

Great holiday and a fantastic group. We all had a great time and got along well. Glad I went on this holiday.
Renae, 47 years, Sydney, NSW, Australia
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This is an in depth experience of Alice Springs and her surrounds, featuring the Parrtjima Light Festival (April) and the Desert Song Festival (September) touring with overnight stays at Kings Canyon and Ayers Rock Resort. All the mega highlights; West MacDonnell ranges, Palm Valley, and onto Kings Canyon, Kata Tjuta and Uluru.
The West MacDonnell ranges is a magnificent setting for the town of Alice Springs and with your stay you have time to enjoy her major highlights including Simpons Gap, Standley Chasm, Ormiston Gorge and Ellery Creek Big Hole. Also, a 4WD day trip to Palm Valley gives a peek into the history of Hermannsburg Aboriginal Mission, followed by a 4WD drive through the river bed of Finke River. Marvel at ancient Palm Trees from a long-ago tropical rain-forest era in Central Australia, and take in the majestic desert views.
From Alice Springs, travel to your final destination, Ayers Rock Resort via Kings Canyon. Your overnight stay in Kings Canyon will lend the time to discover this breathtaking ancient canyon with the rim walk and take part in a local indigenous cultural tour. Finally, arrive to wonders of Kata Tjuta & Uluru, the perfect note to the end of your red centre adventure, highlighted with a sunset visit and the Field of Lights sunrise experience.
There's a lot more to Alice Springs than meets the eye! This is a small group experience, exclusively for solo travellers.
The Desert Song Festival September 2022 is a delightful program of music, art, cultural experiences, the ‘Climate Caravan’ and a Climate and Land Symposium. Choirs, singers, musicians, Climate Scientists and Indigenous Knowledge-keepers will collaborate to present a cutting-edge festival, fostering a genuine interaction between Climate Science and the Arts.
This is a small group experience, exclusively for solo travellers.
Parrtjima Light Festival, the only authentic Aboriginal light festival of it’s kind, showcasing the oldest continuous culture on earth through the newest technology – all on the 300-million-year-old natural canvas of the MacDonnell Ranges in Central Australia. Each year this free event celebrates the ways in which artists evolve and experiment with different styles and materials, while staying true to Country and culture.
DOUBLE VACCINATION REQUIRED TO JOIN
Great holiday and a fantastic group. We all had a great time and got along well. Glad I went on this holiday.
Renae, 47 years, Sydney, NSW, AustraliaAlice Springs – the destination for an outback flying adventure
Float over the stunning landscape that surrounds Alice Springs with a sunrise hot air balloon ride. Create a highlight memory with your visit to ‘Alice’ and enjoy the majestic view across the vast landscape and across the West MacDonnell Ranges.
Make the Plan
Arrive the day prior to the tour start and book the extra night of stay. The next morning, day 1 of the tour set out before dawn for your sunrise outback balloon ride.
ACCOMMODATION & MEALS
SIGHTSEEING & GUIDES
TRAVEL
ADDITIONAL SERVICES
Travel insurance is a mandatory requirement for joining this tour and is in addition to the package price.
SHARE & SAVE
If you are happy to share with a roommate of the same sex, save $600 on the price of taking a room to yourself (subject to roommate availability)
PER PERSON AUD$ |
OWN ROOM |
STANDARD Package per person |
AUD $3695 |
PRE TOUR: Mercure Alice Springs Hotel, standard room with breakfast, standard room |
AUD $190 |
POST TOUR: Outback Pioneer room only (no breakfast) |
AUD $350 |
OPTIONAL: Outback Balloon 60minute sunrise flight 11SEP 22 |
AUD $369 |
The annual Desert Song Festival (September 2022)
The 2022 program will present a number of premieres, headliners and artistic collaborations. Artists, musicians, choirs, climate scientists, Indigenous song-men and song-women will collaborate to present the usual DSF palette, characterised by artistic brilliance and cultural diversity, celebrating the singer, the song, the instrument and the country.
