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OVERVIEW

Immerse yourself in this ancient land by taking the time to experience the natural wonders of the red centre, away from the crowds. This is a land of colour; rich red ochre cliffs and rocky gorges contrast the azure skies. Brilliant greens dot the outback landscape and the startling whites of the ghost gums reflect into crystal clear waterholes.

Highlights

  • At the major sites of Uluru (Ayres Rock) and Kata Tjuta (the Olgas), you’ll walk and explore, enjoying our knowledgeable guide’s in-depth interpretation of these special places.
  • Hike glorious Watarraka (Kings Canyon) and skirt the rim of the canyon before descending into the lush Garden of Eden.
  • After walking these iconic places, we’ll take you to our favourite sections of the Larapinta Trail in the West MacDonnell Ranges.
  • Walk in awe at Mt Sonder and Ormiston Pound, while marvelling at the rich red walls at Serpentine Gorge.
  • At night, freshen up and settle in at your comfortable accommodation. The chef prepared breakfasts and dinners make indulgent bookends to each day.
  • And with two outstanding guides looking after you, you can pace yourself because we can offer a choice of easier or harder walking options along the way.

WALK OVERVIEW

TYPE OF WALK
GROUP GUIDED
TRIP LENGTH
7 DAYS
WALK GRADE
Moderate

Grade 3 – Moderate

Short, steep hill sections. Moderate active lifestyle and some walking experience recommended.
34956603495660349566034956603495660
PRICE FROM
$ 3495

per person twin/double share

SINGLE OCCUPANCY
$ 660

Accommodations charge the same price per room regardless of whether there are one or two people occupying it. To cover the cost of the accommodation when occupied by one person we need to charge the single occupancy fee.

per person

DOWNLOAD PDF
Departure Dates
Book now

ITINERARY

  • Day 1
  • Day 2
  • Day 3
  • Day 4
  • Day 5
  • Day 6
  • Day 7

DAY 1
ALICE SPRINGS, ALICE DESERT PARK TO CURTIN SPRINGS CATTLE STATION

Start at 8.30 am at the Mercure in Alice Springs. A visit to the Alice Springs Desert Park provides an excellent introduction to the unique flora and fauna of the Red Centre. The raptor display will have you on the edge of your seat.

‘Red Centre’ is an aptly named description for this area because of its location within Australia and also because of the vivid red colour everywhere you look. The iconic 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 artists and a pioneer of Aboriginal art. You’ll be surprised by how many magnificent trees, shrubs and grasses grow in the bush here.

Travel to Curtin Springs for the night. This outback cattle station of over a million acres is a real remote experience.

Walking: Easy / 6 km / 3 hrs

Meals: Lunch and a la carte three-course dinner in the Bough Shed

Accommodation: Curtin Springs outback station with ensuite rooms

DAY 2
WALKS AT ULURU AND KATA TJUTA (OLGAS)

Travel to Kata Tjuta (The Olgas) for the first of our Red Centre walks along the Valley of the Winds trail. The gigantic domes, towering rock walls and array of fascinating plants feel surreal.

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 as you walk around it, 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.

In the evening sit back and sip champagne under the Southern Cross whilst the sun sets over this evocative landscape and the dingoes howl in the distance. Uluru reveals its true self as the sun begins to go 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.

Walking: Moderate / 16 km / 6 hrs / easier option available

Meals: Cooked breakfast prepared by in-house chefs, lunch and a chef-prepared a la carte three-course dinner in the Bough Shed

Accommodation: Curtin Springs Outback Station with ensuite rooms

DAY 3
WALK THE WATARRKA (KINGS CANYON) LOOP

Travel to Kings Canyon (Watarrka), one of nature’s finest creations. This Red Centre walk 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, another working cattle station.

Central Australia also has a rich Aboriginal culture, with people and the land peacefully co-existing for many thousands of years. Along the way, you’ll learn about the Aboriginal culture, from the early days to the first settlers. You’ll stay in remote working cattle stations, each an oasis in the outback that stands as a testament to the ingenuity of early settlers.

