Tour Description

The Red Centre

(Combined Departure)
Nine Days: 4th – 12th June 2024

Twin Share: $5389 per person. Sole Use: $6499 per person.

Day Two – WEDNESDAY 5 JUNE 2024

After breakfast in Port Augusta, our journey takes us north, into the vast expanses of the Australian outback. The first highlight of our day is a visit to Woomera, a town steeped in the history of space exploration and defence. At the Woomera Heritage Centre, we’re captivated by stories of pioneering rocket tests and space missions, an echo of Australia’s ambitious venture into the aerospace frontier. Exhibits of decommissioned rockets and military hardware paint a vivid picture of the area’s significance on the global stage.

As we continue our drive, the landscape transforms, ushering us into the rugged beauty of the outback. Our destination, Coober Pedy, emerges as an oasis of human ingenuity in the heart of the desert. Famous for its opal mines and unique subterranean lifestyle, Coober Pedy offers a fascinating contrast to the morning’s technological marvels.

Our accommodations at the Desert Cave Hotel (08 8672 5688) provide a comfortable and novel experience of sleeping below the earth’s surface, in rooms carved out of the rocky terrain. This blend of modern comfort with the rustic charm of underground living encapsulates the spirit of adaptation and survival that characterizes Coober Pedy.

As we settle into the evening, and meet our fellow travellers for dinner.

Day Three – THURSDAY 6 JUNE 2024

As dawn breaks over Coober Pedy, the town awakens to reveal its secrets under the soft glow of the rising sun.

Our exploration begins with a captivating visit to the Umoona Opal Mine, where the allure of opal mining comes to life. Here, beneath the earth’s crust, we discover the sparkling veins of precious opals, embedded within the ancient rock. A guided tour illuminates the history of opal mining, introduces us to the tools of the trade, and uncovers the fascinating geology of this arid region.

Golf enthusiasts will enjoy the tour as we visit Coober Pedy Opal Fields Golf Course, the only course in the world with reciprocal rights to Saint Andrews (the home of golf) in Scotland.

Our journey through Coober Pedy continues with visits to iconic local landmarks. The Big Winch Lookout provides panoramic views of the town and the surrounding desert landscape. We also explore one of Coober Pedy’s underground churches.

After lunch in town, our journey continues to the breathtaking Breakaways, a remarkable natural reserve where striking flat-topped, vibrant mounds emerge dramatically from the desert landscape.

The day’s adventures culminate with a dinner at John’s Pizza Bar and Restaurant, a local favourite where the warmth of Coober Pedy’s community is on full display.

Day Four – FRIDAY 7 JUNE 2024

The adventure unfolds as we depart the unique underground world of Coober Pedy, venturing deeper into the vast, open heart of the Australian desert.

The journey to Yulara is a passage through time, with the ancient, weathered landscapes of the Northern Territory unfurling before us in a tapestry of reds, oranges, and deep ochres. Along the way, the silhouette of Mt Connor rises against the sky, its flat-topped shape a prelude to the iconic formations of Uluru and Kata Tjuta, stirring our sense of wonder and anticipation.

As we arrive in Yulara, the gateway to the Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park, the Voyages Desert Gardens Hotel (1300 134 044) welcomes us with open arms for the next 2 nights. Nestled amidst native gardens and with views that stretch to the horizon, this hotel becomes our retreat in the desert, a place where comfort meets the wild beauty of the Australian outback.

The highlight of our day is an excursion to witness Uluru at sunset. This sacred monolith, deeply ingrained in Aboriginal lore and culture, reveals its full majesty as the sun dips below the horizon. The changing light dances across its surface, illuminating Uluru in fiery reds that fade to purples and pinks, a spectacle enjoyed with a glass of sparkling wine and a selection of gourmet canapés. This moment, shared in the company of new friends, is an unforgettable introduction to the spiritual heart of Australia.

Day Five – SATURDAY 8 JUNE 2024

The day beckons us before dawn, inviting us to experience the first light of daybreak at Uluru. This early morning vigil is rewarded with a breathtaking sunrise, where the hues of the sky softly illuminate the grandeur of Uluru, casting a serene glow over the desert. The tranquillity of this moment, shared in silence and awe, is a profound introduction to the day’s explorations.

Following breakfast, we embark on the Mala Walk, guided by the wisdom of the Anangu, Uluru’s traditional custodians. This journey around the base of Uluru is not just a physical walk but a passage through time, where stories of creation, spiritual significance, and the ancestors’ footsteps enrich our understanding of this sacred landscape. The rock’s ancient carvings and waterholes, set against the backdrop of its imposing stature, offer a tangible connection to the land’s enduring culture and history.

In the afternoon, our adventure leads us to Kata Tjuta, a group of large, ancient rock formations about 30 kilometres west of Uluru. Often overshadowed by its famous neighbour, Kata Tjuta stands as a marvel of geological formations and spiritual importance. Our exploration here, among the towering domes and valleys, reveals a landscape of equal majesty and mystery, inviting contemplation and wonder.

As dusk falls, we gather for the Field of Light dinner, an extraordinary fusion of art, nature, and culinary delight. Set amidst Bruce Munro’s vibrant installation, which covers the desert floor in thousands of softly glowing lights, this unique dining experience under the vast outback
sky is a celebration of the senses.

