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Red Centre Explorer

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Operated by Outback Spirit
Tripcode:
Season 2027 Launch Sale^
Overview
Destination:
Australia
Northern Territory (NT)
Start:Alice Springs, Northern Territory
Finish:Alice Springs, Northern Territory
Duration:8 days
Style:
4WD Tour,
Travel Period
March 2026 - October 2027
Tour Highlights:
  • Take in the globally renowned Field of Light, where 50,000 spindles of light transform the desert into a dreamscape
  • Marvel at the soaring domes of Kata Tjuta on a walk through Walpa Gorge
  • Explore World Heritage-listed Uluru on a guided base walk and feel the significance of this sacred monolith
  • Witness Wintjiri Wiru, a powerful cultural story told through drones, lights and lasers across the night sky
  • Rise early to witness sunrise over Uluru – a moment of true stillness and beauty
  • Visit Kings Canyon for a guided scenic walk and journey through the West MacDonnell Ranges, visiting Standley Chasm and Ormiston Gorge
  • Experience Sounds of Silence, an unforgettable dinner under a starfilled Outback sky
  • Spend three nights at the 5-star Sails in the Desert Hotel
Moments of Magic
 
Uluru
Stand in awe of the second largest monolith in the world. Rising from the outback desert, the impressive rock formation carries great spiritual and cultural significance. Watch the sun set over this breathtaking spectacle.
 
Field of Light
This spectacular exhibition by acclaimed international artist Bruce Munro is a must-see attraction. As darkness falls over Uluru, be amazed as more than 50,000 stems crowned with frosted-glass spheres fill the landscape with colour and light.
 
Please note:
-Itinerary, excursions, accommodation, or sightseeing arrangements are subject to change with little or no notice due to road conditions, weather, cultural considerations, safety factors and other operational considerations or government regulations. Final itineraries are sent to passengers approximately 2-3 weeks before travel.
Highlights:
Standard inclusions
  • All meals (breakfast, lunch and dinner) included. Complimentary beverages from a selected list included at lunch and dinner (when dining at licensed venues only).
  • Hotel and resort accommodation
  • All park and entry fees, including the Field of Light installation at Uluru
  • Travel aboard a 5-star 4WD Mercedes Benz tour vehicle
  • Outback Spirit Explorer Pack (for first-time travellers only)
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Itinerary
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Day 1 : Alice Springs
Welcome to Alice Springs, the heart of Australia, in more ways than one. Today, you'll meet our passionate Outback Spirit crew, who will be looking after you for the next eight days.
 
Check-in at Crowne Plaza Alice Springs Lasseters, where we'll stay for the first two nights. Meet your fellow travellers for welcome drinks and a short briefing on what you can expect during the Red Centre Explorer tour, before dinner at the hotel. Meal: (D).
 
Accommodation: Crowne Plaza Alice Springs Lasseters.
Day 2: Exploring Alice Springs
Today, we explore Alice Springs and surrounds and see natural rock formations that are truly spectacular. After breakfast, we'll venture to the West MacDonnell Ranges and enjoy a walk to Simpsons Gap. Known as 'Rungutjirpa' by the Arrernte people, Simpsons Gap is an important spiritual site and home to dozens of rare plants and native wildlife.
 
We'll then visit Standley Chasm-Angkerle Atwatye, a cultural icon of Central Australia and 100% owned and operated by the Arrernte community. We'll break for morning tea and depart the West MacDonnell Ranges to visit the Alice Springs Desert Park. Here we'll enjoy lunch and immerse ourselves in the stories of the desert that will help us to appreciate and enjoy the beautiful landscape that we are travelling through.
 
This evening, we enjoy a classic-style outdoor BBQ and show under the incredible night sky. Meals: (B,L,D).
 
Accommodation: Crowne Plaza Alice Springs Lasseters.
Day 3: Alice Springs - Kings Canyon
Today, we say goodbye to Alice Springs and go deeper into the outback. Our first stop is Ellery Creek, where we'll enjoy a short walk and morning tea. Next, we head to Ormiston Gorge to admire its towering red cliffs and stop for lunch before continuing our journey to the majestic Kings Canyon and Watarrka National Park.
 
As we drive through the outback, we'll take the scenic Mereenie Loop 4WD track through the West MacDonnell Ranges and arrive at Kings Canyon Resort, where we'll spend the next two nights.
 
Tonight, we dine at Carmichael’s, a relaxed space situated in Kings Canyon Resort surrounded by native trees and bushlands. Meals: (B,L,D).
 
Accommodation: Kings Canyon Resort.
Day 4: Kings Canyon and Watarrka National Park
This morning, we depart early to experience the beauty of Kings Canyon. Two walks are available, including the spectacular 6km rim walk, which features breathtaking views of the Watarrka National Park before descending into the 'Garden of Eden'. For those who wish to save energy, a more relaxed walk is also available along the creek on the canyon floor (2.6km).
 
There is also the opportunity to take a 15-minute helicopter flight over Kings Canyon and Watarrka National Park (at own expense).
 
After the morning's activities, we return to Kings Canyon Resort for lunch and to rest and refresh.
 
As afternoon turns to evening, we'll enjoy sunset drinks and canapes at Light-Towers, an immersive sound and light installation by the acclaimed artist Bruce Munro. Tonight, we'll enjoy dinner at the newly renovated Kings Canyon Bar & Grill and gather to recall the day's adventures. Meals: (B,L,D).
 
