The iconic Outback. Reddish glow. Amber desert. Sacred. Spiritual. Imposing but pure. Welcome to the Red Centre, the physical and metaphoric heart of Australia. The essence of this region is as spectacular and vital as the incredible light that has shone on its vast soils since the beginning of time. From the world’s largest monolith of Uluru, the mysterious shapes of Kata Tjuta, the mighty ancient sandstones of Kings Canyon, to the outback town of Alice Springs framed by the rocky MacDonnell Ranges, the Red Centre’s beauty is otherworldly, intense and monumental. Get ready for an unforgettable journey of discovery with a customised Red Centre and Uluru tour package from Chan Brothers Travel Private Tours and awaken all your senses today.
Ride into the red No amount of photographic literature can prepare anyone for the visual epiphany when they come face to face with the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Uluru, also known as Ayers Rock. Beyond being one of Australia’s most iconic symbols, its complete essence transcends any euphoria that humans’ eyes can see with its spiritual significance to the Anangu, the traditional custodians of this sacred land. While the cultural intricacies are deeper to understand, the beauty that it presents is forthright and almost imposing, and there is no critic in the world that can turn their eyes away when the monolith changes its colour splendidly during the course of the day. There are many ways to take in this wonder but riding on a camel on arid desert soils and approaching the hulk during dusk and dawn must count as one of the most impressive experiences any traveller can undertake, anywhere in the world.
Kings Canyon Situated approximately midway between Alice Springs and Uluru lies one of another Red Centre’s treasures. Kings Canyon, an ancient sandstone canyon that soars above the dense palm forests of the Northern Territory is stirring and mysterious, and contains an immense array of wondrous sites and more than 600 species of native plants and animals, many unique to the area. For the energetic, a six-kilometre hike up to the top of the canyon rewards one with a mesmerising panorama of the vast gorges below, or descend its depth to the lush Garden of Eden, so named as it represents an oasis amid the arid landscape with its verdant greenery, natural spring and enormous prehistoric ferns. Alternatively, an easier walk at the canyon base leads you to stunning views of the sheer canyon walls above, or explore the unusual weathered rock formations at The Lost City. Whichever walk you choose to do, conquering the canyon will be one satisfying experience to remember.
Ogle at Olga Lesser known than its monolith counterpart but equally breathtaking and symbolic are the towering ochre-coloured shapes and domes of Kata Tjuta (The Olgas). View the chameleon landscape during sunrise and sunset at the dune viewing area, walk through the Walpa Gorge and experience a change of scene from groves of rare plants to sheer walls and rocky paths, or wander away from everyone at the Valley of the Winds where you can almost have the breathtaking views all for yourself to contemplate in the heart of this land. Alternatively, for a more comfortable and no less thrilling experience, hop aboard a helicopter and wonder at the splendid hues of red and blue as you hover above it all.
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For an off-the-beaten-track Aussie outback experience, a customised Red Centre and Uluru tour package from Chan Brothers Travel Private Tours is your key to a stimulating foray into the real heart of Australia. Call 6212 9935 or email privatetours@chanbrothers.com.sg to find out more.
Highlights
Every itinerary can be fully customised according to needs, special interests, personal preferences and defining style of just about anyone who wants to travel privately and exclusively.
Assemble at Singapore Changi Airport for your flight to Alice Springs. Upon arrival at the airport, meet your driver and enjoy a private airport transfer to your hotel in Glen Helen.
This morning, enjoy swimming at Redbank Gorge pools. You can grab a tyre tube from the resort and splash your way through the gorge. Next, continue to Gosse Bluff, a giant impact crater, and hike to the top where you can get spectacular views of the landscape created from the meteorite that landed more than 140 million years ago.
Glen Helen Gorge
Today, continue to explore Kings Canyon. There are various hiking and walking options suitable for young and old alike. Kings Canyon Rim Walk is a 3-hour adventure across 100 metre-high sandstone walls and ancient palm-filled crevices with stunning views of the arid surrounds. For those looking for a more relaxed option, Kings Creek Walk provides equally breathtaking views from the canyon floor.
Kings Canyon Rim Walk
This morning, proceed to Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park. Along the way, you will go past Mt Conner. If you wish, you may view the Lake Amadeus salt plains from the lookout at Mt Conner. Upon arrival, check in to your resort and spend the rest of the day to explore the region at your own leisure. You can do hikes to see Aboriginal rock art, trek through Walpa Gorge, bike through Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park or learn about the Anangu people at the cultural centre.
Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park
This morning, rise and shine in the Red Centre. Head to the nearby sunrise viewing area to greet the sun as it rises across the desert plains. Take in the incredible view of the morning sun slowly changing the colour of Ayers Rock. There is plenty to do to take in the mesmerising icon of the Outback ride on a camel, enjoy a bicycle ride, listen to the local Anangu people as they tell their stories, hike through Valley of the Winds trail or marvel at Ayers Rock up close through the Base Walk.
Ayers Rock
This morning, depart Uluru and return to Alice Springs, an iconic Red Centre outpost. You can opt to go for a sunset hot air balloon ride, embark on a 4WD adventure or join an outback pub tour to discover the town.
Alice Springs
Enjoy a private airport transfer from your hotel to the airport for your flight home.