Station or join a guided historical tour with Emu Run Experience. In the afternoon, you may wish to unwind with a locally crafted beer at Alice Springs Brewing Co.

Please note that these activities are suggestions only. They are not included in your package and can be arranged independently at an additional cost. Today is a self-guided day, with no tour leader accompanying you.

Overnight: Crowne Plaza Alice Springs Lasseters or similar

Meals included: Breakfast

Today, embark on an unforgettable journey through the magnificent West MacDonnell Ranges, where dramatic landscapes and rich Aboriginal culture combine for an extraordinary outback experience. An NT Parks Day Pass is required for your one-day tour to the Tjoritja / West MacDonnell National Park, which covers entry into the park for day visitors. This pass is not included in the tour price, and it is strongly recommended to purchase it in advance to ensure smooth and seamless entry on the day of travel.

Please note:

• Entry fee for Standley Chasm (Angkerle Atwatye) is included in the tour.
• The maximum number of travellers on the 1 Day MacDonnell Ranges Tour is 23.

Pick-up:
07:30 – Crowne Plaza Alice Springs Lasseters (93 Barrett Drive)

What to Bring:
2-litre refillable water bottle, wide-brimmed hat, sunglasses and sunscreen, swimwear and towel, comfortable closed-toe walking shoes with good tread, lightweight all-weather clothing, tropical-strength insect repellent, small day pack (5–7 kg), money for snacks, and a camera.

The first stop is Simpsons Gap, a place of deep cultural significance and Dreamtime stories for the local Arrernte people. This peaceful gorge is home to a permanent waterhole that attracts native wildlife, including the elusive black-footed rock wallaby. As you explore, your guide will share insights into the area’s ancient heritage.

Continuing west, visit Standley Chasm (Angkerle Atwatye, meaning “Gap of Water”), a spectacular 80-metre-high narrow gorge framed by towering rock walls. When illuminated by the sun, the chasm glows in brilliant shades of red and orange. Next is Ellery Creek Big Hole (Udepata), one of Central Australia’s most picturesque waterholes. Surrounded by striking red cliffs and sandy creek beds, this is the perfect spot for a refreshing swim in the cool, clear waters. A delicious picnic lunch will be enjoyed in this tranquil setting.

Then travel to the vibrant Ochre Pits, a culturally-significant site where mineral-rich ochres have been sourced for thousands of years for use in Aboriginal art and ceremony. The striking colours of the cliffs provide a powerful connection to the region’s living cultural traditions. The final stop is Ormiston Gorge, renowned for its dramatic red rock walls, scenic walking trails, and permanent waterhole. Shaped by millions of years of geological forces, this spectacular gorge offers a fitting finale to a day immersed in the raw beauty of the outback. After a day of remarkable landscapes, wildlife encounters and cultural discovery, return to Alice Springs in the late afternoon.

Overnight: Crowne Plaza Alice Springs Lasseters or similar

Meals included: Breakfast; Lunch

Today, enjoy your last breakfast before checking out and making your own onward travel arrangements.

Meals included: Breakfast