Red Centre June 2010
|
9
days
2 nights
2 nights
2 nights
1 nights
1 nights |
Saturday 12th June to Sunday 20th
June 2010
lodge accommodation at Glen
Helen Resort
Hotel accommodation in Alice
Springs
lodge accommodation with shared amenities at Kings Canyon
Resort
cabin accommodation with shared
amenities at Curtin Springs Station
hotel accommodation in Yulara (Ayers Rock
Resort) |
A journey to the heart of the Australian continent has all of the
makings of a great travel experience. There is the deeply spiritual aspect
associated with landmarks such as Uluru, the many testimonies to the tenacity of
the early pioneers as seen in the Alice Springs Telegraph Station, and of course
the unique character and spectacle of locations such as Kings Canyon. Park Trek
has planned a 9-day journey through this ancient area at a time of the year when
cool fresh mornings give rise to warm, clear days.
DAY 1
Our trip begins with a pick up in central Alice Springs at 9.00am. Our
journey takes us out to Ormiston Gorge, one of the most strikingly beautful
locations in the West MacDonnell Ranges. Before we begin our days walking
we'll enjoy morning tea and prepare our lunches so we can sit
overlooking this fabulous landscape. The days walk can only be
described as absolutely stunning and one that very quickly
introduces us to the timeless beauty of this area. Then it’s onto Glen Helen
Resort, our home for the next 2 nights. Here we enjoy comfortable twin
share lodge accommodation. Tonights dinner is around a campfire under the
blanket of a 1000 stars.
11 kilometres walking
About our accommodation..
Our 2 nights at the Glen Helen Resort are in motel rooms. The rooms are
simply appointed.
• Airconditioning
• You have a
choice of a double room or a twin share room
• Private Ensuite
•
Refrigerator
DAY 2
Today we follow arguably the best section of the Larapinta Trail taking
in the view from Counts Lookout. Our days journey begins at Serpentine Gorge and
pauses for lunch atop Counts Lookout. While this is a challenging section the
pace fo the walking with only small backpacks is gentle and steady enabling you
to absorb your surrounds. We finish at Serpentine Dam and then it’s back to
our cosy lodge at Glen Helen for another great night under the stars.
16 kilometres walking
DAY 3
We depart from Glen Helen this morning for the East MacDonnell Ranges. These
ranges are not as popular as their western counterparts yet some inspiring
walking and surrounding countryside awaits the more intrepid of us. Leaving
Alice Springs after a morning tea break we drive out to the beautiful Trephina
Gorge and walk the ridgeline along to John Hayes Rockhole. This is a walk that
offers fantastic views and another great place to visit. Our vehicle will be
waiting to take us back into Alice Springs so we can clean ourselves up
as we are dining out at the iconic Overlander Restaurant (OE).
8 kilometres walking
About our accommodation..
For the two nights we are staying in Alice Springs we'll
be using the All Seasons Oasis. Stay in inviting surroundings when you visit
Alice Springs. The airconditioned Standard Rooms feature one queen and one
single bed, as well as in-room movies, a TV, a fridge and private ensuite. You
can either have your own room or share with another same sex guest. We will dine
in their restaurant for one night on a set menu and each breakfast will be a
full buffet offering for both mornings.
DAY 4
Today we journey into the ancient landscape of Palm Valley along the
worlds oldest watercourse, the Finke River. We use four wheel drive vehicles to
take us on this journey into an ancient land that is stunning and a real
trip highlight. We anticipate you returning around 6.00pm. Then we'll
settle into the All Seasons Oasis restaurant for dinner.
DAY 5
Today we make tracks for Kings Canyon in the Watarrka National Park. The
scenery will pass you by outside of your coach window as we journey towards
our next port of call. Along the way we'll stop in at Mt Ebeneezer Roadhouse for
lunch and the chance to appreciate (and buy if you wish) some of the best
Aboriginal art in Central Australia. After our break we'll make Kathleen
Springs our next destination where we enjoy a short 3 kilometre walk in and out
of this remarkable outback oasis. By late afternoon we'll be arriving
into our lodge accommodation at the Kings Canyon Resort. After
settling in it will be time to get the wine flowing, the campfire blazing
and dinner under a blanket of a million stars.
About our accommodation...
We are staying at the Kings Canyon Resort Lodge. The rooms are simple. Each
room has either a twin share configuration or a double bed. There are tea/coffee
making facilities. Bathroom facilities are shared. The bathroom facilities are
those used by the folks in the campground.
Dinners are served under the stars when Park Trek turns on it's famous
outdoor hospitality. Dining around the broad banquet table with everyone in good
humour is one for many an absolute trip highlight. Breakfast is also served
outdoors.
DAY 6
Todays walking is along the Giles Track
that follows the dramatic ridgeline of the George Gill Range. It
is a great chance to appreciate the quiet beauty of the outback without the
maddening crowds. Over the years that we have been doing this trip the variety
of wildflowers, the amazing rock formations and the expansive views have served
to make this one of the most endearing days on the entire trip. Then it's
back to our lodgings, a shower and an evening sunset.
12 kilometres walking
DAY 7
Today we depart Kings Canyon Resort
to go off and explore arguably one of the best gorge walks found anywhere, the
Kings Canyon Rim Walk. We’ll take our time to explore this amazing environment
and do some extra wanderings of our own before returning to the coach. By
evening time we’ll be settling one of Central Australia's iconic cattle stations
- Curtin Springs. Our accommodation here are very modern and clean twin share
cabins. Each room has it's own ensuite.
About our accommodation..
Tonight we'll enjoy a fantastic outback bbq meal around a
blazing campfire. It's a terrific experience being in the outback as the sun
dips below the horizon and turns the light into a subtle pink glow and Curtin
Springs is a great place to experience this phenomena.
9 kilometres walking
DAY 8
A leisurely days walking awaits us as we head out to Kata Tjuta (The Olgas).
Walks include the Olga Gorge Walk and one of the most beautiful walks in the Red
Centre, the Valley of the Winds. We'll then head off to the fabulous visitor
information centre at the foot of Uluru. Finally we return to
our accommodation in the late afternoon letting you do some wanderings of
your own before a final sunset over Uluru. Tonight is special final night's
dinner so we have chosen a delightful restaurant to eat at in Yulara (OE).
10 kilometres walking
About our accommodation...
Our nights accommodation at Yulara is in the Outback Pioneer Hotel. Our rooms
feature either four single bunk beds or one double and one single bed and have a
private ensuite bathroom. Tea/coffee making facilities and bed linen are
provided. Breakfast is served in the camp kitchen.
DAY 9
After breakfast we embark on our final walk, the base walk of Uluru.
This will occupy the best part of the morning and makes for a superb finale to
our journey through this treasured part of the country. Back at Yulara you can
choose from a number of eateries for a quick bite of
lunch (OE). Then you have the choice here of deciding
whether to catch an afternoon flight from the airport at Yulara and return home.
It's worthy of further investigation if you wish to return to work the following
day. Otherwise you can remain with us as we make the return journey back to
Alice Springs, returning by 6.00pm.
10 kilometres walking
PRICE
Cost: $2,500.00 (inc. GST)
(ex - Alice Springs)
(OE) denotes Own Expense
