7 Days Small Group 4WD safari

Experience the Aboriginal culture of the Red Centre and explore wonderous canyons, gorges, valleys that have been created over the eons, and the iconic monolith of Uluru on this memorable tour.

Day 1 Wed. Uluru (Ayers Rock). On arrival transfer to your hotel. Enjoy sometime at leisure before viewing the sunset where you will meet your fellow travellers over drinks and nibbles followed by a BBQ dinner close to the base of Uluru. Watch the sun set over the monolith and witness the dramatic colour changes on the scarred surface of the rock.
Two Night Stay: Yulara, Voyages Desert Gardens Hotel.

Day 2 Thur. Uluru, Kantju Gorge, Dot Painting Workshop. Rise early for views of Uluru at sunrise. The more energetic may walk around the base of Uluru or climb the monolith. Then take a guided walk to Mutitjulu, a permanent waterhole and visit the painted caves of the Mala people. Learn about how they lived and prepared for ceremonies at the base of Uluru. Walk to sacred Kantju Gorge, a quiet waterhole and ancient hunting ground at the foot of the rock face. We visit the Uluru Cultural Centre and learn about the region’s history, environment and Aboriginal culture. There is an opportunity to purchase original Aboriginal art and artefacts. This afternoon join Aboriginal artists for an introduction to Aboriginal art and try your own hand at dot painting.

Day 3 Fri. Walpa (Olga) Gorge, Kings Canyon Wilderness Lodge. Tour to Kata Tjuta (Olgas). Enjoy panoramic views of the domes and walk into Walpa Gorge. This area is home to unique flora only found in this region. Travel to our own exclusive Kings Canyon Wilderness Lodge, located among the unique desert oak trees and bordering Watarrka National Park. Dinner consists of gourmet Australian cuisine prepared by our chef and enjoyed around the campfire under the magnificent stars of the Southern sky.
Two Night Stay: APT EXCLUSIVE! King Canyon Wilderness Lodge, luxury air-conditioned tented accommodation with private ensuites.

Day 4 Sat. Watarrka National Park, Kings Creek Station. Enter Watarrka National Park, located at the western end of the George Gill Range. Learn about the park on an escorted walk along the ridge of Kings Canyon. A less demanding unescorted walk along the creekbed is also available. Tour Kings Creek Station. With special permission visit an isolated area of the station with evidence of ancient Aboriginal habitation and site of Aboriginal petroglyphs (rock engravings). Optional scenic helicopter flights and escorted quad bike rides are available (own expense). Enjoy sunset drinks before dinner.

Day 5 Sun. Gosse Bluff, Glen Helen, Ormiston Gorge. Travel along the rugged Mereenie Track to Tnorala (Gosse Bluff) Conservation Reserve. The site was created by the impact of a huge comet around 142 million years ago which blasted a crater originally some 20km across. Stop at Glen Helen for a short walk to the gorge and visit Ormiston Gorge. The region is part of the West MacDonnell National Park, home to a number of ancient plants from a tropical past and endangered wildlife. Stop at the Ochre Pits, where for centuries Aboriginals have mined for coloured ochres.
Two Night Stay: Voyages Alice Springs Resort.

Day 6 Mon. Finke Gorge National Park, Palm Valley, Hermannsburg. Travel through the West MacDonnell Ranges to Finke Gorge National Park. By 4WD ford the ancient Finke River into Palm Valley, home to a diverse range of plant species. Many of these are rare and unique to the area, including ancient plants such as cycads and the livistonia mariae palms for which the park is well known. There are around 3,000 adult palms found only in this area.

Day 7 Tue. Home. Enjoy a morning at leisure before transferring to the airport.

2008 Departures
Apr. 2, 9, 16, 23, 30; May 7, 14, 21, 28; Jun. 4, 11, 18, 25; Jul. 2, 9, 16, 23, 30; Aug. 6, 13, 20, 27; Sept. 3, 10, 17, 24; Oct. 1, 8, 15, 22, 29; Nov. 5, 12, 19, 26; Dec. 3, 10, 17, 24, 31.

2009 Departures
Jan. 5, 12, 19, 26; Feb. 7, 14, 21, 28; Mar. 4, 11, 18, 25; Apr.1, 8, 15, 22, 29; May 6, 13, 20, 27; Jun. 3, 10, 17, 24, 31; Jul. 1, 8, 15, 22, 29; Aug. 5, 12, 19, 26; Sept. 2, 9, 16, 23, 30; Oct. 7, 14, 21, 28; Nov. 4, 11, 18, 25; Dec. 2, 9, 16, 23, 30.

Includes all sightseeing, park fees, meals as specified, permits and accommodation.
Seniors Card Holders and Aust./NZ Pensioners deduct $30 per person.

Finest Dining – Includes 11 Meals 6 breakfasts (B), 2 lunches (L) & 3 dinners (D)

Underlined Date Savings: Save $100 per couple, $50 per person.

Key

B: Breakfast Included
L: Lunch Included
D: Dinner Included