Overview
Experience the life-changing impact of the Outback as you camp in the wilderness and learn about ancient Aboriginal culture. Absorb the beauty and wisdom of sites such as Uluru and Kakadu National Park, witness an opal cutting and polishing demonstration at Coober Pedy and lose yourself among sandstone cliffs and natural rock pools at Kings Canyon.
Itinerary
Central Australia in 9 Days
- History
- Australian History
Day 1
Travel to South Australia (Adelaide)
Day 2
Travel to Coober Pedy
Umoona opal and underground experience
Discover Coober Pedy’s opal mining history and unique underground way of life. Watch an award-winning documentary in Umoona’s underground cinema and learn about different types of opals during a cutting and polishing demonstration. Then explore Coober Pedy on a guided tour, visiting underground homes, an original opal mine and a local underground church.
Day 3
Travel to Alice Springs
Travel to Alice Springs, known as the heart of the Outback, set between the East and West MacDonnell Ranges. The town is deeply connected to Aboriginal culture and is home to the Arrernte people, the traditional custodians of the region, known as Mparntwe.
Day 4
Royal Flying Doctors guided visit
Visit a historic hangar and museum to discover the heroic stories of the Royal Flying Doctor Service (RFDS) through interactive holograms and touchscreen exhibits.
School of the Air guided visit
Discover the history of this pioneering educational facility, which has provided lessons to children in remote locations since 1951. Step inside the “World’s Largest Classroom” and learn how students living across the Australian Outback access their education.
Australian reptile evening experience
Enjoy a fun and informative talk about local reptiles, followed by supervised handling of selected species.
Day 5
MacDonnell Ranges half-day excursion
Explore the landscapes and history of the MacDonnell Ranges on a half-day excursion from Alice Springs. Discover the towering walls of Standley Chasm, traditionally known as Angkerle Atwatye, visit the historic grave of Royal Flying Doctor Service founder John Flynn, and walk among native plants and dramatic cliffs at Simpsons Gap.
Day 6
Travel to Watarrka
Karrke Aboriginal Cultural Experience
Delve into Aboriginal culture as you learn about seasonal bush tucker, traditional grinding stones and plants used as bush medicine by the Luritja and Pertame (Southern Arrernte) peoples. Discover the history and meaning behind Aboriginal dot painting.
Day 7
Watarrka National Park visit
Visit Watarrka National Park, home to Kings Canyon’s towering sandstone walls and desert landscapes. Take on the Rim Walk, climbing to sweeping views before passing Priscilla’s Crack, the domes of the Lost City, and descending to the Garden of Eden. This activity is weather dependent and may be adjusted for safety.
Travel to Uluru
Sunset at Sunset Strip
Witness an unforgettable sunset over Uluru from the Sunset Strip. Watch as the changing light transforms the landscape and the rock formations shift in colour before your eyes.
Day 8
Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park guided visit
Discover the natural and cultural wonders of Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park, where spectacular rock formations rise from Central Australia’s vast red plains. Visit the Cultural Centre to learn about the beliefs, traditions and history of the Anangu people, the Traditional Owners of the land. Explore Uluru’s base, including ancient rock art and caves, and experience Kata Tjuta on the Valley of the Winds walk.
Day 9
Depart for home
TourFlex: Your Experience, Your Way
With TourFlex, available for tours departing in October 2027 or later, you get the flexibility to shape an itinerary that's as unique as your group. Dial your trip up or down for more choice, more control, and more meaningful learning moments, all while getting the right experience at the right value. Available options vary by program and destination.
Explore Your Way
- Add experiences like theatre tickets or unique excursions
- Swap activities for ones that better serve your group
- Extend the learning through go-aheads or stay-behinds
Go Your Way
- Select transport options that suit your group's needs
- Choose from a variety of accommodation styles to support your level of comfort
Dine Your Way
- Choose pre-selected meals or encourage exploration by dining on your own
- Enjoy 2 course meals at local restaurants or at your accommodation, with the option to upgrade to 3 courses
Inclusions
Accommodations
Transportation to and from your destination
Experienced coach driver and services of a camp cook
WorldAssist staff members available 24/7/365 should your group need extra help
Daily meals with options varying by program
Entrance fees to attractions as per itinerary
Guided sightseeing tours and city walks as per itinerary
WorldStrides Tour Journal (available upon request)
Scenes from Central Australia
Health, Safety & Protection
Additional health and safety measures may be available within your respective destination. Refer to your program-specific materials for complete details.
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