NEW DESTINATION 2012!

Day 1 (L,D)
Our journey commences as we meet at Perth airport to board our private charter plane, a comfort plus Fokker 50, for the morning flight to the tiny outpost of Forrest, one remaining of many maintenance settlements for the Transcontinental Railway and an important refuelling station and accommodation. Stopover for early passenger plane services. Visit the airport museum. Lunch here today. During the afternoon we fly north to Alice Springs. A coach tour of some local highlights on route to our home for two nights, Heavitree Gap Outback Lodge, located at the foot of the MacDonnell Ranges. Check out the free roaming black-footed wallabies as we relax in delightful scenery, enjoy a pre-dinner drink and then dinner together in the Olde Alice.

Day 2 (B,L,D)
Several highlights today as we explore Alice Springs. Following breakfast we join our coach for a morning tour of the town, once the northern terminus of the legendary Ghan, and nearer parts of the MacDonnell Ranges. We visit Anzac Hill for a bird’s eye view of the town, the Old Telegraph Station, one of 11 repeater stations along the length of the Overland Telegraph, built around 1870 and Flynn of the Inland (founder of the Royal Flying Doctor service) memorial which is on route to the Western MacDonnell Ranges where we visit Simpson Gap and Stanley Chasm. A highlight today is a private luncheon at Mbantua Aboriginal Art Gallery and Cultural Museum, which represents over 200 aboriginal artists. This long established gallery and museum holds a vast collection of paintings, some on permanent display, by artists such as Albert Namatjira, Gabriella Wallace and Wenten Rubuntja. On display also are several displays depicting important aspects of aboriginal life and culture. Following lunch enjoy time at Mbantua, visit the award winning Alice Springs Desert Park or simply relax at our resort (or visit the casino!).

Dinner tonight is a private Outback Bushman’s Dinner, set a few kms from the city in a camp fire setting, barbecue style dinner and drinks, entertainment by Barry Skipsey.

Day 3 (B,L,D)
Departing from Alice Springs mid morning, another highlight as we fly “low and slow” over the western MacDonnell Ranges and Kings Canyon on route to Uluru. Fly over Uluru (Ayers Rock and Kata Tjuta (the Olgas) prior to landing. Home tonight is Uluru’s 5 star hotel, Sails in the Desert. Visit the Cultural Centre, a vibrant and engaging centre of learning of the lore of the Anangu people. Enjoy lunch together prior to a ground tour of Uluru and Kata Tjuta, experience the grandeur of size and colour of these ancient landmarks. Later in the afternoon another highlight as we depart for a lone sand dune with uninterrupted 360 degree views of this vast landscape. Enjoy the stunning rich red and brown colours of Uluru as the sun sets, sparkling wine and canapes included. Later enjoy a 3 course Australian tucker BBQ including barramundi, kangaroo and crocodile plus an incredible tour of the stars with the resident “Star Talker”. A day of experiences you will long remember with great pleasure!

Day 4 (B,L)
For the early birds, enjoy a spectacular sunrise view of Uluru prior to breakfast. Some free time this morning prior to a ground tour to Kata Tjuta. Early afternoon we board a Qantas commercial flight flying direct to Perth. So concludes a memorable 4 day short break to Central Australia.