Witness the rugged landscape of the Red Centre and marvel at the ancient cultures that have cared for this land for generations. Experience the majesty of Uluru, Kings Canyon and view rock art dating back thousands of years, witness striking landscapes and be immersed in the stories of the Dreamtime.
(B) Breakfast (L) Lunch (D) Dinner (SD) Specialty Dinner Tour Code: CRAA
The Crown Plaza hotel is nestled under the MacDonnell Ranges and is just a few minutes from Alice Springs CBD and 10 minutes from the Alice Springs Airport.
It’s adjacent to key Alice Springs visitor attractions such as Alice Springs Convention Centre and the casino, this hotel is one of the town’s largest, offering guests quality, convenient accommodation.
The hotel offers 205 guest rooms in addition to a great variety of facilities and amenities including the beautiful resort pool, spa and sauna, state of the art Fitness Centre, casual dining in Tali a la carte restaurant and access to a variety of food and beverage options within the Lasseters casino including the Goat & Bucket, the Juicy Rump, Tempo, Casbah and the Juicy Sports lounge.
Kings Canyon is a natural wonder located approximately between Alice Springs and Uluru – literally at the heart of Australia’s Red Centre. The canyon was forged over 400 million years and is made from layers of sandstone with hard shale between layers. Soaring 270 metres above sea level, areas of the canyon plummet to the Garden of Eden where lush, plants thrive along the line of the permanent rock pools. It is at these pools you will often see native animals coming to drink.
It is a place of serenity and contemplation and one of great significance to the original land owners who ask that you do not swim in the waters. Other than this request, you are welcome to climb, touch and explore the canyon in a manner respectful to its history and natural environment.
The Resort, Backpackers Lodge and Camp Ground offer accommodations for all travellers. And the facilities of the resort provide an oasis of convenience in the middle of an ancient, rugged landscape.
Indulgent escapes await at Sails in the Desert, where soaring white sails shade 228 lavishly appointed rooms and suites. Cool off in the sparkling swimming pool lined with lush gumtrees, or linger over unique Australian flavours paired perfectly with your favourite regional wines at one of the resort’s dining, lounge, and bar options. Relax in the brasserie-style Ilkari Restaurant, unwind after a day of exploring with cocktails and Indigenous-inspired cuisine in the Walpa Lobby Bar, or curl up on one of the daybeds and enjoy a casual lunch and beverage by the pool.
Immerse yourself in one-of-a-kind Indigenous art at the stunning Mulgara Gallery, or be lulled into complete relaxation with one of the Red Ochre Spa’s sumptuous treatments.
Alice Springs is a remote town in Australia’s Northern Territory, halfway between Darwin and Adelaide, it’s a popular gateway for exploring the Red Centre, the country’s interior desert region. Known to the locals as “Alice”, this town embodies the quintessential Australian spirit, from the ancient desert it sits upon to the Aboriginal culture that is woven into the very fabric of life here. In the town itself, you’ll find an impressive array of outback activities from camel rides to sunrise hot air balloons. But escaping to nature isn’t difficult either. With an array of epic day trips accessible at your fingertips, you can float in freshwater swimming holes, explore the awe-inspiring Kings Canyon or marvel at the magnificent monolith, Uluru.
Watarrka National Park is only three hours’ drive from Uluru, and is home to the mighty Kings Canyon – a majestic destination featuring 300 metre high sandstone walls, palm-filled crevices, and views that stretch across the desert. Feel on top of the world as you walk along the towering red rock cliffs of Kings Canyon and take in views of the forest of palms below. There is an iconic Kings Canyon Rim Walk. The six-kilometre circuit showcases some iconic landmarks like the Garden of Eden, a beautiful rockhole surrounded by rare plants, before ascending to 360 degree panoramic views over the red sand dunes – however can be a challenging walk and is best done in the morning at sunrise to avoid the heat.
In Australia’s Red Centre lies the spectacular Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park. Home to many ancient wonders, the park is most famous for the enormous monoliths it’s named after. Uluru and Kata Tjuta rise from the earth in all their red glory just 30 kilometres (18.6 miles) from each other. Measuring 348 metres (1140 feet) high and 9.4 kilometres (5.8 miles) in circumference, Uluru is the largest sandstone monolith in the world, while Kata Tjuta is made up of 36 giant domes spread over more than 20 kilometres (12.4 miles). Both sites remain deeply spiritual and sacred to the local Anangu people, who have lived here for more 22,000 years. Uluru–Kata Tjuta National Park is Aboriginal land and jointly managed by its Anangu traditional owners and Parks Australia. The park is recognised by UNESCO as a World Heritage Area for both its natural and cultural values.
Uluru, or Ayers Rock, is an iconic, massive sandstone monolith in the heart of the Northern Territory’s arid “Red Centre”. The nearest large town is Alice Springs, 450km away. Uluru is sacred to indigenous Australians and is thought to have started forming around 550 million years ago. It’s within Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park, which also includes the 36 red-rock domes of the Kata Tjuta (colloquially “The Olgas”) formation. Experience the magic of this art instillation by Bruce Munro. The field of everchanging spheres will mesmerise you with the sight of Uluru in the background.
The iconic hike to the top of Kings Canyon is known as the spellbinding Rim Walk. The Rim Walk will take you on a 6 kilometre circuit transcending down into the Garden of Eden and back to the top to wonder at the 360 views. Depending on what pace you take to absorb the humbling scenery, the walk can take around 3-4 hours.
The start of the walk is the most difficult, with around 500 steep steps to climb. Once you are up there it will be one of the most magical experiences of your life. After you take in the views from the top of the stairs, continue your journey through Priscilla’s Crack made famous by the classic Australian movie Priscilla Queen of the Desert and to the first lookout across the canyon. From there you will see the marvelous sandstone domes (a mini-Purnululu) known as the Lost City due to it resembling an ancient city.
Next up is your choice to continue exploring the top or take the stairs down to the picturesque Garden of Eden filled with lush greenery where you can cross a secured bridge over the sacred watering hole. Once you have captured this iconic moment take the stairs back up to the south side of the canyon.
This 6km hike requires a high level of fitness so it’s not suitable for all travellers. The first 30-minute incline is considered “Difficult”. The Tour Director will offer an easier alternative along the creek walk for those that are unable.
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