- 5 Days -
We're just assembling some amazing activities to choose from - wont be long!
Optional activities include - Ayers Rock / Uluru ◦ Alice Springs ◦ Kings Canyon ◦ Outback Ballooning ◦ The Flying Doctor School ◦ Alice Springs Desert Park ◦ Cycle to Simpsons Gap.
This price is based on two persons sharing a room for 4-nights in a centrally located 3-star hotel in Alice Springs (2-nights) and Ayers Rock (2-nights). It includes a transfer to your hotel on arrival at Alice Springs and a shuttle transfer from Alice Springs to Uluru/Ayers Rock. Prices for a single room and a longer stay in The Northern Territory are also available. To add sightseeing options, either create a Wish List by selecting from the attractions below, or if you don't have the time to complete a Wish List, click for a free custom itinerary, based on your planned traveling dates. Prices are subject to future changes in US$ and AU$ currency exchange rates.
This is your opportunity to visit the very heart of the Australian Outback, the region they call "The Red Centre" -
Enjoy the scenery of Australia’s rugged Red Centre with this coach trip from Alice Springs to Uluru (Ayers Rock). Travel by luxury air-conditioned coach through the desert of the Northern Territory while your driver-guide points out passing attractions and shares Aboriginal history. Stretch your legs at stops throughout the journey, including the Outback Camel Farm, where you can enjoy an optional camel ride (own expense).
Ayers Rock is the highlight of any visit to Australia’s 'Red Centre', especially the sunrise base walk where you learn about the Aboriginal heritage of Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park. Other attractions that can be reached from Ayers Rock include The Olgas (Kata Tjuta), Kings Canyon, or Lake Amadeus. For an adrenaline fix on a Segway, tour Mutitjulu Waterhole and Kantju Gorge; a helicopter flight over the park; a desert camel ride; or a skydive over Ayers Rock.
Our team will work with you to help you decide what your next vacation stop is going to be. Either in Australia or perhaps flying to New Zealand for the next stage of your travel adventure. If your visit comes at the end of your vacation, today you will return to the USA. Re-cross the International Dateline and arrive on the same date that you leave Australia.
Our travel professionals on the team here at New Zealand and Australia Vacations have first hand personal experiences of all the destinations mentioned on our website. If you are inspired by this vacation package, get them to help you create a version that’s more tailor-made to your special and specific requirements.
Phone 888-277-2293 or by email HERE.
Floating in a refreshing, natural plunge pool in the middle of the desert is one of Outback Australia's most memorable experiences, and a great way to cool off after a bike ride through the desert. Just 11 miles from Alice Springs along Larapinta Drive is Simpsons Gap, a spectacular gorge with a permanent waterhole at its base. You can drive there, but it's much more fun to bike it along the sealed Simpsons Gap Bike Path.
This sealed winding bike path starts at Flynn’s Grave passing through the scrub, flora and fauna landscapes to the entrance of the Simpson’s Gap picnic area and walk. The path is set inside the West MacDonnell National Park, in which you can see, hear, breathe and smell the rawness of Central Australia. Riding a bike on this path gives you a close up encounter with the unique habitat and wide open space. This is also a great opportunity to see some Central Australian wildlife in its natural environment.
Make sure you fuel up with water and any bike accessories you may need at the Trail Station Wifi Café before setting out on this epic ride. We also serve locally roasted barista coffee, home made delights (including our infamous vanilla slice) and cold drinks.
For a smooth ride and maximum enjoyment, we recommend hiring a premium or ultimate bike.
The gorge makes for a spectacular scenic bike ride with the refreshing waterhole at the end to cool.
Biking is the perfect way to take in all of the National parks beauty.
The sealed bike path is perfect for both experienced and amateur cyclists.
The Alice Springs Desert Park presents and interprets the Australian desert environment and its inhabitants and contributes to the conservation of Australia's desert flora and fauna.
The Park site is also of significant cultural importance to the local Aboriginal Arrernte people and includes parts of the Akngwelye Artnwere and Yeperenye Altyerre (Wild Dog and Caterpillar dreaming stories).
What you will experience here is a sensitive and realistic insight into Aboriginal culture through their displays and interpretation of the traditional use of plants and animals. Regular liaison with local indigenous groups means that the traditional custodians of the park site have developed a strong sense of pride and ownership in the attraction.
