Australia's most recognisable natural icon lies 440kms south west of Alice Springs and rises nearly 350m high from the broad desert plains. The famous sandstone monolith has a circumference of 9.4kms and, like an iceberg, still has most of its bulk below the surface. Join a walking tour with the traditional landowners to immerse yourself in the timeless beauty of one of the world's natural wonders and learn the stories of the Dreamtime to unlock the mysteries of the desert and give meaning to its otherwise intangible beauty.

40 kilometres to the west of Ayers Rock is Kata Tjuta (meaning “many heads”), also known as The Olgas - a group of more than 30 massive red domes rising from the desert floor, some more than 500m tall. Dating back 500 million years and an important focus of the Aboriginal people’s spiritual life, it is impossible not to feel humbled by this inspiring landscape.

The George Gill Range rises out of the desert like the walls of a once strong fortress. Time has carved spectacular buttresses out of the plunging sandstone walls which have battled the elements for more than 300 million years. The best known of these is the mighty Kings Canyon. More than 270m deep, a dense forest of palms and ferns shelter from the surrounding desert conditions providing an oasis for many fascinating native animals who have also taken refuge here. A guided walk along the canyon rim, the Lost City and the Garden of Eden will also reveal ancient marine fossils whose presence tells of the incredible environmental changes this land has seen and survived.

Isolated from the rest of the world by many thousands of red earthed kilometres, and surrounded by breathtaking natural wonders Alice Springs is a thriving, spirited outback centre - as famous for the personality of its locals as the natural wonders that surround it. Established by the most intrepid of pioneers - fearless explorers, Afghan cameleers and flying doctors - ‘Alice’ captures the essence of the outback and is proud to share its inspiring heritage. Visit the original telegraph station which once connected Australia with Europe, sample bush tucker under the stars or ride a camel down a dry river bed. Stradled by the dramatic east and west MacDonnell ranges, Alice is also a great base from which to explore some of central Australia’s most spectacular scenery, steeped in Aboriginal legend.