Red Centre Adventure - Ayers Rock to Alice Springs

Discover Australia’s Red Centre in a 2WD or 4WD journey from the amazing Ayers Rock to Alice Springs.

AYERS ROCK TO ALICE SPRINGS - Self Drive

DAY 1
AYERS ROCK

Pick up your THRIFTY INTERMEDIATE 4WD or MEDIUM CAR either at Ayers Rock Resort or Ayers Rock Airport. Head towards the resort and your overnight accommodation at the OUTBACK PIONEER HOTEL - AYERS ROCK RESORT.

This afternoon you may wish to explore the domes of Kata Tjuta (The Olgas)and watch the sun set over Ayers Rock itself.

ULURU-KATA TJUTA NATIONAL PARK, whose main attractions are Uluru (Ayers Rock) and Kata Tjuta (The Olgas), is probably the best known, most visited and most photographed place in the Northern Territory. It is a World Heritage Area, managed jointly by the Aboriginal traditional owners and the Australian Nature Conservation Agency. There is a great deal to enjoy in the park including photography, magnificent views, sunsets and the changing colours of Uluru, especially at sunrise and sunset.

ULURU / AYERS ROCK is the world's largest monolith, measuring over 9 kilometres around the base, and rising 348 metres above the mulga plain. Named "Uluru" by the Aborigines, it is a sacred monument to them, and the walls of the caves, which comb the base, are covered in Aboriginal carvings and paintings, many of which are thousands of years old. Uluru can also be climbed although visitors are asked to respect the traditional owners’ sacred areas.

KATA TJUTA / THE OLGAS are a dramatic series of 36 dome-like rock formations which stand up to 546 metres high and cover an area of 35 sq km. Like Uluru, they produce an incredible light show at sunset, and to walk amongst them is a memorable experience.

DAY 2
AYERS ROCK - KINGS CANYON (302 kms)

This morning you may wish to climb the rock (for the fit and energetic only - climbing is only recommended very early morning), or to take a walk through the caves at the base of the Rock.
The Uluru-Kata Tjuta Cultural Centre is also well worth a visit.

On leaving Ayers Rock take the Lasseter Highway east towards Alice Springs. Just before the township of Angus Downs, leave the highway and take the road to Kings Canyon, passing through Angus Downs, Wallara and Kings Creek to arrive at Kings Canyon where you overnight at the KINGS CANYON RESORT.

If time this afternoon, you may wish to take a relaxed walk through the peaceful and shady boulder strewn canyon floor.

KINGS CANYON is the deepest gorge in the Centre and magnificently beautiful. Waterholes on the canyon floor never completely dry up and foster lush growth, which includes palms of ancient biological origin. A path to the rim of the gorge leads to the Lost City, where the rock has worn away to resemble ruins. High in the canyon and very difficult to reach is the Garden of Eden, an oasis of waterholes and plant life.


DAY 3
KINGS CANYON - ALICE SPRINGS (473 kms)

This morning, make an early start to avoid the heat of the day and drive in to the Kings Canyon car park to discover the wonders of this ancient geological formation via the rim walk. The walk may take up to 3 hours and is for those with a good level of fitness.

Mid morning, travel back along the Luritja Road to rejoin the Lasseter Highway heading east to Erldunda. At Erldunda, turn on to the Stuart Highway heading north to Alice Springs and your overnight accommodation at the ALL SEASONS OASIS ALICE SPRINGS HOTEL.

ALICE SPINGS was first settled in 1870 when the Overland Telegraph Line sited a repeater station in the area. The township was named after Alice, the wife of Charles Todd, the south Australia Superintendent of Telegraphs. The Todd River also flows through Alice Springs,although the river bed is usually dry. The historic Old Telegraph Station is well worth a visit, as are Anzac Hill and the Royal Flying Doctor Service visitors centre.

DAY 4
ALICE SPRINGS

This morning you may wish to visit some of the attractions of Alice Springs. The town is surprisingly modern, with shops cafes and restaurants around the central Todd Mall.

Later today, drop off your rental vehicle at the depot Alice Springs or at Alice Springs Airport.

4 day self drive tour - from £346

4WD option from £454

Accommodation specified is subject to availability and may be substituted to a similar or higher standard if necessary.

For help, advice or to make a booking, call 0844 567 8050
 
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