In the space of just a few hours visitors can discover how the desert comes alive. Visitors can take an easy walking trail through desert habitats and discover Desert Rivers, Sand Country and the Woodland Habitat. You'll see free-flying birds of prey & see rare and endangered animals. Get up close to kangaroos, walk through aviaries, see snakes and animals that normally only make an appearance after dark and marvel at delicate desert wildflowers.
For an after-dark adventure we recommend a guided nocturnal tour (AUD$44) to see rare and endangered animals by spotlight.
The entrance to the desert park, one of the top destinations when visiting Alice Springs.
Learning about the Aboriginal culture, like how to throw a boomerang.
The desert garden offers information about what kinds of pants and animals make their home in the outback/desert.
Hiking on a desert trail is a fantastic way to see the landscape.
Watching birds of prey and learning how they hunt and survive in the desert conditions.
The park is part safari and part history museum and offers diverse scenery from sand country to desert rivers.
The guided 'after dark tour' bring the scebery to life with lights and highlights rare and endangered animals.
This one day 4WD safari travels through the West MacDonnell Ranges to Hermannsburg, an Aboriginal community and historic precinct which is renowned for its Aboriginal art collection and the works of Albert Namatjira. Either morning or afternoon tea is provided in Hermannsburg.
Travel down the bed of the Finke River, one of oldest water courses in the world, into Palm Valley. See spectacular rock forms, white sands and an oasis of rock pools and palm trees.
Some plants such as the cycad and 'Livistonia Mariae' (cabbage palm) are known world-wide as relic plants and are unique to Central Australia.
Visit the spectacular rock formation known as the Ampitheatre. Enjoy a picnic lunch within the Finke Gorge National Park.
On the return journey, relax and enjoy the changing colours of the magnificent West MacDonnell Ranges in the afternoon light.
The perfect way to travel to the remote area in 4 wheel drive vehicles made for touring the region.
The amazing rock formations alongside the Finke river bed.
The historic cabbage palms grow to huge heights in this perfect habitat near the riverbed.
Travelling by 4 wheel drive allows for easy access up the river bed, over sandy terrains and rocky surfaces.
Palm valley with its bright hues, water, palms and rock formations makes for stunning scenic photography.
A painting by renown Aboriginal artist Albert Namatjira who loved painting the magnificent scenery of palm Valley.
Morning or afternoon tea served in the small aboriginal township of Hermannsburg.
Experience an hour of that breathtaking feeling when floating silently above the Outback as the sun slowly rises over the desert on this awe-inspiring ballooning adventure.
Journey to the launch site in the cool predawn darkness, and begin your ascent just as the morning light begins to illuminate the rugged McDonnell Ranges.
Float gently across the vast expanse of the Australian Outback – keeping an eye out for native wildlife including the iconic red kangaroo – and gain an appreciation of the remoteness of the area as you glide across the landscape.
Your flight is followed, upon landing, by a sparkling wine breakfast with a variety of individually packaged savory and sweet breakfast foods before you are returned to your accommodation.
It is recommended to wear bush suitable clothes, long pants, sturdy footwear, a hat. Between April - October, and a warm jacket is essential.
Flying off at dawn with the spectacular red sky of sunrise, be sure to have your camera ready.
Landing an hour later with blue sky highlighting the beautiful outback landscape.
The view from the hot air balloon over the outback changes from the rugged McDonell ranges to flat outback grasslands and desert.
Native plants and landscape make the most amazing views and if you're lucky some native wildlife may be spotted, like the iconic red kangaroo.
The sun rising over the McDonell Ranges, the view from the air is the very best way to see how far the immense ranges stretch.
Landing on soft grass after an hours trip over diverse and stunning landscape.
The perfect way to end a magnificent journey, a sparkling wine breakfast.
We selected this activity option because we think it's one of the best "Red Centre' experiences to be enjoyed.
Travel by coach from Ayers Rock Resort to Kings Canyon, stopping for breakfast at Kings Creek Station (included) along the way. Make the rocky climb to the rim of the canyon for marvellous views of Watarrka National Park. Follow the rim of the canyon stopping to look down into the canyon gorge at look-out points. Time permitting, you may choose to descend into the green oasis of the 'Garden of Eden'. The circuit 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. Alternatively, you may wish to take an easier, shorter walk to explore the boulder strewn canyon floor. After lunch (own expense) at Kings Canyon Resort, return to Ayers Rock.
