Red Centre Road Trip Adventure
7
Days
Northern Territory, Australia
curated by
Northern Territory, Australia
Set out on an extraordinary expedition through the heart of Australia's Red Centre. This exclusive road trip, carefully crafted by Krystle Wright, a pioneering director and adventure photographer, reveals the Northern Territory's breathtaking landscapes, ancient mountain ranges, and some of the most sacred Aboriginal sites.
Krystle is renowned as one of the world's foremost female extreme adventure photographers, and she's handpicked her favorite Red Centre experiences for this self-drive package. Set out in comfort and immerse yourself in the essence of Australia's red desert heart. Your adventure includes a thrilling helicopter ride, dining under a desert moon, an authentic Aboriginal experience, a guide with Krystle's favourite photography locations, and more.
Mention your NRMA Membership number when booking to claim the Member discount.
Krystle's extensive experience as a world-class adventure photographer and director means that she possesses a keen eye for capturing extraordinary moments and creating visually stunning content. Her ability to blend adventure and photography allows her to curate trips that provide people with unparalleled opportunities to witness and document breathtaking landscapes, extreme sports, and immersive cultural experiences.
Krystle's adventurous spirit and determination to capture unique perspectives have led her to remote and awe-inspiring locations around the world. By choosing a trip designed by her, you can expect to explore places that may be off the radar for most travellers. This means the chance to discover hidden gems, explore uncharted territories, and witness scenes that are often inaccessible to the average traveler.
As recognised by National Geographic and other reputable publications, Krystle Wright is a trailblazer in the field of adventure photography, particularly as a leading female figure. Choosing a trip designed by her provides a unique opportunity for aspiring photographers, adventurers, and enthusiasts to learn from her firsthand. Participants can gain insights into her creative process, photographic techniques, and the art of storytelling through photography and cinematography.
Welcome to the Red Centre!
Arrive in Alice Springs and spend the day exploring the town. Visit the many Aboriginal Art galleries along Todd Mall, drive out to the Royal Flying Doctor Service, the Alice Springs Telegraph Station or the Alice Springs Desert Park.
Pick up your rental car in Alice Springs and feel immediately at home in the Mitsubishi ASX, a perfect mix of a spacious SUV wagon and a zippy town car. You’ll find plenty of room in the boot for luggage, as well as an array of tech inside the vehicle such as ABS, Bluetooth, traction control, parking sensors and more. The ASX offers a quiet and smooth ride whether you’re in town or on the open road, and the fuel economy ensures you’re not spending all your road trip money on gas.
Nestled by the tranquil Todd River, the hotel offers a peaceful escape just 2 km from the town centre, adjacent to the Alice Springs Golf Club. Within a 10-minute drive, discover the Alice Springs Desert Park and the scenic Anzac Hill. Enjoy the on-site tennis courts and a heated outdoor pool with garden views, where the resident peacock occasionally makes an appearance. Your spacious guest room features a king-sized bed, HDTV, and a work desk with WiFi. Step onto your private balcony for garden views and unwind in luxurious sheets.
The MacDonnell Ranges sculpt a breathtaking canvas of ancient landscapes and vibrant culture.
Start the Red Centre Way by driving west through the West MacDonnell National Park to witness a spectacular stretch of natural formations including chasms, gorges and desert waterholes. Explore Simpsons Gap, Standley Chasm, Ellery Creek and Ormiston Gorge just to name a few. Splash, hike or sit back in awe of the landscape – it’s truly spectacular!
Nestled by the tranquil Todd River, the hotel offers a peaceful escape just 2 km from the town centre, adjacent to the Alice Springs Golf Club. Within a 10-minute drive, discover the Alice Springs Desert Park and the scenic Anzac Hill. Enjoy the on-site tennis courts and a heated outdoor pool with garden views, where the resident peacock occasionally makes an appearance. Your spacious guest room features a king-sized bed, HDTV, and a work desk with WiFi. Step onto your private balcony for garden views and unwind in luxurious sheets.
Nature's masterpiece, carved over eons, awaits your awe in Australia's heart.
Drive your 4WD on the Mereenie Loop, continue on from the West Macdonnell Ranges until you come across the ancient impact crater called Gosse Bluff. Hike to the top where you can get spectacular views of the ridges made from the meteorite. Continue driving along the Meerenie Loop until you reach Kings Canyon Resort. Finish the day enjoying a dinner experience Dining Under a Desert Moon.