Walking: Moderate / 10 km / 4 hrs / easier option available

Meals: Cooked breakfast prepared by in-house chefs, walkers lunch and a chef-prepared three-course dinner in the Motel restaurant.

Accommodation: Erldunda with ensuite rooms

DAY 4
SIMPSONS GAP AND SERPENTINE GORGE ON THE LARAPINTA TRACK WEST MACDONNELL RANGES

Today we leave the tourists behind and travel to the more remote West MacDonnell Ranges. Our first trek will be to Simpsons Gap where rock wallabies frequent. Your guides will provide an insight into the spectacular geology and landforms of the West MacDonnell Ranges. We’ll walk at Serpentine Gorge to a lookout high above the valley floor and then back down into the gorge itself to view the waterhole. For the next two nights, we’ll stay at our favourite remote outback station. Enjoy a pre-dinner drink watching the setting sun turn the cliffs vivid orange. Surely there could be no better place in the world to view the thousands of stars in the night sky.

Walking: Moderate / 10 km / 5 hrs / easier option available

Meals: Cooked breakfast prepared by in-house chefs, walkers lunch and a chef-prepared two-course dinner in the resort restaurant.

Accommodation: Glen Helen Homestead or Aurora in Alice with ensuite rooms

DAY 5
MOUNT SONDER LARAPINTA TRACK

A major highlight today is climbing Mt Sonder at the western end of the Larapinta Trail. From the summit, you can see for hundreds of miles in all directions. This is truly remote and rugged walking through the outback wilderness. Note that we will also offer an easier option including Mt Sonder Lookout and the stunningly beautiful Redbank Gorge.

Walking: Moderate to challenging / 16 km / 7-8 hrs / easier option available

Meals: Cooked breakfast prepared by in-house chefs, walkers lunch and a chef-prepared two-course dinner in the resort restaurant

Accommodation: Glen Helen Homestead or Aurora in Alice with ensuite rooms

DAY 6
ORMISTON LOOP LARAPINTA TRACK

Today’s hike 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. We will then head over to explore the Ochre Pits to learn about the significance of this area to the local indigenous people. In the evening, we’ll enjoy our final dinner of the tour at our accommodation in Alice Springs.

Walking: Moderate / 14 km / 5 hrs / easier option available

Meals: Cooked breakfast prepared by in-house chefs, walkers lunch and a chef-prepared two-course dinner at the Mercure

Accommodation: Mercure Alice Springs with ensuite rooms

DAY 7
ALICE SPRINGS

Though the holiday finishes in Alice Springs after breakfast, we highly recommend you extend your holiday and enjoy the many sights that Alice Springs has to offer as well.

WHAT’S INCLUDED

  • Pack-free walking

  • 25+ years experience

  • Customised

  • Eco Travel

  • Genuine all inclusive pack free walking holiday
  • 2 engaging, knowledgeable and experienced guides
  • 6 nights’ comfortable ensuite accommodation
  • Cooked breakfasts, a la carte dinners and comprehensive walkers lunches
  • All transport from Alice Springs including luggage transport
  • Desert Park entry tickets and National Park admission
  • Champagne sunset at Uluru
  • Auswalk guide pack including notes, maps, lunch bag and container

ACCOMMODATION & DINING

OVERVIEW

Our first accommodation is at Curtain Springs, a working cattle station of over a million acres. The station amazingly owns Mount Conner a mountain rock outcrop that is much larger than Uluru but often mistaken for it. We get to admire the sunset over their vast property and really experience what it is like to live out here.

We also stay at Glen Helen Lodge the only accommodation located within the Tjoritja – West MacDonnell Ranges National Park, 130km west of Alice Springs. This extraordinary landscape is 800 million years old and has been home to the Western Aranda Aboriginal people for tens of thousands of years.  We get to enjoy the comfort provided by the lodge with Glen Helen Gorge and the national park right at your doorstep. The organisation that runs this accommodation have not opened yet so for these 2 nights we are staying at Aurora in Alice.

Erldunda Roadhouse is officially the centre of Australia literally and is a one of a kind experience not to be missed. The Mercure in Alice Springs is a very good quality hotel in an excellent location. It’s a big property with plenty of room to relax either by the pool, in the garden or in the many other facilities that it offers.