Kings Canyon is a small settlement located within the 274 square mile Watarrka National Park, roughly halfway between Alice Springs & Uluru / Ayers Rock. It's been home to the Luritja Aboriginal people for more than 20,000 years and during your visit there will be opportunities to learn about their role in shaping the area and to see some of the 600 species of native plants and animals that live here.
This description of the walk, by Amanda at Travel Outback Australia, provides an excellent summary of her experience of walking the Kings Canyon Rim.
"The Rim Walk is 4-miles in length, and suitable for relatively fit walkers who are able to take on an initial climb up about a thousand (1000) steps to the top of the Canyon. It be completed in about three to four hours depending on how often you stop to admire the extraordinary scenery.
Even though I’ve done this walk hundreds of times, it’s still one of my very favourites.
As you begin to climb upwards you get a sense of what a very special experience you are about to have. That first look into the Canyon inspires you to keep going even though you’re not at the top yet. This first part of the walk is an ascent of 1000 steps, with several places to stop and rest (and pinch yourself at the amazing scenery along the way)!
There is no denying that some people will find the climb very tough. However, if you take it slow and easy, you’ll find that the rest of the walk is a pretty easy going once you’ve got to the top!
It’s not long before you go through Priscilla’s Crack made famous by the 1994 movie Priscilla Queen of the Desert. Once through here, you come to the first lookout and an awesome view across the north wall to the south wall of the canyon.
You may have heard of the Lost City; here at the canyon it is best described as a series of sandstone domes which somewhat resembles the structure you might have found in an ancient city.
No matter what you think or imagine you’ll find the views magical. I guarantee they will leave you spellbound.
From the Lost City you continue to wander through the domes and can choose to follow the path out to Cotterill’s Lookout, so named after one of the first tour operators to the area, or continue on the Garden of Eden via one of the most striking staircases you’ll see in the outback.
This is a really interesting side track which wends its way along the steep sandstone banks of Kings Creek to a permanent waterhole from which the overflow spills out into the floor of the canyon.
On your return from the waterhole you’ll climb up out of the Garden of Eden using almost a mirror image of the staircase used on your way down and continue on your way around the mouth of the canyon until you get to the south wall.
If you walk down past the cliff safety sign and parallel to the edge you’ll come to a spot that is great for taking a photo back along the cliff edge to the waterfall.
Once you leave the south wall you are past half way and heading back towards the car park, but wait!
There are still plenty of sights to see along the way.
You’ll be surprised at how many plants are growing out of what seems like stone, and if you read our signs you will find a wealth of information to help you understand just how this can happen.
It’s pretty well all downhill from here but you’ll still see some great scenery until at the end of a ridge line you will start the final descent towards the car park."
We can arrange overnight accommodation at Kings Canyon.
Alice Springs and Uluru / Ayers Rock, a 4 hour drive away, are located in the very heart of the Australian Outback. It's call "The Red Centre"
As one visitor put it "Dry, hot, red and empty!" All of which gives it a stunning beauty and grandeur of its own.
You can fly into Alice Springs from Sydney or Melbourne. It's the perfect base to access the Outback's natural wonders.
Not far away from Alice Springs are the ancient MacDonnell Ranges, stretching out for 130 miles on both sides of the town and providing beautiful scenery for bushwalking, camping and four-wheel-driving. Head southwest and take in Watarrka National Park. The Park covers nearly 300 square miles and is home to Kings Canyon.
Alice Springs is rich in heritage and historical sights and has a wealth of touring experiences on offer. Visit the famous Alice Springs Desert Park, Anzac Hill, the Telegraph Station and the Old Ghan Train. Glimpse the Outback lifestyle by visiting the Royal Flying Doctor Service and School of the Air.
From Alice Springs you can explore Outback Australia by rental car. Start and end in Alice Springs, travel via Kings Canyon through to Uluru / Ayers Rock and return. A great 3 or 4 day Australian driving experiences.
Uluru / Ayers Rock, is the world's second largest monolith, surpassed in size only by Mount Augustus (Burringurrah) in Western Australia. This massive sandstone giant lies in the heart of the "Red Centre" and is sacred to indigenous Australians. It's thought to have started forming around 550 million years ago. It lies within Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park, which also includes the 36 red-rock domes of the Kata Tjuta (colloquially “The Olgas”) formation.