The annual Alice Springs 'Parrtjima Light Festival' (April 2023)
PRE TOUR – SUNRISE OUTBACK 60 MINUTE HOT AIR BALLOON FLIGHT
Requires arrival at least day prior to tour commencement
Floating gently in the air, appreciate the vast remoteness of the Australian outback. Keep an eye out for kangaroos as the balloon crosses above spinifex grasses, mulga scrub & cattle stations. Enjoy light refreshments & bubbles once landed.
DAY 1
Welcome to The Red Centre! Today, arrive to Alice Springs Airport and make your way from the airport to our group hotel. The remainder of the day is at your leisure. An early dinner together and time after for festival participation.
Meals: Dinner
Light Festival Image
SNAPSHOT – WHAT’S INCLUDED:
FREE TIME EXTRAS – DESERT SONG 11 SEPTEMBER 2022
The Ecumenical Festival Service 9:30AM - Free
Pentatonic 2:00PM – Ticket
Sacred Song 5:15PM - Free
SPECIAL NOTES
DAY 2
A day out to the beautiful West MacDonnell Ranges. Our discoveries today include the major sights surrounding Alice Springs including Ormiston Gorge, Ellery Creek, Standly Chasm and Simpsons Gap.
Enjoy the late afternoon sun reflecting on the MacDonnell Ranges as you return to Alice Springs. The evening is at your leisure to either dine in your hotel or find a local spot for dinner.
Meals: Bushman's Lunch
SNAPSHOT – WHAT’S INCLUDED:
West MacDonnell Ranges discoveries including;
FREE TIME EXTRAS:
Take the option to return to Parrtjima Light Festival. Events and entertainment scheduled on various nights.
FREE TIME EXTRAS – DESERT SONG 12 SEPTEMBER 2022
The Language Party 7:30PM – Ticket
Meditation in the Mall 8:00PM - Free
DAY 3
An adventure today as we travel in our custom-designed 4WD vehicle, reaching off-road destinations that are otherwise difficult to access. Through the Central Australian landscape we take you down the very edge of Finke River and into the amazing Palm Valley.
Aptly named, as it is the only area in Central Australia where red cabbage palms survive, Palm Valley is an incredible outback oasis. Despite the harsh conditions, the gorge is supported by small pockets of spring-fed pools that ensure the survival of a diverse range of plant species. From the 4WD on foot, you’ll be amazed by the enormous rock formations, pinnacles, gorges and endless palm trees in the area.
Sit back and relax as you enjoy a picnic lunch in the Finke Gorge National Park. Covering a staggering area of 46,000 hectares, it’s noted for its ancient palms. The park holds great cultural significance for the Arrarnta people and there is also evidence of early European settlement.
Visit Hermannsburg, known to the Arrarnta people as ‘Ntaria’. Established as an Aboriginal mission in 1877, the land was returned to the Traditional Owners in 1982. It is the birthplace of celebrated Aboriginal artist Albert Namatjira in 1902 and is renowned for its indigenous art collection. Here you can wander through the amazing artworks at the gallery and explore the historic buildings, many of which are now protected by the National Trust.
Afterwards, sit back and enjoy the view as we take you back to Alice Springs. The evening is at your leisure.
Meals: Bushman's Lunch
SNAPSHOT – WHAT’S INCLUDED:
Palm Valley 4WD Day Out including;
FREE TIME EXTRAS - PARRTIJIMA LIGHT FESTIVAL
Take the option to return to Parrtjima Light Festival
FREE TIME EXTRAS – DESERT SONG 13 SEPTEMBER 2022
Midday in the Mall Yoga – Free
The Choral Workshops No.1 @ 5:30PM - Free
From The Desert to the Arafura Sea 7:30PM- Ticket
DAY 4
A day around town and some free time before later in the evening visiting the renowned Kangaroo Sanctuary.
MORNING TOWN TOUR
On this half day tour, learn about the town of Alice Springs and how it has evolved into the central hub of the Australian outback. Australia’s most famous outback town is now the central headquarters to a range of services and a thriving tourism industry. Visits include Royal Flying Doctor Service Alice Springs Tourist Facility where you can learn the incredible history of the service first established in 1939. Then, visit the School of the Air and the Alice Springs Telegraph Station, the birthplace of the Alice Springs township.
