Great Central Road – Perth to Alice Springs

Departing Perth, we begin our journey towards Kalgoorlie in the Goldfields of Western Australia along the Great Eastern Highway, stopping at Cunderdin’s pump house museum, Southern Cross, and Coolgardie and its historic buildings. We arrive at our accommodation in Kalgoorlie. (D)

This morning we take in the sights of this historic town, such as the Super Pit, which is truly an eye opener with its enormous mining production,; and Mt Charlotte, where water first arrived at the Goldfields in 1903. We then head towards Menzies, Gwalia (now a ghost town), and Leonora. (B)

On to the Great Central Road in the Great Victoria Desert, which runs 1126km from Laverton to Yulara in the Northern Territory. We will pass five small communities on the way. The Great Central Road has its origins in the early 1930s when Warburton was established as a missionary settlement, and supplies were delivered from Laverton via a rough bush track. We stop at Tjukayirla Roadhouse and on the way we’ll see a large variety of wildlife in the area – including camels, and many species of birds. Later we arrive at Warburton in the Warburton Ranges, our overnight stay. (B,D)

Onward into the Gibson Desert, where we visit the remote Giles weather station, named after Ernest Giles. We stop at the beautiful Schwerin Mural Crescent and visit one of Len Beadells blazed trees, before reaching Docker River. Continuing on, we stop to have a look at the legendary Lasseters Cave before coming to the end of the Great Central Road. We catch glimpses of Ayers Rock and the Olgas in the distance. Tomorrow, we will visit both places and take in the history and beauty of the area, but for now it’s off to our accommodation and a two night stop over. (B,D)

Today is all about the “Rock” and the “Olgas”.  We enjoy a very informative tour with a local guide, and visit the Cultural Centre. You may also fly over both attractions (own expense), before heading back to the “Rock” for a BBQ dinner and a spectacular sunset, later returning to Curtin Springs. (B,D)

Today we visit to Kings Canyon in the Watarrka National Park, which sits at the western end of the George Gill Range. We will take a walk into the Gorge, with its breathtaking 100-meter-high walls and then on to our accommodation and helicopter rides over the ranges (own expense). Later we view a beautiful sunset viewing over the Watarrka National Park. (B,D)

Today we head to the “Alice”.  We visit the historic Telegraph Station and Anzac Hill lookout before having some free time in town. There is also an opportunity for a balloon flight tomorrow over the Ranges (own expense). We now have a two-night stopover in Alice. (B,D)

Today we visit the amazing Ormiston Gorge known for its sheer quartzite cliffs, red river gums and sandy creek bed. Several waterholes attract native wildlife and provide a beautiful setting for visitors. Later we visit Ellery Creek Big Hole, which contains some of the most dramatic and beautiful countryside in the West MacDonnell Ranges. (B)

Today we will visit some of Alice’s other amazing attractions. A morning visit to Altunga, an historic old goldmining town, now only ruins of its former heydays> We also have lunch at the old Altunga pub. Then on to Trephina Gorge Nature Park, known for its sheer quartzite cliffs, red river gums and sandy creek bed. Several waterholes attract native wildlife and provide a beautiful setting for bushwalking and picnicking. (B,D)

This morning you will be transferred to the airport for your flights home, after this amazing tour of the Red Centre! (B)