If you enjoy driving, the open spaces, peace and quiet, stunning scenery, interesting wildlife and you have a sense of adventure, we can help you prepare a self-drive Outback vacation that will provide memories that will last a lifetime.
Also ask us about the famous Ghan train journey from Alice Springs to Darwin in the north, or for a real remote driving experience, the 2-day trip on the Stuart "Highway" to Darwin.
Alice Springs is situated in Central Australia, an arid environment consisting of several different deserts and stunning scenery.
Hiring a 4 wheel drive vehicle is a fantastic way to get around and view the area within a day.
Bush walks are a plenty through the McDonell Ranges and a great way to see the native pants and rock formations of the ranges.
Camping in Watarrka National park is one way not to miss the spectacular sunrises over the 'Red Centre' upon waking at dawn.
The 'rim walk' of Kings Canyon allows the scale of Watarrka National park to be seen.
The spectacular view from Kings Canyon looking out over Watarrka National park.
The iconic Ayers rock is a must see for any trip to the Northern Territory.
The Olgas/Kata Tjuta are a group of domed shaped rock formations part of Uluru-Kata Tjuta National park.
The Ghan train, the perfect balance of comfort and adventure, promises to access parts of Australia no other mode of transportation can.
Stuart Highway, more a road than a highway links the 'Red Centre' up to Darwin through stunning outback scenery.
Get your bus transfer from the resort to the Uluru-Kata Tjuta Cultural Centre and then cycle around the base of Uluru with bikes from Outback Cycling at your own pace and in your own time. The 9-mile self-guided cycle journey is easily achieved in under three hours with plenty of time to stop and explore the beauty of the spiritual and unique wonder of the world: Uluru.
You'll experience a personal connection to the sacred Aboriginal land whilst stopping to observe historic rock art and wondrous waterholes.
Bicycle hire is available from Outback Cycling's mobile bike shop at the Uluru Cultural Centre. With options for everyone, the whole family can ride around the base of Uluru, getting you up close to the amazing sandstone monolith!
Uluru Kata-Tjuta Cultural Centre where you get your tickets for the bus express out to the trail around the base.
The Uluru express takes you from the Cultural centre to the start of the trail where you'll get on the bikes.
There's a range of bicycles available for all ages and sizes.
The track around the base brings you right up close to the historic rock.
An opportunity for some fantastic photos with the magnificent rock formations in the background.
The Sounds of Silence experience is a mystical and inspiring experience that everyone visiting this region should experience. You dine under the canopy of the desert night, while your very own storyteller shares tales as told in the stars.
Entered into the Australian Tourism Hall of Fame, Sounds of Silence offers the best of the Red Centre distilled into four magical hours. An evening of dining under the sparkling outback sky.
Your Sounds of Silence experience begins with canapés and chilled sparkling wine served on a viewing platform overlooking the Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park. As the sun sets and darkness falls, listen to the sound of a didgeridoo and join your table for an unforgettable dining experience and an introduction to Aboriginal culture with a traditional dance performance under the outback sky.
As the night sky twinkles to life, help yourself to a bush tucker (food). It's an inspired buffet that in addition to food found on menus we are all familiar with, also includes native bush ingredients such as crocodile, kangaroo, barramundi and quandong.
Settle back and listen to the resident star talker decode the southern night sky. Locate the Southern Cross, the signs of the zodiac, the Milky Way, as well as planets and galaxies that are visible due to the exceptional clarity of the atmosphere. After dinner, enjoy dessert with a glass of port, tea or coffee.
Mostly however, as the title suggests, marvel at the sounds of silence that surround you in a place that seems a million miles from anywhere on earth!.
Begin the evening with canapes and sparkling wine mingling with the other diners.
The viewing platform allows for stunning views over the outback and photos of Ayers rock.
Dinner is served under the night sky on the desert sand and what an amazing backdrop!!
One of the favorite parts of the evening is the Aboriginal dancing performance.
As dusk falls during dinner the stars come to life ready for the resident star talker.
Enjoy music in the form of the native didgeridoo whilst choosing food from the buffet.
The delicious food on offer including native bush ingredients for those that are curious to try.