Outback to the Red Centre: Adelaide to Alice Springs

There are no planned activities during the day, so check in and explore the city. Opt to go for a cruise to swim with dolphins (seasonal), take the tram to Glenelg beach, visit a nearby winery, grab lunch at the Central Market, or enjoy time getting lost in the city.

Hit the road in the morning with your group and admire the scenic views across the Clare Valley. No road trip is complete without a few pit stops; enjoy a local food experience featuring some of Southern Australia’s best regional produce. Then it’s onward to the Ikara-Flinders Ranges, an ancient mountain range that will be your base for the next two nights. Driving through this region is about as close as any humans can get to navigating the face of Mars. Have your cameras ready as you pass through jaw-dropping landscapes, historic outback towns, and fascinating Indigenous sites.

Wake up surrounded by deep red ravines and towering cliffs; sneak in a few pictures, sit back and savour the moment. Then, head to Wilpena Pound for a walk to an 800 million-year-old natural amphitheatre carved out of the mountains in Ikara-Flinders Ranges NP and sacred to the Indigenous Adnyamathana people. Visit these Indigenous art sites and learn more about the art and customs of early settler history and be on the lookout for wildlife like, emus, kangaroos, and wallabies during your visit.

Wave farewell to the ancient and rugged mountain landscapes of Ikara-Flinders Ranges NP as the group journeys south again to Adelaide. On the way pass through the historic railway township of Quorn; with its picturesque setting and heritage buildings it has been the set of a few movies. Then, stop for a waterside lunch at Port Pirie with your group where you can grab anything from seafood to curry and sit along the water admiring the day. Spend an evening out in Adelaide enjoying each other's company before the next adventure begins.

Rise early and board your flight to Alice Springs, gateway to the Red Centre of Australia. Take advantage of a free afternoon to relax, visit the Royal Flying Doctors Museum, or hike up ANZAC Hill. Alice Springs is home to some of Australia’s most stirring landscapes from ochre-red gorges to the ghostly white gum tree and is a key place to begin understanding Indigenous Australia and all of its present day challenges. If it’s not too hot and you’re feeling stir crazy hop on a bike and head out to find adventure.

Looking for a different perspective? Choose to wake up extra early for a hot air balloon flight over Alice Springs then charge those cameras and hit the road to Kings Canyon. Journey to Australia’s famous Red Centre passing through desert plains, weathered mountain ranges, rocky gorges, and some of the most sacred Indigenous sites in the country. Spend your first night together under the stars in a true Aussie desert swag (padded bed roll) and let the good times roll... no pun intended!

Rise early, beat the heat, and embark on a morning walk through the gorges and valleys of Kings Canyon. Take in the spectacular views surrounding you and simply enjoy being in the moment. Then it’s time to hop on the bus and drive to Uluru, where Australia’s most iconic view awaits. Grab a glass of bubbly and enjoy one of the most colourful sunsets of your life as Uluru puts on an unforgettable show in the fading light.

Get in touch with your inner zen as you wake near one of the most spiritual places in Australia. Listen to your peaceful surroundings and reflect before you begin the day. Watch as the sun lights up the sky and changes the landscape before your eyes then visit an Indigenous culture centre with the group and partake in the informative Mala Walk at Uluru. This walk is perfect if you are looking to see lots of Indigenous rock art and get away from the crowds. Wander between the sheer walls and tranquility of Kantju Gorge as you explore one of Australia’s most recognizable landmarks. See the colours change before your eyes, learn the significance behind this destination for the local people, and let Uluru capture your heart.

The unexplainable energy of the Red Centre will have you itching to head out on another hike. You’re in luck because the group will travel to the Mars-like rock formations of Kata Tjuta (the Olgas) to explore the surrounding area. If the temperature isn’t too unbearable you’ll also get to walk through the Valley of the Winds, which is full of dusty orange rock domes just waiting to be enjoyed. Snap some pics, wander away from everyone and revel in the peaceful atmosphere of the Australian Outback before making the drive back to Alice Springs. The tour ends on arrival, but you can always extend your trip if you aren’t quite ready to go home.