Australia's Red Centre

Australia Highlights in the Red Centre:

• Uluṟu is a spectacular towering sight rising from the flat surrounding desert, made of sandstone approximately half a billion years old, standing 348m high and 9.4km circumference. This ancient monolith is home to rare plants and animals, important spiritual sites and caves painted with remarkable ancient rock art. The Anangu people are the traditional custodians of the land and have lived in this area for over 60,000 years and Uluru is central to their culture, history and identity.
• Kings Canyon is part of  Watarrka National Park and is a special place due to its dramatic geological formations formed by millions of years of erosion, its rich biodiversity as well as its cultural significance to the the Luritja and Arrente people who have inhabited the area for thousands of years. Aside from the towering red rock walls, inside Kings Canyon is a stark contrast to the surrounding desert and this living plant museum contains many rare plant species, as well as being a refuge for native wildlife such as lizards, dingoes and birds. There are some well-preserved Aboriginal paintings and engravings in the area.
• Kata Tjuṯa (the Olgas) – natural wonder and cultural landmark, these 36 soaring rock domes cover more than 20sq km. Waḻpa Gorge is a narrow creek valley between two of the largest domes and is a sanctuary for numerous plants and animals including wallabies and gorgeous wildflowers=
• Field of Light – British artist Bruce Munro created an incredible art installation that includes more than 50,000 spindles of light covering an area the size of 7 football fields. With a dark desert backdrop and the silhouette of Uluru, they light up the desert.

Sample itinerary (Subject to change)

Day 1: Arrive Uluru (Ayers Rock)

On arrival at Ayers Rock Airport, you will be transferred to your hotel (must arrive prior to 1.30pm, flights not included).

This afternoon visit the Uluru-Kata Tjuta Cultural Centre and later travel around the base of Uluru in comfort as your Driver Guide provides commentary about the numerous sacred sites and features to be found at Uluru. Learn about the native flora, fauna and intriguing culture of the traditional owners, the Anangu, and discover an array of fascinating sites. Continue by coach to the Kuniya Walk where your Driver Guide will escort you to the beautiful Mutitjulu Waterhole. Late afternoon witness the striking colour changes of Uluru at sunset while you enjoy sparkling wine.

Late afternoon begins with another magical Uluru sunset. After sunset continue to our exclusive venue for a BBQ dinner, with Uluru as your backdrop. You’ll wonder at the scale of Uluru at night on the only evening experience inside Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park. Relax in the company of friends and fellow travellers and enjoy sparkling wine on arrival. Dine on favourites from the grill and a selection of freshly prepared salads, followed by a tasty dessert. There’s even time for star gazing. Your Guide will conduct a tour of the night sky, pointing out some of the visible constellations, and will also explain some Aboriginal stories that relate to the stars.

Day 2: Kings Canyon & Watarrka National Park

Today you’ll travel from Ayers Rock Resort to Kings Canyon, stopping for breakfast at Kings Creek Station along the way. Originally vacant crown land, the station now runs cattle and is the largest exporter of wild camels in Australia. Learn the intriguing story of Ian and Lynn Conway and their dedication to Aboriginal children in the region’s remote communities. Now get ready for hike to remember! Make the steep rocky climb to the rim of the Kings Canyon for spectacular views of Watarrka National Park. Follow the rim of the canyon stopping to look down into the canyon gorge from a series of look-out points along the way. Time permitting, your Guide may take you to the green oasis of the ‘Garden of Eden’ waterhole. The rim walk takes approximately 3 hours to complete and is rocky and steep in parts. It is recommended for those with a good level of fitness. If you wish to take an easier, shorter walk instead, you will explore the boulder strewn canyon floor, getting up close to the native plants and birdlife that call this part of the world home. After lunch (own expense), return to Ayers Rock Resort.

Day 3: Uluṟu (Ayers Rock) & Kata Tjuṯa (The Olgas)

Rise early this morning to travel to Talinguru Nyakunytjaku, the Uluru Sunrise Viewing Area. Watch the first rays of sun light up the desert while enjoying a warming cup of tea or coffee. After sunrise travel to the mystical 36 domes of Kata Tjuta. On the way, enjoy panoramic views of the southern side of Kata Tjuta at a dune viewing platform before arriving at Walpa Gorge. Spend some time exploring the gorge and the unusual conglomerate rock formations. The 1.3km walking trail through Walpa Gorge follows the natural creek between two of the tallest domes of Kata Tjuta. Return to the resort for some lunch and a free afternoon.

Day 4: Depart Ayers Rock

Experience acclaimed artist Bruce Munro’s Field of Light. Under cover of darkness, wander through 50,000 magical hand-crafted frosted glass spheres of light, in colours of ochre, deep violet, blue and gentle white. Make your way to the dune top, where you’ll be served tea, coffee or hot chocolate and watch the sun rise in the distance behind Uluru, flooding the landscape, including Kata Tjuta behind you, with light.

Transfer to Ayers Rock Airport for your onward flight (flights not included, must depart after 9.30am).

Extend your Australia adventure to include more of the Northern Territory plus places like Sydney, Melbourne, The Great Barrier Reef, Tasmania or perhaps combine with a visit to New Zealand or an island stopover in the Fiji Islands!

Contact our team of Destination Specialists to add flights and start planning your trip.