After breakfast, venture out to explore Alice Springs and its spectacular surrounds. Head into the West MacDonnell Ranges for a walk to Simpsons Gap — known as ‘Rungutjirpa’ by the Arrernte people, this ancient spiritual site is home to dozens of rare plants and native wildlife. From here, visit the iconic Standley Chasm-Angkerle Atwatye, a cultural landmark of Central Australia that is 100% owned and operated by the Arrernte community.
After morning tea, depart the ranges to visit the Alice Springs Desert Park, where lunch and the stories of the desert await. As evening falls, gather beneath the incredible outback night sky for a classic outdoor BBQ and show, the perfect introduction to life under the stars.
Say goodbye to Alice Springs as you venture deeper into the outback. The morning brings a visit to Ellery Creek for a short walk and morning tea, followed by the towering red cliffs of Ormiston Gorge. After lunch, you’ll embark on the scenic Mereenie Loop 4WD track through the West MacDonnell Ranges, one of the great outback drives, before arriving at your home for the next two nights. This evening, unwind over dinner at Carmichael’s, a relaxed restaurant nestled among native trees and bushland.
Rise early for one of the Red Centre’s most rewarding experiences. This morning, two walks are on offer at the mighty Kings Canyon: the spectacular 6km rim walk, featuring breathtaking views over Watarrka National Park before descending into the lush and extraordinary Garden of Eden, or a more leisurely 2.6km stroll along the canyon floor. For those seeking a truly birds-eye perspective, a 15-minute helicopter flight over Kings Canyon is also available at your own expense.
After the morning’s adventures, return to your accommodation for lunch and some well-earned rest. As the afternoon turns to evening, raise a glass at Light-Towers, an immersive sound and light installation by acclaimed artist Bruce Munro, while enjoying sunset drinks and canapes in an unforgettable setting. Tonight, recall the day’s adventures over dinner at the newly renovated Kings Canyon Bar & Grill.
Today is one to savour. The morning begins with the Karrke Aboriginal Cultural Experience and Tours, an Indigenous-owned and operated cultural tour where your guide will share the traditions, bush tucker and bush medicines of the Aranda people. From here, depart for Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park, passing through Kings Creek Station and stopping for lunch at Curtin Springs, a sprawling million-acre cattle station.
In the early afternoon, arrive at the award-winning Sails in the Desert Hotel — your base for the next three nights. This evening, transfer to the extraordinary Wintjiri Wiru Sunset Dinner, where the ancient Mala story is retold through a breathtaking display of choreographed drones, lasers and projections illuminating the night sky. Sip cocktails infused with native ingredients as Uluru glows before you, then settle in for a gourmet dinner hamper as the sky comes alive.
After breakfast, discover the otherworldly rock formations of Kata Tjuta (the Olgas) on a guided walk into Walpa Gorge, an ancient temple crafted by nature itself. Next, head to Uluru, which rises 348 metres above the desert plains, to enjoy a guided tour around the base of Uluru and gain a deeper understanding of why this sacred monolith holds such profound significance for the Anangu people. A visit to the Central Australia Art Gallery offers a further window into the creativity and culture of the Central Desert Region through rotating exhibitions and displays of local artistry.
As evening approaches, make your way to artist Bruce Munro’s global phenomenon, Field of Light. From an exclusive dune top location with majestic views of Uluru, watch as 50,000 frosted glass spheres gently illuminate across an area the size of seven football fields. Enjoy drinks and canapes as the display comes to life before exploring the installation along its dedicated pathways. Dinner this evening is back at the resort.
Early risers will be rewarded this morning as the sun rises over Uluru, painting the landscape in extraordinary shades of gold and red. After breakfast, set out on the Mala Walk, admiring fine examples of ancient rock art before arriving at the profound stillness of Kantju Gorge, enclosed by sheer vertical walls. The afternoon is yours at leisure — or you can choose to join an optional Bush Tucker Experience.
This evening brings the tour’s most magical finale, the iconic Sounds of Silence dinner under the stars. Beginning with canapes and chilled sparkling wine on a viewing platform overlooking the Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park, the evening unfolds with the sound of the didgeridoo, a premium bush tucker-inspired buffet and a resident star talker decoding the breathtaking southern night sky. An unforgettable final night in the Red Centre.
Enjoy a hearty final breakfast at the hotel before making your way to the Yulara township, just outside Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park. For those departing from Ayers Rock Airport, this is where you’ll say a fond farewell. Those continuing onwards will journey back to Alice Springs, where the Red Centre Explorer comes to a close — taking with you memories of an ancient, extraordinary landscape that will stay with you long after you’ve left.