Be warmly welcomed by our passionate Outback Spirit crew, who over the next 8 days will showcase the spectacular beauty and culture of the Red Centre. (D)

Stay: 2 nights at Crowne Plaza Alice Springs Lasseters

Set off to explore the dramatic landscapes of the West MacDonnell Ranges. Discover Simpsons Gap, known as ‘Rungutjirpa’ by the Arrernte people, and visit the cultural icon of Standley Chasm (Angkerle Atwatye). Later, enjoy a guided tour of the Alice Springs Desert Park before a Bush BBQ dinner and a live outback show under the stars. (B.L.D)

Note: For guests commencing their tour on Mondays, the outback Bush BBQ dinner will be held on night 1.

Farewell Alice Springs as you begin your journey deeper into the heart of the outback. A short walk at Ellery Creek warms us up for the towering walls of Ormiston Gorge before we continue along the scenic Mereenie Loop 4WD track to Kings Canyon and Watarrka National Park, our home for the next two nights. (B.L.D)

Stay: 2 nights at Kings Canyon Resort

This morning, take the opportunity to explore Kings Canyon on a guided walk. Choose between the spectacular 6 km rim walk (good fitness required) or the more relaxed 2.6 km creek bed walk. Later, enjoy drinks and canapés as the sun sets at the immersive Light Towers installation by acclaimed artist Bruce Munro. (B.L.D)

Kings Canyon Rim Walk: 6.5 km, 3.5 hours. The walk starts with a very steep climb of around 500 uneven rock steps, with some scrambling required. The rim is mostly flat, but the descent is steep and narrow.

Begin with a visit to Karrke Aboriginal Cultural Experience and Tours, an Indigenous-owned and operated cultural tour. Bound for Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park, we lunch along the way at Curtin Springs, a million-acre cattle station. This evening, attend the Wintjiri Wiru Sunset Dinner, a powerful cultural storytelling experience featuring choreographed drones, lasers and projections lighting up the desert sky. Witness the ancient Mala story retold, listening to a traditional Inma soundtrack and narration in the local Pitjantjatjara language. (B.L.D)

Stay: 3 nights at Sails in the Desert

Venture to the majestic Kata Tjuta (The Olgas) with a guided walk through Walpa Gorge to admire the incredible rock formations. You’ll then take a guided tour around the base of Uluru and learn about traditional Anangu culture and stories connected to this sacred site. As the sun sets, head to an amazing dune-top location, with views of Uluru. Enjoy drinks and canapes as artist Bruce Munro’s global phenomenon Field of Light gently illuminates, before returning to the hotel for dinner. (B.L.D)

Kata Tjuta Walpa Gorge: 2.6 km, 1 hour. The walk is slightly uphill with uneven rock surfaces and sections of metal grid.

Note: Dinner this evening will be at approximately 9pm.

Early risers may choose to watch the sunrise over Uluru before breakfast at the hotel. After breakfast, depart for the Mala Walk to see fine examples of rock art before arriving at Kantju Gorge. Enjoy the afternoon at your leisure, before tonight’s Sounds of Silence dinner. Begin with canapés and sparkling wine overlooking the desert, followed by a bush tucker-inspired buffet. Under the stars, a resident star talker will reveal the secrets of the southern sky. (B.L.D)

Following breakfast, have the choice to depart from Ayers Rock Airport or return to Alice Springs aboard the Outback Spirit coach which will transfer you to your CBD hotel. (B)