*Based on twin share accommodation. Single supplement available.
Journey to the spiritual heart of Australia on this unforgettable 6-day adventure through the mesmerizing Red Centre. Witness the changing colors of Uluru at sunset and sunrise, explore the mystical domes of Kata Tjuta, and hike through the ancient landscapes of Kings Canyon.
Led by expert guides including Aboriginal elders, you'll gain deep insights into the world's oldest living culture while experiencing the natural wonders of Australia's outback. With comfortable accommodation, delicious bush-inspired cuisine, and spectacular stargazing, this tour offers the perfect blend of adventure, culture, and natural beauty.
Uluru (Ayers Rock) and the surrounding Red Centre is Australia's geographical and spiritual heart. This ancient landscape offers some of the country's most iconic natural wonders and profound cultural experiences. Our carefully designed 6-day adventure takes you through the highlights of this remarkable region while providing authentic insights into Aboriginal culture and history.
Beginning and ending in Alice Springs, this circular journey takes you to Uluru and Kata Tjuta National Park, Kings Canyon, and the West MacDonnell Ranges. Along the way, you'll experience breathtaking natural formations, learn about the region's flora, fauna, and geology, and gain deep insights into the world's oldest continuous culture through the stories and traditions of the local Aboriginal communities.
This trip is rated as moderate. You should be able to walk comfortably for 2-3 hours on uneven terrain and in hot conditions. The Kings Canyon Rim Walk involves a steep initial climb and approximately 3-4 hours of walking. Alternative shorter walks are available for those who prefer a less strenuous option. Temperatures in the Red Centre can be extreme (35-45°C/95-113°F in summer, below freezing at night in winter), so be prepared for variable conditions.
The most comfortable months to visit the Red Centre are April to October when daytime temperatures are milder (20-30°C/68-86°F). June to August (winter) offers the most pleasant daytime temperatures but can be very cold at night. Summer months (November to March) can be extremely hot, but accommodation prices may be lower, and you'll experience fewer crowds.
Experience the wonders of Australia's Red Centre through this thoughtfully planned itinerary that showcases both natural beauty and cultural significance.
Welcome to the heart of Australia! Upon arrival at Alice Springs Airport, you'll be transferred to your centrally located accommodation. The afternoon is yours to settle in and explore this historic outback town at your leisure. Visit the Alice Springs Desert Park to get acquainted with the unique flora and fauna of the region, or explore the town's art galleries showcasing local Aboriginal artwork.
In the evening, join your guide and fellow travelers for a welcome dinner at a local restaurant specializing in native Australian ingredients. Your guide will provide a comprehensive briefing on the adventure ahead and answer any questions you may have about your Red Centre journey.
Accommodation: Crowne Plaza Alice Springs Lasseters (or similar)
Meals: Dinner
After an early breakfast, we begin our journey south toward Uluru. The drive through the spectacular desert landscape takes approximately 4.5 hours, with stops along the way. We'll pause at Erldunda Roadhouse for a break and to spot some local wildlife at their emu and camel enclosures.
Upon arrival at Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park, we'll check into our accommodation before heading to the Cultural Centre to learn about the region's Aboriginal heritage and the significance of Uluru to the Anangu people, the traditional owners of the land.
As evening approaches, we'll make our way to the Uluru sunset viewing area. Watch in awe as the massive monolith transforms through a stunning palette of reds, oranges, and purples as the sun sets. Enjoy canapés and Australian sparkling wine while your guide shares stories about this sacred site. Return to the resort for dinner at one of the hotel restaurants.
Accommodation: Desert Gardens Hotel, Ayers Rock Resort (or similar)
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Rise early to experience the unforgettable sight of sunrise at Uluru. After a quick cup of tea or coffee, we'll head to the sunrise viewing area to watch the first rays of daylight illuminate the ancient monolith.
Following breakfast back at the resort, we embark on the Uluru Base Walk with an Aboriginal guide. This 10km circuit around the base of Uluru reveals the monolith's many faces, rock art sites, and sacred areas. Your guide will share Dreamtime stories and explain the traditional uses of native plants for food and medicine.
After lunch, we'll travel to Kata Tjuta (The Olgas), a group of massive domed rock formations located about 30km from Uluru. Here, we'll embark on the Valley of the Winds walk, a moderately challenging trail that takes you between these enormous red conglomerate rocks, offering spectacular views of the Central Australian desert.
This evening, experience the award-winning Sounds of Silence dinner. Dine under the stars on a dune top with uninterrupted views of Uluru and Kata Tjuta. Enjoy a gourmet bush tucker-inspired buffet accompanied by premium Australian wines while a resident star-talker shares the secrets of the southern night sky.
Accommodation: Desert Gardens Hotel, Ayers Rock Resort (or similar)
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
For those who wish, there's an optional early morning activity to witness the magical Field of Light installation. Created by international artist Bruce Munro, this immersive light installation consists of 50,000 spindles of light that illuminate the desert floor.
