3-Day Best of Australia's Red Center: Ayers Rock, Kata Tjuta and Sounds of Silence Dinner

See the heart of Australia on a three-day tour from Alice Springs. Experience the awe of sunrise at Uluru,discover the mysteries of Kata Tjuta and its 36 rocky domes. Dine out under the stars for a truly memorable experience and see history come to life through ancient cave paintings.

Day 1: Alice Springs - Uluru (Ayers Rock)
Travel from Alice Springs to Uluru (Ayers Rock) aboard a luxury coach. Take in the rugged desert landscapes of the region, passing through the beautiful MacDonnell Ranges. Stop at the Camel Farm and learn about the impact camels had in opening up Central Australia. Camels, ideally suited to the hot, dry climate of Australia’s interior, were imported in the 19th century and remained the principal means of outback transport until railways and roads were established. You have the opportunity to ride a camel (own expense). While traveling through this remote country, your friendly Driver/Guide will provide an informative and entertaining commentary. Learn the natural and geological history of the region, as well as the unique Australian desert flora and fauna such as the Perentie monitor lizard, the thorny devil and the red kangaroo. Hear about the traditional customs and beliefs of the local Aboriginals. There is time for stop at Mt Ebenezer road house for a quick break. View flat-topped Atila (Mt Conner) in the distance before arriving at Ayers Rock Resort rested, relaxed and ready to explore the amazing World Heritage-listed Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park.

This afternoon travel around the base of Uluru in comfort as your Driver Guide provides commentary about the numerous sacred sites and features to be found at Uluru. Continue by coach to the Kuniya Walk where your Driver Guide will escort you to the beautiful Mutitjulu Waterhole. View Aboriginal rock paintings and learn about the area as your Driver Guide points out some native flora and explains the Aboriginal and European history of Uluru. Later visit the Uluru – Kata Tjuta Cultural Centre, where you can learn about Aboriginal culture and see Aboriginal arts and crafts.

In the late afternoon, travel to the Uluru sunset viewing area. Witness the striking color changes of Uluru at sunset while enjoying canapés and a complimentary glass of wine. Overnight: Choice of budget, standard or superior accommodation at Ayers Rock Resort.

Optional Aussie BBQ Dinner
After sunset, a guide will transfer you to the exclusive barbecue site. The site is within the Uluru National Park, outside the Uluru & Kata Tjuta Cultural Centre set amongst red sand dunes and desert oak trees providing a peaceful desert setting. The site is located far enough away from the resort lights so that there is a clear view of the stars in the southern sky. Once at the site, you will be served a variety of Australian meats and salads, accompanied by a glass of sparkling wine, beer or orange juice (menus are subject to change). After dinner, you will be served tea, coffee and dessert and your guide will conduct a tour of the night sky, describing and pointing out some of the visible constellations with the assistance of a high beam spotlight (weather permitting). Your guide will also explain some Aboriginal stories that relate to the stars before you return to Ayers Rock Resort.

Day 2: Uluru (Ayers Rock) (D)
Rise early this morning to travel to the Uluru sunrise viewing area. Watch the first rays of the sun set the Red Centre alight while enjoying a warming cup of tea or coffee. Then travel to the mystical 36 domes of Kata Tjuta. On the way enjoy panoramic views of the southern side of Kata Tjuta before arriving at the base of Walpa Gorge. Spend some time exploring the gorge and the unusual conglomerate rock formations. The walking trail through Walpa Gorge follows the natural creek between two of the tallest domes of Kata Tjuta. Return to Ayers Rock Resort.

In the evening dine under a million stars at the award winning Sounds of Silence Dinner. Enjoy a gourmet buffet of Australian delicacies accompanied by fine Australian wines, then sit back and relax as a Star Talker takes you on a tour of the Southern Night skies (conditions permitting). Overnight: Choice of budget, standard or superior accommodation at Ayers Rock Resort.

Day 3: Ayers Rock Resort
Spend the morning relaxing before transferring to your onward flight.

Accommodation Options

Outback Pioneer Hotel (Budget): The Outback Pioneer Hotel has a true outback, pioneering atmosphere that gives guests a real taste of traditional Australian hospitality. Cook up some outback delights on the barbecue or come and share a few yarns about your adventures in the Red Centre over a beer and some hearty bush tucker in the Bough House Restaurant.

Desert Gardens Hotel (Standard): Enjoy the charm of the Desert Gardens Hotel where magnificent ghost gums and flowering native shrubs provide a distinct botanical theme. Set amidst the landscaped gardens, the hotel features a swimming pool and is close to the resort's shops and Visitors Centre. The hotel offers a range of stylish accommodation. Desert Gardens is the superior hotel at Ayers Rock Resort and is centrally located to all resort and touring facilities.

Sails In The Desert (Superior): Sails in the Desert is the premier hotel at Ayers Rock Resort, with spacious, airy and exquisitely furnished rooms set in lush park-like grounds. Deriving its name from the distinctive sail-like structures, which provide shade and a touch of elegance to its design, Sails in the Desert is the ultimate in luxury in the Red Centre. Rooms are spacious and exquisitely furnished, all with private balcony or verandah. The hotel features a swimming pool, tennis court, mini golf and three restaurants.

Hotel Pickup:

6:15am A Good Rest B&B
6:55am Alice in the Territory
6:35am Alice Motor Inn
6:40am Alice on Todd
6:35am Aurora Alice Springs
6:25am Chifley Alice Springs Resort
6:45am Desert Palms Resort
6:35am Desert Rose Inn
6:30am Diplomat Motel
6:50am DoubleTree Hilton Alice Springs
6:30am Elkira Motel
6:55am G’Day Mate Caravan Park
6:20am Haven Backpackers
6:55am Heavitree Gap Outback Lodge
6:55am Heritage Caravan Park
6:40am Ibis Styles Oasis
6:55am Lasseters Casino Hotel
6:55am MacDonnell Ranges Caravan Park
7:00am Pathdorf Bed & Breakfast
6:40am Quest Apartments
6:15am Stuart Caravan Park
6:40am Swagmans Rest Motel
6:35am Todd Tavern
6:40am Toddy’s Resort
6:15am Wintersun Caravan Park
6:15am Vatu Sanctuary