Join a small guided group to explore Central Australia’s major icons - as well as getting "off-the-beaten track". Step back in time as we re-discover the original "Alice Spring" and immerse ourselves in the pioneering spirit of the vast Australian outback.
"Red Centre" is a highly appropriate description for this area, both because of it’s location close to the geographical centre of Australia, and also because of the amazing vivid red colour everywhere you look. The colouring comes from iron in the soil and rocks. Walk the best sections of the remote Larapinta Trail with its rugged sandstone gorges, ochre cliffs and majestic mountain ranges. The stark contrasts of azure blue skies, deep earthy reds and the brilliant greens and whites of the ghost gums combine to create stunning photographs.
At the major tourist sites of Kings Canyon, Kata Tjuta (the Olgas) and Uluru (Ayers Rock) we’ll spend more time than most other tour groups, enjoying our knowledgeable guide’s in-depth interpretation of these special places. For the grand finale, sit back and sip champagne under the Southern Cross whilst the sun sets over this evocative landscape and the dingoes howl in the distance.
This Auswalk tour operates with small numbers of people, generally less than 10, so you can have a more intimate experience of this extraordinary region. Our walks enable us to reach special places that most people simply don’t know about. Walking allows us to have chance encounters with the unusual local wildlife. Even though the average rainfall here is very low, there are many animals that have adapted with clever tricks for survival. Plants of the Red Centre are also remarkable, from Australia’s most common tree the river red gum, through to desert species like mallees and mulga. Most people will also be surprised at the large variety of birds that will be seen during the tour.
Central Australia also has a rich Aboriginal culture, with people and the land peacefully co-existing together for many thousands of years.
Typical touring days in Central Australia start early in the morning. Every day on our tour involves some travelling, from a short distance and on one day for 5-6 hours. Though there are no driving speed limits and little traffic, your driver/guide will be constantly vigilant for wildlife, river crossings and other hazards. You will travel in a minibus bus towing a trailer for luggage. Each day also has about 2 to 5 hours of walking.
Click here to read a client's story about this Red Centre trip.
Note: We are operating two slightly different itineraries during 2005 - refer to the itinerary guides below. Also note that there is a price difference between the two trips - refer to the Prices section on this website.
Location Starts in Alice Springs. The 3 July 2005 trip finishes either at Ayers Rock Resort/airport by 11am (to meet daily flights out) or in Alice Springs at 6pm. The 14 August 2005 trip finishes in Alice Springs at around noon.
Travel Air conditioned mini bus. Total travel distance 1310km (if finishing at Ayers Rock Resort/airport) or 1770 if finishing at Alice Springs.
Grading 40% easy, 50% moderate, 10% more strenuous. 6-10km (3-5 hours) walking each day. The tracks are well formed and easy to follow. Mostly tracks are flat or gently graded. Occasionally there are short rough sections or steps. In addition to the driving, most days have about 2-5 hours of walking.
Accommodation There are less accommodation choices in the Red Centre than in more populated locations in Australia. It is also quite expensive due to the remote location, and high transport costs. Some properties on this itinerary are so remote that they have to generate their own electricity and supply their own water. Hence, we are offering you a choice of two accommodation arrangements on this tour.
Standard A is the higher of the two, using modern resort hotels, simple motels (where there are no choices) and a B&B. Standard A bedrooms have their own private bathroom every night. Standard B is lower priced, using motels and simple lodges. Some nights on standard B have shared bathrooms.
Quality dining is an important aspect of all Auswalk walking holidays. Meals vary a lot, but they will be plentiful, nutritious and wholesome. On days with early starts, breakfast may be had along the track. Otherwise we start with a hearty cooked breakfast. On some days you will need to carry lunch. It will be packed in an insulated carrier bag (which we supply) to keep it fresh and cool.
What's included Guiding, all ground transport ex Alice Springs, 5 nights accommodation, 5 breakfasts, 2 lunches, 4 dinners, champagne sunset viewing, entry to Alice Springs Desert Park, National Park fees, information booklets, insulated lunch bag, map case, maps.
Not included Alcohol, additional meals.
