Starting with photos at the famous “Welcome to Alice Springs” where we will be bringing the rainbows and sequins to life. We will then venture to the West MacDonnell Ranges and enjoy a walk to Simpsons Gap. Known as 'Rungutjirpa' by the Arrernte people, Simpsons Gap is an important spiritual site and home to dozens of rare plants and native wildlife. We'll then visit Standley Chasm-Angkerle Atwatye, a cultural icon of Central Australia and 100% owned and operated by the Arrernte community. We'll break for morning tea and depart the West MacDonnell Ranges to visit the Alice Springs Desert Park. Here we'll enjoy lunch and immerse ourselves in the stories of the desert that will help us to appreciate and enjoy the beautiful landscape that we are travelling through. 

This evening, we enjoy a classic-style outdoor BBQ and show under the incredible night sky. 

(B,L,D) 

Today, we say goodbye to Alice Springs and go deeper into the outback. Our first stop is Ellery Creek, where we'll enjoy a short walk and morning tea. Next, we head to Ormiston Gorge to admire its towering red cliffs and enjoy a swim or float on a “Pink flamingo” “Unicorn” or “Rainbow” floaties. Chill out at our outdoor lunch before we continue on to the majestic Kings Canyon and Watarrka National Park. As we drive through the outback, we'll take the scenic Mereenie Loop 4WD track through the West MacDonnell Ranges and arrive at Kings Canyon Resort, where we'll spend the next two nights. 

After a refresh meet up at the sunset bar overlooking Kings Canyon and enjoy the stunning view and photos opportunities, drinks at your own expense.

Tonight, we dine at Carmichael’s, a relaxed space situated in Kings Canyon Resort surrounded by native trees and bushland and end the night with a drag performance and some colourful games. 

(B,L,D) 

This morning, we will  leave early to experience the beauty of Kings Canyon. Two walks are available, including the spectacular 6km rim walk, which features breathtaking views of the Watarrka National Park before descending into the 'Garden of Eden'. 

On the 6km walk on arrival at “Priscillas Crack” get ready for all the colour of our drag stars awaiting our arrival for a magnificent photo opportunity like no other.

For those who wish to save energy, a more relaxed walk is also available along the creek on the canyon floor (2.6km). 

After the morning's activities, we return to Kings Canyon Resort for lunch and to rest and refresh.

The afternoon is spent learning about Aboriginal culture with Karrke Aboriginal Cultural Experience and Tours. In the Aranda language, Karrke is the Aboriginal name for the western Bowerbird, which is native to Central Australia, and our guide will teach us about bush tucker and bush medicines used for spiritual and physical healing. 

For those wishing to take the optional helicopter flight over Kings Canyon, today is the day (at additional cost).

As afternoon turns to evening, we'll enjoy sunset drinks and canapes at Light-Towers, an immersive sound and light installation by the acclaimed artist Bruce Munro. 

Tonight, we'll enjoy dinner at the newly renovated Kings Canyon Bar & Grill and gather to recall the day's adventures.

(B,L,D) 

After breakfast we will depart Kings Canyon for Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park, passing through Kings Creek Station to enjoy an informative talk and lunch at Curtin Springs, a million-acre cattle station. In the early afternoon, we then arrive at the award-winning Sails in the Desert Hotel, part of the Ayers Rock Resort.

Chill out by the pool or bar area before getting ready to head out for a spectacular night.

This evening, we'll enjoy the unique 'Sounds of Silence' dining experience under the stars. Offering the best of the Red Centre distilled into four magical hours, the evening begins with canapes and chilled sparkling wine served on a viewing platform overlooking the Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park. A few surprises may happen, ssshh we can not blab just yet.

(B,L,D)

After breakfast, we depart to discover Kata Tjuta (the Olgas) and admire the stunning rock formations on a guided walk into Walpa Gorge, an ancient temple crafted by nature. We take in the cultural centre and enjoy a guided tour around the base of Uluru, which stands 348 metres above the desert plains. 

With our drag performers there ready to shine in these divine and towering rocks, these will be photos to look back on and always remember this uniquely Australian experience.

Learn about traditional Anangu culture and why Uluru, one of the largest monoliths in the world, is such a sacred site.  

Enjoy some pool or bar time at our beautiful hotel.

This evening, we are transferred to the Wintjiri Wiru Sunset Dinner. A breathtaking cultural storytelling experience through choreographed drones, lasers and projections illuminating the night sky. After a short journey from the resort, we venture to an open-air theatre set upon a dune top. Enjoy cocktails infused with native ingredients while taking in the incredible views of Uluru. As darkness descends, enjoy a gourmet dinner hamper where native ingredients are combined with modern techniques to create a balanced and flavourful palette as the night sky lights up before our eyes. Witness the ancient Mala story re-told and feel a powerful connection to Country listening to a traditional Inma soundtrack and narration in the local Pitjantjatjara language.

(B,L,D)

Early risers will experience the sun rising over Uluru this morning and the colours of dawn spreading across the landscape. Breakfast is at the hotel before we depart for the Mala Walk. Admire the fine examples of rock art along this walk before arriving at Kantju Gorge, a place of profound peacefulness surrounded by sheer vertical walls. 

We return to the hotel for lunch with an afternoon ahead of us, which you can spend at your leisure or participate in additional touring of the area, including a visit to the Gallery of Central Australia and a Bush Tucker Experience. 

This evening, we'll enjoy our unique Farewell dinner with our drag performers and final photo opportunities in the outback.

(B,L,D)

Enjoy a hearty breakfast at the hotel before we drive to the Yulara township just outside Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park. If your flight home is out of Ayers Rock Airport we will say farewell, otherwise we will journey back to Alice Springs where the Red Centre Explorer tour comes to an end. 

(B)