After breakfast, we depart for Kings Canyon, traveling through striking desert landscapes along the Luritja Road. The journey takes approximately 3.5 hours with a stop at Kings Creek Station, a working camel and cattle station where we'll enjoy lunch.
Upon arrival at Kings Canyon, we'll take the Creek Bed Walk, a gentler introduction to the canyon that follows the rocky creek bed into the gorge. As the sun begins to set, enjoy a guided nature walk around the resort area to learn about the local flora and fauna. This evening, dine at the hotel restaurant before heading outside for some spectacular stargazing with your guide pointing out constellations, planets, and sharing Aboriginal stories of the night sky.
Accommodation: Kings Canyon Resort (or similar)
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
After an early breakfast, we embark on the highlight of Kings Canyon—the Rim Walk. This 6km circuit takes 3-4 hours and begins with a steep ascent to the top of the canyon. From here, you'll be rewarded with spectacular views of the canyon and surrounding landscape. The walk takes you past ancient sandstone domes reminiscent of The Lost City, through the lush Garden of Eden waterhole, and along the weathered canyon rim.
Following the walk and a light lunch, we begin our journey back to Alice Springs, traveling through the outback with a stop at a camel farm where you can meet these iconic desert animals (optional camel ride available at additional cost).
In the afternoon, we'll visit the West MacDonnell Ranges and stop at Simpsons Gap, a significant site featuring a prominent gap in the MacDonnell Ranges and a permanent waterhole that attracts local wildlife. We'll arrive in Alice Springs in the late afternoon.
This evening, enjoy a special farewell dinner at an authentic Australian outback steakhouse, featuring local beef, kangaroo, crocodile, and other bush delicacies along with premium Northern Territory beers and wines.
Accommodation: Crowne Plaza Alice Springs Lasseters (or similar)
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
On your final morning, enjoy a leisurely breakfast at the hotel. Depending on your departure time, you might visit the Royal Flying Doctor Service Base to learn about this vital outback medical service, or explore the historic Telegraph Station, marking the original European settlement in Alice Springs.
You might also wish to visit some of the excellent Aboriginal art galleries in town to purchase authentic artwork as a memento of your Red Centre journey. Your transfer to Alice Springs Airport will be arranged based on your flight schedule.
Meals: Breakfast
Note: This itinerary may change due to weather conditions, local events, or other unforeseen circumstances. In particular, walks may be altered during periods of extreme heat for safety reasons.
Enhance your Red Centre experience with these optional activities (additional costs apply):
These can be arranged before your trip or during your welcome briefing on the first day, subject to availability.
On this trip, you'll stay in carefully selected accommodations that offer comfort, excellent amenities, and the perfect base for exploring the Red Centre.
Located by the magnificent MacDonnell Ranges, this 4.5-star hotel offers spacious rooms, a resort-style pool, several dining options, and a casino. The property includes extensive native gardens that attract local birdlife.
Deluxe Rooms (included in standard package) feature:
Part of the Ayers Rock Resort complex, the 4.5-star Desert Gardens Hotel offers the comfort of superior accommodation and native gardens, some rooms feature private views of Uluru. The hotel is a short stroll to numerous lookouts, restaurants, and the Town Square.
Garden View Rooms (included in standard package) feature:
Room upgrades are available at additional cost:
Located just 7km from Kings Canyon, this resort offers an oasis in the desert with comfortable rooms, restaurants, and spectacular views of the landscape. The design blends harmoniously with the natural environment.
Standard Rooms (included in standard package) feature:
Room upgrades are available at additional cost:
There are no words to describe the feeling of standing before Uluru at sunset. This trip was truly magical from start to finish. Our Aboriginal guide, Jason, shared stories that gave us a much deeper understanding of this sacred place. The Kings Canyon Rim Walk was challenging but absolutely worth it for the incredible views. The Sounds of Silence dinner was a highlight—dining under those stars is an experience we'll never forget. Giddy's Travel handled every detail perfectly.
As a solo female traveler, I was looking for a safe way to experience the Red Centre, and this trip exceeded all expectations. The small group size meant we became like family by the end. Our guide Tom was incredibly knowledgeable about the geology, wildlife, and Aboriginal culture of the region. The accommodations were excellent, especially the Desert Gardens Hotel with its amazing Uluru views. The hikes were well-paced with plenty of time for photography. The night sky in the Outback has to be seen to be believed!
We took this trip with our two teenagers (14 and 16) who were initially skeptical about spending a week in the desert. By the end, they were completely captivated! The cultural experiences were eye-opening, and they loved the Kings Canyon Rim Walk. Our guide was fantastic with the kids, making everything educational but fun. The Field of Light was breathtaking, and worth the extra cost. My only suggestion would be to include more free time at Uluru for personal exploration. Otherwise, a perfect family adventure!
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View DetailsContact our team to check availability or customize this journey.