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Culture & Heritage

Understanding Alice

2 nights in Alice Springs
from $449.00 per person based on double occupancy

In the heart of Central Australia, between the East and West MacDonnell Ranges, sits Australia’s most famous outback town.

INCLUSIONS
  • 2 nights Aurora, Alice Springs
  • Red Center Dreaming Dinner and Show
  • 1 day The Alice Experience
  • Take a Camel to Breakfast tour
  • Roundtrip transfers Airport-Aurora

ITINERARY

Alice Springs is a thriving, spirited outback center - as famous for the personality of its locals as the natural wonders that surround it. From Afghan cameleers to flying doctors, today it is possible to pay homage to their legacy at various historic sites around the town.

DAY 1
Arrive in Alice Springs and be transferred to Alice Springs Resort. Enjoy your day at leisure.

Alice Springs is the heart of Australia, rich in heritage and historical sights. The history and heritage of Alice Springs overflow with a rich cast of characters - in the late 1800’s and early 1900s only the most intrepid pioneers braved its rugged environment.

A great base from which to explore its surrounding natural wonders, the town itself defies most travelers’ expectations combining a strong sense of its outback history with all the convenience of modern facilities. Most of all, it is the uncomplicated yet vibrant personality of Alice that leaves a lasting impression on visitors.

The West and East MacDonnell Ranges straddle the town and their spectacular gorges and chasms set the scene for a range of adventure activities. Beyond the Ranges stretch the Simpson and Tanami deserts, where Aboriginal people have lived for thousands of years. Their art styles and Dreamtime stories unlock the mysteries of the desert and give meaning to its otherwise intangible beauty.

This fabulous evening is an authentic, traditional and contemporary Aboriginal performance featuring dancing, weaponry, interaction, didjeridu playing and cultural history. Enjoy a glass of sparkling wine on arrival followed by a three-course dinner accompanied by wine and soft drink served with the main course. ‘Red Center Dreaming’ is an interactive and unique entertainment in a ruggedly beautiful bushland setting. Return transfers to your hotel are included.

DAY 2
This morning spend time with a local Aboriginal guide as your travel to a site of significance to the Arrente people, on an Aboriginal Cultural Tour. After morning tea, learn about Aboriginal life, languages, art, dance and music and enjoy an Aboriginal dance performance. Return to Alice Springs for lunch (own expense). In the afternoon explore the sights of Alice Springs, including a visit to the historic Telegraph Station. At the Royal Flying Doctors Service you will see how medical aid reaches those who live in the remote outback. And at the School of the Air, see how children who cannot access schools are educated by radio. You will make a stop at the Alice Springs Reptile Center, where you can see up close some of the lizards and snakes that frequent the Central Australia, semi-arid desert. The tour concludes with a panoramic view of Alice Springs and the MacDonnell Ranges from the top of Anzac hill.

DAY 3
This morning, you will be treated to something different and truly unique to Alice and the outback. You will ride a camel to breakfast! Introduced first in 1840, around 10,000 camels were imported with their Afghan handlers. Carrying huge loads, everything from fuel to furniture, the camels were the life line to the Center. Abandoned after the introduction of motorized transport, the camel population has grown to over 700,000 and is now the biggest wild population in the world.

As you sway along at a leisurely pace high on a camels back, the skilled guides will talk about camels and the flora & fauna along the trail. This vantage high on a camel’s back gives you great views of this country. Ride away from traffic and closer to nature. The dry, sandy Todd River bed, ancient gnarled eucalypts and the MacDonnell Ranges are typical of Central Australian landscapes and make this a special place to ride.

Ride your camel along the Todd River with soft morning light, cool clear air and colorful native birds, before a hearty BBQ breakfast. You will have time after breakfast to enjoy the Camel Museum and Camel Shop. This is an opportunity to get to know your camel, its personality, temperament, patience and strength. You will understand why they describe the camel as “a horse designed by a committee” and why it was worked so successfully in outback Australia.

Return to your hotel later this morning and be transferred to the airport for your onward exploration of Australia!