Ayers Rock
Five-day excursion

Adelaide - Alice Springs - Kings Canyon - Ayers Rock - Perth

10th - 14th December 2010

£1,280 per person. Excursion package includes:

All domestic flights with Qantas

Meals as specified in the itinerary

Private air-conditioned coach for airport transfers and touring as specified

Touring and transfers as specified in the itinerary by private charter coach with an experienced driver

Departure assistance in Brisbane

Accommodation as specified (or similar)

Entry fees and National Park fees where required as per the itinerary

Visit to the Royal Flying Doctors Visitors Centre in Alice Springs

Outback Bush BBQ Dinner in Alice Springs

Aboriginal Dreamtime cultural tour in Alice Springs

'Sounds of Silence' dinner with drinks in the desert

Meet and greet on arrival in Perth

24-hour toll-free emergency contact to Cricket Australia Travel Office whilst in Australia

Goods & Services Tax of 10% (subject to change)

Not included:

Items of a personal nature e.g. telephone calls, mini bar, room service etc

Domestic Flights

Outbound: Brisbane Sat 10th Dec
Arrive: Alice Springs Sat 10th Dec
Flight: Qantas

Inbound: Ayres Rock Weds 14th Dec
Arrive: Perth Weds 14th Dec
Flight: Qantas

Hotels

Alice Springs 10th - 11th December 2010
Crowne Plaza 4* Hotel
Hotel website

Kings Canyon 12th December 2010
Kings Canyon 3* Resort
Hotel website

Ayers Rock 13th December 2010
Desert Gardens 4.5* Hotel, Ayers Rock
Hotel website

Excursion Itinerary

 Friday 10th December
Adelaide to Alice Springs (Dinner included)

Meet your guide in the hotel foyer and join your coach transfer to Adelaide airport for the flight to Alice Springs.

On arrival, commence a town tour of Alice Springs, the heart of Australia's Red Centre. The town grew after the arrival of the railway from Adelaide in 1929 and today is a pleasant, modern town. Visit Anzac Hill for spectacular views of the town, the Royal Flying Doctors Base to appreciate how an aerial medical service is provided to those living in extremely remote regions, and the school of the Air, which provides schooling to widely-scattered outback children.

The tour terminates at the Crowne Plaza Hotel for check in.

In the evening, rejoin your coach for a very special outback experience located just 10kms from town. You will become truly immersed in the spirit and grandeur of the Australian outback from the moment you step off the coach. You’ll be surrounded by spectacular formations of the MacDonnell Ranges, where a collage of colours explodes under the setting sun and sets the surroundings aglow. Enjoy a pleasant and relaxing evening around the campfire with a fine meal of prime Central Australian beef. This fun-filled evening of entertainment and outback cuisine in the atmosphere of an early cattle camp is as unique as the Australian outback itself.

Enjoy a cold beer or wine from the Aussie Bush Bar and wet your whistle. Sit back and relax and meet the local people who share the epic story of survival in this harsh land. This evening enthrals visitors with a unique and exciting experience that goes beyond traditional folk stories, delivering a spectacular insight into the early Aboriginal way of life and the Australian outback cattleman.

The music delights and captivates, with its authentic bush balladeer singing timeless Australian Songs underneath a chandelier of stars. The Aussie Bush Bar serves a supply of bottled red or white wine, beer or soft drink throughout the evening (all included). The impeccable food is prepared and served to include a tantalizing array of great Aussie Food that will long be remembered.

There is nothing like the outback night sky to highlight the stars. Complete the evening with some expert stargazing and understand the extent and beauty of our galaxy. See the famous Southern Cross and learn how to find your bearings with this unique constellation.

Return transfer to the Crowne Plaza Hotel where you can reflect on your unique outback Australian experience, friendly hosts and outstanding entertainment.

Saturday 11th December
Alice Springs (Breakfast & lunch included)

After a buffet breakfast at the hotel, today we journey into the surrounding native area of Alice Springs to meet your guide who will introduce you to traditional Aboriginal people who are still 'Living their Culture'. Listen to topics such as Dreamtime, spiritual beliefs and bush survival. If you’re brave enough, sample a witchetty grub or kangaroo tail, as you learn about bushtucker, hunting, gathering and weaponry still used by indigenous people.

