Our Red Centre adventure begins with a flight from Sydney to Alice Springs, the heart of Australia’s outback. On arrival, we enjoy lunch before taking in the sweeping views from Anzac Hill, a lookout offering a wonderful introduction to the surrounding ranges.

We then visit the Alice Springs Telegraph Station for a guided tour, learning about the early communication route that connected Australia to the rest of the world. Afterwards, we make our way to the Mercure Alice Springs Resort to check in and settle into our accommodation.

This evening, we gather for dinner in-house.

Overnight: Mercure Alice Springs Resort
Meals Included: Lunch, Dinner

This morning, we depart for the acclaimed Alice Springs Desert Park, where the “Changing Heart” experience introduces us to the landscapes, wildlife, and rich culture of Central Australia.

Rejoining the coach, we continue to the John Flynn Grave Historical Reserve where his ashes rest in a grave with the Macdonell Ranges as a back drop. At Standley Chasm, we enjoy lunch followed by a gentle walk through the dramatic, fire-red rock walls of the chasm.

In the afternoon, we travel to Simpsons Gap, a striking gorge carved into the range. Here, we can take some walks and enjoy refreshments before returning to Alice.

Dinner is served in-house this evening.

Overnight: Mercure Alice Springs Resort
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

After breakfast, we visit the Royal Flying Doctor Service for an informative tour showcasing the crucial role it plays across remote Australia. We then continue to the Alice Springs School of the Air for a guided tour, learning how education reaches children living on vast outback stations.

Lunch is at leisure in Alice Springs before we regroup and depart for the Araluen Cultural Precinct. Here we explore the Araluen Art Galleries, the Central Australian Aviation Museum, and the Museum of Central Australia, followed by a visit to the local Memorial Cemetery.

We return to the hotel for dinner in-house.

Overnight: Mercure Alice Springs Resort
Meals Included: Breakfast & Dinner

This morning we leave Alice and take in more of this vast, timeless landscape, travelling down the Stuart Highway to Erldunda which sits at the junction of the Lassiter Highway. After breaking our journey at the roadhouse, which features some interesting aviaries, we will continue on to Kings Canyon for a late lunch.  440 million years in the creating, Kings Canyon rises 270 metres above sea level and is at the heart of the Red Centre. The Canyon has been forged through layers of sandstone and hard shale creating an extra ordinary place of ancient beauty.

This afternoon the energetic may tackle the spectacular 6km rim walk offering breathtaking views of the National Park. Perhaps less daunting is the Canyon floor walk at 2.6 km – both walks explore an unforgettable landscape. We then check in at Kings Canyon Resort, where we enjoy dinner in-house.

Overnight: Kings Canyon Resort
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

This morning after another hearty breakfast we leave the Kings Canyon Resort and the Watarrka National Park and head to Uluru.   We will break our journey with a visit to the Curtin Springs Station where we will learn about its fascinating history and also see an interesting sideline to cattle farming – the making of paper. 

After lunch we depart and continue to Ayres Rock. We will enter the Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park to witness the spectacular Uluru, towering 348 metres above the plain. This awe inspiring sight offers a unique opportunity to appreciate its natural beauty while also learning about the Anangu culture. We will then check into Desert Gardens Hotel, our home for the next 2 nights.   

We will have an early dinner tonight before we depart to enjoy another of the stunning highlights of the tour – Bruce Munro’s Field of Light installation. After our host provides some valuable insight we will be free to explore this amazing display of 50,000 lights via dedicated pathways.    

Overnight: Desert Gardens Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

This morning early risers will have the opportunity to experience the sun rising over Uluru and the kaleidoscope of colours spreading across the desert plain.    After our breakfast we will travel to Kata Tjuta (The Olgas) where we will admire the beautiful rock formations in Walpa Gorge. The 36 magnificent domes of red hued sedimentary rock are truly an amazing sight.  We then visit the Cultural Centre, where guests can learn about Anangu culture, history, and art.

The afternoon is free, with lunch at leisure and time to relax or explore the resort area.

This evening, we depart for the iconic Sounds of Silence Dinner, an unforgettable dining experience under the desert night sky.

Overnight: Desert Gardens Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast & Dinner

This morning is free to enjoy your own choice of optional activities, such as:

• Uluru scenic helicopter flights
• Combined Uluru & Kata Tjuta helicopter flights
• A sunrise or morning camel ride

Lunch is at leisure before we regroup and transfer to Ayers Rock Airport for our return flight to Sydney.

We arrive in Sydney and transfer home, concluding our memorable Red Centre journey.

Meals Included: Breakfast