Kata TjutaKINGS CANYON ANDWATARRKA NATIONAL PARKSouthwest of Alice Springs is Watarrka NationalPark, a scenic landscape of rugged ranges andgorges that serves as a refuge for an array ofplants and animals. Kings Canyon is Australia'slargest and most spectacular, carved into a rockyplateau with vast, sweeping views, its richlycoloured sandstone walls plummeting to the'Garden of Eden', where tranquil pools, cycadsand a maze of eroded domes are sheltered fromthe remorseless sun overhead. KINGS CANYON RIM WALKThe six kilometre walk around the rim of thisextraordinary chasm allows you to see thecanyon in all its glory. The walk is at times rockyand a little steep at the beginning, but is wellwithin the scope of the reasonably fit and sure-footed. For the less agile, a creek walk leadsalong the canyon base through the wood, withplenty of waterholes for a cooling dip. 44Kings CanyonKings Canyon Resort,Watarraka National Park Within the boundaries of the national park thismodern resort has gone to great lengths to minimizethe impact on its surroundings yet offers anexcellent standard of accommodation. Each of thenumerous guestrooms is spacious and comfortableand some have the added luxury of a spa bath witha view over the rugged desert. The resort isrenowned for its 'Sounds of Firelight' dinner, servedbeside an open fire, against the backdrop of a star-speckled sky. ULURU-KATA TJUTANATIONAL PARKIn the heart of Australia's Red Centre the stoneformations of Uluru/Ayers Rock and the mysticaldomes of Kata Tjuta/The Olgas rise up from thedunes with a wholly unexpected beauty. Theseicons of Australia rest on the sacred lands of theAnangu people and form the basis of many oftheir Dreamtime beliefs. The park was awardeddual World Heritage status for both ancientculture and its natural attributes, and it isworthwhile for anyone visiting the park to lookbeyond the 'rock' and learn something of itssignificance. Start with a guided walk aroundthe base, which teaches of the ancient story ofthe Seven Sisters, view caves filled with rock artand see permanent waterholes that feed thethriving flora and fauna and gives a taste of therock's sheer size and majesty. No visit to Uluru iscomplete without the experience of its sunset,where flamboyant colours are painted over itsflank, changing and moving by the second.Rising from the desert, some 30 kilometres fromUluru is Kata Tjuta, named from the Aboriginalword meaning 'many heads', its 36 rock domescreating a system of haunting gorges andvalleys. Take the 'Valley of the Winds' trail andwander through the Olga Gorge that leads toan immense cliff face and lovely rock pool. Ofequal spiritual significance as Uluru, Kata Tjutaperhaps holds a somewhat more serene andsilent charm.Kings Canyon Resort

NORTHERN TERRITORYTHE RED CENTRE |45Longitude 131? and UluruLongitude 131º,Uluru-Kata Tjuta National ParkOpulent, stylish and occupying an unsurpassedposition in one of the most spiritual places inAustralia, this marvellous wilderness camp hasfifteen elevated safari-inspired tents, each oneindividually styled and dedicated to AustralianOutback pioneers. Expansive floor to ceiling windowsprovide each tent with an uninterrupted view ofUluru, unveiling the sunrise and the inspirationalswathes of colours which blanket the rock at sunset.These views are shared by the swimming pool andDune House - the hub of this unique camp - with itslounge, bar and venue for hosted dinners.LONGITUDE 131º, TOURING Longitude 131º has captured the immensewilderness and spirituality of Uluru with a rangeof touring experiences that explore less travelledroutes and occupy private viewing areas,escorted by guides rich with local knowledgeand the ability to adapt each experience. Smallgroups take off on interpretative bush walks tolearn of the region's ecology, walk through theKantju Gorge as its rock walls blaze with thelight of the setting sun, visit the engagingcultural centre or tour the base of the rock,viewing cave paintings and learning about theindigenous Anangu people. Red CentreUncoveredThis tour uses Alice Springs as a base to explore thehighlights of Australia's 'Red Centre' visitingmuseums and exploring Kings Canyon on foot,touring Uluru, learning about its spiritual significanceand appreciating its beauty.Day 1:Arrive in Alice Springs. Day 2:Spend the day exploring the MacDonnellRanges and The Desert Park. Day 3:Depart Alice Springs and travel to KingsCanyon. Tonight experience the desertsky and see the Outback in a differentlight with the 'Sounds of Firelight' dinner.Day 4:Enjoy a walk around the rim of thecanyon and descend into the hiddenGarden of Eden. Journey on towards toUluru, upon arrival view this awesomerock and its changing colours at sunset.Day 5:Perhaps rise early for the magnificentsunrise at Uluru.Day 6:Depart Uluru.MUTITJULU FOUNDATIONBoth Longitude 131º and the Ayers Rock Resortsupport the Mutitjulu Foundation which assistsprojects to relieve poverty, advance education andimprove health care for the residents of theAboriginal communities who reside within the Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park.tailor-made travelAll our travel arrangements are on a private,individual basis to offer you complete freedom ofchoice. The itineraries and accommodation optionsthroughout the brochure are designed to give you aflavour of what is possible and can be tailor-made tosuit your preferences. Prices vary according toselected accommodation and season. Please callour Australia specialists on 01869 276 345 todiscuss your individual requirements.Ayers Rock Resort, YularaDistinctive sails mark the centre of this resort set inone of the most remote wilderness regions. A wealthof accommodation options suit every taste andbudget, with the Outback Pioneer Hotel offeringtraditional Australian hospitality, the stylishly chicLost Camel, the Emu Walk Apartments for familiesor friends travelling together and the DesertGardens with flourishing garden displays. The mostluxurious part of the resort is the Sails in the DesertHotel, with spacious rooms, fine dining restaurantsand the Mulgara Gallery showing-casing Aboriginalart. Whichever accommodation you choose, thetrue attractions remain unchanged; the strikinglandscapes of Uluru Kata-Tjuta National Park.Longitude 131? safari tentAboriginal guideDesert wildflowersUluru base walk