5 Day Spirit of the Outback

Join Alice Springs Holidays on their 5 Day Spirit of the Outback tour. Taking in all the must see and do sights of the beautiful red centre and more. This tour will see you heading off the beaten track and travelling in small personalised groups throughout the Australian Outback.

Beginning and returning in Alice Springs, this tour is a convenient one stop shop for travellers that want to see all the best sights and stay in great accommodation with minimal hassle. Take in Uluru (Ayers Rock), Kata Tjuta (The Olgas), West MacDonnell Ranges and Finke Gorge National Park, Gosse Bluff, Mt Connor (Atila), Alice Springs Desert Park, Kings Canyon, Uluru-Kata Tjuta Cultural Centre and a cultural tour with a local guide from the Wallace Rockhole Aboriginal Community.

Itinerary

Day 1 - Alice Springs: Welcome to Alice Springs! On arrival, you will be met by an Alice Springs Holidays representative for a complimentary transfer to your hotel. Following check in you will be taken to the Alice Springs Desert Park. Enjoy a relaxing stroll through the 3 major desert habitats, complete with walk through aviaries. The Desert Park is home to the world’s largest nocturnal house and breeding programmes for many endangered species of the Australian bush. Be enthralled by the free flying raptor display at Nature’s Theatre.

Day 2 - West MacDonnell Ranges: Venture west for a day of panoramic mountain scenery, visiting tranquil waterholes, rocky gorges, dramatic natural gaps and clefts carved from the ranges. Bird life abounds in the sheltered environment of the mountain valleys and the area is home to the local species of Black footed Rock Wallaby which is regularly sighted. Swim in the cool waterholes and explore the walking trails with your informative guide on hand to cater to your curiosity. The Ochre Pits offer a fascinating insight into the many traditional uses of this natural pigment. Visiting the grave of Flying Doctor pioneer Rev John Flynn provides a poignant reminder of the remoteness of Central Australia and the vastness of this land. Return to Alice Springs late afternoon.

Day 3 - Alice Springs to Kings Canyon: Head due west avoiding the hustle and crowds of the main highway, your outback adventure begins with a first hand insight into Aboriginal culture at Wallace Rockhole. Venture into the spirited land of the Western Arrentte people and you are exposed to an expansive living cultural landscape in the company of only a few others. Whether you spend your time learning of the ancient cultures of traditional owners, or exploring the stunning flora and fauna with a local guide, come face to face with this irresistible land, as your senses come alive. Further on, navigate the track into the comet impact crater called Gosse Bluff to enjoy a picnic lunch beneath the torn battlements of this 140 million year old phenomena. After a leisurely lunch, venture by outback dirt road along the Red Centre Way before arriving late afternoon at the foot of George Gill Range. Optional Under a Desert Moon Dinner.

Day 4 - Kings Canyon to Uluru: Begin your day with an exploration of the majestic Kings Canyon, with a choice of activities. The energetic will find the hike around the Canyon rim a stimulating option, offering panoramic views and in parts steep climbs. Alternatively, experience a gentler stroll through the Canyon floor, amid abundant bird life and ancient cycad plants. The next stop is Uluru, enroute enjoy a picnic lunch amidst the expansive landscapes of changing eco systems, vast salt lakes and the mesa-like formation of Mt Connor. Arrive Ayers Rock Resort and check into your hotel. This afternoon visit the Uluru - Kata Tjuta Cultural Centre, followed by an exploratory tour with your guide, of the base of this unique monolith. The crowning touch to the day is a champagne sunset, featuring fine Australian foods and sparkling wine.

Day 5 - Kata Tjuta to Alice Springs: An early departure to enjoy the morning solitude and tranquillity as the subtle colours of another day dawning, wash over Kata Tjuta (The Olgas). Your guide will take you for an informative walk around the massive domes of Kata Tjuta, a site of significance to the local Anangu people. Hear of the geology, history and ecological significance. Return to the resort in time for lunch (own expense) and your transfer to the airport for your departure and onward flight to your home port or next adventure.

Highlights

• Alice Springs Desert Park
• Gosse Bluff
• Kings Canyon
• Uluru
• Kata Tjuta
• Uluru-Kata Tjuta Cultural Centre
• West MacDonnell Ranges

Inclusions

• 2 x Breakfasts
• 3 x Lunches
• 4 x Refreshments
• 4 Nights Accommodation in your choice of: Superior (Lasseters Hotel Superior, Kings Canyon Resort Standard, Desert Gardens Standard), First Class (Lasseters Hotel Deluxe, Kings Canyon Resort Deluxe, Sails in the Desert Standard)
• all entry fees
• small group touring (maximum 15 passengers)
• on board library
• naturalist tour guide
• luxury air-conditioned vehicles

Times

Departs: 1.00pm Monday, Wednesday and Saturday at Alice Springs
Returns: 6.00pm approx Alice Springs

Additional Information

Children: 5-12 years child rates apply. Infants 0-4 years will require a seat on extended tours, a nominal charge will be required
What to Bring: Casual comfortable clothing is recommended for daywear. Warm layered clothing for winter. Covered walking shoes, hat, camera, sunscreen, and bottled water
Luggage Restrictions: Maximum weight of all luggage is 20kg
Operated By: Alice Springs Holidays