Outback Safari (11 Days)

Today is one of colours. The ochre soil spiked with cycads as your plane comes into land. The endless blue sky, from horizon to infinity. The russet hues of Uluru, that ‘Rock’ that appears on just about every Australian postcard… And that’s all before enchanting hour. Come sunset, the landscape changes with every click of your camera. If you can stop snapping, have a glass of bubbles and some nibbles with your fellow adventurers. They’ll be besties by the time this trip is over. Or maybe even by this time tomorrow…

If you’re looking for a reason to roll out of bed before dawn, make it an Uluru sunrise. We’re not saying it’s better, than last night’s sunset. But being up with the birds certainly has its benefits. Like being cool when you circumnavigate the base of Uluru, the world’s biggest monolith. A circumnavigation is 11 kilometres (that’s your step-count sorted for the day) if you’re up for it. Or join a shorter guided walk to Mutitjulu Waterhole, a sacred spot decorated with millennia-old Aboriginal rock paintings. Dive even deeper into First Nations traditions at the Uluru-Kata Tjuta Cultural Centre – you won’t be able to resist a purchase, opening your wallet sweetened by the fact that you’re supporting local Aboriginal communities. Then wander through Kata Tjuta’s Jurassic domed rock formations into Walpa Gorge, a natural creek that carves its way between the two tallest Kata Tjuta domes. More bubbles to serenade the day’s end? We’re one step ahead of you…

The only other reason to get up before dawn is to glimpse the Uluru Field of Light, a dazzling installation by British artist Bruce Munro that sees 50,000 stem-like globes blanket the Uluru soil. It’s optional – we won’t judge you for sleeping in, steeling yourself for today’s adventures. But if you’ve come this far, it would be a shame to opt for shut-eye over eye-popping. Speaking of which, did you know Australia has the largest population of wild camels in the world, and Kings Creek Station, your next stop at lunchtime, is the largest exporter of these doe-eyed creatures? Next stop is Kings Canyon, part of the immense Watarrka National Park. Walk off those carbs and enjoy perspective-resetting views over the Red Centre.