Accommodation: Kings Canyon Resort.
Day 5: Kings Canyon - Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park
Today is special. This morning we visit Karrke Aboriginal Cultural Experience and Tours, an indigenous owned and operated cultural tour. In the Aranda language, Karrke is the Aboriginal name for the western Bowerbird, which is native to Central Australia, and our guide will teach us about bush tucker and bush medicines used for spiritual and physical healing.
 
We then depart Karrke for Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park, passing through Kings Creek Station to enjoy lunch at Curtin Springs, a million-acre cattle station. In the early afternoon, we arrive at the award-winning Sails in the Desert Hotel, part of the Ayers Rock Resort.
 
This evening, we are transferred to the Wintjiri Wiru Sunset Dinner. A breathtaking cultural storytelling experience through choreographed drones, lasers and projections illuminating the night sky.
 
After a short journey from the resort, we venture to an open-air theatre set upon a dune top. Enjoy cocktails infused with native ingredients while taking in the incredible views of Uluru. As darkness descends, enjoy a gourmet dinner hamper where native ingredients are combined with modern techniques to create a balanced and flavourful palette as the night sky lights up before our eyes. Witness the ancient Mala story re-told and feel a powerful connection to country listening to a traditional Inma soundtrack and narration in the local Pitjantjatjara language. Meals: (B,L,D).
 
Accommodation: Sails in the Desert.
Day 6: Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park
After breakfast, we depart to discover Kata Tjuta (the Olgas) and admire the stunning rock formations on a guided walk into Walpa Gorge, an ancient temple crafted by nature.
 
We take in the cultural centre and enjoy a guided drive around the base of Uluru, which stands 348 metres above the desert plains. Learn about traditional Anangu culture and why Uluru, one of the largest monoliths in the world, is such a sacred site.
 
Enjoy a captivating visit to the Central Australia Art Gallery, offering a unique opportunity to experience authentic artwork. Immerse yourself in the creativity and culture of the Central Desert Region through rotating exhibitions, enriching discussions, and stunning displays of local artistry.
 
We freshen up and prepare for our visit to artist Bruce Munro's global phenomenon 'Field of Light'. Aptly named Tili Wiru Tjuta Nyakutjaku (looking at lots of beautiful lights), 'Field of Light' features 50,000 slender stems crowned with radiant frosted spheres spread across an area the size of 7 football fields.
 
Departing the hotel before sunset, we head to an exclusive dune top location with majestic views of Uluru. Enjoy drinks and canapes as Field of Light gently illuminates and the 50,000 glass spheres come to life. After your host provides some insights into this remarkable installation, you'll explore the stunning display via the dedicated pathways.
 
This evening, we return to the hotel for dinner. Meals: (B,L,D).
 
Accommodation: Sails in the Desert.
 
*Please note that dinner this evening will be at approximately 9 pm.
Day 7: Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park
Early risers will experience the sun rising over Uluru this morning and the colours of dawn spreading across the landscape. Breakfast is at the hotel before we depart for the Mala Walk. Admire the fine examples of rock art along this walk before arriving at Kantju Gorge, a place of profound peacefulness surrounded by sheer vertical walls.
 
With a free afternoon ahead of us, you can either spend at your leisure, or participate in additional touring of the area, including a Bush Tucker Experience.
 
This evening, we'll enjoy the unique 'Sounds of Silence' dining experience under the stars. Offering the best of the Red Centre distilled into four magical hours, the evening begins with canapes 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 the didgeridoo and enjoy a premium bush tucker-inspired buffet incorporating native bush ingredients.
 
Afterwards, settle back and listen to the resident star talker decode the southern night sky. After this incredible experience, we return to Sails in the Desert for our final night. Meals: (B,L,D).
 
Accommodation: Sails in the Desert.
Day 8: Farewell

Enjoy a hearty breakfast at the hotel before we drive to the Yulara township just outside Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park. If your flight home is out of Ayers Rock Airport we will say farewell, otherwise we will journey back to Alice Springs where the Red Centre Explorer tour comes to an end. Meal: (B).

Dates

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Travellers

Operator
Outback Spirit

At Outback Spirit, we’re continuing with what we’ve done for the past 22 years, which is connecting you – our guests – to Australia’s most remarkable landscapes, unique touring experiences and some very special communities. We’ve always made guest safety paramount – and we continue to do so with our experienced guides who are the best in the business and subtle changes to protect us in this new world of travel. Our journeys incorporate the finest accommodation available, specialised vehicles, fine food and wine and something we could all do with a little more of – and that’s perspective. When you realise you’re one of a handful of people to see exquisite rock art that’s thousands of years old, or you’re overlooking a rugged outback landscape once covered by sea, you gain a sense of perspective that prevails over everything else.

Important Information
*Terms and conditions
Please note: We are proud to be an independent agent to travel providers of hotels, flights and other related services. We are not a tour operator. Details and information on the offer are provided by 3rd party businesses and although we do our best to verify the information, we cannot guarantee its accuracy on all occasions. These offers are not available in conjunction with any other offer unless otherwise stated. Pricing and availability are subject to change without notice. For more information, please see Terms of Use
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$5,501*
per person twin share
7 nights
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