Tour Highlights & Inclusions

• Fully escorted by experienced tour operators Graham & Debbie Reid 
• All touring and transfers in latest model Toyota Hilux SR5, except where otherwise specified in itinerary
• Cosmos Centre, Charleville
• Quilpie
• Big Red
• Birdsville Hotel
• Simpson Desert
• Ayers Rock
• Ensuited accommodation except for 2 nights in the Simpson Desert where all camping equipment will be provided
• All meals, including pre-dinner nibbles, as specified in itinerary, and morning teas along the way
• Bottled water, wine with dinner  

Not Included:

• Flights to Charleville and departure from Ayers Rock
• Drinks and souvenirs not specified in itinerary

Notes:

• Travel may vary due to weather conditions
• Tours is available to non-smokers only

Day 1. Fri: Arrive Charleville

Arrive Charleville in South West Queensland early afternoon off your Qantaslink flight from Brisbane where you will be met by your hosts Graham & Debbie Reid. Enjoy a relaxing afternoon around Charleville before dinner this evening and stargazing at the multi-million dollar Cosmos Centre. Overnight in Charleville Bush Cottage.

Day 2. Sat: Quilpie, Windorah

Following breakfast we travel west to Quilpie for lunch and to see some of the opals that have made Quilpie the largest producer of boulder opal in the world. This afternoon we continue west over Cooper Creek and into Windorah for the night at the Western Star Motel.

Day 3. Sun: Birdsville

This morning we'll travel out through some Channel Country before we hit the 'dirt' road to the famous outback town of Birdsville.  Along the way we'll visit Haddon Corner (where the South Australia & Queensland borders meet) and also stop by Deon's Lookout for a panoramic view of the area.  Arrive late this afternoon at the iconic Birdsville Hotel where we will spend the night.

Day 4. Mon: Big Red, Poeppel Corner

Enjoy breakfast before the real 'outback' adventure begins. Departing Birdsville we'll spend some time on Big Red, the tallest sand dune in the Simpson Desert, before we commence our journey across the desert with our first night near Poeppel Corner (where the South Australia, Queensland & the Northern Territory borders meet). Savour the moment on top of a sand dune with a glass of wine and nibbles as you watch the sunset over the desert before dining under the stars. Sleep in the comfort of your tent and enjoy the sound of the crackling fire and nature around. David, our very experienced caterer and camp manager will see to all our meals and setting our campsites.

Day 5. Tue: Simpson Desert

Experience the beginning of a new day in the Simpson Desert before we continue on our journey west. Just imagine what we might see today....camels, a dingo and many different species of birds. Imagine standing on top of a sand dune with 360 degree views, a huge blue sky and not a building in sight!

Day 6. Wed: Dalhousie, Mt Dare

Today is our final day in the desert and at the end of this adventure enjoy a refreshing swim in Dalhousie Springs, a large natural artesian spring which flows year round and is beautiful and warm, even in the middle of winter. After a relaxing time at Dalhousie we'll head to Mt Dare Hotel for the night.

Day 7. Thu: Ayers Rock

Departing Mt Dare we'll cross the border into the Northern Territory and travel through the Aboriginal Mission of Finke, also one of the starting points of the famous Finke Desert Race. We then head to the 'geographical centre' of Australia and travel via Kudgera and along the Stuart Highway towards Ayers Rock. Arrive late afternoon at Ayers Rock Resort where we will stay for two nights at Sails in the Desert.

Day 8. Fri: Ayers Rock

This morning join the expert guides from Desert Awakening and experience the tranquillity of the pre-dawn land under a canopy of stars. Watch the amazing transformation of colours with Uluru and Kata Tjuta as your backdrop. Enjoy a cup of Billy Tea and Damper as you watch the sunrise over Uluru and the vast landscape stretching as far as the eye can see. After breakfast your guide will explain the natural history of the region, and as the daylight reveals the myriad of animal tracks in the sand an insight into what activity took place during the night. Visit the Cultural Centre, a vibrant and engaging place of learning where the local lore of the Anangu (Aboriginal people) is explained in detail. Next stop is Uluru (Ayers Rock) where you can take a short walk into Mutitjulu waterhole. A visit here will help you appreciate its cathedral like proportions and why it is such a powerful and spiritual place. This afternoon is free to relax and enjoy a stroll around Ayers Rock Resort. One hour prior to sunset is the beginning of "Sounds of Silence". Your journey begins on a lone sand dune. A path takes you to an uninterrupted, 360 degree view of this vast landscape. In front of you is Uluru; behind you are the domes of Kata Tjuta and, possibly the most spectacular sunset you have ever seen. Here you enjoy sparkling wine and a selection of delectable canapés. As the sun sets, you feast on a BBQ buffet and to finish off the night, the attention turns to some of the world's best stargazing.

Day 9. Sat: Helicopter Flight, End of Tour

After a leisurely start, enjoy a 15 minute helicopter flight that will take you over Voyages Ayers Rock Resort, the waterhole Mutitjulu and the surrounding desert; a panorama of breathtaking scenery unique to the Red Centre. Return to Sails in the Desert for a relaxed breakfast before your Outback Adventure ends.

Prices and Dates

• $13,500.00 per person twin share
• Minimum/Maximum 2 Non-Smoking Guests
• Dates on Application April - September 2010
• Tour runs from Friday to Saturday but can be tailored to suit other days

• $13,500.00 per person twin share
• Minimum/Maximum 2 Non-Smoking Guests
• Dates on Application April - September 2010
• Tour runs from Friday to Saturday but can be tailored to suit other days