On this remarkable holiday, you will relax, unwind and experience things that you have never experienced before. Visit Uluru, see a spectacular field of lights, experience incredible sunrises and sunsets, visit the breathtaking West MacDonnell Ranges, and more.
Relaxing in the Red Centre
There is something inherently calming about going to a place that has stood the test of time; a place where the very lack of modern-day distractions forces you to slow down and relax. The Red Centre of Australia is one such place. Indeed, there is no other place like it on earth.
With time on your side and friendly tour guides showing you the way, this itinerary will show you the best of the Red Centre in the most relaxing way possible.
Catch a morning flight to Yulara
Flying into the tiny town of Yulara, which is surrounded on all sides by a vast expanse of red dirt, you get your first taste of just how remote you are. Yulara is the closest town to Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park. Look out your aeroplane window and see if you can spot any of the landmarks that the region is so famous for.
Settle in at your accommodation
Your room for the night is at the ultra-comfortable Emu Walk Apartments, offering the luxury of newly renovated, fully serviced apartments with all the practicalities of home. From its central location within the Ayers Rock Resort precinct, you can take a walk around town to stretch your legs. You may want to pay a visit to the information centre to learn a thing or two about Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park.
Cruise around Uluru
There is nothing like a visit to Uluru to clear your mind. You’ll be experiencing this incredible place in one of the most enjoyable and relaxing ways possible – on a Segway Tour. Your guide can pick you up from Ayers Rock Resort and drive you down to Uluru. There, the cruisy tour takes you all the way around the 12km base of the rock. Get up close and personal with the picturesque landscape and immerse yourself in the history and culture of Uluru and the region. The tour also includes a guided walk into the Mutitjulu waterhole, where you can view Aboriginal rock art and get a real sense of the history of this special place.
Spend your night in a field of light
A Night at Field of Light is an incredible way to end your first day in the Red Centre. You’ll be picked up from your hotel and whisked off to the remote desert location where artist Bruce Munro has installed his mesmerising creation. With Uluru as the backdrop, enjoy canapés and chilled sparkling wine to the sounds of a didgeridoo as the sun slowly sets. Once darkness falls, 50,000 lights come to life and become a living canvas of art. Join other guests at an outdoor table for a memorable three-course bush tucker-inspired buffet menu.
Soothe the soul with a sunrise walk
Kata Tjuta, also known as the Olgas, is a group 36 large, domed rock formations. About 45 minutes drive west of Uluru, you’ll need to get up before the sun to enjoy a leisurely sunrise Valley of the Winds walk at Kata Tjuta. Given the time of your flight to Alice Springs, you’ll want to do one of the shorter walks (the long walk takes around four hours). Besides, you’re on a relaxing holiday so don’t want anything too strenuous! Pack plenty of water and get ready for some breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape.
Farewell Uluru, hello Alice
Hop on a leisurely flight from Yulara to Alice Springs. There’s one direct flight daily, just before 10am, which sees you landing at Alice in time for morning tea. Head to the Aurora Hotel and cool off with a dip in the pool. The hotel is located on the bank of the ephemeral Todd River, which is usually a dry, sandy riverbed but will occasionally flow.
Stroll uphill for sunset
Anzac Hill is the most visited landmark in Alice Springs – and for good reason. The lookout provides panoramic views of the town and surrounding landscape, giving you a real sense of place. It’s about a 1.5 km walk from your hotel, so you can easily time it to get to the top of the hill to take in a spectacular outback sunset.
Kick back with a cocktail and tapas
Your destination for dinner is Epilogue Lounge, in the heart of Alice Springs. This hip venue is known for its super-chilled vibe, friendly service and great cocktails. Enjoy a selection of tapas with your drinks and toast your arrival into the beating heart of Australia.
Set off early on a relaxing tour of these remarkable ranges
The West MacDonnell Ranges are easily accessible from Alice Springs. These ranges are the western end of the expansive MacDonnell Ranges – which run both east and west of Alice Springs, with the town lying in a gap near the middle. Take a tour heading west with a friendly guide and expect to see stunning ranges, gorges and waterholes, flora and fauna.
Spot wildlife and gaze upwards at Angkerle Atwatye
Standley Chasm Angkerle Atwatye is a spectacular geological icon of Central Australia. It’s located in a private flora and fauna reserve owned by the Iwupataka Land Trust, and boasts a dramatic 80m sheer rock-face accessed along a trail that follows the natural creek bed. As you walk, look out for the native wildlife and birds that call this special place home.
Take a dip at the Ellery Creek Big Hole
Visit this internationally renowned geological site and take a dip in the refreshing waterhole. The swimming hole – which has been formed over thousands of years thanks to massive flood in the area – is surrounded by vast red cliffs, creating a very special environment in which to kick back and relax for an hour or two.
Stop in at the pits on the way to a gorge
The Ochre Pits is a sacred site in the West MacDonnell Ranges, where you can learn about why and how ochre forms such an important part of Aboriginal culture. From here, head to the rugged Ormiston Gorge and another beautiful swimming hole. On the way back to Alice Springs, take a walk through Simpsons Gap, one of the most prominent gaps in the West MacDonnell Ranges. This place is known for its flora and fauna – see if you can spot any curious wildlife.
Get to know the locals
An evening tour of the Alice Springs Kangaroo Sanctuary – home to rescued kangaroos and other wildlife – is a wonderful way to end the day. Having spent the day snoozing in the shade, the roos awaken as the day ends. Pre-book your tour and take a leisurely walk around the sanctuary amongst these iconic Australian animals.
Enjoy a relaxed dinner on the deck
End the day with a delicious dinner on the deck of the Juicy Rump at Lasseters Casino, which overlooks the ranges that you have spent the day exploring. Burgers, schnitzel and icy cold beers are the order of the day.
Kick back with a coffee
End your trip with a relaxing coffee from one of the many cool cafes along Todd Mall. If you time your trip right, you can browse the Todd Mall Markets – which operate every second Sunday from mid-February to early December. If not, simply choose a seat somewhere, kick back and watch the world go by.
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