More importantly, all the accommodations we use are very comfortable and provide a great place to relax after a day on the track. All the rooms have ensuites and reflect the region’s character and are in unforgettable locations.

All of the a la carte two-course dinners and breakfasts are prepared by professional in-house chefs. There’s an emphasis on Australian game meat, Top End fish, tropical fruit and bush tucker.

The packed lunches and picnics complete the circle ensuring that your appetite is always satisfied. In fact, you can look forward to having lunch on a daily basis at some of the most incredible locations the Red Centre has to offer.  A walkers lunch may include a high protein type salad, a roll or a wrap, a muesli bar, cake or muffin and a piece of fruit. Each day is slightly different. Lunch is always augmented by Auswalk’s trail mix.

Importantly, you start each day with a cooked breakfast, all expertly prepared by the in-house chefs. This is a great way each day to ready yourself for the upcoming walk.

Alcohol or drinks with meals are not included (except tea/coffee and juice with breakfast).

GENERAL INFO

The tracks are dry and firm but can sometimes be rocky underfoot. Most of the walks are easy to moderate. The walks at Uluru are flat and easy. The easy walks are great for first-timers. However, the walk does save some challenging walking of up to 7 hours each day, across very rocky terrain and ridgelines, with ascents and descents, so the experienced hikers won’t be disappointed. The walks at the West MacDonnell Ranges are more remote and therefore the tracks are less maintained. Most of the tracks in central Australia are a bit rocky so sturdy footwear is necessary.

This trip operates with two experienced and knowledgeable guides so we can offer easier and harder walk options along the way.

Pre and post-tour accommodation: There are many good hotels in Alice Springs, however, we pick up and drop off at one central hotel the Mercure (formerly the Chifley), Alice Springs. The tour starts at the Mercure at 8.30 am on day 1 and concludes at the Mercure after breakfast on day 7.

For what to bring please refer to Gear Advice on our FAQ section.

WEATHER

This environment is most suitable to walk from May to September, as it is generally too hot at other times. Nights are significantly cooler than daytime temperatures, so please ensure you bring warm clothing for the evenings. The climate is marked by very low humidity. It is essential you have at least 2L capacity for water on the walk.

See the Bureau of Meteorology for information about temperatures and rainfall ahead of time to ensure proper clothing.

INSURANCE

We strongly recommend the purchase of travel insurance for all of our trips. However, we require that for all travel overseas that you purchase a travel insurance policy, as we charge a cancellation fee if you cancel your walking holiday after we have confirmed it. It is also important in the event of an accident or loss of property.  See the FAQ section for more information.

INFORMATION PACK

For nearly 30 years we have taken pride in providing seamlessly organised walking holidays, but we know, even with that in mind, that you’ll have many more questions. You will receive a very detailed information pack and itinerary approximately 6 weeks out from departure outlining all the fine detail and much more.

CONTACT

If you have any questions, feel free to ask one of our destination consultants or to speak with one of our guides. You can get in touch with us via our contact form, email us at info@auswalk.com.au, or call us on +61 3 9597 9767.

MAP

DEPARTURE DATES

  • DATES
    AVAILABILITY
    PRICE
    Single Occupancy
    DETAILS
  • 16 May 2022
    AVAILABLE
    from

    $3495

    SINGLE OCCUPANCY
    $660
    BOOK NOW
  • 6 Jun 2022
    FULL
    from

    $3495

    SINGLE OCCUPANCY
    $660
    BOOK NOW
  • 13 Jun 2022
    AVAILABLE
    from

    $3495

    SINGLE OCCUPANCY
    $660

    CALDER AND LAWSON PRIVATE GROUP

    BOOK NOW
  • 4 Jul 2022
    FULL
    from

    $3495

    SINGLE OCCUPANCY
    $660
    BOOK NOW
  • 11 Jul 2022
    AVAILABLE
    from

    $3495

    SINGLE OCCUPANCY
    $660
    BOOK NOW

REVIEWS

Customer Reviews

5

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  1. Ccllf5

    25 July, 2017 at 3:24 AM
    5

    We had an amazing trip. Our guides Marie & Katie were professional, resourceful, knowledgable and great fun too! They went above and beyond to make our trip enjoyable. The tour was a good combination of the best locations in the Red Centre!

