2019 - 7 Days: Red Centre, Ayers Rock and Alice Springs Tour

Day 1 (D): Melbourne to Yulara 

Welcome to our special Red Centre, Ayers Rock and Alice Springs tour. Making our way to Melbourne Airport (private transfer) this morning sees us boarding our flight to the “Red Centre” of Australia. (Virgin Australia Flight VA819/1627 via Sydney departs at 8.00am/Arrives Ayers Rock at 1.30pm – TO BE CONFIRMED). We arrive at Yulara Airport early afternoon and have a short transfer to the Ayers Rock Resort and check into the Desert Gardens Hotel for the next two nights. Uluru is located in the World Heritage Listed Uluru - Kata Tjuta National Park. It rises 348 metres from the desert floor and has a girth of 9.4km. It’s the world’s most famous monolith with at least two thirds of the Rock lying beneath the surface. 

Once we have settled into our rooms, we re-board the coach and depart the resort for our afternoon of touring. Our driver/guide will take us on a brief sightseeing tour stopping for photo opportunities along the way before spending some time at the Cultural Centre to learn about the ancient aboriginal culture and the role of Tjukurpa (their creation stories and laws). Late afternoon we return to the hotel and prepare for dinner – and tonight it will be very special! We are dining out – way, way out. The Sounds of Silence Dinner is a gourmet dinner under the stars. 

Winner of many tourism awards, the Sounds of Silence is a unique outback experience. The romance of the desert, the setting of the sun behind the domes of Kata Tjuta and Uluru, the haunting sounds of a didgeridoo, sumptuous outback fare, the star-filled heavens - this is the best of the Red Centre, distilled into four magic hours. Shortly before sundown, we will be driven to a special location in the desert. As a didgeridoo player weaves his magic spell, we will enjoy canapes and witness a spectacular sunset. After a feast of Northern Territory delights including barramundi and bush salads and classic Australian desserts, we are treated to some of the world’s best stargazing with the assistance of a resident astronomer. It will be a great night. (Meal Inclusions today – Sounds of Silence Dinner)

 Voyages Desert Gardens Hotel Tel 08 89577714

Day 2 (BD): Uluru/Kata Tjuta National Park

For the very early risers, at around 6.00 am the coach will depart for the Sunrise Viewing Area to experience the first glimpse of the day and some brilliant photo opportunities. For those not wanting such an early morning, there will be breakfast at the Hotel restaurant. Mid-morning we are joined by our accredited guide who will spend the day with us. First is the Mala Walk where we will learn about Aboriginal perceptions of Uluru, its powerful spiritual significance and how Anangu Traditional Owners and Ranges are looking after the Park together. We can enjoy some free time back at the resort to purchase lunch (passengers own expense), then this afternoon we head straight to the Olgas, called by the Aboriginal people, ‘Kata Tjuta’ or place of many domes. There are excellent views from an observation deck then plenty of time for a walk among the ancient domes. Once at the Valley of the Winds lookout, we take some time to gaze out over the central valley of Kata Tjuta. Our dinner this evening is at a rather different location, Old Toms Waterhole at the Uluru Camel Farm. There is a short walk to take in the brilliant views of Uluru, followed by a real outback style bbq dinner around the campfire. (Meal Inclusions today- Breakfast in the hotel, BBQ Dinner at Uluru Camel Farm)

Voyages Desert Gardens Hotel Tel 08 89577714 

Day 3 (BLD): Yulara To Alice Springs 

We say goodbye to Uluru National Park after breakfast and travel to Curtin Springs for some time to stretch our legs and look through the gift shop. Passing by Mt Connor we head for Erldunda where we stop for lunch. This afternoon we arrive into Alice Springs and check into the beautiful Crown Plaza Lasseter’s Alice Springs – delightful accommodation adjacent to the Alice Springs Casino. This will be our base for the next four nights. (Meal Inclusions today - Breakfast and dinner in the hotel, lunch at Erldunda)

Crown Plaza Lasseter’s Hotel, Alice Springs Tel 08 89507772 

Day 4 (BD): Exploring Alice Springs

Following breakfast, we head off on our day’s sightseeing. Our first stop is at ANZAC Hill for panoramic views of the town and the surrounding area. We then visit the Old Telegraph Station and the original Alice Springs. 

