Outback Australia - The Colour of Red

Day 1

Arrive Uluru (Ayers Rock)

Feel the stirring of something bigger than you as you arrive in Ayers Rock Resort (flights to arrive prior to 12.30pm), your launchpad to Australia's fiery heart in the Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park, home to Uluru, one of Australia's natural icons. This afternoon, 'Dive into Culture' and explore the foundations of life and society of the local Aboriginal people and their ancestors. The Anangu people have revered this place for centuries and are the traditional owners of the land, sharing their culture, traditions, art and language with visitors. You'll visit Kata Tjuta (the Olgas) and connect with nature during a walk through Walpa Gorge, a sacred place sheltered within rusty red cliffs that rise on either side of this desert landscape. As the day fades, the outback sun bids a fiery farewell - the perfect backdrop for a Welcome Reception with sparkling sundowners, while overlooking Uluru.

Trip Summary Accomodation Icon Hotel - Sails in the Desert, Ayers Rock Resort

Trip Summary Meals Icon Included Meals - Welcome Reception

Day 2

Uluru (Ayers Rock) - Kings Canyon

Rise early and witness the mesmerising arrival of another day overlooking Kata Tjuta and Uluru. 'Dive into Culture' yet again and learn about the connection the local Anangu caretakers have with the land. Skirt the red cliffs of Uluru, hear ancient tales and see rock art, then visit Mutitjulu Waterhole, revelling in the stillness of this spiritual place, along with its resident wallabies, honeyeaters and thorny devils. The next stop is Curtin Springs Station, where you'll gain insights into the cattle-rearing heritage of the Severin family and enjoy a BBQ lunch before viewing Atila (Mt. Conner) which looms large over the scrubland. Stop at Kings Creek Station on your way to Kings Canyon, where tonight you'll have an opportunity to settle back with sparkling wine under the canopy of a starry southern hemisphere sky. The flickering glow of the fire is the perfect accompaniment to your Under a Desert Moon Regional Dinner. Sit back and listen to the sounds of the outback come alive at night in the company of new friends.

Trip Summary Accomodation Icon Hotel - Kings Canyon Resort, Deluxe Spa Rooms

Trip Summary Meals Icon Included Meals - Breakfast, Lunch, Regional Dinner

Day 3

Kings Canyon - Alice Springs (2 Nights)

Your exploration of Australia's Red Centre continues today when you visit the paradise for hikers that is Kings Canyon, in Watarrka National Park. Gaze across the deep chasm at the edge of the rocky red canyon as you lace up your boots and embark on a sunrise 6km rim walk past the domed 'Lost City' and luscious 'Garden of Eden'. Or you can opt for a gentler stroll along the canyon creek bed, treading in the footsteps of the Luritja people who once found sanctuary amidst the Itara trees at the base of the canyon. An exhilarating 4WD along the Mereenie Loop Road will take you through the West MacDonnell Ranges to the iconic outback town of Alice Springs. Loving referred to by the locals as Alice, this desert oasis is your home for the next two nights and a convenient base from which to explore more of Australia's rugged interior.

Trip Summary Accomodation Icon Hotel - Crowne Plaza Alice Springs Lasseters

Trip Summary Meals Icon Included Meals - Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 4

West MacDonnell Ranges

This morning you'll visit the historic Overland Telegraph Station, connecting Australia's north and south. Delve into this great engineering feat of 19th-century Australia which linked thousands of miles of undiscovered territory to the rest of the world. Later, the adventure playground of the West MacDonnell Ranges takes centre stage as you embark on a walk through Simpsons Gap and dramatic Angkerle (Standley Chasm), with its sheer rock-face rising up 80m from the valley floor. 'Connect With Locals' this evening against the backdrop of the Outback, enjoying an open-air 'Be My Guest' dinner around a warming campfire with your friendly Alice Springs hosts, as the Milky Way, Southern Cross and moon light up the sky.

Trip Summary Meals Icon Included Meals - Breakfast, Lunch, Be My Guest

Day 5

Depart Alice Springs

Your epic adventure is almost at its end, but not before you visit the Royal Flying Doctor Service with a 'Local Specialist'. Learn how this aero-medical organisation provides emergency and primary health care services for those living in remote and regional areas of Australia. You'll also visit the School of the Air to learn from a 'Local Specialist' how children living in the far reaches of the Outback receive an education over the airwaves and how the service has evolved since it was first started in the 1950s. Your journey comes to an end later this morning (flights to depart after 12.30pm).

Trip Summary Meals Icon Included Meals - Breakfast