Fact Sheets & Video - Alice Springs

The Canyon of the King!

Discovery Ecotours cater to small groups of domestic and international adventurers looking for a more comfortable outback experience. They offer small groups, air-conditioned vehicles and highly qualified guides. One of their popular tours is the Red Centre 3 Day Ecotour that links up with the Ghan in Alice Springs, but they can tailor a tour to suit your needs and preferences.

Our trip took in Palm Valley, Hermannsburg and Kings Canyon.

In Palm Valley the groves of Red Cabbage Palms (Livistona Mariae) make it toatlly unique as they grow nowhere else in the world. The visitor obtains a glimpse of Central Australia's tropical past.

Next on the tour is Hermannsburg which was established as an Aboriginal mission in 1877 by two Lutheran missionaries from Germany.

The missionaries learned the local Arrernte language, and developed a dictionary by 1891 so they could translate the Bible.

Hermannsburg was the birthplace of the famed Albert Namatjira. He was the first Aboriginal to paint western-style watercolours. Painting in this style came to be known as the Hermannsburg School of painting.

The mission land was handed over to traditional ownership in 1982. Much of the historic township is now protected by the National Trust.

Next stop, 270 metre deep Kings Canyon situated within the Watarrka National Park. A walk around the rim of the canyon can take 3-4 hours and should only be attempted early in the morning during the summer months. The walk passes the tropical pools of the Garden of Eden, and the beehive rock formations called the Lost City. The views from the canyon are spectacular and this is a "must-do" stop for all visitors to the area.

Our trip finished at the Voyages Kings Canyon Resort. This resort has been built to blend harmoniously with its surrounds and accommodation styles range from the campground that enjoys the outdoor stillness of the Red Centre to deluxe spa rooms offering a top of-the-line experience - your choice!

While you're at Voyages Kings Canyon Resort check out their much loved Sounds of Firelight dinner. Dine under the stars and fall under the spell of the outback with your loved one by your side in this very intimate and special dining experience that includes champagne at sunset. Very romantic!

Further Information:

Alice Springs, NORTHERN TERRITORY

Discovery Eco Tours Australia

3 day Red Centre Tour

From $1,550 adult twin share

Includes most meals, touring and accommodation.

Kids stay, tour and eat for free.

Save $495

First 100 bookings

1800 803 174

www.ecotours.com.au

Conditions apply

Voyages Kings Canyon Resort

Rooms from $172 a couple a night

First 200 bookings

Valid for travel before 30/11/08

1300-134-044

www.voyages.com.au/thegreatoutdoors

www.kingscanyonresort.com.au

www.tourismnt.com.au