6 Day Red Centre Active Adventure Itinerary

As your plane descends over vast red outback, you know you have arrived somewhere special where adventure awaits.

Situated in Australia's geographic centre, Alice Springs is the gateway to Australia's most iconic landscapes. Nestled between the beautiful MacDonnell Ranges, the town is surrounded by gorges and stark desert plains. It is home to galleries of outstanding works from local indigenous artists.

1,200 kilometres from the nearest ocean and 1,500 kilometres from the nearest city, it's certainly remote. But Alice brims with local colour you can't find anywhere else. You won't forget your visit in a hurry.

Accommodation: Alice Springs - 2 Nights

Begin your adventure with a thrilling off-road journey into Finke Gorge National Park. You're on your way to the desert oasis of Palm Valley. Hang on tight - this is a true 4WD experience!

Palm Valley Outback Safari by 4WD

Enjoy an exhilarating 4WD drive along the sandy tracks, rugged cliffs and sandstone hills of Finke Gorge National Park. Arrive at Kalaranga (The Amphitheatre) to witness the early morning sun's spectacular light show across the red sandstone formations of the area.

Through the Central Australian landscape, we’ll take you down the very edge of the Finke River and into the amazing Palm Valley. You’ll see the important sights and visit an Aboriginal community, Hermannsburg, known to the local Arrernte people as ‘Ntaria’. You'll gain a true understanding of what it's like to live in such a remote area.

Over a picnic lunch, your guide will tell you all about the park’s cultural significance for the Arrernte people. You'll spend the rest of the day touring enormous rock formations, pinnacles, gorges, and endless palm trees before returning to Alice Springs.

You never forget your first glimpse of magnificent Ayers Rock. As you travel by coach through the rugged desert landscapes, you are entering its homeland: Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park. 

Ayers Rock is also known as Uluru, which is the name given by the Yankunytjatjara people whose land the rock is situated on. Today you will trek around the full base of Uluru, the most profound and culturally significant monolith in Australia.

Accommodation: Uluru/Ayers Rock - 3 Nights

Guided Uluru Sunrise Trek
Your unforgettable guided, small group tour will begin an hour before sunrise. Arriving at the base of Uluru, you will begin a very special sunrise trek around the 12 kilometre base trail and learn about the stories, legends and significance of Uluru to the local Aboriginal people. Uluru is so much more than a rock, and you will experience its many different moods, colours and textures as you walk. Visit waterholes and discover ancient rock art sites before enjoying an outback picnic breakfast as you listen to the sounds of the desert all around you.

Kata Tjuta Domes Guided Afternoon Tour
Also known as the Olgas, the ochre-coloured rock formations of Kata Tjuta are steeped in ancient history. The tallest dome is a towering 546 metres high. Your knowledgeable guide will explain the cultural significance of Kata Tjuta as a sacred Aboriginal men’s ceremonial site during your guided tour.

Walk between two of Kata Tjuta's largest domes into Walpa Gorge, a narrow creek valley. Guarded against the hot sun, it's a gorgeous haven of wildflowers, rare plants, and desert-dwelling animals. Walpa means "wind" or "whistle" in the local language of the Anangu people. The gorge is aptly named: take time to listen to the wind hissing through the chasms. The spirituality of this amazing location embraces everyone who ventures here.

Travel to Kings Canyon - From Ayers Rock Resort, stopping for breakfast at Kings Creek Station along the way.

Climb to the rim of the canyon - Make the rocky climb to the rim of the canyon for marvellous views of Watarrka National Park. 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'.

Circuit walk - 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.

Return to Ayers Rock Resort - After lunch (own expense).

On the final day of your journey head back to Alice Springs, Australia's most famous outback town. The day is free for you to enjoy at your leisure before departing Alice Springs. Visit the Aboriginal art galleries, historic sites, or take a desert drive to see the gorges, waterholes, and cliffs. Your Red Centre experience ends here in Alice Springs.

Farewell from the Red Centre

After the most amazing trip, return your rental vehicle at Alice Springs Airport today prior to boarding your onward flight. We know you will enjoy your holiday and our promise to you is to make your travels through Australia as hassle-free and hospitable as possible - ensuring that today you leave with a camera full of photos, and huge smiles on your faces when recalling your holiday!