    Reply

  2. katiedove

    20 July, 2017 at 8:22 AM
    5

    In June 2017 I joined a group of walkers for a week in the Red Centre. To see the main attractions including Uluru, Kata Tjuta, Watarrka and Glen Helen it is necessary to travel long distances and it was wonderful to have capable drivers and guides. The trip was planned with some hard days walking , followed by an easier day. Apart from the circuit of Uluru, there is very little flat walking in that area. walking poles were certainly useful, and good boots are essential.
    Our accommodation on current or former cattle stations was very good, as was the food. This was my second Auswalks holiday and now I understand why some people have had several holidays with them.
    We saw some wonderful blue skies but also had some rain and it was cold at night.

    Reply

  3. Linda S

    8 July, 2017 at 8:25 AM
    5

    Take nine people, all whom love to walk, two very informed guides, Maire and Paul, and give them a week in the Red Centre walking on the most scenic tracks from Uluru to the West MacDonnells. By the end of that week, despite the overcast skies and cold wind, we became a well formed group, when Paul took a photograph of us spread out along the track in Ormiston Pound, in step with each other. The colours and the rock formations did not disappoint. Our guides were most informative about the land, the plants and the people who have lived in the Red Centre, and it was a welcome change to stay in accommodation which was not resort style with more than adequate accommodation and meals and a warm welcome wherever we went.

    Reply

  4. DeniseU82

    7 July, 2017 at 6:05 AM

    I have just returned from my first Auswalk adventure and will most certainly be walking with them again. Our small group of likeminded walkers were amazed and astounded by the diversity of landscapes and vastness of the Red Centre. We were led by dynamic duo Marie and Paul. The itinerary is meticulously planned but also adaptable. The website information accurate. There are a lot of kilometres to travel, but they are competent drivers and there is interesting commentary and coffee stops along the way. Most of my group used walking poles and we needed our waterproof jackets, gloves and beanies. If you haven’t been to the Red Centre before this is the perfect way to experience it. Stress free travel with Auswalk.

    Reply

  5. ozpilotcruiser

    1 August, 2016 at 5:58 AM
    5

    This trip certainly hits the highlights of the Red Centre. The guides were totally excellent and provided heaps of information about absolutely everything. The trip notes, planning, and execution of the trip were flawless. There were various nice little touches along the way that made the trip outstanding. We can recommend it extremely highly!

    Reply

  6. Deb W

    16 July, 2015 at 9:01 PM

    The Red Centre Auswalks walking holiday was brilliant. The guides were extremely capable, professional but warm and friendly; nothing was too much trouble and they went above and beyond in aspect of providing the group with a wonderful walking holiday. We travelled to the most spectacular areas and walked trails through breath taking parts of Australia. Can’t rate this walking holiday and in particular the attention to detail by the guides too highly.

    Reply

  7. Bryce J

    19 July, 2014 at 9:35 PM

    We did a guided walk of the Red Centre with Auwalks in July 2014. The walks and accommodation were great with fantastic scenery and great guides. The walks all had easier options but even the harder options were not hard. The highlights were Uluru at sunset, Kings Canyon and the Ormiston Gorge. Travel was by bus which was a little basic for the distance travelled over the 6 days.

    Reply

  8. Greg W

    14 July, 2014 at 9:51 PM

    What a wonderful week. From when we were first collected at 8.30 until we all said goodbye, the whole experience was fantastic. The best way to see the sights is on foot. The walks had shorter and longer options. The latter was a bit more challenging but not too difficult, the superb scenery was worth the walk. We had two guided and 16 walkers. Both guides were professional, experienced, motivated, dedicated and approachable. A great guide to visitor ratio! The food, either at the restaurants or prepared by the guides was perfect. The group was a fun group, with a mix of singles and couples. All had similar interests (walking) and all mixed. The whole tour was great value, it would be impossible to do the same on your own. Already looking forward to my next walk. But which one, so many great options?!

