An Outrageously Luxe Itinerary to Follow on That Once-in-a-Lifetime Trip to Central Australia

UPDATE: January 20, 2022 — Kings Canyon Resort is closed until March 17, 2022 for renovations. Camping and caravanning is still permitted on the grounds.

Whoever said you had to compromise on comfort while camping clearly has never been to Kings Canyon Resort. It’s the perfect solution for those that love the great outdoors and sleeping under the stars — but hate the mozzies and public toilets that come with it.

Stay in one of six ultra-luxe canvas tents, each decked out with designer furniture and the trappings of a stylish hotel. They each have a king bed fitted with premium linen sheets, a spacious living area, air con and a private ensuite stacked with Australian skincare products.

Begin your day on your private deck to the gentle song of a crested bellbird, enjoy a latte from the Nespresso machine and choose from a compelling itinerary of activities, including serene hikes through Kings Canyon, enriching Indigenous educational tours (like Karkke Aboriginal Cultural Experience and Tour) and spectacular heli tours. End your day around the fire with scrumptious local produce, Aussie wines and glorious sunset views, then wake up and do it all over again.

Image: Backyard Bandits, Tourism NT

If there was any experience worthy of the (proverbial) photo books, it’s Fly Uluru’s Uluru and Kata Tjuta Scenic Flight. This breathtaking aerial tour allows you to experience Australia’s most important and meaningful landmarks like never before: from above.

Marvel over the incredible rock formations of Uluru and domes of Kata Tjuta, while taking in the immense spiritual significance of this remarkable region. Take in sweeping views of the desert as your knowledgeable pilot provides fascinating commentary along the way.

Choose between a 40-minute plane flight ($265 per person) or helicopter flight ($285 for 30 minutes of $320 for 36 minutes). Or, opt for the one-hour Lizard Safari helicopter flight ($495) to enjoy glimpses of Lake Amadeus, wild camels and local wildlife as you glide to the airport. 

Image: @helloemilie

There’s something truly magical about floating in a giant balloon over glimmering desert terrain just outside Alice Springs. And that’s even more true at sunrise, when the desert comes alive with the scattering of morning light.

This once-in-a-lifetime experience begins well before the crack of dawn, so night owls beware. Your trusty ballooning crew will ensure you’re in the sky before the sky breaks into sunrise, a spectacle of crimson, gold, pink and blue hues.

On your serene yet equally exhilarating flight, you’ll have epic views of the MacDonnell Ranges spanning from east west, plus catch glimpses of skipping kangaroos, cattle stations, spinifex grasses and mulga scrub. After soaring through the sky, you’ll arrive at a peaceful, remote destination, where you can enjoy light nibbles and some tasty Australian sparkling wine.

Image: Jackson Groves

If you want to tick something special off your dining bucket list, then check out Tali Wiru, a uniquely openair restaurant in the heart of the desert near Uluru. Surrounded by the views of Uluru, the distant domes of Kata Tjuta and sparkling stars of desert sky, Tali Wiru offers ambience like nothing else.

And that doesn’t even touch on the food. The magnificent four-course dinner incorporates ancient native herbs and spices that pack a punch, and shines a spotlight on locally sourced ingredients like Davidson plum, wallaby, lemon myrtle, toothfish and desert oak.

Enjoy Indigenous storytelling as you learn about culture, admire the sweeping views, and experience a live didgeridoo performance. If you want to experience a gastronomical delight in the stillness of the desert, this experience is not to be missed.

Keen to try something very different and experience a true taste of freedom with the wind in your hair and nowhere else to be? Then make sure you hit the road in style on the legendary Uluru Motorcycle Tour. You’ll have the unique opportunity to hop on the back of a classic Harley or a trike, and watch the sunset cast its spectacular colours over Uluru.

Or, if you’re an early bird, you can start your day with a jaw-droppingly gorgeous sunrise on a ride that starts in near darkness. You’ll experience mesmerising, uninterrupted views of Uluru while enjoying the thrill of being on the open road. Whether you’re a motorbike fanatic, adventure lover, or are simply after something to tell your future grandkids about one day, this one-of-a-kind journey is one for the history books.

Image: Matt Glastonbury, Tourism NT

Like a scene straight out of a rom-com, Alice Springs Helicopter’s Range View Romantic tour is one for the true romantics among us. Get cosy in a helicopter with your lover or mate, and buckle up for some of the dreamiest views you’ve laid your eyes on.

You’ll fly across the majestic East MacDonnell Ranges, looking out for ancient landscapes, picturesque flora and roaming wildlife. Then, you’ll be dropped off at a secluded mountain top location to soak in panoramic views as you sip wine and toast to good times with your special someone before your flight back. Whether you’re after some quality time with your partner, enjoying an extra luxe date, or hinting at a proposal, you won’t be forgetting this magical experience anytime soon.

Image: Tourism Australia