Gain a full understanding of this fascinating culture, both past and present, and learn how it and the Aboriginal people fit into today's society. There is also a rare opportunity to meet and interact firsthand with traditional people from the Walpiri tribe.

Meet Aboriginal artists and see their work, as you spend some time in the camp, with the chance to learn about and purchase significant pieces, knowing the work is authentic and that your money is going straight back into the Aboriginal community.

This is a cultural learning experience, second to none - a rare opportunity to experience traditional Aboriginal culture in a sensitive and non-commercial environment. This afternoon, view the panoramic landscapes of the West MacDonnell Ranges. They are extraordinary, for both their immensity and the spectacular array of sunburnt oranges, maroons and purples on display. Yet to truly appreciate the West MacDonnell’s, you must explore the ranges' rugged gorges, gaps and chasms to experience the unspoiled serenity of this region with Simpson’s Gap and Stanley Chasm being the most prominent ones.

Picnic lunch is provided.

On the return to town, visit a popular local outback pub called 'Bojangles Saloon' in Todd Street, a must for every visitor to Alice Springs. Here, you find not only wide choice of Australian beers, but also a collection of memorabilia, reflecting the pioneer era.

Sunday 12th December
Alice Springs to Kings Canyon (Breakfast included)

After breakfast at the hotel, join your coach to travel to Kings Canyon.

Kings Canyon is one of the most unforgiving landscapes on earth. Its towering sandstone walls guard ancient tales and secret gardens. This extraordinary land inspires reflection. What makes visiting Kings Canyon in Watarrka National Park so rewarding is the incredible range of sights and experiences on offer within such a concentrated area, the 100 metres high, sheer walls of the canyon rise from the creek bed, in which there are numerous rock pools and lush vegetation, including Cycad Palms, ancient in their origin.

Arrive in Kings Canyon around lunchtime. After lunch, experience the Creek walk through the lush green base of the Canyon.

Monday 13th December
Kings Canyon to Uluru [Ayers Rock] (Breakfast and dinner included)

After breakfast, an early start will help us avoid the heat whilst climbing the canyon. Once at the canyon, we make the rocky climb to the rim for marvellous views. The walk may take up to three hours, so it is for the energetic, it may be possible to swim in one of the rock pools in the Garden of Eden.

After the walk, we return to the resort to freshen up before rejoining your coach, travelling through unique desert landscapes and interesting scenery of the 'outback'. View Atila (Mt. Conner) and pass through Curtin Springs. Look out for wild camels that inhabit the area. Arrive at Uluru and Ayers Rock resort.

Later in the afternoon, board your coach for the base tour of Uluru (Ayers Rock). Begin with a drive around the base of the Rock. Your guide will point out a number of interesting features of the monolith, then take you on a walking tour of Mutitjulu Waterhole where you can view Aboriginal rock art.

This evening, transfer by coach to secluded place in a desert for Sounds of Silence dinner. This is a truly unique outback experience as the sound of the didgeridoo echoes across the magical landscape as you enjoy canapés whilst witnessing a spectacular sunset. Marvel at the play of colours as the sun slowly sets.

Then, move on to your private desert-dining site at dusk to dine under a million stars. Savour the culinary delights of a gourmet BBQ, starting with soup then followed by kangaroo, barramundi, emu and local bush salads, and mouth-watering desserts accompanied by fine Australian wines. After dessert, listen to stories of the Southern skies by an astronomer while you enjoy coffee, tea and fine port.

Return by coach to the hotel.

Tuesday 14th December
Depart Uluru [Ayers Rock] to Perth (Breakfast included)

After buffet breakfast at the hotel, this morning, join your coach for a tour to the Kata Tjuta (Olgas), a cluster of rounded massive rocks equally mysterious. 'Kata Tjuta', meaning 'many heads', is the Aboriginal name for the Olgas, and each of the 36 domes has a story in their mythology and significance in their beliefs. During the walk to Olga Gorge and Valley of the Winds you can observe these unusually shaped formations.

If time permits, you may visit the Uluru-Kata Tjuta Cultural Centre.

Return to the resort and later you will be transferred to Ayers Rock airport for your outbound flight to Perth. On arrival, transfer to your hotel.

Ayers Rock excursion price

ONLY £1,280 per person

Howzat Travel, a Cricket Australia Travel Office Licensed Travel Operator for the 3 mobile Ashes Series 2010/11. (CATO Licence Number: CATO1011/025)

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