Short Breaks Alice Springs – 7 Day National Parks Explorer

Day 1: Alice Springs
On your afternoon Alice Springs town tour visit the Telegraph Station, Royal Flying Doctor Service, School of the Air, the Alice Springs Reptile Centre and enjoy panoramic views from Anzac Hill.
Accommodation: Ibis Styles Alice Springs Oasis (Budget), Aurora Alice Springs (Standard), Lasseters Hotel (Superior or Superior + Wilderness) or Chifley Alice Springs Resort, River Gum Rooms (First Class or First Class + Wilderness), Alice Springs, 3 nights.

Day 2: West MacDonnell Ranges – Gorges
This morning travel along the West MacDonnell Ranges and visit Simpsons Gap with its lovely red gum scenery. Continue on to magical Angkerle (Standley Chasm). Travel to Ellery Creek Big Hole before arriving arriving at Ormiston Gorge to enjoy a picnic lunch. At Glen Helen Homestead you have the opportunity to take in the spectacular views by helicopter (own expense) before returning to Alice Springs.

Day 3: Palm Valley
This one day 4WD safari travels through the West MacDonnell Ranges to Hermannsburg, an Aboriginal community and historic precinct which is renowned for its Aboriginal art collection and the works of Albert Namatjira. Travel down the bed of the Finke River, one of the oldest watercourses in the world, into Palm Valley. See spectacular rock forms, white sands and an oasis of rock pools and palm trees.

Day 4: Kata Tjuta (the Olgas)
Travel south from Alice Springs through the MacDonnell and James Ranges. Your Driver/Guide will provide comprehensive commentary of your surrounds as you pass through the beautiful rugged scenery of the ‘outback’. Visit a camel farm where there is time to take a short optional camel ride (own expense) if you wish. Pause to view majestic Atila (Mt Conner) before arriving at Ayers Rock Resort. In the afternoon, travel to the mystical 36 domes of Kata Tjuta. Continue on before arriving at the base of Walpa Gorge. The walking trail through Walpa Gorge follows the natural creek between two of the tallest domes of Kata Tjuta. In the late afternoon we travel to the Uluru sunset viewing area. Witness and photograph the striking colour changes of Uluru at sunset whilst enjoying nibbles and a glass of wine.
Accommodation: Outback Pioneer Budget Rooms (Budget), Outback Pioneer Hotel (Standard), Desert Gardens Hotel (Superior or Superior + Wilderness) or Sails in the Desert Hotel (First Class or First Class + Wilderness), Ayers Rock Resort.

Day 5: Uluru (Ayers Rock) – Kings Canyon
This morning join the Uluru Sunrise, Climb and Base Tour (Y18) or for the non-climbers, the Uluru Sunrise and Guided Cultural Walk (Y41). Both tours include a visit to Mutitjulu Waterhole and the Uluru – Kata Tjuta Cultural Centre. See pages 18/19 for more itinerary details. Time at leisure before travelling to Kings Canyon Resort.
Accommodation: Kings Canyon Lodge (Budget), Kings Canyon Resort, Standard Rooms (Standard or Superior), Kings Canyon Resort, Wilderness Lodge* (Superior + Wilderness or First Class + Wilderness) or Kings Canyon Resort, Deluxe Spa Rooms (First Class), Kings Canyon.

Day 6: Kings Canyon – Alice Springs
The rocky climb around the rim of the canyon takes 3 hours and is for those with a good level of fitness. Admire the spectacular views of Watarrka National Park. Alternatively, you may wish to explore the boulder-strewn canyon floor. Return to Alice Springs in the early evening.
Accommodation: Ibis Styles Alice Springs Oasis (Budget), Aurora Alice Springs (Standard), Lasseters Hotel (Superior or Superior + Wilderness) or Chifley Alice Springs Resort, River Gum Rooms (First Class or First Class + Wilderness), Alice Springs.

Day 7: Aboriginal Cultural Experience
This morning your local Aboriginal Guide will introduce you to the life and traditions of the Arrente People, followed by a visit to the renowned Desert Park, including the Nocturnal House and a demonstration at the Nature Theatre. Our Final stop this morning is the Alice Springs Cultural Precinct. Here you can view the paintings in the Albert Namatjira Gallery and wander through the Museum of Central Australia.