Excursion Overland experience: desert, dreaming & the top end - uluru to lichtenfield tour at Cairns

Contemplate the beauty of the Red Centre and watch over the ever-changing colours as the sun rises and sets over Uluru (Ayers Rock).  Stay two nights at the luxury wilderness camp, Longitude 131° gateway to both Ayers Rock and the Olgas, complete with private views of this magical monolith with its Dreamtime legends.  Board the The Ghan for one night from Alice Springs to Darwin, stop to enjoy a leisurely cruise on the Katherine River before arriving in Darwin.

04MIDCNS-A Luxurious Red Centre & The Ghan

Departure: From Cairns

Duration: 4.5 Days / 4 Nights  

Re-join Ship: In Darwin

Reserve at least 90 Days prior to Sailing

This Mid-Voyage Land Adventure requires advance booking through Silversea Reservations at least 90 days before sailing. Requests received after this date may be accommodated on a space-available basis and the programme price is subject to change. Payment in full is due within 120 days prior to sailing. This programme is non-refundable if cancelled within 90 days of sailing.  A minimum number of participants is required to operate this programme.

Experience Australia's Red Centre in luxury. Fly from Cairns to Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park for two nights at Longitude 131°, learn about the indigenous culture and history and spectacular views of The Rock. Travel to The Alice, the town at the geographic centrer of Australia. Join the legendary Ghan train to Darwin, travelling in style with Platinum Service. Explore the Top End city of Darwin before rejoining the Silver Whisper.

DAY ONE - Cairns/Ayers Rock

Depart the ship from Cairns Cruise Terminal, for a very early transfer to the airport for your flight to the Red Centre.  A boxed breakfast will be served during the flight.

On arrival at Ayers Rock, you'll be met by a representative of Longitude 131° and transferred to your home for the next two nights.

Standing at the gateway to Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park, Longitude 131° is the closest accommodation to the red rock formation that is Uluru, Australia's most endearing and enduring icon. An intimate fifteen luxury tents, elevated atop rust-red dunes, complement the pristine natural environment and provide a private place to rest, relax and refresh.  In the crisp, white linen of a king-sized bed, find the serene, silent sleep of the desert. Above the sweeping tent canopy floats a great expanse of southern sky, endless and sparkling. Constellations brimming with Anangu (local Aboriginal people), tales and stories, beget the rich dreams found only in the heart of sacred, powerful places. Awake to your own private view of the sun rising over Uluru, drenched in its fabled light, find unprecedented solitude and serenity.

At Longitude 131° guests take the road less travelled, sharing exclusive and authentic adventures with a select few. An exceptional touring program is included in the wilderness experience and a personalised itinerary is presented upon arrival. Signature Experiences with lodge naturalist guides are shared with fellow guests in custom touring vehicles. Expeditions operate at scheduled times on a rotating basis, dependent on day of arrival, with timing subject to sunrise and sunset times which vary throughout the year, according to the seasons and weather permitting.

This experience heads to Kata Tjuta which comprises 36 majestic dome-like rock formations. A walk through Walpa Gorge wends its way through the canyon, sheer rock walls rising obliquely on each side. You will discover how eons of weathering and continental upheaval have created today's landscape with expert commentary describing the natural history, ecology and indigenous significance of the area. The tour calls briefly at the Kata Tjuta Viewing Area for a longer distance perspective and photo opportunity before a visit to the Cultural Centre where the informative and interactive displays provide insight into the spiritual and cultural meanings of Uluru and Kata Tjuta.

A drive into the dual World Heritage-listed National Park leads to the twilight viewing area where you can take in the sunset over Uluru with a glass in hand. This is the perfect location to capture the changing lights reflected over the Rock's many faces as the sun slips below the vast desert horizon.

Dine out on sumptuous outback fare and discover the wonders of the southern night sky. As you arrive to your dinner setting, enjoy canapés and cocktails as the sun dips below the horizon, and later be mesmerized by indigenous performers with a cultural dance.  Feast on four delicious courses complemented with the finest Australian wines at the outdoor dining venue under the stars. Return to the Dune House for after dinner drinks or float back to your luxury tent, for a deep slumber under the stars. Table 131° operates subject to weather and climatic conditions.

Overnight accommodations are at Longitude 131°- Ayers Rock

DAY TWO - Ayers Rock

Dine and relax in the earth-toned Dune House, the heart of Longitude 131°, with its panoramic views and dramatic domed roof. Breakfast begins early with freshly baked pastries, fruit and a la carte menu selection. Premium espresso coffee and a generous selection of fine leaf teas are signature elements.  Venturing to Uluru whilst the morning sun lights up the ancient monolith, meander along the pathway to the peaceful Mutitjulu Waterhole and the sacred site of Kuniya Piti. Along this walk our guides share the Anangu creation story of Kuniya and Liru.

After a morning filled with walks, or simply spent relaxing with a book by the pool, appetites are up for lunch. The three course menu offers a selection of seasonal treats and is deceptively light, leaving room for afternoon tea served to coincide with departure of the afternoon activity. A selection of Australian and international cheeses and homemade lavosh are provided on tour.

