TOURS & OPTIONAL ACTIVITIES
Upon registering for the Conference, you will be able to book onto the tours & optional activities that you wish to partake in.
Post-Conference Tour - Uluru Safari in Style
$800 per person
Outback Tour Services
Thursday 18 August - Saturday 20 August 2016
Maximum 24 people
Accommodation: Twin share Safari tent accommodation (including proper beds, linen, pillow, towel, light and fan) for 2 nights.
Inclusions: Experienced guide and host, national park entry, meals as indicated, accommodation, air-conditioned vehicle and *Aboriginal cultural interpetive walk (where an Aboriginal guide is unavailable and tour guide will lead the cultural walk).
Note: Itineraries may vary and/or attractions be substituted for any cause including seasonal conditions, weather extremes and traditional owner/national park requirements.
ITINERARY:
Day One - Alice Springs to Uluru
Starting in Alice Springs, the tour sets off to experience the wonder of the iconic Uluru. A stop is made at an authentic outback camel farm and for those that are keen there is the option to go for a short ride on the back of one of these desert animals (the ride is at your own expense). The tour then continues to the permanent campsite at Yulara for lunch before embarking to explore the 36 domes of Kata Tjuta, getting up close to this ancient geological formation during a Valley of the Winds hike. As the sun begins to disappear below the horizon, take a glass of sparkling wine and watch the rock's rich colours change against the backdrop of an amazing Red Centre sunset. This is the perfect end to a wonderful day. Your tour host will have dinner and a drink awaiting your arrival back at camp. Lunch and dinner provided.
Day Two - Kata Tjuta to Kings Canyon
An early start is rewarded with a beautiful Uluru sunrise. While the morning is fresh, enjoy an unguided walk around the base of Uluru. Deepen your understanding of the land and the Mala people during a cultural interpretive walk with an Aboriginal guide and interpreter*. It is a unique opportunity to share experiences and to connect with and learn about the oldest culture on earth. Afterwards, you will have the opportunity to purchase Aboriginal arts and crafts at the Cultural Centre before the tour continues back to the campsite within the Watarrka National Park (Kings Canyon). Breakfast, lunch and dinner provided.
*Where an Aboriginal guide is unavailable, an Outback Tour Services guide will lead the cultural walk.
Day Three - Kings Canyon to Alice Springs
Discover the Lost City and the Garden of Eden on a 6km hike in Kings Canyon. Admire and explore the towering walls and crevices of Watarrka National Park. The photo opportunites are endless in Kings Canyon so be sure to bring your camera! At the end of the trek it's time to refuel with a bite to eat before making the journey back to the remote centre of Alice Springs. Breakfast and lunch provided.
OPTIONAL ACTIVITIES
Minimum and maximum numbers apply for these optional activities and positions will be allocated upon receipt of registration and payment. If minimum numbers are not reached the organisers reserve the right to amend or cancel the activity.
HOT AIR BALLOONING: OUTBACK BALLOONING
$350 per person
http://www.outbackballooning.com.au/
Inclusions: Transfers from your hotel, sparkling wine, refreshments and insurance
Outback Ballooning is Australia's only balloon company specialising in remote Outback operations. In Alice Springs they operate every day, weather permitting. The reliable desert weather means they have one of the lowest cancellation rates in the world. The tour duration is generally 4 hours and pick up time is about an hour before sunrise although this will be confirmed with you the day prior to your tour.
MOUNTAIN BIKE RIDING: OUTBACK CYCLING
2 hour tour $135 per person
3 hour tour $155 per person
http://www.outbackcycling.com/
Inclusions: Guided Mountain Bike tour, bike and helmet. The Monday and Tuesday tours are 2 hour long tours.The Wednesday afternoon tour is a 3 hour tour and includes afternoon tea - tea/coffee (espresso) OR bottle of water OR soft drink with your choice of vanilla slice, banana bread OR chocolate brownie.
On tour with an experienced local rider, you will be teated to some amazing single trails that take you through the scrub catching some awesome views as you go. You'll venture deeper into the bush and find the best trails only known to locals. Minimal experience, or heaps of experience, it doesn't matter. All riders are advised to wear comfortable clothing and runners/walking shoes. Be sure to take your water bottle, sunscreen and sunglasses.
WEST MACDONNELL RANGES TOUR: OUTBACK TOUR SERVICES
$150 per person
http://www.outbacktourservices.com.au/
Inclusions: Charter, pick up/drop off from Convention Centre.
The highlights of the tour include: ANZAC Hill, Rev. John Flynns Grave, Simpsons Gap & Standley Chasm.
SIMPSONS GAP & MBANTUA STARLIGHT BUSH DINNER: RT TOURS
$155 per person
http://www.rttoursaustralia.com.au/
Inclusions: private charter, pick up/drop off from the Convention Centre, 3 course dinner with beverages (BYO alcohol)
Visit Simpsons Gap and then watch Master Bush Chef Bob Taylor create his Mbantua Dinner on an open fire under the stars at a Traditional Aboriginal campground. This unique dining experience includes a 3 course meal (as outlined below) and beverages. Guests are welcome to BYO alcohol.
- Entree: Traditional homemade vegetable soup with Tasmanian thyme. Smoke flavoured homebaked bread.
- Bush food treats: Homemade emu sausage with mustard and sundried tomato, grilled kangaroo fillet, wattleseed dukkah with olive oil myrtle mix, bush tomato, roasted macadamia nuts with wattle seed and bush tomato seasoning.
- Main: Outback beef hotpot, sweet potato fritter with saltbush, steamed vegetables with soy & lemon myrtle. Spicy vegetable dish.
- Dessert: Steamed pudding quondong, apricot, wattleseed and white chocoate topped with coconut and caramel sauce.