    Reply
Overview

OVERVIEW

Immerse yourself in this ancient land by taking the time to experience the natural wonders of the red centre, away from the crowds. This is a land of colour; rich red ochre cliffs and rocky gorges contrast the azure skies. Brilliant greens dot the outback landscape and the startling whites of the ghost gums reflect into crystal clear waterholes.

Highlights

  • At the major sites of Uluru (Ayres Rock) and Kata Tjuta (the Olgas), you’ll walk and explore, enjoying our knowledgeable guide’s in-depth interpretation of these special places.
  • Hike glorious Watarraka (Kings Canyon) and skirt the rim of the canyon before descending into the lush Garden of Eden.
  • After walking these iconic places, we’ll take you to our favourite sections of the Larapinta Trail in the West MacDonnell Ranges.
  • Walk in awe at Mt Sonder and Ormiston Pound, while marvelling at the rich red walls at Serpentine Gorge.
  • At night, freshen up and settle in at your comfortable accommodation. The chef prepared breakfasts and dinners make indulgent bookends to each day.
  • And with two outstanding guides looking after you, you can pace yourself because we can offer a choice of easier or harder walking options along the way.

WALK OVERVIEW

TYPE OF WALK
GROUP GUIDED
TRIP LENGTH
7 DAYS
WALK GRADE
Moderate

Grade 3 – Moderate

Short, steep hill sections. Moderate active lifestyle and some walking experience recommended.
34956603495660349566034956603495660
PRICE FROM
$ 3495

per person twin/double share

SINGLE OCCUPANCY
$ 660

Accommodations charge the same price per room regardless of whether there are one or two people occupying it. To cover the cost of the accommodation when occupied by one person we need to charge the single occupancy fee.

per person

DOWNLOAD PDF
Departure Dates
Book now
Itinerary

ITINERARY

  • Day 1
  • Day 2
  • Day 3
  • Day 4
  • Day 5
  • Day 6
  • Day 7

DAY 1
ALICE SPRINGS, ALICE DESERT PARK TO CURTIN SPRINGS CATTLE STATION

Start at 8.30 am at the Mercure in Alice Springs. A visit to the Alice Springs Desert Park provides an excellent introduction to the unique flora and fauna of the Red Centre. The raptor display will have you on the edge of your seat.

‘Red Centre’ is an aptly named description for this area because of its location within Australia and also because of the vivid red colour everywhere you look. The iconic 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 artists and a pioneer of Aboriginal art. You’ll be surprised by how many magnificent trees, shrubs and grasses grow in the bush here.

Travel to Curtin Springs for the night. This outback cattle station of over a million acres is a real remote experience.

Walking: Easy / 6 km / 3 hrs

Meals: Lunch and a la carte three-course dinner in the Bough Shed

Accommodation: Curtin Springs outback station with ensuite rooms

DAY 2
WALKS AT ULURU AND KATA TJUTA (OLGAS)

Travel to Kata Tjuta (The Olgas) for the first of our Red Centre walks along the Valley of the Winds trail. The gigantic domes, towering rock walls and array of fascinating plants feel surreal.

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 as you walk around it, 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.

In the evening sit back and sip champagne under the Southern Cross whilst the sun sets over this evocative landscape and the dingoes howl in the distance. Uluru reveals its true self as the sun begins to go 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.

Walking: Moderate / 16 km / 6 hrs / easier option available

Meals: Cooked breakfast prepared by in-house chefs, lunch and a chef-prepared a la carte three-course dinner in the Bough Shed

Accommodation: Curtin Springs Outback Station with ensuite rooms

DAY 3
WALK THE WATARRKA (KINGS CANYON) LOOP

Travel to Kings Canyon (Watarrka), one of nature’s finest creations. This Red Centre walk 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, another working cattle station.

Central Australia also has a rich Aboriginal culture, with people and the land peacefully co-existing for many thousands of years. Along the way, you’ll learn about the Aboriginal culture, from the early days to the first settlers. You’ll stay in remote working cattle stations, each an oasis in the outback that stands as a testament to the ingenuity of early settlers.