We will also take a look at the Alice Springs Flying Doctor Base. We now have some free time in Todd Mall to purchase our lunch – there are some unique galleries which may be of interest. We have two interesting visits this afternoon – the first is the National Pioneer Women's Hall of Fame and the second is the School of the Air. Returning to the hotel, we have some free time before dinner. (Meal Inclusions today - Breakfast and dinner in the hotel)

Crown Plaza Lasseter’s Hotel, Alice Springs  Tel 08 89507772

Day 5 (BLD): Western MacDonnell Ranges

We have a great day in store, as we explore the majestic Western MacDonnell Ranges. The natural beauty in this area is outstanding! Our first stop this morning is at Simpsons Gap before morning tea at the Hermannsburg Historic Precinct, with time to look through the restored buildings and various artworks on display and for sale. Our touring then takes us past Gosse Bluff, with a stop at the lookout to take in the views below and then onto Glen Helen Homestead Lodge which overlooks the Glen Helen Gorge. This afternoon’s scenery is breathtaking as we call into Ormiston Gorge and Standley Chasm. Late afternoon we arrive back into Alice Springs and enjoy dinner to complete our sightseeing day of the Western MacDonnells. (Meal Inclusions today - Breakfast & dinner at hotel / lunch at Glen Helen Homestead). 

Crown Plaza Lasseter’s Hotel, Alice Springs  Tel 08 89507772

Day 6 (BD): Alice Springs Lifestyle

There is still a lot to see in this area and our first stop today is at the Alice Springs Desert Park. This is a very special place and as we take the time to walk slowly through the displays we will gain a good understanding of this region with its highlights and challenges.  Make sure you arrive on time for the Birds of Prey show. There is a café on site where we can purchase lunch and a drink when it is time to take a rest. Our afternoon will be spent at the Araluen Cultural Precinct.  The Centre is the focal point of Alice Springs’ performing and visual arts scene, incorporating galleries and a theatre. The Albert Namatjira Gallery is particularly impressive. We spend a couple of hours here before returning to our hotel. 

We have time to freshen up for our dinner away from the hotel tonight, which will be very special. Just 15 minutes out of Alice is Earth Sanctuary– a World Nature Centre at Quandong Homestead. Tonight we enjoy a mouth-watering bush BBQ with music and entertainment to experience the spirit of the outback through stories of the aboriginal dreamtime. We even learn how to cook a swagman’s damper! (Meal Inclusions today - Breakfast in the hotel, dinner at Earth Sanctuary) 

Crown Plaza Lasseter’s Hotel, Alice Springs Tel 08 89507772

Day 7 (B): Alice Springs to Home

Unfortunately it’s time to leave this magical part of the country. We may be leaving in body but I would be surprised if part of our spirit doesn’t decide to stay! Our transfer to the airport has us boarding our flight this morning so we arrive home late afternoon. (Virgin Australia Flight VA1576/228 via Adelaide departs Alice Springs at 9.40am arrives Melbourne at 4.55pm – TO BE CONFIRMED) Our local coach will be waiting for us for the transfer home to complete a sensational 7 day tour to the Red Centre. (Meal Inclusions today- Breakfast in the hotel)

Tour Price

From $2410 per person sharing a twin/double room - Air to be added

Virgin Australia flights Melbourne to Ayers Rock and Alice Springs to Melbourne are an additional cost of approximately $740.00 per person depending on the time of travel. Full details, terms and conditions will be advised at time of booking. Not available during school holidays or over Long Weekends.

Tour Inclusions

Tour Price includes accommodation as per the itinerary, meals as indicated (B= Cooked breakfast, L= Light or packed lunch, D = Buffet or limited choice dinner), deluxe touring coach with seatbelts, attractions/entries as noted & return airport transfers. Return flights between Melbourne and Ayers Rock and Alice Springs to Melbourne to be added.The tour price (from $2410 per person sharing a twin/double room) is dependent on a minimum of 30 paying customers (Departure dates subject to availability) Should the number of bookings not reach the minimum of 30 the following rates apply –

Minimum 25 people - from $2495 per person

Minimum 20 people - from $2730 per person

Personal Travel Insurance is strongly recommended

Terms and Conditions

To arrange a tour for your club simply call Cesare Cataldo at Australian Road Journeys on 0477 640 527 with your preferred date of travel – he will do the rest! When everything is confirmed he will provide 50 colour “flyers” for distribution to interested club members. Simply collect a $200.00 fully refundable deposit from each person who wishes to travel. The final balance is due six weeks before departure. No cancellation fees apply prior to the final payment date. A cancellation fee of $200.00 per person applies if cancelled after final payment has been made – no refund if cancelled within 7 days. 

All itineraries are subject to change due to occasional restrictions in opening times/days of some attractions, e.g. churches, wineries etc. We cannot be held responsible for any changes due to closures, inclement weather etc.