Meals: none
SNAPSHOT – WHAT’S INCLUDED:
Alice Springs Town Tour including;
FREE TIME EXTRAS – DESERT SONG 14 SEPTEMBER 2022
Midday in the Mall Big Sing - Free
The Choral Workshops No.2 @ 5:30PM- Free
Meditation in the Mall 8:00PM - Free
From a prior Desert Song Festival
DAY 5
We set off early for our drive to Kings Canyon for early access to the Canyon. By mid morning we arrive and get set out for the highlight canyon rim walk. Or, if you want to seek out a more leisurely walk, opt for the creek bed walk.
KARRKE ABORIGINAL CULTURAL TOUR
After lunch enjoy this one-of-a-kind authentic aboriginal cultural experience. This 1‑hour tour is a short walk and talk including insights on bush tucker and bush medicines used for spiritual and healing and a lot more, as used by the Luritja and Pertame (Southern Aranda) people.
Learn about:
Notes:
Not recommend to eat the bushfoods.
Photographs are very welcome. We respectfully ask that there be NO filming and or voice recording on the tour.
Meals: Dinner
SNAPSHOT – WHAT’S INCLUDED:
SPECIAL NOTES:
Fly Nets & closed in shoes for touring today
Walking shoes with a good tread (not sneakers) if taking part in the Kings Canyon rim walk.
Options to purchase local art, crafts and paintings at the Karkke Experience.
DAY 6
This afternoon, watch the sunset at Uluru while enjoying complimentary wine and canapes. After sunset, an outback barbeque dinner under the stars. This afternoon the iconic visits to Kata Tjuta National park and setting your eyes on Uluru including a sunset view with a BBQ dinner and sparkling wine.
SNAPSHOT – WHAT’S INCLUDED:
FREE TIME EXTRAS:
Tonight at leisure, take a walk around Ayers Rock Resort with dining options in the village or at one of the hotel restaurants.
SPECIAL NOTES:
Fly Nets highly recommended (pack them before you leave home)
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
DAY 7
Up before sunrise for the sunrise Field of Lights experience; the critically acclaimed installation by the internationally celebrated artist Bruce Munro is on display and arriving before sunrise brings not only the chance to see this illumination in full display but enjoy the early rise of light in the desert.
Today you will depart Ayers Rock Resort. Depending on your flight time, you may want to do a free activity offered at the Ayers Rock Resort. Contact Ayers Rock Resort to ask about the list of activities or click here to visit their website. Your hotel provides a free shuttle service to the airport. There is the option to extend your stay at the time of booking your place on the tour.
Meals:
SNAPSHOT – WHAT’S INCLUDED:
SPECIAL NOTES:
This is operated by Voyages, and your driver-guide does not join. You will join other tourists on a shared departure operated by AAT Kings on behalf of Voyages, Ayers Rock Resort group of hotels.
Itineraries may be subject to change, due to circumstances outside of our control. IF there is any itinerary change prior to departure of significance we aim to inform you prior to travel. Itinerary changes while on tour will be informed by your tour leader/guide while on tour.
Destination |
Hotel Name |
Nights |
Alice Springs |
Aurora Alice Springs [deluxe room] |
4 |
Kings Canyon |
Kings Canyon Resort [standard room] |
1 |
Ayers Rock Resort |
The Lost Camel Hotel [standard room]
|
1 |
Destination |
Hotel Name |
Nights |
Alice Springs |
Mercure Alice Springs Resort [standard room] |
4 |
Kings Canyon |
Mort Conway Camp, Kings Creek Station [glamping] |
1 |
Ayers Rock Resort |
Outback Pioneer Hotel [standard room] |
1 |
Accommodation may be subject to change, due to circumstances outside of our control. Should this occur, a hotel of a similar standard will be provided.
Aurora, Alice Springs
Kings Canyon Resort
Lost Camel, Ayers Rock Resort
AURORA ALICE SPRINGS
Aurora Alice Springs, a three star hotel conveniently located in the heart of town. Located on Todd Mall, the main shopping, dining and tourist precinct are right by the hotel.
The deluxe room offers extra space over the standard room, including a shared outdoor balcony area and either a King bed, or a Queen & Single bed. Rooms feature an ensuite bathroom, air-conditioning, table & chairs, TV and room service.