Walking: Moderate / 10 km / 4 hrs / easier option available

Meals: Cooked breakfast prepared by in-house chefs, walkers lunch and a chef-prepared three-course dinner in the Motel restaurant.

Accommodation: Erldunda with ensuite rooms

DAY 4
SIMPSONS GAP AND SERPENTINE GORGE ON THE LARAPINTA TRACK WEST MACDONNELL RANGES

Today we leave the tourists behind and travel to the more remote West MacDonnell Ranges. Our first trek will be to Simpsons Gap where rock wallabies frequent. Your guides will provide an insight into the spectacular geology and landforms of the West MacDonnell Ranges. We’ll walk at Serpentine Gorge to a lookout high above the valley floor and then back down into the gorge itself to view the waterhole. For the next two nights, we’ll stay at our favourite remote outback station. Enjoy a pre-dinner drink watching the setting sun turn the cliffs vivid orange. Surely there could be no better place in the world to view the thousands of stars in the night sky.

Walking: Moderate / 10 km / 5 hrs / easier option available

Meals: Cooked breakfast prepared by in-house chefs, walkers lunch and a chef-prepared two-course dinner in the resort restaurant.

Accommodation: Glen Helen Homestead or Aurora in Alice with ensuite rooms

DAY 5
MOUNT SONDER LARAPINTA TRACK

A major highlight today is climbing Mt Sonder at the western end of the Larapinta Trail. From the summit, you can see for hundreds of miles in all directions. This is truly remote and rugged walking through the outback wilderness. Note that we will also offer an easier option including Mt Sonder Lookout and the stunningly beautiful Redbank Gorge.

Walking: Moderate to challenging / 16 km / 7-8 hrs / easier option available

Meals: Cooked breakfast prepared by in-house chefs, walkers lunch and a chef-prepared two-course dinner in the resort restaurant

Accommodation: Glen Helen Homestead or Aurora in Alice with ensuite rooms

DAY 6
ORMISTON LOOP LARAPINTA TRACK

Today’s hike 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. We will then head over to explore the Ochre Pits to learn about the significance of this area to the local indigenous people. In the evening, we’ll enjoy our final dinner of the tour at our accommodation in Alice Springs.

Walking: Moderate / 14 km / 5 hrs / easier option available

Meals: Cooked breakfast prepared by in-house chefs, walkers lunch and a chef-prepared two-course dinner at the Mercure

Accommodation: Mercure Alice Springs with ensuite rooms

DAY 7
ALICE SPRINGS

Though the holiday finishes in Alice Springs after breakfast, we highly recommend you extend your holiday and enjoy the many sights that Alice Springs has to offer as well.

What’s Included

WHAT’S INCLUDED

  • Pack-free walking

  • 25+ years experience

  • Customised

  • Eco Travel

  • Genuine all inclusive pack free walking holiday
  • 2 engaging, knowledgeable and experienced guides
  • 6 nights’ comfortable ensuite accommodation
  • Cooked breakfasts, a la carte dinners and comprehensive walkers lunches
  • All transport from Alice Springs including luggage transport
  • Desert Park entry tickets and National Park admission
  • Champagne sunset at Uluru
  • Auswalk guide pack including notes, maps, lunch bag and container
Accommodation & Dining

ACCOMMODATION & DINING

OVERVIEW

Our first accommodation is at Curtain Springs, a working cattle station of over a million acres. The station amazingly owns Mount Conner a mountain rock outcrop that is much larger than Uluru but often mistaken for it. We get to admire the sunset over their vast property and really experience what it is like to live out here.

We also stay at Glen Helen Lodge the only accommodation located within the Tjoritja – West MacDonnell Ranges National Park, 130km west of Alice Springs. This extraordinary landscape is 800 million years old and has been home to the Western Aranda Aboriginal people for tens of thousands of years.  We get to enjoy the comfort provided by the lodge with Glen Helen Gorge and the national park right at your doorstep. The organisation that runs this accommodation have not opened yet so for these 2 nights we are staying at Aurora in Alice.

