Journey to Central & Outback Australia and enjoy the unique experiences that only Australia can offer. Explore natural wonders, discover the legacy of our early settlers and learn why this land is so sacred to its indigenous people.

Day 1 (L,D) HOME, MILDURA

Following metropolitan home/hotel or airport pick up (interstate passengers arrive the day prior) we travel the Calder Highway across Central and Northwest Victoria to Charlton, Sea Lake and Ouyen on our way to Mildura and our home for tonight, the Boulevard Motor Inn.

Day 2 (B,L,D) MILDURA, BROKEN HILL

This morning we cross the border to Wentworth. At Junction Park we overlook the spot where the Murray and Darling rivers converge and flow on to Lock 10 and Weir. Visit the Wentworth Gaol then to Avoca Station, a heritage homestead on the banks of the Darling River. Tour the extensive gardens and buildings. After lunch we continue north to the “Silver City” of Broken Hill with its dark red soil contrasting with clear blue skies. Our home for the next two nights is the All Seasons Hotel or the Silver Haven Motor Inn.

Day 3 (B,L,D) BROKEN HILL

We start our day with a visit to White’s Mining Museum for an insight into Broken Hill mining. We view the Silver Tree at the Albert Kersten Mining & Minerals Museum, with time to browse before lunch. During the afternoon visit Silverton, a living, breathing part of Australia’s history. Once a mining centre, the area has been a backdrop to countless films, TV shows & commercials. The Sculpture Symposium, located on a hilltop in the Living Desert Area was opened in 1993 with a dedication to the late Professor Fred Hollows. We visit this magical place later in the afternoon.

Day 4 (B,L,D) BROKEN HILL, PORT AUGUSTA

Shortly after leaving Broken Hill we cross the border into South Australia’s Outback & Flinders Ranges regions. Travel along the Barrier Highway to Yunta, established in 1887 and once a busy railway town. We continue on to Peterborough and across to Port Augusta, known as the Crossroads of Australia. Roads from Adelaide, the Flinders Ranges, Alice Springs and Perth all intersect here. Our home tonight is the Standpipe Motel.

Day 5 (B,L,D) PORT AUGUSTA, COOBER PEDY

This morning we make our way to Woomera, established in 1947 as a site for the launching of experimental rockets. Explore the informative Heritage Centre and learn about Woomera’s role in Australia’s past, present and future. View the Missile Park, showcasing a varied collection of wartime & civilian relics. We continue to Glendambo before arriving at Coober Pedy, the “Opal Capital of the World”. Our home for the next two nights is the Desert Cave Hotel, a property featuring underground shops, bar and a mix of above and underground accommodation. An amazing hotel.

Day 6 (B,L,D) COOBER PEDY

We explore this unique underground town and one of the state’s most popular movie making locations. The town takes its name from the Aboriginal words “white man” and “hole”. Enjoy a town tour and gain an insight into life underground. View an underground church, shops, galleries and museums. Tour an opal mine and experience how miners work and excavate opal. Take the opportunity to purchase opal if you wish.

Day 7 (B,L,D) COOBER PEDY, AYERS ROCK RESORT

An earlier start today as we continue north through the South Australian outback. Stop at the Moon Plain, a vast expanse of rocky plain with a lunar-like landscape that has been the set for many movies. Pass through Marla at the northern tip of the Oodnadatta Track and the last town before the Northern Territory border. Later today we arrive at the highlight of our tour, Ayers Rock Resort at Yulara. You may wish to arrange a flight over Uluru (own expense). Our home for the next two nights is the Desert Gardens Hotel.

Day 8 (B,L,D) ULURU

Today we explore the Uluru region. Visit the Uluru-Kata Tjuta Cultural Centre, learn about the park and Anangu culture. The Anangu, traditional owners of the region, have history dating back tens of thousands of years. We tour the base of the magnificent Uluru (Ayers Rock) and stop for ample photo opportunities along the way. This afternoon we travel to Kata Tjuta (The Olgas), a group of 36 massive, domed rock formations. Like Uluru, this is a sacred site. Many dreamtime legends are associated with the area and it is still the site of spiritual ceremonies. This evening we gather for our transfer to the Sounds of Silence experience where we dine outdoors as the sun sets over nearby Uluru. As we gaze at the brilliant night sky, listen to legends and stories as told by the stars. A night to remember.

Day 9 (B,L,D) ULURU, KINGS CANYON

Early risers may wish to take in the sunrise over Uluru before breakfast. Following breakfast we depart for Kings Canyon, stopping at Kings Creek Station, a working cattle station and the largest exporter of camels in Australia. After lunch we continue to Kings Canyon. Upon arrival enjoy an afternoon walk along the Canyon floor, or maybe enjoy a helicopter ride (own expense) to view the canyon cliffs. Our home tonight is the Kings Canyon Resort.

Day 10 (B,L,D) KINGS CANYON, ALICE SPRINGS

Today we travel to Alice Springs via Erldunda and the Stuart Highway. Take in the view from Anzac Hill and visit the Royal Flying Doctor base in “The Alice”. Home for three nights is the Chifley Resort, Alice Springs, on the banks of the famous Todd River.

Day 11 (B,L,D) ALICE SPRINGS

We spend today exploring the 300 million year old West McDonnell Ranges. Visit Simpson Gap, a natural gap in the ranges, Standley Chasm, an 80 metre chasm formed by flood waters over millions of years, Ellery Creek Big Hole, a spectacular waterhole in the mighty Ellery Creek and the Ochre Pits, source of the coloured clays used by aboriginal people on ceremonial occasions.

Day 12 (B,L,D) ALICE SPRINGS

This morning we visit the Old Telegraph Station and the School of the Air, where we may have the opportunity to view a live class taking place. An afternoon visit to the award-winning Alice Springs Desert Park where we see many exhibits, including the amazing birds of prey display. A special event tonight as we enjoy the Sounds of Starlight Theatre, a visual and musical journey through the history of the outback. You will love this show!

Day 13 (B,L) ALICE SPRINGS, HOME

On our final morning we visit Mbantua Gallery Museum and Todd Mall. Time to browse before we transfer to the Alice Springs Airport for our flight back to Melbourne. Lunch served inflight. On arrival in Melbourne, home or hotel transfers are available. Passengers from other states may fly via Melbourne or direct to their home port, depending on airline schedules. So concludes a most enjoyable outback journey through Central Australia.