Conveniences include complimentary WiFi, tea & coffee, bathroom amenities, iron/ironing board, hair dryer, air conditioned, clock radio, shower separate, television, daily housekeeping.
WiFi: free
MERCURE ALICE SPRINGS RESORT
Located on the Todd River and only a few minutes' walk from the town centre, galleries and cultural precinct. Barra on Todd Restaurant and Bar offers distinctive cuisine and delectable dishes seasoned with local flavours. Guest rooms feature double or twin bedding, ensuites with walk in showers, work desk, flat screen TV, free WiFi, in-room safe, tea and coffee making facilities, room service and natural light.
WiFi: free
KINGS CANYON RESORT, KINGS CANYON
Luritja Rd, Petermann NT 0872
Tel: 08 8956 7442
Kings Canyon Hotel is the Oasis in the outback. Their signature restaurant, Desert Oasis Bistro, services a selection of light meals, beverages and snacks in a relaxed outback setting. Naturally the Thirsty Dingo Bar is always popular for a cool beverage after your day out at the canyon.
These premium, spacious tents allow you to really experience the outback in a secluded area of Kings Creek Station (approx. 2km from the entrance and reception). The focus is on comfort with quality linens, king-size or twin beds, a private ensuite bathroom, reverse cycle air conditioning, and a mini-fridge.
LOST CAMEL, AYERS ROCK
The Lost Camel Hotel is a contemporary and fun, boutique-style hotel conveniently located in the heart of Ayers Rock Resort, only 20 minutes from Uluru. Furnished in a stylish mix of Aboriginal and urban themes, The Lost Camel adds a unique and surprisingly edgy accommodation option to the collection of hotels at the Resort.
The hotel's compact rooms are decorated in bright colours and crisp, clean whites. Each room features a deliciously comfortable king bed (can be separated into two single beds) and private bathroom facilities with separate shower and toilet cubicles and an open-plan vanity. Soak up the sun by the hotel’s central swimming pool, browse the shops or enjoy a casual meal at one of the cafés located in the Resort Town Square. Your stay also includes complimentary return Ayers Rock Airport transfers and free use of the Resort shuttle bus service.
OUTBACK PIONEER, AYERS ROCK RESORT
Comfortable, affordable hotel rooms with private baths are perfect for the demands of travellers looking for quality service in relaxed surroundings. Rooms feature air-conditioning and heating and have tea/coffee making facilities. As a guest at the Hotel you have access to all the facilities the resort has to offer, including shopping, visitor centre, tour desk, and more. Your stay includes a FREE Indigenous Activities Program, return Ayers Rock Airport transfers and free use of Ayers Rock Resort shuttle bus service.
Note:
Some twin share rooms may have single beds.
Hotel descriptions are taken from the hotel website and edited to suit our page.
If we have confirmation of hotel Wi-Fi inclusion we state it above. However if Wi-Fi is not stated it does not mean that a hotel is without Wi-Fi. Most hotels have Wi-Free; free or otherwise for a service fee. Our inclusion of free Wi-Fi above is not a guarantee as this can change without notice due to telco service interruptions or changes to hotel policy.
Starts In: Alice Springs
Ends In: Ayers Rock
Start and end destinations are the travel points to arrive to and depart from to join your holiday.
First Day Information
We have an end of day start to your tour; meeting up with your group leader.
Final Day Information
Tour ends after hotel check out. Ayers Rock Resort provides airport transfers.
Hotel Check In/Out Times
Consider the hotel check in time on arrival and the hotel check out time on departure. If you arrive prior to the check in time, the hotel will store your luggage until the check in time and can also store your luggage until you are ready to depart for your onward journey. Hotel checkout time is 10am. If you have a flight later that day the hotel will be happy to store your luggage. Ayers Rock Resort offers airport transfers for guests. Liaise with reception at your hotel prior to departure.
AIRPORT TRANSFERS
By your own arrangement. See MORE INFORMATION details on our website.
FLIGHT INFORMATION
FARES WITHIN AUSTRALIA:
We are able to provide flight advice and booking services. A small service fee applies, due in advance.
