Reef to Red Centre

On-board your international outbound flight to Darwin.

This morning, you'll make the short journey back to the airport and set off for Alice Springs. Upon arrival, you'll be transferred to your hotel. This afternoon, we suggest exploring the historic Telegraph Station or making your way to the Royal Flying Doctor Service museum.

Today you'll enjoy a full-day tour to West MacDonnell Ranges. En route, you'll stop for a walk at Simpsons Gap, a sacred spot for indigenous communities and home to the black-footed rock wallaby. You'll also visit Ochre Pits and Ormiston Gorge, before stopping for a swim in a pristine waterhole at Ellery Creek Big Hole.

Today you'll collect your hire car and start your journey to Kings Canyon. The landscape is as you imagine it in the red centre – red earth, rugged mountain ranges, and infinite skies – a truly authentic outback experience. There’s a ranger station (often unmanned) 19 kilometres from the Canyon, which is well worth visiting to learn the history of the area, as well as the fauna and flora of Watarrka National Park.

Spend the morning exploring the stunning Kings Canyon on the famous Rim walk or the shorter Creek walk, before setting off for Uluru. We recommend a stop at the Mount Conner lookout. You may be interested to know that this magnificent monolith is often referred to by the locals as 'Fooluru' or 'Fools Rock', as many tourists undertaking this drive first believe that Mount Conner is indeed Uluru herself when they see her rising up to the south.

Today you'll enjoy an early-morning sunrise trek around the base trail of Uluru, allowing you to embrace the culture, geology, and environment that are the essence of this amazing monolith. You'll listen to your guide tell cultural stories of Aboriginal creation as you enjoy your picnic breakfast and watch the sun rise. As the evening falls, you'll embark on a journey of discovery and learn the ancient Anangu Story as it lights up the desert sky at an open-air theatre set atop the dunes. A state-of-the-art sound and light show, including lasers, drones and light projectors, depicts the Mala story before your eyes as you enjoy a gourmet dinner hamper of local and native produce.

Today you'll head back to Alice Springs to catch your onward flight to Cairns. Upon arrival, why not take a stroll along the Esplanade and enjoy an alfresco dinner?

Today you'll board the Ocean Freedom catamaran and head out to sea for a full-day Great Barrier Reef tour to explore the Outer Reef. You'll visit two different snorkeling sites, where you can explore the surrounding reef and take in the beauty of the underwater world.

This morning, you'll pick up your hire car and make the short scenic journey up the coast to Palm Cove. You can enjoy stunning coastal scenery to your right and the tropical rainforest to your left. After checking into your hotel, the rest of the day is free for you to stroll along the golden beaches of Palm Cove, or to simply enjoy time at your boutique retreat.

Today you'll continue 30 minutes up the coast to your luxury hotel set in the lush rainforest of Tropical North Queensland. The rest of the day is yours to enjoy the activities on offer onsite, such as a bush walk through the gardens or a barefoot beach stroll to soak up the sunshine and tranquillity. You can also enjoy stargazing  talks, nature walks and Indigenous talks.

Today, enjoy a full-day Daintree Dreaming tour through the traditional lands of the Kuku Yalanji people. Discover the region’s breathtaking natural beauty and ancient culture as you explore lush rainforest, mangroves and mudflats. Along the way, take part in authentic Aboriginal experiences and gain a deeper understanding of the stories, traditions, art and connection to country.

This morning is free to wander around the picturesque town of Port Douglas. We recommend visiting the palm-shaded Macrossan Street to enjoy a hive of boutiques and cafes. This afternoon, you'll board a luxurious sailing vessel to enjoy a glass of sparkling wine and canapés as you take a twilight sail to see the tropical sunset over the Coral Sea.

Today you'll drive back to Cairns to catch your return flight to the UK.

Arrive home today to complete your journey.