Kata Tjuta, Uluru & Kings Canyon

As this Short Break departs at 7.00am, accommodation will need to be pre-booked for the previous night.  Travel from Alice Springs to Uluru (Ayers Rock) aboard a luxury vehicle. Take in the rugged desert landscapes of the region, passing through the beautiful MacDonnell Ranges. While travelling through this remote country, your friendly Driver Guide will provide informative and entertaining commentary. Learn about the natural and geological history of the region, as well as the unique Australian desert flora and fauna such as the Perentie, the Thorny Devil and the Red Kangaroo. Stop at a local Roadhouse for a quick break and comfort stop then see Atila (Mt Conner) in the distance as you travel through Curtin Springs Station before arriving at Ayers Rock Resort, rested, relaxed and ready to explore the amazing World Heritage-listed Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park. This afternoon enjoy a leisurely drive to Kata Tjuta for one of our favourite sunset experiences in Central Australia. Along the way your Driver Guide will explain the geological and cultural history of the area. Marvel at the unique flora and admire the view of the central valley of the domes of Kata Tjuta while you take in a magnificent outback sunset and relax with canapés and Australian wines. Return to your hotel approximately 1 hour after sunset.

Rise early this morning to travel to Talinguru Nyakunytjaku, the Uluru Sunrise Viewing Area. Watch the first rays of sun light up the desert while enjoying a warming cup of tea or coffee. After sunrise travel to the mystical 36 domes of Kata Tjuta. On the way, enjoy panoramic views of the southern side of Kata Tjuta at a dune viewing platform before arriving at Walpa Gorge. Spend some time exploring the gorge and the unusual conglomerate rock formations. The 1.3km walking trail through Walpa Gorge follows the natural creek between two of the tallest domes of Kata Tjuta. Return to Ayers Rock Resort in time for lunch (own expense) and relax for a few hours before exploring Uluru this afternoon. After being collected from your hotel, get ready to discover Uluru. Visit the Cultural Centre where you’ll have time to explore the galleries and you may be lucky enough to see local Aboriginal Artists at work. Travel to the base of Uluru where you’ll be amazed as your local guide shares the Aboriginal Tjukurpa (creation) stories that breathe life into this giant formation. Feel the spirit of the land as your guide takes you on a walk to Mutitjulu Waterhole, interpreting the meaning of the ancient Rock Art and sacred sites you’ll see along the way. With plenty of time, travel to the Uluru Sunset Viewing Area where you can relax with a sparkling wine or two while you enjoy a famous Uluru sunset. Witness the incredible changing colours as the sun sets below the horizon. After sunset, an AAT Kings Guide will transfer you to the AAT Kings’ exclusive barbecue site. The site is within the Uluru National Park set amongst red sand dunes and desert oak trees providing a peaceful desert setting. The site is located far enough from the resort lights to provide you a clear view of the stars in the southern sky (weather permitting). Once at the site, you will enjoy a variety of Australian meats and salads, accompanied by wine, beer or orange juice (menus are subject to change). After dinner, tea, coffee and dessert will be served. Your guide will conduct a tour of the night sky, describing and pointing out some of the visible constellations with the assistance of a high beam spotlight (weather permitting). The guide will also explain some Aboriginal stories that relate to the stars before you return to Ayers Rock Resort. Special dietary requests must be advised before 2pm on the day of joining the tour.

The morning is at your leisure to relax. You may like to organise to have breakfast at your hotel, spend a few hours by the pool or even take a helicopter flight over Uluru and Kata Tjuta for a different perspective. In the early afternoon depart Ayers Rock Resort and travel through the spectacular desert scenery from Ayers Rock Resort to Kings Canyon. Pass through Curtin Springs Station and view Atila (Mt. Conner). Along the way your Driver Guide will provide informative commentary about the history of the surrounding cattle stations on the way to Kings Canyon Resort. Keep a look out for wild horses and camel along the way. Arrive at Kings Canyon Resort where you may have time to view the stunning sunset behind Carmichaels Crag to finish off the day.

Make the rocky climb to the rim of the canyon for marvellous views of Watarrka National Park at sunrise. Follow the rim of the canyon stopping to look down into the canyon gorge at look-out points. Time permitting, you may choose to descend into the green oasis of the 'Garden of Eden'. The circuit walk takes approximately 3 hours to complete and is rocky and steep in parts. It is recommended for those with a good level of fitness. Alternatively, you may wish to take an easier, shorter walk to explore the boulder strewn canyon floor. Following the hike, travel by luxury vehicle through beautiful desert landscapes. Stop at Kings Creek Station, a working cattle and camel station for lunch (own expense) where you’ll have the opportunity to try their famous camel burger! Stop at Erldunda, a roadhouse located at the junction of the Stuart Highway and Lasseter Highway, where you can purchase afternoon tea. Travel along the Stuart Highway before arriving in Alice Springs. As this Short Break concludes after 7.00pm, accommodation will need to be pre-booked for tonight.