Itinerary
Where to stay:
Australian hospitality has its own style that combines both professionalism and genuine warmth. You'll find this authentic brand of service at the Outback Hotel. Comfortable, affordable hotel rooms with private bathrooms are perfect for the demands of travellers looking for quality service in relaxed surroundings. The rooms feature air-conditioning and heating and have tea/coffee making facilities. As a guest at the Hotel, you have access to all the facilities the resort has to offer, including shopping, visitor centre, tour desk, and more. This is a place where friendships are made, and good times are had by all. Grab a bite to eat served alongside some great music, great conversation, and a few good laughs at the Outback Kitchen, select your preferred cut of meat or fish, including steaks, kangaroo, emu sausages, and barramundi, and cook it yourself at the Outback BBQ, or swap stories of your day's adventures with a cold beverage at the Outback Bar. Alternatively, opt for the peace and quiet of the Bough House Restaurant.
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Imagine waking up to a sunrise view of Uluru, blazing red under a sunny Outback sky. Perched within an oasis of native gardens, the Desert Gardens Hotel’s 218 elegant guestrooms provide a relaxing retreat from a day of adventure. Taking its name from the Pitjantjatjara word for desert quandong, Mangata Bistro & Bar serves a delicious buffet breakfast and, for lunch and dinner, a diverse range of light meals showcasing the finest Australian produce with highlights of native bush tucker flavours throughout. The contemporary indoor area flows seamlessly to an outdoor terrace, surrounded by the native greens of the iconic gardens of the hotel. Once you've satisfied the urges to explore the magic within Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park, you will find free guided walks through Desert Gardens Hotel's substantial and authentic native gardens just outside your hotel door. All of Ayers Rock Resort's luxuries and conveniences, including numerous lookouts, Red Ochre Spa and the shops, tour & information centre and cafés located at the Resort Town Square, are within easy walking distance or accessible via the free shuttle bus.
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In the heart of Australia's Red Centre, Sails in the Desert hotel beautifully contrasts Uluru's raw natural beauty with a decidedly premium outback holiday experience. Soaring white sails crown Ayers Rock Resort's Sails in the Desert hotel, shading 228 beautifully appointed rooms and suites. In a destination where one of the world's oldest cultures still thrives, the mystery, colour, and wisdom of the local Anangu people is interwoven into every facet of Sails in the Desert's modern design. This hotel features an expansive gumtree lined swimming pool and a diversity of modern dining, bar, and lounge options. Relax and feast in the brasserie-style Ilkari Restaurant or let time tick by as you enjoy cocktails, music and Indigenous-inspired cuisine in the Walpa Lobby Bar or curl up on one of the daybeds and enjoy a casual lunch and cocktail by the pool. Sails in the Desert's stunning Mulgara Gallery takes you on an exploration through the unique styles and breathtaking stories of Indigenous art. Find each of your senses lulled into complete relaxation as you give in to one of the Red Ochre Spa's treatments.
What to do:
Never has an early morning start been more rewarding. The silent morning air that encompasses the desert landscape of Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park is filled with gasps and amazed ‘ooohs’ and ‘aaahhs’ as the first group to wander through the desert paths are met by four acres of flowing fibre optics lights. With the majestic Uluru in the background, begin to fall into silence as you take in what is truly an unforgettable and life-changing experience. These otherworldly spheres of light are internationally acclaimed artist Bruce Munro’s latest art installation, Field of Light, and his largest to date, with him and his team installing more than 50,000 slender stems crowned with radiant frosted glass spheres in a remote desert area within sight of majestic Uluru.
With the added benefit of car hire included you are free to explore the sights and attractions of the wonderful town of Alice Springs such as the Alice Springs Telegraph Station, School of the Air, Alice Springs Reptile Centre, Anzac Hill and the works of the Kangaroo Sanctuary. Venture beyond the town for incredible scenery, incredible waterholes, ancient Aboriginal sites and galleries and the spectacular West MacDonnell Ranges.
Immerse yourself in the breathtaking beauty of Simpsons Gap as the sun dips below the horizon. This unique workshop offers a beginner-friendly introduction to watercolour painting, guided by experienced artists. Learn basic techniques, relax, and capture the stunning views of the West MacDonnell Ranges. All art supplies and a delicious charcuterie platter are provided. Limited to 9 participants, this intimate experience includes round-trip transfers from Alice Springs accommodation.
Explore the spiritual heart of Australia as you continue to drive the Red Centre Way and experience World Heritage-listed natural wonders such as majestic Uluru. View the dunes of Kata Tjuta against the outback sky and quintessential red dirt, visit the amazing Kings Canyon and Watarrka National Park and immerse yourself in the Aboriginal culture, people, and food for a once in a lifetime holiday at your leisure.
Location & how to get there
Alice Springs Airport (alicespringsairport.com.au) is served by Virgin Australia, Qantas and Air North with capital cities served mostly by daily flights. There are also connections to and from Ayers Rock airport as well as several regional airports, mostly within the NT.
The airport is a 15-minute drive to the centre of town. An airport shuttle meets all flights and serves all central hotels. Car hire is available direct from the airport and there are plentiful taxis available at the airport rank. Private transfers, while available are limited, especially at peak times. Alice Springs can also be reached by The Ghan, from either Darwin or Adelaide. The train station is a short walk from the town centre and a shuttle service, as well as taxis serve all arrivals/departures.
Driving to Alice Springs is scenic from whichever direction you arrive, with the trip from Darwin or Adelaide being one of the most iconic road trips in Australia. Various turn offs along the Stuart Highway lead to points along the East Coast on (mostly) sealed roads. For the adventurous and those that seek true solitude the 1126km unsealed Great Central Road, which links Yulara to Laverton in Central Australia will give you an outback experience like no other.
Package terms
On sale until 30 April 2025. For travel until 31 March 2026. *A non-refundable $100 per person deposit is required at the time of booking and full payment is required 30 days prior to travel. Pricing based on dynamic rates provided by suppliers and is subject to change. Based on Outback Hotel option between 01 Nov 2025 - 31 Mar 2026. Seasonal supplements apply. *Car hire is available as pick-up and drop off Uluru Airport or pick-up and drop-off Alice Springs Airport only. ^6 Day Car Hire based on H class Compact 5 Passenger vehicle including: Unlimited kilometres, Standard Damage Recovery (Fee for bookings prior to 1st October 2024 $7150 or $5900 after this date upgrade to Ultimate Protection with $0 Damage Recovery fee at additional cost), -tire and Windscreen Cover not available. Ultimate protection coverage is limited to one tire in the event of multiple tire damages, and towing charges will be reimbursed up to $500. Vehicle liability remains at zero under UP coverage. Compulsory Third-Party Insurance, Vehicle Registration Recovery Fee, Administration Recovery Fee and Premium Location Surcharge, this product is available for renters aged 25+. Please note road closures may be in place due to inclement weather, for up to date information visit https://roadreport.nt.gov.au/road-reports.Coverage is subject to specific driving restrictions and authorized areas. Please refer to the full terms and conditions for more details. Prices and inclusions are correct as of 26 March 2025 and may be subject to change due to availability, surcharges, fees, or taxes without notice. Offer may be withdrawn at any time without notice. Prices are based on per person twin share. Airfares and transfers are additional unless otherwise specified. For full terms and conditions and details on our refund policy, view our booking conditions. E&OE.