Day Six – SUNDAY 9 JUNE 2024

As dawn breaks over Yulara, we enjoy one last look at Uluru, carrying with us the memories of its majestic presence before setting off on the journey to Alice Springs.

The drive itself is an adventure, winding through the heart of the Red Centre, where the landscape shifts between ancient mountain ranges, vast plains, and the vibrant hues of the desert flora.

Our journey includes a pause at Curtin Springs, an opportunity to stretch our legs and perhaps enjoy a cup of tea against the backdrop of this vast cattle station that blends history with the natural environment.

The stop at Erldunda offers not just a chance for lunch but also a moment to appreciate the crossroads of paths that crisscross Australia’s heartland, linking remote communities and iconic landmarks.

Upon arrival in Alice Springs, the vibrant heart of the outback greets us. Crowne Plaza Alice Springs Lasseters (08 8950 7777) sits against the backdrop of the MacDonnell Ranges and is our accommodation for the next three nights. It’s a time to unwind and enjoy our dinner together.

Day Seven – MONDAY 10 JUNE 2024

Our exploration of Alice Springs begins with a visit to the remarkable Alice Springs Desert Park, an immersive introduction to the desert environment that surrounds this iconic town. Here, in a setting that combines the beauty of a botanical garden with the insights of a natural history museum, we encounter the diverse plant life, animals, and birds that have adapted to the arid landscape. Through a guided tour and interactive exhibits, we also delve into the rich Indigenous culture, learning about the traditional land management practices that have sustained communities for thousands of years.

The journey continues to Anzac Hill, offering panoramic views of Alice Springs and the surrounding MacDonnell Ranges. This vantage point, a memorial to Australia’s military history, provides a moment of reflection on the town’s strategic importance and its stunning natural setting.

A visit to the School of the Air offers a unique perspective on the innovative solutions developed to overcome the challenges of distance in the outback. This pioneering educational institution uses radio and, now, internet technologies to bring schooling to children in remote stations and communities, illustrating the resilience and adaptability of the Alice Springs community.

Our day’s adventure leads us to the historic Old Telegraph Station, the original site of the first European settlement in Alice Springs. This site marks the early days of communication between Australia’s interior and the rest of the world, with well-preserved buildings and stories that capture the pioneering spirit of the outback.

As dusk falls, we gather at Earth Sanctuary for a bush BBQ dinner under the stars. Here, in the tranquillity of the desert night, we share stories of the day’s discoveries, learn about the southern constellations, and reflect on the deep connections between the land, its people, and the cosmos.

This evening, surrounded by the sounds of the outback and under a canopy of twinkling stars, provides a perfect ending to our day of exploration in Alice Springs, deepening our appreciation for this unique corner of the world.

Day Eight – TUESDAY 11 JUNE 2024

The day dawns with anticipation as we prepare to delve into the majestic West MacDonnell Ranges, a striking series of gorges, gaps, and formations that stretch across Central Australia.

Our first stop, Simpsons Gap, is a gateway into the heart of these ancient landscapes, where towering cliffs frame a waterhole that attracts an array of wildlife, particularly at dawn and dusk. The quiet serenity and natural beauty of this gap provide a perfect introduction to the day’s explorations.

As we continue, the rugged scenery leads us to Standley Chasm (Angkerle Atwatye). This natural alleyway, carved through the ranges over millennia, is a testament to the natural forces that have shaped this land. A walk through the chasm reveals the unique flora that clings to its walls and the deep cultural significance this place holds for the local Arrernte people.

Our journey pauses at Hermannsburg Historic Precinct for lunch, a site renowned for its mission heritage and as the birthplace of famous Aboriginal watercolor artist Albert Namatjira. The restored buildings and the art centre provide insights into the daily life of this historic mission, as well as the incredible artistic legacy that emerged from Namatjira and his contemporaries.

The drive through the West MacDonnell Ranges continues, with each turn revealing new vistas and the deep geological history etched into the landscape. Our connection to this ancient land deepens with every stop, from the quiet beauty of Ormiston Gorge to the reflective waters of Ellery Creek Big Hole, each site a chapter in the ranges’ storied past.

Returning to Alice Springs as the sun sets, we make our way to dinner, before our final night together on tour.

Day Nine – WEDNESDAY 12 JUNE 2024

As the sun ushers in our final day in Alice Springs, we gather one last time for breakfast, amidst shared stories and reflections on an unforgettable journey. Our Endeavour driver is with us every step of the way, ensuring that our departure from Alice Springs Airport is smooth and stress-free.

Upon arrival in Adelaide, the warm welcome of another Endeavour Tours representative awaits, ready to assist us at the airport. The luxury of being chauffeured home is the perfect end to our tour.

As we bid farewell to our fellow travellers and the magnificent landscapes of Central Australia, we’re not just saying goodbye but looking forward to the next adventure.

The memories of Uluru’s changing hues, Kata Tjuta’s geological formations and the welcoming spirit of Alice Springs will linger long after our return. This tour has been a journey of discovery, not just of the land but of ourselves and each other, promising a lasting connection to Australia’s enduring heartland.