Nothing says ‘adventure’ more than an outback holiday to the Red Centre – where the spaces are vast, the colours are next-level and the opportunities to push yourself are endless. It’s possible to create an adventure that you’ll remember forever.
This is what a Red Centre adventure looks like
This itinerary crams some incredible experiences into four action-packed days. You’ll ride camels around Uluru, leap out of aeroplanes in the middle of nowhere, go mountain biking and quad biking, and much more.
So strap yourself in … you’re in for a wild and memorable ride.
Check in to the Red Centre
Your morning flight lands at Yulara, the closest town to Uluru. You’ve got a big day ahead of you, so drive straight to your accommodation and check in at the dreamy Desert Gardens Hotel. Ideally located with incredible views of Uluru, you could be tempted to kick back and relax here … but this is an adventure holiday after all. So grab a delicious lunch at the hotel’s Mangata Bistro and get set for a once-in-a-lifetime afternoon.
Take to the skies
Your first adventure awaits, if you’re up for it. Sky Dive Uluru is the region’s premier skydiving attraction, offering tandem skydives over the most incredible landscape this country has to offer. Once the adrenaline of the freefall abates and that parachute opens, you can take in the views of Uluru and Kata-Tjuta, as well as lesser-known features like Lake Amadeus and Mt Connor.
If leaping out of an aeroplane is a little too adventurous for your liking, then take a scenic flight over Kata Tjuta and Uluru instead. From your window seat, you can catch the same breathtaking views without the heart-stopping rush of a freefall.
Climb aboard a camel
After your sky-high adventure, it’s time to get grounded. Climb aboard a camel for an unforgettable Uluru Sunset Camel Ride. This dromedary adventure sees you meandering through the rich red sands atop your curious camel. It’s the perfect place from which to watch Uluru and Kata Tjuta bask in ever-changing light and colours as the sun slips slowly out of view.
Visit an incredible field of light
As darkness descends over the Red Centre, your next treat awaits. Field of Light is a globally-renowned art installation by British artist Bruce Munro. The installation sits on a red dirt canvas in the most spectacular outdoor gallery in the world, the roof a dazzling star-studded sky. Be mesmerised by the gently swaying orbs of light and take in this remarkable sight.
Outback road-tripping
Get up early to catch the spectacular sunrise from one of the resort’s many lookouts. Then grab some breakfast and a strong coffee. You’re about to hit the road. This morning’s drive will take you away from Uluru and towards Kings Canyon. The drive – which is on bitumen the whole way – takes you through classic red-dirt territory, which you can appreciate from the air-conditioned comfort of your car.
Check in at Kings Canyon Resort
Your room for the night is at Kings Canyon Resort. This place is amazing. Imagine a luxurious resort where your every need is catered for, tucked in alongside one of the Red Centre’s premier attractions. Kings Canyon has been forged over 400 million years and soars 270m above sea level, with areas of the canyon plummeting into the verdant oasis know as the Garden of Eden.
Lace up for the Kings Canyon rim walk
The iconic Kings Canyon Rim Walk is a 6km hike up and around the ancient landscape of Kings Canyon. Once you’ve tackled the 500 steep steps at the start of the walk, you’re rewarded with incredible views that will stay with you forever. Along the walk, descend into the Garden of Eden – a magical place where rainforest plants thrive in this arid environment – or continue around the rim. Pack plenty of water and your camera – you’ll need both.
Hit the road, destination Alice Springs
After soaking up an outback sunrise, it’s time to settle back in the car for the five-hour drive to Alice Springs. Expect more of that mind-blowing red desert landscape along the way – pump up your tunes and enjoy the ride.
Unwind on a mountain bike
When you arrive at the beating heart of the Red Centre, grab a snack and head to your outback mountain bike tour. This 3-hour tour is the perfect way to unwind after a day in the car. Float along the single-track under a blanket of stars and feel the cool breeze as you carve through the trails.
Feast up following the day’s adventures
Dinner tonight is at the renowned Saltbush Restaurant. After your mountain bike ride earlier, you’ve likely worked up a big appetite. Choose from a delectable range of fresh produce and Australian bush food and then, after dinner, retreat to your room at DoubleTree by Hilton. Given all that you’ve done today, you’re guaranteed a good night’s sleep.
Rise gently into the skies
Another early start in the Red Centre this morning as you take in the sunrise from the air, on an Outback Ballooning adventure. As you drift gently through the sky, watch the colours change across the desert, spot red kangaroos and other wildlife, and appreciate just how remote you are. Following your breathtaking journey, feast up on muffins, banana bread, carrot cake, cheese and biscuits, sparkling wine and fruit juice – served up at a remote bush location.
Explore the Finke River on a Can-am ATV
Experience the outback with the four wheels beneath your seat and the red dirt kicking up behind you. Jump on a Can-am ATV with Finke River Adventures and travel through the Finke Gorge National Park in the Northern Territory. Experience the adventure, culture & history and the rugged beauty of Central Australia.
See you again, Alice
It’s time to say goodbye to Alice Springs and alight your flight home. As you take off, reflect on the incredible adventures that you’ve had in the last four days. And consider this – you’ve barely scratched the surface of what the Red Centre and Northern Territory have to offer.
Day 1
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Camel to Sunset
Guided toursTravelling for one hour on the friendly camels in the spectacular desert landscape.
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Field of Light Tours
TourThe largest Field of Light installation to date, with more than 50,000 stems crowned with frosted-glass spheres will bloom.
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Stay:
Desert Gardens HotelView details
Day 2
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Watarrka National Park (Kings Canyon)
See & doWatarrka National Park is home to Kings Canyon, with its 300 metre high sandstone walls, walking trails, relict plants and semi-permanent waterholes.
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Discovery Resorts - Kings CanyonView details
Day 3
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Saltbush Restaurant at DoubleTree by Hilton Alice Springs
RestaurantSaltbush Restaurant is the signature restaurant at DoubleTree by Hilton Alice Springs hotel.
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Stay:
DoubleTree by Hilton Alice SpringsView details
Day 4
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Hot air ballooning
TourFor a unique Red Centre experience, wake before dawn and rise quietly into the fresh morning air in a hot air balloon. You’ll get a bird’s-eye view of the majestic landscapes and wildlife.
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Finke Gorge National Park
See & doExplore the ancient landscapes of Finke Gorge National Park, 140 kilometres west of Alice Springs.
Finish in Alice Springs
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Camel to Sunset
Day 1
Field of Light Tours
Day 1
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NT Parks Pass
Required for entry to NT Parks. Read about passes & permits
Heli-Mountain Biking
Day 3
Saltbush Restaurant at DoubleTree by Hilton Alice Springs
Day 3
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Hot air ballooning
For a unique Red Centre experience, wake before dawn and rise quietly into the fresh morning air in a hot air balloon. You’ll get a bird’s-eye view of the majestic landscapes and wildlife.
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