Relax by the campfire on the scenic grounds of Kings Canyon Resort, situated in the beautiful Watarrka National Park, as you enjoy the Under A Desert Moon dining experience. The night starts off with canapés and a glass of sparkling wine on the green lawn in front of Carmichaels’ Restaurant. Then you will be taken to a hidden location where your table is set up under a canopy of stars in the great Southern sky. A fire flickers as you are served a five course dinner created from seasonal, locally sourced produce with paired wines. Some produce and native herbs you may be familiar with and others may surprise and delight.
Nestled in the tranquility of a rugged bush setting, your air-conditioned Resort Room will provide an oasis of comfort after a day of adventure and exploration. Reflecting the casual ambiance of Kings Canyon, your comfortable, spacious room features a queen bed with a separate en suite bathroom that includes a shower and bath, air-conditioning, direct-dial telephone, en suite bathroom, insect screens, hair dryer, tea/coffee facilities, extra blankets, refrigerator, iron/ironing board, writing desk, buffet breakfast for two and mini bar on request. Wi-Fi is also available, however coverage is limited.
Where the rugged beauty of Kings Canyon unfolds in the heart of Australia's outback.
Wake up early to explore the grand beauty of Watarrka National Park. The Kings Canyon Rim Walk is a three hour hike across 100m-high sandstone walls and ancient palm-filled crevices with stunning views of the arid surrounds. In the afternoon you’ll join a one-of-a-kind authentic aboriginal cultural experience.
Karrke is a one-of-a-kind authentic aboriginal cultural experience. This 1‑hour tour is a short walk and talk on areas of importance in the cultural knowledge on bush tucker and bush medicines used for spiritual and healing and a lot more, as used by the Luritja and Pertame (Southern Aranda) people. Learn about seasonal bush tucker food, including the Witchetty Grub, Mai (meaning food in the Luritja language) edible tree seeds and grass seeds and the important grinding stones, Bush medicine plants and their uses by the Aboriginal people, and more!
Nestled in the tranquility of a rugged bush setting, your air-conditioned Resort Room will provide an oasis of comfort after a day of adventure and exploration. Reflecting the casual ambiance of Kings Canyon, your comfortable, spacious room features a queen bed with a separate en suite bathroom that includes a shower and bath, air-conditioning, direct-dial telephone, en suite bathroom, insect screens, hair dryer, tea/coffee facilities, extra blankets, refrigerator, iron/ironing board, writing desk, buffet breakfast for two and mini bar on request. Wi-Fi is also available, however coverage is limited.
A majestic icon, steeped in spirituality, at the heart of Australia's red desert.
Leave the canyon and follow Luritja Road and Lasseter Highway to Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park. Along the way you will pass Mt Conner, commonly known as ‘Fooluru’, as it’s often mistaken for Uluru. Once you arrive at Uluru, your Anangu guide and translator will walk you through the stories held in stone within the Uluru. Settle into your accommodation and then head out to one of the viewing Platforms to witness the rock change colour at Sunset. After dinner, you’ll experience an incredible Uluru Astro Tour.
Make your way to Kuniya Walk at Uluru and submerge yourself into this culturally rich experience that offers much more than just a walk. Your Anangu guide and translator will walk you through the stories held in stone within the Uluru. During this one-hour guided tour, you and your local Aboriginal Anangu will learn about beautiful works of art depicting the Creation time (Tjukurpa) stories in the family cave, here and see the stories set in stone in Uluru (Tjukuritja). During this intimate experience, you will learn about the Kuniya Tjukurpa and gain insight into local bush tucker foods.
The Uluru Astro Tour has a special permit to conduct stargazing tours at the UNESCO world heritage listed Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park at night. You will look up into the infinite and enjoy a new appreciation for stars, planets and deep sky wonders. In the depth of darkness, your astronomy guide will take you on an unforgettable journey of stars, sound and surprises.
Embrace serene surroundings with Indigenous artwork and artefacts that weave local Anangu stories into every corner, creating an enchanting ambiance. Step onto your balcony or patio, witness the desert's day-to-night transformation, and sink into the lavish comfort of Sails in the Desert's luxurious beds.