After arriving at the base of Uluru our guide leads you on a gentle walk as you learn about the history of the Mala people, pointing out cave paintings and other relevant sites important to both Anangu and the early explorers. Enter Kantju Gorge at dusk to witness the gorge walls ablaze with the light of the setting sun. Enjoying sunset drinks and canapés, guests revel in the silence and solitude.

Dinner is a superb dining experience under the canopy of the Dune House. The daily changing four course menu is decadently refined, showcasing the riches of Australian produce. The Longitude 131° wine list features varietals from Australia's finest wine regions.

Overnight accommodations are at Longitude 131°- Ayers Rock

DAY THREE - Ayers Rock/ Alice Springs

After a leisurely breakfast, check-out of the hotel and transfer to the airport for your flight to Alice Springs.  Experience the highlights of Alice Springs on a private tour. Visit the headquarters of the Royal Flying Doctor Service, School of the Air, Overland Telegraph Station and Mbantua (Aboriginal Cultural Museum and Gallery). Meet some of the desert's most unusual animals at Alice Springs Desert Park, and enjoy a lunch at the Olive Pink Botanic Garden.

Late in the afternoon, you'll be dropped to the Alice Springs railway station to join the legendary Ghan train for your Platinum Service journey to Darwin. When camels and their handlers arrived in the 1800s, they joined the efforts to open up Australia's centre, carrying the materials for tracks that would later become the famous Ghan line. Since its inaugural journey in 1929, The Ghan has served hundreds of outback towns relying on rail to survive. Taking its name from the intrepid Afghan cameleers, The Ghan has become a symbol of nationhood and pioneering spirit. Enroute from Alice Springs to Darwin, The Ghan takes you to Nitmiluk Gorge in Katherine where you can touch millions of years of nature's work and discover the rich Dreamtime stories of the Top End,

Platinum Service offers guests a range of luxury extras including in-cabin breakfasts, access to the exclusive Platinum Lounge and Restaurant.

Overnight accommodations in The Ghan, - Platinum Service cabin

DAY FOUR - Alice Springs/Darwin

Enjoy a leisurely cruise on the Katherine River, while gazing in wonder at the towering sandstone cliffs. Alternatively, there is an option to gain an insight into the culture and ways of the traditional owners of Nitmiluk, the Jawoyn people, with an exclusive cultural experience.

Continuing on the train, arrive in Darwin in the early evening and transfer to your hotel. The evening is at your leisure. The hotel concierge will assist you in choosing a local restaurant for dinner.

Overnight accommodations are at - Adina Apartment Hotel Darwin Waterfront - Darwin

DAY FIVE - Darwin/Ship

After breakfast, check out of your hotel and embark on a four-hour city tour of Darwin. Drive through Darwin including two brief photo stops (Botanic Gardens & East Point), visit Fannie Bay Gaol, enjoy some free time at the Museum and Art Gallery of Northern Territory before rejoining the Silver Whisper at Fort Hill Wharf.

Please note: This Mid-Voyage Land Adventure involves a moderate amount of activity.  Guests with limited mobility may be accommodated with prior notice. Confirmation will be strictly subject to availability at the time of booking.  This Mid-Voyage Land Adventure brings you close to nature; insects and other environmental exposure should be anticipated. Operation of some of the components of this programme is dependent on favourable weather; the tour sequence may be amended with very short notice. Optional activities available at the hotel can be booked and paid for at the resort. Airlines restrict baggage to a maximum of one piece per person 55 lb. (25 kg) per person

Programme Includes:

- Two nights at Longitude 131° - Ayers Rock

- One night The Ghan, Platinum Service cabin

- One night Adina Apartment Hotel Darwin Waterfront (or Similar) - Darwin

- Five breakfasts, four lunches, three dinners (meals include 2 beverages, choice of beer, house wine, soft drinks)

- All sightseeing and transfers as per itinerary

Not Included:

Any meals and drinks not specified above, optional activities, charges incurred by the airlines for excess or overweight luggage, gratuities to drivers and tour guides, laundry, telephone calls, Australian visas, cancellation insurance and other personal items.

All Land Adventures require a minimum number of participants in order to operate as described.  If this minimum number is not met, Silversea reserves the right to offer the programme at a different rate based on private arrangements, or to cancel the specific departure.  Silversea's published cruise cancellation policy will remain in effect.  All Land Adventure fares are subject to change and are not guaranteed until payment is received in full by Silversea.  Onboard Spending Credit may not be applied to the purchase of this programme. All Land Adventures are non-transferable and non-refundable for any reason, within 90 days of sailing and are recommended to guests 18 years of age and older.  This description is a general overview of this programme.  Our local operator reserves the right to substitute other sites if local situations, including holidays, changes made by airlines, government activities, and weather, require.  The programme described in this brochure is provided by independent contractors. Silversea acts solely as ticketing agent. Silversea shall have no obligation or liability of any kind to guests for the business practices, acts or omissions in connection with or arising out of arrangements with independent contractors, including but not limited to airline carriers, ground-tour operators, and hotels since they are neither agents for nor employees of Silversea Cruises. Silversea's liability does not extend beyond the vessel.

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