First Choice
Outback Explorer
10 Day Guided Vacation | Adelaide to Alice Springs
Travel Period
On this Adelaide to Alice Springs tour, we dare you to venture north from Adelaide into Central Australia and not be humbled by this land’s natural bounty. Witness the rainbow colours of Coober Pedy, the immensity of Wilpena Pound and the Flinders Ranges, and the 60,000 years of Indigenous history enveloping Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park, its sacred and spiritual sights revealed by Aboriginal guides.
Outback Explorer
First Choice
10 Day Guided Vacation
Adelaide to Alice Springs
On this Adelaide to Alice Springs tour, we dare you to venture north from Adelaide into Central Australia and not be humbled by this land’s natural bounty. Witness the rainbow colours of Coober Pedy, the immensity of Wilpena Pound and the Flinders Ranges, and the 60,000 years of Indigenous history enveloping Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park, its sacred and spiritual sights revealed by Aboriginal guides.
Highlights
Local Connection
Want to know where your food comes from? Meet the makers, growers and producers, and sample their wares, behind-the-scenes at Adelaide Central Market.
Insider Knowledge
Who better to show you through underground homes and opal mines in Coober Pedy than someone who lives there?
Cultural Immersion
From Dreamtime legends detailing the creation of the Flinders Ranges to ancient rock art in Uluru, Indigenous culture is revealed.
Sustainable Footprints
Sleep soundly knowing your stay at Wilpena Pound Resort supports the local Aboriginal community in their regional conservation efforts.
Itinerary
Outback Explorer (Travel Period: 01 Apr 2022 – 31 Oct 2022)
On arrival today, explore the major sights of this picturesque city. Later, join a local food expert for a guided tour of the vibrant 140-year-old Adelaide Central Market where you’ll meet the traders and sample some local culinary delights. Relax this evening at a Welcome Reception at Luna10 Bar, and dinner at Koomo Restaurant and Bar with your Travel Director and fellow travellers.
Hotel: Crowne Plaza Adelaide
Included Meals: Dinner with Wine
Today, drive through the rolling hills of the Clare Valley for a wine-tasting at the historic Knappstein Enterprise Winery before stopping at the township of Clare for lunch. This afternoon your journey continues to Hawker, home of the Jeff Morgan Gallery where you’ll get to meet Jeff and experience his spectacular 30 metre panoramic painting of the Flinders Ranges! Your last stop for the day is at Wilpena Pound Resort, nestled in the shadows of this remarkable natural amphitheatre.
Hotel: Wilpena Pound Resort
Included Meals: Dinner with Wine, Breakfast
Take a walk with your Travel Director this morning to the faithfully restored Hills Homestead and Wangarra Lookout which affords panoramic views over Wilpena Pound. Journey through Pichi Richi Pass and historic Quorn to Port Augusta. Visit Wadlata Outback Centre before venturing out for a delicious dinner at a local restaurant.
Hotel: Majestic Oasis Apartments
Included Meals: Dinner with Wine, Breakfast
Visit a former rocket-testing site at Woomera before travelling through salt-lake country to isolated Coober Pedy, regarded by many as the opal capital of the world. View an opal demonstration with a local expert, who’ll then lead you through some of the town’s iconic underground buildings. Tonight, enjoy dinner at Umberto’s Restaurant.
Hotel: Desert Cave Hotel
Included Meals: Dinner with Wine, Breakfast
Cross the border into the Northern Territory and continue to Uluru – Kata Tjuta National Park. Enter the dual world heritage listed National Park to enjoy nibbles and sparkling wine at the Uluru sunset viewing area, 'Sunset Strip'. Get your camera ready as the sun sets over the western horizon, the evening sky brings out the many shades of colour for which Uluru is renowned.
Hotel: Desert Gardens Hotel, 2 nights
Included Meals: Breakfast
See the Red Centre set alight by the morning's first rays of sunlight. After sunrise tour the base of Uluru. You may like to take a self-guided stroll around the 11km base of ‘The Rock’ or enjoy a guided walk with your Travel Director to Mutitjulu Waterhole. You'll view Aboriginal rock paintings as your Travel Director interprets their meaning and significance. You'll also learn about the flora, fauna and cultural traditions of traditional owners, the Anangu. Visit Uluru - Kata Tjuta Cultural Centre where there is time to purchase some locally made Aboriginal art and learn more about the Western Desert region. This afternoon, visit the spectacular domes of Kata Tjuta (the Olgas) and walk through Walpa Gorge, following the natural creek-bed between two of the main domes. Take in a magnificent outback sunset at Kata Tjuta while you enjoy sparkling wine and nibbles.
Included Meals: Breakfast
This morning you might choose the optional extra of seeing the Field of Light at Sunrise or enjoy a sleep in. After breakfast you will travel to Kings Canyon Resort. On the way, marvel at Atila (Mt. Conner), the ‘forgotten wonder of Central Australia’ and stop for a lunch break at Kings Creek Station. Originally vacant crown land, the station now runs cattle and is the largest exporter of wild camels in Australia. Why not taste one of their famous camel burgers for lunch? You don't want to miss out! Now get ready for spectacular sightseeing. You’re off on a 6km rim walk exploration of Kings Canyon, which will reward you with marvellous views of Watarrka National Park, where you’ll be able to see as far as the horizon and get a real feel for the grand scale of this natural wonder. An easier walk along the boulder-strewn canyon floor is also available.
