Ringed by purple-hued mountains, Alice Springs is rich in urban delights, including Aboriginal art galleries and a burgeoning foodie scene. Kings Canyon is a majestic destination featuring 300 metre high sandstone walls, palm-filled crevices and breathtaking views across the desert. At Uluru, you’ve reached the beating heart of the Red Centre and little compares to the jaw-dropping experience of witnessing this glowing monolith up close.

Aerial of the West Macdonnell Ranges © Tourism NT

DAY 1

In Alice Springs, kickstart your morning inside Olive Pink Botanic Garden. The garden features a rustic outdoor eatery, the Bean Tree Café, known for its delectable coffee and fresh fare.

Head west to Alice Springs Desert Park. This 1300-hectare space is dedicated to Central Australia’s desert cultures and environment. Resident animals include princess parrots, bilbies and the 50-centimetre-tall mala, or rufous hare-wallaby – a key Creation figure for the Traditional Owners of Uluru.

Spend the afternoon browsing Aboriginal art in Alice’s many galleries. Don’t miss the Araluen Arts Centre, which includes works by renowned watercolourist Albert Namatjira and contemporary Western Desert art pioneer Clifford Possum Tjapaltjarri. Grab a coffee or a light snack at the onsite Yaye’s Café.

Bed down at Vatu Sanctuary, in a self-catering apartment.

Highlights:

• See spectacular views of Alice and surrounds from the lookout at Olive Pink Botanic Gardens.

• Observe endangered desert mammals and learn about the conservation efforts to protect them.

• Step into diverse art galleries and embrace one of the oldest living traditions in the world.

Karrke Aboriginal Experience & Tours, Watarrka National Park, Northern Territory © Tourism Australia

DAY 2

Hit the road and set out on the Red Centre Way.

Stop off at Ellery Creek Big Hole, a swimming spot that cuts through a red-toned gorge in the West MacDonnell Ranges.

Continue to Watarrka National Park, with a stop at Karrke Aboriginal Experience & Tours*. The one-hour Karrke Aboriginal Cultural Experience covers bush food, medicine, hunting weaponry, art and Luritja and Pertame language and culture.

This afternoon, embark on the 6km rim walk at Kings Canyon, where a 100-metre ascent over rose-coloured rocks and boulders gives way to lush bush, including the Garden of Eden, a peaceful pool flanked by ferns and cycads.

Spend the night at Discovery Resorts - Kings Canyon.

*Karrke operates Feb-Oct

Highlights:

• Explore the refreshing waterholes of the MacDonnell Ranges.

• Discover the diverse world of bush tucker, including the Witchetty Grub.

• Marvel at breathtaking 360-degree views from the top of the Kings Canyon Rim Walk.

Wintjii Wiru Experience, Uluru © Voyages Indigenous Tourism Australia, NT

DAY 3

Today, set off on the 3.5-hour drive to Uluru.

Check into Ayers Rock Resort’s Sails in the Desert.

After a casual lunch at Gecko’s Café, join one of Voyages free experiences, such Bush Yarns*, Guided Garden Walk*, Didgeridoo Workshop* or Bush Food Experience. During the summer months, opt for a stroll around the Gallery of Central Australia (GoCA), a platform where the Indigenous community can share their culture and their stories.

In the afternoon, drive 40 minutes to Kata Tjuta**. Stroll through Walpa Gorge, a men’s sacred ceremonial area, before watching the sun set over Kata Tjuta.

Return to the Resort in time to experience the spectacular Wintjiri Wiru After Dark, where drones, lights, traditional music and language brings to life the Mala story. An Australia cheese and dessert hamper is included.

*Afternoon sessions for these experiences available Apr-Nov only.

**Park passes are required to experience Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park’s natural and cultural attractions.

As custodians of the land, Anangu hold the Mala story from Kaltukatjara to Uluru. To share their story from Kaltukatjara to Uluru, RAMUS designed and produced an artistic platform using drones, light and sound to create an immersive storytelling experience.

Highlights:

• Immerse yourself in Aboriginal culture with one of Voyages’ free experiences.

• Witness the transformation of colours during a stunning sunset over Kata Tjuta.

• Experience a captivating cultural storytelling and light show in the night sky.

Sarah Dalby, Maruku Arts, Uluru, NT © Tourism Australia

Day 4

Rise early and travel to the Talinguru Nyakunytjaku sunrise viewing area to witness Uluru at dawn.

From 7.00am, head to Kulata Academy Café, staffed by members of Ayers Rock Resort’s National Indigenous Training Academy, and purchase sandwiches and salads to stock your backpack for the rest of your day.

Take a free 1.5-hours ranger-guided Mala walk, beginning at the Mala carpark. Delve into the rock’s Anangu Creation stories, or Tjukurpa, as well as its geological features.

Next, get creative and craft your own dot painting at Maruku Arts at twice-daily workshops. Taught by a local Anangu artist (with an interpreter), you'll explore traditional art, symbols, tools, and more.

In the evening, return your gaze to Uluru at a Tali Wiru dinner. Relax among sand dunes over a glass of sparkling wine, enjoy a decadent four-course meal infused with ancient native herbs and spices, as an Indigenous storyteller shares stories of this sacred land.

Highlights:

• Witness sunrise over Uluru, casting changing patterns of light and shade on its surface.

• Craft your unique dot painting at Maruku Arts with guidance from a local Anangu artist.

• Experience the magic of fine dining under the Southern Desert sky at Tali Wiru.

  

  SEIT - Patji, Yulara, NT © Tourism Australia

Day 5

Meet up with SEIT Tours at the entrance of Ayers Rock Resort and accompany the Traditional Owners to their homelands on the SEIT-Patji day tour. Just outside the limits of the National Park, explore the Patji homelands by 4WD in the company of an Aboriginal guide, as you learn about the history of the Anangu.

Hear stories detailing Paddy Uluru’s fight for Indigenous recognition in the park, as well as an overview of centuries-old bush survival techniques. Ascend a private sand dune for a breathtaking view of the expansive desert, overlooking the majestic sights of Uluru and Kata Tjuta.

Highlights:

• Experience an authentic cultural immersion with the Traditional Uluru Family at their homelands.

• Discover the expansive desert panorama including Uluru & Kata Tjuta from a private sand dune.

Please be aware that some tours, restaurants, and attractions are seasonal and may not operate daily. For the most up-to-date information, kindly refer to each operator's website.