Erldunda Roadhouse is officially the centre of Australia literally and is a one of a kind experience not to be missed. The Mercure in Alice Springs is a very good quality hotel in an excellent location. It’s a big property with plenty of room to relax either by the pool, in the garden or in the many other facilities that it offers.

More importantly, all the accommodations we use are very comfortable and provide a great place to relax after a day on the track. All the rooms have ensuites and reflect the region’s character and are in unforgettable locations.

All of the a la carte two-course dinners and breakfasts are prepared by professional in-house chefs. There’s an emphasis on Australian game meat, Top End fish, tropical fruit and bush tucker.

The packed lunches and picnics complete the circle ensuring that your appetite is always satisfied. In fact, you can look forward to having lunch on a daily basis at some of the most incredible locations the Red Centre has to offer.  A walkers lunch may include a high protein type salad, a roll or a wrap, a muesli bar, cake or muffin and a piece of fruit. Each day is slightly different. Lunch is always augmented by Auswalk’s trail mix.

Importantly, you start each day with a cooked breakfast, all expertly prepared by the in-house chefs. This is a great way each day to ready yourself for the upcoming walk.

Alcohol or drinks with meals are not included (except tea/coffee and juice with breakfast).

General Info

GENERAL INFO

The tracks are dry and firm but can sometimes be rocky underfoot. Most of the walks are easy to moderate. The walks at Uluru are flat and easy. The easy walks are great for first-timers. However, the walk does save some challenging walking of up to 7 hours each day, across very rocky terrain and ridgelines, with ascents and descents, so the experienced hikers won’t be disappointed. The walks at the West MacDonnell Ranges are more remote and therefore the tracks are less maintained. Most of the tracks in central Australia are a bit rocky so sturdy footwear is necessary.

This trip operates with two experienced and knowledgeable guides so we can offer easier and harder walk options along the way.

Pre and post-tour accommodation: There are many good hotels in Alice Springs, however, we pick up and drop off at one central hotel the Mercure (formerly the Chifley), Alice Springs. The tour starts at the Mercure at 8.30 am on day 1 and concludes at the Mercure after breakfast on day 7.

For what to bring please refer to Gear Advice on our FAQ section.

WEATHER

This environment is most suitable to walk from May to September, as it is generally too hot at other times. Nights are significantly cooler than daytime temperatures, so please ensure you bring warm clothing for the evenings. The climate is marked by very low humidity. It is essential you have at least 2L capacity for water on the walk.

See the Bureau of Meteorology for information about temperatures and rainfall ahead of time to ensure proper clothing.

INSURANCE

We strongly recommend the purchase of travel insurance for all of our trips. However, we require that for all travel overseas that you purchase a travel insurance policy, as we charge a cancellation fee if you cancel your walking holiday after we have confirmed it. It is also important in the event of an accident or loss of property.  See the FAQ section for more information.

INFORMATION PACK

For nearly 30 years we have taken pride in providing seamlessly organised walking holidays, but we know, even with that in mind, that you’ll have many more questions. You will receive a very detailed information pack and itinerary approximately 6 weeks out from departure outlining all the fine detail and much more.

CONTACT

If you have any questions, feel free to ask one of our destination consultants or to speak with one of our guides. You can get in touch with us via our contact form, email us at info@auswalk.com.au, or call us on +61 3 9597 9767.

Map

MAP

Departure Dates

DEPARTURE DATES

  • DATES
    AVAILABILITY
    PRICE
    Single Occupancy
    DETAILS
  • 16 May 2022
    AVAILABLE
    Details
    from

    $3495

    SINGLE OCCUPANCY
    $660
    BOOK NOW
  • 6 Jun 2022
    FULL
    Details
    from

    $3495

    SINGLE OCCUPANCY
    $660
    BOOK NOW
  • 13 Jun 2022
    AVAILABLE
    Details
    from

    $3495

    SINGLE OCCUPANCY
    $660
    BOOK NOW
  • 4 Jul 2022
    FULL
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Reviews

REVIEWS

Customer Reviews

5

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  1. Ccllf5

    25 July, 2017 at 3:24 AM
    5

    We had an amazing trip. Our guides Marie & Katie were professional, resourceful, knowledgable and great fun too! They went above and beyond to make our trip enjoyable. The tour was a good combination of the best locations in the Red Centre!