Choose from rooms featuring twin Queen beds or a King bed. Interconnecting rooms, cots, roll-away beds, and accessible options are available upon request (charges may apply and subject to availability). Your stay includes a Free Indigenous Activities Program, Ayers Rock Airport transfers, complimentary use of the Ayers Rock Resort shuttle bus, and kids 15 and under stay free with existing bedding.
An ancient chorus of monolithic domes echoing stories of the Outback's soul.
See the icons at sunrise on a bicycle. Listen to the local Anangu people as they tell their stories of the Dreamtime. Explore Kata Tjuta on the Valley of the Winds Walk and take in Uluru up-close on the Base Walk. Take your time exploring these icons of Australia’s Outback before getting a birds-eye view of the spiritual heart of Australia. You’ll experience a scenic flight over Uluru and Kata Tjuta National Park.
Take a morning ride around the base of Uluru by bicycle. The 15-kilometre self-guided journey is easily made within 3 hours and can be enjoyed by the whole family. Stop and explore the pure beauty of this spiritual and unique wonder of the world at your own pace. Once you have finished your ride, you are free to explore the Uluru-Kata Tjuta Cultural Centre.
Make sure you see it all while you are here on this once in a lifetime trip by combining the beauty of Uluru and Kata Tjuta in one unforgettable flight. This tour will showcase Uluru & Kata Tjuta, Kata which means ‘many heads, a sacred place relating to knowledge that is considered very powerful. It is made up of a group of 36 conglomerate rock domes the highest of which stands 198 meters taller than Uluru and dates back 500 million years.
Embrace serene surroundings with Indigenous artwork and artefacts that weave local Anangu stories into every corner, creating an enchanting ambiance. Step onto your balcony or patio, witness the desert's day-to-night transformation, and sink into the lavish comfort of Sails in the Desert's luxurious beds.
Choose from rooms featuring twin Queen beds or a King bed. Interconnecting rooms, cots, roll-away beds, and accessible options are available upon request (charges may apply and subject to availability). Your stay includes a Free Indigenous Activities Program, Ayers Rock Airport transfers, complimentary use of the Ayers Rock Resort shuttle bus, and kids 15 and under stay free with existing bedding.
All good things must come to an end.
Make the journey back to Alice Springs. If you have time visit the many Aboriginal Art galleries along Todd Mall, drive out to the Royal Flying Doctor Service or the Alice Springs Telegraph Station before dropping off your hire car and heading home.
“Every rock, every hill has its own story to tell in the vast, timeless expanse of the Red Centre.”
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“Thanking the stars I found Airguides and Jono's trip. We were totally taken care of! Paul answered all our questions and took care of the details so all we had to do was get there. Jono Allen is an amazing, talented photographer who created a special group experience. The WHALES were mind blowing. What a gift to be in Tonga staring into the eye of a baby whale! This trip was a lifelong dream come true. I highly recommend it so much we’ve already signed up again for next year!"
"The Airguides trip to Tonga to swim with humpback whales was the experience of a lifetime. I have traveled all over the world, and nothing compares to being in the wild, rustic, deep blue waters of the South Pacific while interacting with whales and their calves. A wonderful and caring team made our adventures stress free. Absolutely amazing, so much so, that I am doing it again this year! Thanks a million Paul, Jono, Al, Alistair, Christian and Polly!"
"Thank you for your help in putting together our trip to the Northern Territory. Everyone agreed that it was the best family holiday we'd ever had and - even better - everyone nominated something different as 'the best thing'."
"The trip with Airguides was magic. Paul was our kind and patient guide, Mark Fitz was our talented and positive photographer/storyteller. It was a perfect mix of activity and relaxation and I’m already planning my next Airguides trip."
"I recently visited Lady Musgrave Island with Airguides. They have a unique and meaningful approach to travel and travelling with and learning from a world-class photographer, who was on the trip, was incredible."
"I cannot say enough amazing things about Airguides and the amazing honeymoon they planned for us. We began our trip planning by being overwhelmed with travel blogs, not knowing what was actually the best plan for us."
“Just had an amazing trip to Heron Island organised by the Airguides team. Perfect balance of activity and relaxation, they made it so easy. Can't wait until I can do another trip!“
“ We recently organised our trip to Heron Island with Bibi and Paul as a last minute getaway. Seamlessly dealt with and an added bonus of having a world-class photographer/ free-diver as our story teller. The trip has only whet our appetite for more positive and relaxing experiences with the Airguides team- Awesome “
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