INTERNATIONAL AIRFARES:
If joining the tour from outside Australia it is usually most economical if you make your own flight arrangements or use the service of a travel agent located within your country of residence
COVID-19 BORDER ENTRY REQUIREMENTS
Government regulations for the destination may require pre travel registration for entry, and other pre travel entry arrangements. This can be for state or international borders,and can change without notice. Travellers must check these requirements prior to their departure from home. As a general guide, we recommend checking this prior to booking, and at least 14 days prior to travel, then reviewing prior to departure as deemed necessary. It is also prudent to check on the day of travel.
VISA/ENTRY INFORMATION
Travellers arriving from outside Australia must check Australian government regulations for entering Australia. It is the responsibility of travellers to make sure they have the correct travel documentation to visit Australia.
PASSPORTS
If travelling/joining from outside your home country, most countries require visitors to hold a valid passport with a minimum of 6 months validity from your return date to your home country. Ensure you have at least two blank pages in your passport.
Always check your destination country for their Customs policies for prohibited or restricted items. Products or legal medications in your country may not always be permitted in other countries.
Read on for other key trip information that you should know before you decide on joining the group.
TRIP AVAILABILITY
If this trip seems right for you then we encourage you to book early and secure your place with a deposit. Tour space is limited. Also, many services on this tour must be booked well in advance. To ensure your place, please check trip availability at your earliest convenience.
FELLOW TRAVELLERS
This is a group experience with a maximum of 16 travellers. It is a Solos Only tour (couple free). You are welcome to join with a friend, but couples do not join this tour.
THE PACE [3 out of 5]
More Information > Visit Travel Fitness
ABOUT THE MEALS
As this tour is an ‘essentials’ travel style, many of the meals are not included and by your own arrangement providing the option to suit your personal preferences and budget.
For your stay in Alice Springs, breakfast is not included; however due to the central location of your Alice Springs hotel a few cafes are easily accessible, and breakfast is at your leisure. From Alice Springs to Kings Canyon there is a breakfast stop along the way. Breakfast at Kings Canyon & Ayers Rock resort is included. As a small group tour it is regular that the group members make arrangements to meet up for dinners and head out together.
GROUP DRIVER-GUIDE
This is a private group tour with one driver-guide, leading the group. The trip suits an independent style traveller, content with travelling without the additional services of a tour escort. Your driver-guide will give direction on daily meeting times.
The role of your driver-guide is to lead the group, take charge of all the trip logistics on tour, drive and of course, make sure the trip runs as smoothly as possible so ultimately you have the best possible experience. From time to time, as is the nature of travel, ‘hiccups’ can occur, such as unexpected delays to due to traffic changes, unexpected weather conditions that make a change of plans necessary, and many other things that go hand in hand with travel. In these circumstances your group leader will do their utmost to make the best possible alternative plans – please be ready to accept that these situations are out of the control of anyone and trust in your group leader to assist as best as possible.
TRANSPORT
A 21 seater luxury Rosa coaster is sued for touring around Alice Springs and travel by road to Kings Canyon and from Kings Canyon to Ayers Rock Resort. On day 2 a 4WD vehicle is used for the Palm Valley day tour.
Vehicles are equipped with emergency satellite phone and first aid kit.
LUGGAGE INFORMATION AND RESTRICTIONS
For airline luggage restrictions refer to your ticket details. Please note that the maximum luggage weight for touring may be less than the airline maximum limit.
Checked Luggage Maximum Weight:
Maximum weight is 20 kilograms. We recommend a bag on wheels as porter service is not included. Your main luggage is restricted to one medium size suitcase per person not exceeding 20kg (44lbs) in weight and 76x46x25 cm (28 .5x19.5x10”) in dimension.
Hand Luggage Maximum Weight/Information:
One piece of carry-on luggage is permitted. A day pack is most suitable and you should bring a refillable water bottle. Larger bags are not suitable. It should be small and light enough to fit under your seat or in the small overhead compartment. Please note that luggage with adjustable handle and wheels will not fit in the overhead compartments and cannot be accepted as hand luggage.
ABOUT MOBILE PHONE USE / INTERNET
While travelling in remote areas WiFi may not be accessible at all times.
Great holiday and a fantastic group. We all had a great time and got along well. Glad I went on this holiday.
Renae, 47 years, Sydney, NSW, Australia