Hotel: Kings Canyon Lodge
Included Meals: Dinner with Wine, Breakfast
Your Outback Adventure continues today as you journey past vast cattle stations as the landscapes rises to the spectacular MacDonnell ranges that surround Alice Springs. In Alice Springs you explore the historic Telegraph Station that was established in 1872. It first served as one of 12 stations positioned along the Overland Telegraph Line that stretches between Adelaide and Darwin. Your last stop for the day is Anzac Hill for reflection and the panoramic views that give you an appreciation for Alice Springs.
Hotel: Doubletree by Hilton Alice Springs, 2 nights
Included Meals: Breakfast
This morning you will learn about the life of the local indigenous Arrernte People before experiencing the Royal Flying Doctor Service tourist facility. Here you will learn how the facility brings first class health services to people living in the bush. This evening ‘Be My Guest’ with the Falzon family for an Australian BBQ dinner at Earth Sanctuary World Nature Centre. Join them as they share stories of self-sufficient living and astronomy and even lead you on a sing-a-long accompanied by the didgeridoo and guitar. It will be a night to remember!
Included Meals: Be My Guest Dinner, Breakfast
Your holiday through the Outback concludes after breakfast. You’ll receive a complimentary transfer to Alice Springs Airport for your onward flight
Included Meals: Breakfast
Please note: This itinerary may be subject to change.
Accommodation
Your Guided Holiday includes a range of quality accommodation for your comfort.
The accommodation you will enjoy on this tour includes:
Enjoy a culturally-rich and inspiring escape at Crowne Plaza Adelaide with stunning views from the city’s tallest building in design-led rooms. Stay in the East End— Adelaide’s sweet spot— close to Lot Fourteen and Adelaide Botanic Garden with easy access to the casino, Adelaide Convention Centre and Adelaide Oval.
- Complimentary WiFi
- Porter / Bellman
- Same-Day Dry Cleaning
- Heated Outdoor Infinity Pool
- State-of-the-art Fitness Centre
- Level 10 Bar
- Restaurant and In Room Dining
Features
Wilpena Pound Resort is spectacularly located within the Flinders Ranges National Park, South Australia. Enjoy a haven of outback hospitality, stop and stay awhile as you soak up the incredible beauty of one of the earth’s oldest landscapes.
- Ensuite
- Shower and toilet facilities
- Tea & Coffee Facilities
- Refrigerator
- TV
- Iron / Ironing Board
- Hairdryer
- Air-conditioning
Features
Majestic Oasis Apartments is perfectly positioned overlooking the waters of the Upper Spencer Gulf in sunny Port Augusta, only 3 hours drive North of Adelaide in South Australia. The property comprises 75 self-contained serviced apartments.
- Air-conditioning
- LCD TV
- Austar
- Wi-Fi
- Guest Laundry
- Iron / Ironing Board
- In-room safe
- Electric blankets
Features
For the best in Outback Accommodation and Tours - an experience of a lifetime. The Desert Cave Hotel allows you to experience dug-out style living, underground shops, bar and opal display areas - all within sandstone surrounds in the heart of Coober Pedy.
- Colour TV
- In-house movies
- Wi-Fi
- Wireless Internet access
- IDD Phones
- Hairdryer
- Iron
- Mini-bar (surcharge)
- Refrigerator
- Tea & Coffee Facilities
- Room service
Features
Voyages Desert Gardens Hotel is centrally located to all resort and touring facilities and offers a range of accommodation, from shaded poolside rooms to deluxe rooms overlooking the desert.
- Air Conditioning
- Radio
- Iron / Ironing Board
- Private veranda or courtyard
- Heater
- ISD/STD phone
- Mini Bar
- In-room safe
- In-house movies
- Coffee/tea making facilities
Features
Kings Canyon Holiday Park features 36 backpacker style rooms with shared bathroom and kitchen facilities. Rooms are available in quad, twin or double configurations.
- Blankets
- Refrigerator
- Linen
- Coffee/tea making facilities
Features
Experience eco-friendly luxury and enjoy stunning views of the majestic MacDonnell Mountain Ranges when you stay at the DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Alice Springs. Conveniently located just off of Stuart Highway, the hotel is only 15 minutes’ drive from Alice Springs Airport and within walking distance of downtown. Enjoy easy access to many businesses, government offices and attractions such as Simpsons Gap, Desert Park and Anzac Hill. Ideal for both corporate and leisure guests, this Alice Springs hotel offers fantastic business and recreational facilities and friendly service from our dedicated staff.
Need accommodation before or after your tour?
Our special discounted rates make booking accommodation with us during your holiday both easy and affordable at selected AAT Kings hotels and resorts. Ask our friendly reservations at the time of booking.
Trip Details
What's included
- • Specialist team of two highly experienced Travel Director and Driver that are accredited with Uluru National Parks
- • Be My Guest Dinner Experience with the Falzon Family at Earth Sanctuary
- • Centrally located premium hotels
What to Bring
- • Sunglasses, sunscreen and hat
- • Water bottle
- • Warm layers in cooler months
- • Camera
- • Comfortable walking shoes
Fitness Requirements
-
• Kings Canyon Rim Walk - High level of fitness required
This 6km hike will not be suitable for all guests. The first 30-minute incline is considered “Difficult”. The Tour Director will offer guest an easier alternative along the creek walk for those that are unable.
Dining
- • 9 Full breakfasts
- • 5 Dinners with wine
- • 1 Be My Guest dinner
Flight Information
- • Day 1 – flights to arrive prior to 12.30pm into Adelaide Airport
- • Day 10 – flights to depart anytime from Alice Springs Airport
