Red Centre - Spirit of Adventure Tour
Alice Springs Holidays
Spirit of Adventure Tour's itinerary is:
Day 1 - West MacDonnell Ranges
Today we venture west to experience the magnificence and grandeur of the vast West MacDonnell Ranges. It is a day of panoramic mountain scenery, tranquil waterholes, and rocky gorges. Our tour will take us to Simpson’s Gap, an area that is home to the local species of Black footed Rock Wallaby. Then on to the breathtaking Standley Chasm, a cool, shady retreat filled with cycads, ferns and graceful red river gums. We will visit the dry river bed, water hole and rock formations of Ormiston Gorge, where we will enjoy our picnic lunch. There will be time to swim in cool waterholes and explore walking trails, with your guide on hand. A stop at the Ochre Pits where a rare palette of coloured ochre lies exposed in a dry creek bed, offering a fascinating insight into a source of the natural pigments that feature in Aboriginal culture and art. The grave of Flying Doctor pioneer Rev John Flynn provides a poignant reminder of the remoteness of Central Australia, and the vastness of this land. Returning to Alice in time to relax with a drink or take a swim before dinner. Overnight: Alice Springs (LR).
Day 2 - Palm Valley
Your Spirit of Adventure experience continues with a day of adventure, exploring the Finke Gorge National Park. On route we will see much of the natural landscape that inspired Albert Namatjira, the first of our indigenous painters. Making our way along the mostly dry bed of the Finke River, you’ll marvel at the dramatic evidence of its awesome flood history. Further along the track, the magnificent Amphitheatre at the Kalarranga lookout provides a stunning opportunity for photography, before finally reaching Palm Valley itself. Experience a walk amongst the rare Red Cabbage Palms, relics of a previous climate many millions of years past. After a gourmet picnic lunch we travel back along the track to the sealed road to visit the Hermannsburg Historic Precinct, founded by Lutheran missionaries in 1877, and birthplace of watercolour painting in the region. Returning to Alice Springs in the glow of the late afternoon sun. Overnight: Alice Springs. (LR)
Day 3 - Alice Springs to Kings Canyon
Leaving the Alice, main highways and settlements behind, we travel through mountain valleys to the Wallace Rockhole aboriginal community. Here experience a rock art and culture tour with a local guide. Visit the gallery, which provides an opportunity to purchase a variety of local art. The adventure continues on the track into the Gosse Bluff comet impact crater. Not just an astro-geological wonder, but also a fantastic setting for our picnic lunch. Stroll around and admire the towering crater walls. After lunch we return to the dirt road traversing the Mereenie Wilderness Area, where mountain valleys give way to open plains, before arriving at the Kings Canyon Resort in the late afternoon. Optional Sounds of Firelight Dinner. Overnight: Kings Canyon Resort (LR).
Day 4 - Kings Canyon to Uluru
We begin our day with an exploration of the majestic Kings Canyon, with a choice of activities. The energetic will find the hike around the Canyon rim a stimulating option, offering panoramic views and in parts steep climbs. Alternatively, experience a gentler stroll through the Canyon floor, amid abundant bird life and ancient cycad plants. Our next stop is Uluru, enroute we enjoy a picnic lunch amidst the expansive landscapes of changing eco systems, vast salt lakes and the mesa-like formation of Mt Connor. Arrive Ayers Rock Resort and check into your hotel. This afternoon we visit the Uluru - Kata Tjuta Cultural Centre, followed by an exploratory tour with your guide, of the base of this unique monolith. The crowning touch to the day is a champagne sunset, featuring fine Australian foods and sparkling wine. Overnight: Ayers Rock Resort (LR).
Day 5 - Kata Tjuta to Alice Springs
An early departure to enjoy the morning solitude and tranquillity as the subtle colours of another day dawning, wash over Kata Tjuta (The Olgas). Your guide will take you for an informative walk around the massive domes of Kata Tjuta, a site of significance to the local Anangu people. Hear of the geology, history and ecological signifi cance. We return to the resort in time for lunch (own expense) and your transfer to the airport for your departure and onward flight to your home port or next adventure. Alternatively you may choose to extend your stay at the Ayers Rock Resort or return to Alice Springs arriving late afternoon approx 6pm. (R)
About Alice Springs Holidays
A multi award winning company and one of Australia’s leading luxury small group tour operators specialising in high quality, intimate travel experiences. With 23 years experience and our fully accredited Eco Tourism programmes up to 8 days, allow Chris and Naomi to introduce you to the colours, the characters and the unforgettable landscapes of the Red Centre.