    Reply

  2. katiedove

    20 July, 2017 at 8:22 AM
    5

    In June 2017 I joined a group of walkers for a week in the Red Centre. To see the main attractions including Uluru, Kata Tjuta, Watarrka and Glen Helen it is necessary to travel long distances and it was wonderful to have capable drivers and guides. The trip was planned with some hard days walking , followed by an easier day. Apart from the circuit of Uluru, there is very little flat walking in that area. walking poles were certainly useful, and good boots are essential.
    Our accommodation on current or former cattle stations was very good, as was the food. This was my second Auswalks holiday and now I understand why some people have had several holidays with them.
    We saw some wonderful blue skies but also had some rain and it was cold at night.

    Reply

  3. Linda S

    8 July, 2017 at 8:25 AM
    5

    Take nine people, all whom love to walk, two very informed guides, Maire and Paul, and give them a week in the Red Centre walking on the most scenic tracks from Uluru to the West MacDonnells. By the end of that week, despite the overcast skies and cold wind, we became a well formed group, when Paul took a photograph of us spread out along the track in Ormiston Pound, in step with each other. The colours and the rock formations did not disappoint. Our guides were most informative about the land, the plants and the people who have lived in the Red Centre, and it was a welcome change to stay in accommodation which was not resort style with more than adequate accommodation and meals and a warm welcome wherever we went.

    Reply

  4. DeniseU82

    7 July, 2017 at 6:05 AM

    I have just returned from my first Auswalk adventure and will most certainly be walking with them again. Our small group of likeminded walkers were amazed and astounded by the diversity of landscapes and vastness of the Red Centre. We were led by dynamic duo Marie and Paul. The itinerary is meticulously planned but also adaptable. The website information accurate. There are a lot of kilometres to travel, but they are competent drivers and there is interesting commentary and coffee stops along the way. Most of my group used walking poles and we needed our waterproof jackets, gloves and beanies. If you haven’t been to the Red Centre before this is the perfect way to experience it. Stress free travel with Auswalk.

    Reply

  5. ozpilotcruiser

    1 August, 2016 at 5:58 AM
    5

    This trip certainly hits the highlights of the Red Centre. The guides were totally excellent and provided heaps of information about absolutely everything. The trip notes, planning, and execution of the trip were flawless. There were various nice little touches along the way that made the trip outstanding. We can recommend it extremely highly!

    Reply

  6. Deb W

    16 July, 2015 at 9:01 PM

    The Red Centre Auswalks walking holiday was brilliant. The guides were extremely capable, professional but warm and friendly; nothing was too much trouble and they went above and beyond in aspect of providing the group with a wonderful walking holiday. We travelled to the most spectacular areas and walked trails through breath taking parts of Australia. Can’t rate this walking holiday and in particular the attention to detail by the guides too highly.

    Reply

  7. Bryce J

    19 July, 2014 at 9:35 PM

    We did a guided walk of the Red Centre with Auwalks in July 2014. The walks and accommodation were great with fantastic scenery and great guides. The walks all had easier options but even the harder options were not hard. The highlights were Uluru at sunset, Kings Canyon and the Ormiston Gorge. Travel was by bus which was a little basic for the distance travelled over the 6 days.

    Reply

  8. Greg W

    14 July, 2014 at 9:51 PM

    What a wonderful week. From when we were first collected at 8.30 until we all said goodbye, the whole experience was fantastic. The best way to see the sights is on foot. The walks had shorter and longer options. The latter was a bit more challenging but not too difficult, the superb scenery was worth the walk. We had two guided and 16 walkers. Both guides were professional, experienced, motivated, dedicated and approachable. A great guide to visitor ratio! The food, either at the restaurants or prepared by the guides was perfect. The group was a fun group, with a mix of singles and couples. All had similar interests (walking) and all mixed. The whole tour was great value, it would be impossible to do the same on your own. Already looking forward to my next walk. But which one, so many great options?!

    Reply

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