red centre
uluru, kata tjuta, kings canypn & the larapinta
highlights
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Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park World Heritage Area
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Hike sections of the long distance Larapinta Trail - Mt Sonder & Ormiston Pound
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Explore the upper reaches of Standley Chasm
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Learn about Aboriginal culture from the early days to the first settlers, the "Stolen Generation" and modern issues
Join us on a hiking trip that samples the highlights of the very heart of Australia. Look at these images - the rich reds of the ochre cliffs and rocky gorges contrast with the azure skies. Brilliant greens dot the outback landscape and the startling whites of the ghost gums reflect into crystal clear waterholes. "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. It’s a landscape made famous by Albert Namatjira, hailed as one of Australia’s greatest artist and pioneer of Aboriginal art. Hike in the Uluru Kata Tjuta National Park World Heritage Area.
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 most people, the first glimpse of Uluru is a spiritually uplifting experience. As you walk around the base of this massive monolith, it gradually reveals numerous sculpted gullies, caves and crevices. Sunset, with champagne in hand, is when Uluru shows its true self through a display of colours guaranteed to delight all. Sit back and sip champagne under the Southern Cross whilst the sun sets over this evocative landscape and the dingoes howl in the distance. At the Olgas (Kata Tjuta) we’ll hike amongst gigantic domes of the Valley of the Winds. At Kings Canyon, skirt the rim of the canyon before descending into the lush Garden of Eden.
After walking at these iconic places, we’ll take you to our favourite sections of the Larapinta Trail in the West Macdonnell Ranges. Challenge yourself on the climb up Mt Sonder, walk in awe at Ormiston Pound and scramble into the upper gorge at Standley Chasm.
Central Australia also has a rich Aboriginal culture, with people and the land peacefully co-existing together for many thousands of years. Along the way you’ll learn about the Aboriginal culture, from the early days to the first settlers, the “Stolen Generation” and modern issues. You’ll stay in remote working cattle stations, each an oasis in the outback that stands as testament to the ingenuity of early settlers.
Click here to read a client's story about this Red Centre trip.
Click here to see clients' photos of this trip.
On the Ormiston Pound Walk
location
Starts and finishes in Alice Springs.
travel
Air conditioned mini bus. Total travel distance around 1850km.
grading
The walk around Uluru is flat and easy. At the Olgas you can choose a moderate circuit walk or a shorter out-and-back walk. The Kings Canyon Rim walk is moderately challenging, with fitter, stronger walkers being offered the opportunity to hike into the Garden of Eden as well. The walking in the West Macdonnells varies from quite hard to moderate. In general, much of the walking in Central Australia is on rocky tracks so you need sturdy footwear. This trip is best suited to people who enjoy moderate walking with some challenging options along the way. More detailed information is available in our Fact Sheet.
accommodation
There are less accommodation choices in the Red Centre than in more populated locations in Australia. We’ve chosen a range of accommodations that reflect the special character of the outback – not simply sterile resort properties. Each is special and each is different. Some are so remote that they have to generate their own electricity and supply their own water. All rooms have ensuite bathrooms and most rooms are motel style. Overnight stays are at remote stations at Curtin Springs, Erldunda and Glen Helen plus a motel in Alice Springs. More detailed information including images is available in our Fact Sheet.
regional food highlights
You may have the opportunity to try indigenous foods like kangaroo, emu, crocodile, wattle damper.
Views for hundreds of miles!
what's included
Guiding, all ground transport ex Alice Springs, 6 nights accommodation, 6 breakfasts, 4 lunches, 6 dinners, champagne sunset viewing, entry to Alice Springs Desert Park, entry to Standley Chasm, National Park fees, information booklets, insulated lunch bag, map case, maps.
not included
Alcohol, additional meals.
departure dates
Please see our Departure Dates section of the website
prices
Please see our Prices section of the website
itinerary guide - 7 days
(includes 6 nights accommodation)
Day 1: Starts in Alice Springs at 9.00am. 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! 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 2: Travel to the Olgas, known as Kata Tjuta to the local Anangu people. Our morning walk will be along the Valley of the Winds trail. The gigantic domes, towering rock walls and an array of fascinating plants just don’t seem real. After lunch at the Cultural Centre it’s on to Uluru. For most people the first glimpse of Uluru is a spiritually uplifting experience that never fades. The massive monolith gradually reveals numerous interesting rock formations, gullies, caves and crevices, each of which plays an important role in Aboriginal stories. You will learn about the special Aboriginal connection with this place as you walk around the base of the rock. Uluru reveals its true self as the sun begins to 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! Accommodation: Curtin Springs outback station
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Day 3: Travel to Kings Canyon, one of nature’s finest creations. The track meanders through this inspirational landscape, skirting the rim of the canyon then descending into the lush Garden of Eden. During the afternoon, travel to remote Erldunda. Accommodation: Erldunda
Phil, the fearless leader, looks over the edge at Kings Canyon
Kings Canyon wall
Day 4: Today we leave the tourists behind and travel to the more remote West MacDonnell Ranges. Our first walk will be to Simpsons Gap where we often see rock wallabies. Your guide will provide an insight into the spectacular geology and landforms of the MacDonnell Ranges. We’ll walk at Serpentine Gorge to a lookout high above the valley floor and we’ll visit the Ochre Pits. For the next two nights we’ll stay at a remote outback station. Tonight we’ll enjoy a BBQ as the setting sun turns the cliffs 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
Rugged, remote countryside
Day 5: A major highlight today as we climb Mt Sonder at the western end of the Larapinta Trail, accessible by 4WD only. From the summit you can see for hundreds of miles in all directions. This is truly remote and rugged walking through outback wilderness. Note that we will also offer an easier option. Accommodation: Glen Helen
On the Mt Sonder hike
Day 6: Our morning walk today is 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. Our final walk will be at Standley Chasm, where agile walkers will have the opportunity to scramble up into a rarely visited higher, secondary chasm. Accommodation: Alice Springs
Day 7: The holiday finishes in Alice Springs after breakfast.
fact sheet
Would you like more detailed information about this trip?
Download our Red Centre Group Guided Walking Holiday Fact Sheet. It contains a detailed itinerary with walking times and distances and more information on accommodations including photos of places you will stay at.
Note: If you are having trouble opening this Fact Sheet, please click on the link to download the latest version of Adobe Reader.
prices
See the prices section
how to book
See the booking section
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Auswalk Pty Ltd |
4 Red Gum Lease Track |
Halls Gap Victoria 3381 | Australia
Phone +61 (0)3 5356 4971 |
Fax +61 (0)3 5356 4970 | Email info@auswalk.com.au
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