OVERLAND: Uluru & Alice Springs Adventure - SGL (CNS-DRW)
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Port
Cairns, Australia
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Activity Level
Strenuous
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Excursion Type
All
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Wheelchair Accessible
No
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Starting At
$6599
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Minimum Age
Information Not Currently Available
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Duration
6 Days / 5 Nights
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Meals Included
Meals included
Disembark your ship late afternoon and transfer to your hotel to check in.
Walk to the Cairns Aquarium where you'll enjoy dinner surrounded by the mesmerizing marine life of Tropical North Queensland.
Day Two: February 10 (B/L/D)
After breakfast at your hotel, transfer to Cairns Airport for your flight to the heart of Australia’s Red Centre—Uluru.
Upon arrival, you’ll be welcomed and transferred to the Sails in the Desert Hotel, where comfort meets the spirit of the outback. Enjoy a relaxing lunch at one of the resort’s restaurants before setting out for an unforgettable afternoon of exploration.
This afternoon, immerse yourself in the rich culture, striking geology, and spiritual essence of Uluru, one of Australia’s most iconic landmarks. Accompanied by your expert guide, begin with a short walk to Mutitjulu Waterhole, a sacred site surrounded by ancient rock art and deep cultural stories. Learn about Uluru’s significance to the Anangu, the local Aboriginal people, and gain insight into their connection to this powerful land.
Continue your journey around the base of Uluru with the Mala Walk, discovering the natural formations and cultural narratives that shape this landscape. As the day draws to a close, witness the spectacular sunset over Uluru, with the majestic domes of Kata Tjuta silhouetted in the distance—a truly unforgettable sight.
Return to the resort in the evening, where a delicious dinner awaits at the hotel restaurant. Reflect on the day's experiences as the desert sky fills with stars and prepare for more wonders to come.
Day Three: February 11 (B/L/D)
Revel in the early morning serenity of a truly spiritual place as the rising sun washes Kata Tjuta in a breathtaking palette of color. Enjoy a peaceful outback picnic breakfast surrounded by the stillness of the desert dawn. Then, venture into Walpa Gorge, walking between the towering conglomerate rock walls as your guide reveals the geological wonders and cultural significance of the many domes that form this sacred site—shaped by millions of years of natural evolution.
Later this morning, connect deeply with Aboriginal culture during the Uluru Dot Painting Experience, held in an exclusive space at the Cultural Centre with panoramic views of Uluru. Led by a respected Walkatjara Artist from the Mutitjulu Community and accompanied by a cultural narrator, you’ll hear stories told in the native Pitjantjatjara language, translated into English. Discover the meanings behind ancient symbols and traditions and create your own canvas masterpiece to take home.
At your resort this afternoon, indulge in a unique culinary journey with an Australian Native High Tea. Sip gourmet teas and freshly brewed coffee—or savor a signature Sails in the Desert Bellini—as you enjoy an artful array of sweet and savory petit fours. Each bite is a tribute to the vibrant flavors and Indigenous culinary heritage of Australia.
This evening, enjoy “A Night at Field of Light”, an exclusive Outback dining experience which combines the award-winning Sounds of Silence dinner under the outback sky with the once-in-a-lifetime Field of Light art installation. This unforgettable experience begins with canapés and chilled sparkling wine served on a viewing platform overlooking the Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park. As the sun sets and darkness falls, the colored lights of the 50,000 glass spheres gently come to life accompanied by the gentle sounds of the didgeridoo. Settle back and listen to the resident star talker decode the southern night sky and witness the beauty and sheer volume of stars that can be seen in this iconic location. The absence of city lights creates an opportunity for the brilliance of the night sky to be revealed in all its glory.
Day Four: February 12 (B/L/D)
After breakfast at your hotel, set off on a scenic journey to Alice Springs, weaving through the heart of the Red Centre. Along the way, take in the striking sight of Mount Conner, often mistaken for Uluru, rising from the desert like a forgotten monument. Make a rest stop at Curtin Springs before continuing to the Finke River, one of the world’s oldest waterways, where you’ll enjoy a relaxing lunch surrounded by ancient desert landscapes.
This afternoon, step into the incredible world of the Alice Springs Desert Park—where the desert truly comes alive. Far from empty, these arid lands are rich with life, culture, and stories waiting to be uncovered. Discover the beauty and diversity of Australia’s Outback as you explore everything from dry riverbeds to vibrant woodlands.
Experience the Nocturnal House, where the mysteries of the desert night are revealed during the day, and encounter elusive native species that once thrived in abundance across central Australia. Be amazed by the energy and grace of free-flying birds of prey soaring through clear blue skies in an unforgettable live display. The Desert Park is more than a wildlife sanctuary—it’s a celebration of culture, nature, and the enduring spirit of the Outback.
Check into your hotel in Alice Springs and freshen up before heading out for an unforgettable Outback evening at Earth Sanctuary. Set on 100 acres of desert wilderness with sweeping views of the East MacDonnell Ranges, Earth Sanctuary is a leader in eco-tourism and proudly one of Australia’s first 100% carbon-neutral venues.
As the sun sets, enjoy a gourmet Aussie style BBQ dinner in the heart of the Outback, surrounded by the peaceful desert landscape. Engage with passionate local guides as they present a fascinating and entertaining show on the region’s ecology, culture, and astronomy.
After dinner, spend some time stargazing with your guide. Thanks to the sanctuary’s remote location, Central Australia boasts some of the clearest and most awe-inspiring night skies in the world—perfect for exploring the stars.
Day Five: February 13 (B,L)
Enjoy breakfast before checking out of your hotel, then transfer to Alice Springs airport for your flight to Darwin. Upon arrival in Darwin, transfer to your hotel.
Head to a local restaurant where you'll be welcomed with a sample of local gin on the deck - an ideal introduction to the region’s vibrant food culture.
Enjoy lunch hosted by a local chef who will guide you through each dish, sharing insights into the fresh, authentic ingredients and where they were sourced in the surrounding area. Adding to the experience, one of the region’s produce suppliers will join you to share their personal story and connection to the land.
After lunch, continue your exploration with a visit to the Darwin Military Museum, where you’ll gain a deeper understanding of the city’s historical significance.
Return to your hotel for a relaxing evening and dinner on your own.
Day Six: February 14 (B)
Enjoy breakfast before checking out of your hotel.
Board a riverboat for an approximately 60-minute cruise on the Adelaide River. In its murky waters live the most dangerous reptiles in Northern Australia -- huge jumping saltwater crocodiles, which shoot out of the water in pursuit of their prey.
As you cruise the banks of the river, you will gain an understanding of why it took Europeans more than 200 years to settle the region.
After this exciting trip, rejoin your ship in time for lunch.
The booking and cancellation deadline for this overland is December 5, 2025. Any cancellations made after this deadline will be subject to full payment of the tour. This will include if a guest cancels their voyage after the overland cancellation deadline.
Passport details are needed for this tour. Please make sure your passport details are up to date in your Holland America account profile. Be sure to notify us immediately if you get a new passport.
Breathing devices: There are stringent regulations regarding the transportation of breathing/respiratory devices for any purpose during tours or overland trips. Guests intending to bring such a device must notify Holland America Line at least 30 days before the start of the tour. They are required to fill out the necessary FAA documentation, furnish a physician's authorized letter detailing the device's particular use, and provide information about the device. It is imperative to understand that each airline will conduct an inspection of the device before boarding to ensure compliance, which may result in delays at the airport.