6 days (includes 5 nights accommodation)
Day 1: Starts in Alice Springs at 2pm. A visit to the outback wildlife park provides and excellent introduction to the unique flora and fauna of the Red Centre. The raptor display will have you on the edge of your seat! You will finish the day with a walk to hilltop overlooking the Alice, and a glass of champagne. Dinner is in a restaurant specialising in indigenous foods. Accommodation: Alice Springs
Day 2: A half day walk at Simpsons Gap on part of the outback Larapinta Trail in the West MacDonnell Ranges. Visit Standley Chasm and watch the sheer walls glow red at midday. Your guide will provide an insight into the spectacular geology and landforms of the MacDonnell Ranges. There’s also time for a swim in a billabong. Stay at a remote outback station and watch the setting sun turn the cliffs into vivid orange. Surely there could be no better place in the world to view the thousands of stars in the night sky. Accommodation: Glen Helen
Day 3: Morning walk the Ormiston Pound loop on the Larapinta Trail. This dramatic gorge country usually contains deep permanent waterholes. The ochre coloured cliffs of the gorges contrast with the shimmering white of the ghost gums, made famous by Aboriginal artist, Albert Namatjira. During the afternoon, travel to remote Erldunda. Accommodation: Erldunda
Day 4: Travel to Kings Canyon, one of nature’s finest creations. The first walk is to Kathleen Springs where you’ll learn the Aboriginal legend of the Luritju Serpent. The second walk meanders through this inspirational landscape, skirting the rim of the canyon then descending into the Garden of Eden. Accommodation: Kings Canyon Resort
Day 5: Travel to Kata Tjuta (the Olgas) and walk the Valley of the Winds trail. The gigantic domes, towering rock walls and an array of fascinating plants just don’t seem real. Kata Tjuta reveals its true self as the sun goes down. At sunset we witness a display of colours from gentle, dusky blues and purples to fierce oranges and reds, glowing with the last remnants of the day - with champagne in hand of course! Accommodation: Ayers Rock Resort
Day 6: For most people the first glimpse of Uluru is a spiritually uplifting experience that never fades, and no more so than at sunrise. The massive monolith gradually reveals numerous interesting rock formations, gullies, caves and crevices. Your day starts before dawn, and your guide will tell you about the special Aboriginal connection with this place as you walk around the base of the rock. The trip finishes at Ayers Rock Resort or airport late morning (in time to catch flights home) or you may travel back to Alice Springs with the guide.
Itinerary guide for 14 August 2005 trip - 6 days (includes 5 nights accommodation)
Day 1: Starts in Alice Springs at 2pm. A visit to the outback wildlife park provides and excellent introduction to the unique flora and fauna of the Red Centre. The raptor display will have you on the edge of your seat! Next we travel to remote Erldunda for the night. Accommodation: Erldunda
Day 2: An early start today as we travel to Uluru (Ayers Rock). For most people the first glimpse of Uluru is a spiritually uplifting experience that never fades. The massive monolith consists of numerous interesting rock formations, gullies, caves and crevices, each of which plays an important role in Aboriginal Dreamtime stories. Your guide will tell you about the special Aboriginal connection with this place as you walk around the base of the rock. Then continue to the Olgas, known as Kata Tjuta to the local Anangu people. We’ll walk the Valley of the Winds trail. The gigantic domes, towering rock walls and an array of fascinating plants just don’t seem real. Back to Uluru for sunset. Watch the monolith reveal its true self as the sun goes down. Witness a display of colours from gentle, dusky blues and purples to fierce oranges and reds, glowing with the last remnants of the day - with champagne in hand of course! Travel to Curtin Springs for the night. This outback cattle station of over a million acres is a real remote experience. Accommodation: Curtin Springs outback station
Day 3: A more leisurely day today. Travel to Kings Canyon, one of nature’s finest creations. The first walk is to Kathleen Springs where you’ll learn the Aboriginal legend of the Luritju Serpent. The second walk meanders through this inspirational landscape, skirting the rim of Kings Canyon, and descending into the Garden of Eden along the way. Accommodation: Kings Canyon Resort
Day 4: Travel to Glen Helen Station today, stopping along the way for short walks in the West MacDonnells. Visit Standley Chasm with its sheer walls – here there is an opportunity to explore a rugged higher gorge whilst your guide provides an insight into the spectacular geology and landforms of this region. We’ll walk at Simpsons Gap on part of the outback Larapinta Trail. The ochre coloured cliffs of the gorges contrast with the shimmering white of the ghost gums, made famous by Aboriginal artist, Albert Namatjira. We’ll stay at a remote outback station and watch the setting sun turn the cliffs into vivid orange. Surely there could be no better place in the world to view the thousands of stars in the night sky! Accommodation: Glen Helen Station
Day 5: Our morning walk is the Ormiston Pound loop, a section of the long-distance Larapinta Trail. This dramatic gorge country usually contains deep permanent waterholes even in times of drought. There will be time for a swim here, but expect the water to be refreshingly cold. During the afternoon, we’ll travel back to Alice Springs. Accommodation: Alice Springs
Day 6: A morning walk around the edge of Alice Springs area, featuring the original Alice Spring, the Telegraph Station and the Todd River. The tour finishes late morning, in time for midday flights.
