Itinerary
Where to stay
Enjoy exploring the wonders of the unique city of Alice Springs while based at the modern DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Alice Springs which boasts stunning views of the majestic MacDonnell Mountain Ranges. Your spacious room will offer luxurious bedding, modern interiors and internet access as well as a late check-out. For those who enjoy being active the hotel provides a 24-hour fitness centre, two tennis courts and an outdoor heated pool which overlooks the lush garden landscape. Golfing-enthusiasts need not worry as there is an 18-hole golf course located just next door.
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:
Departing Alice Springs at 7:45 AM, the tour showcases the West MacDonnell Ranges' spectacular outback scenery and historic sites, providing ample photo opportunities. Morning walks explore Simpsons Gap, Standley Chasm (with morning tea), and the Ochre Pits. Lunch is served at Ormiston Gorge, followed by a visit to Ellery Creek Big Hole for a potential swim. Late afternoon and evening highlight the ranges' panoramic landscapes, displaying vibrant oranges, maroons, and purples, especially during winter sunsets, culminating in an approximate 5:30 PM return to Alice Springs accommodation.
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.
Beginning with an early morning pickup from Alice Springs, the journey commences at Erldunda for breakfast, followed by a later collection of Ayers Rock Resort guests. The tour progresses to the Aboriginal Cultural Centre, providing insights into Pitjantjatjara culture and opportunities for souvenir shopping. Mid-afternoon features guided walks at Uluru's base, including the Mala Walk showcasing Anangu rock art and Dreamtime stories, and the Mutitjulu Waterhole walk, highlighting local traditions and rock art caves. The day culminates in a spectacular Uluru sunset BBQ with bubbly, before concluding with a drop-off at Ayers Rock Resort.
Travelling for one hour on our friendly camels in the spectacular desert landscape. Bringing you closer to nature, our skilled cameleers tell you stories of the territory. With stunning views of Uluru and Kata Tjuta, watch the colour change as the sun sets from atop a sand dune. Return to the farm at twilight to relax and enjoy Australian beer, wine, champagne and outback bush foods including our famous freshly baked beer bread damper.
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.
