Excursion Overland experience: uluru - outback wonders & iconic landscapes tour at Melbourne

Cruise line: Silversea
Difficulty:

Experience the mystical Red Centre of Australia on this seamless mid-voyage journey to Uluru (Ayers Rock) and Kata Tjuta. Fly from Melbourne to the spiritual heart of the continent, where you’ll spend two magical overnights in a Luxury King Tent at the Longitude 131° desert lodge – and two unforgettable days immersed in an environment with no parallel on Earth.

Bask in the splendor of Outback sunrises and sunsets. Explore sacred Walpa Gorge and Kantju Gorge, where Aboriginal cultural history comes alive. Dine al fresco, blanketed in silence and stars, as you enjoy inspired cuisine and wines that celebrate the palate of Australia. Witness the evening spectacle of the Field of Light – a fantasy garden of 50,000 illuminated frosted glass spheres that shift in waves of color.

Consider an optional helicopter overflight, camel trek, or mountain-bike tour – or forego exploring altogether in favor of R&R by the pool with its majestic Uluru views. On day three, of your overland adventure fly back to Adelaide to overnight before rejoining the ship the next morning.

03MIDMEL-A Outback Wonders & Iconic Landscapes

Duration: 3.5 Days/3 Nights

Departs from:  Melbourne on 3 March 2026

Re-join ship: Adelaide on 6 March 2026

Reserve by: At least 90 days prior to sailing

 

IMPORTANT NOTE:

This Silver Shore Overland Experience requires advance booking through Silversea Reservations no later than 90 days prior to the sail date. Requests received after this date may be accommodated on a space-available basis. Tickets are available in limited quantities, and participation cannot be guaranteed for those guests not booking well in advance. A minimum number of participants is required to operate this programme. 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. Cancellation fee, unless otherwise advised, 90 days prior to the initial sailing date: 100% of the programme fare per person is due.

 

Payment-in-full is due within 120 days prior to sailing. Booking made within 120 days of sailing require full payment within seven days of booking or sooner, as specified by Silversea. Onboard Spending Credit may not be applied to the purchase of this programme.

 

All Overland Experience fares are subject to change, and not guaranteed until payment is received in full by Silversea. All Land Adventures are non-transferable, and non-refundable, within 90 days of sailing. Minors under the age of 18 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian over 18 years old. All Overland Experiences are owned by independent contractors, and Silversea makes no representations and assumes no responsibility for the services provided by these operators. Overland Experience may be modified by the operators at their sole discretion.

VISA INFORMATION:

Please check with your travel professional regarding visa requirements for visitors to Australia. It is the responsibility of the guest to obtain any appropriate visa documents before your cruise.

 

LOCAL CURRENCY:

The local currency is the Australian Dollar (AUD); other currencies are not accepted. Local ATMs are available in some locations visited, and credit cards are accepted in most larger shops and hotels.

LUGGAGE INFORMATION

Guests are limited to 1 piece of hand luggage (up to 7 kg/15 lbs)  and 1 x suitcase of checked luggage (up to 23kg/ 50 lbs).

Carry-On Baggage Allowance:

  • One standard piece weighing up to 7 kg/ 15 lbs, with maximum dimensions of 56 cm x 36 cm x 23 cm; or
  • Two small pieces with a combined weight of up to 7 kg/ 15lbs, each not exceeding 48 cm x 34 cm x 23 cm; or
  • Additional Item: One personal item, such as a laptop, handbag, or overcoat.

Checked Baggage:

  • One checked bag weighing up to 23 kg/ 50 lbs.

We suggest to pack lightly and leave any valuables onboard.

FULL DESCRIPTION

DAY 1 – Tuesday, 3 March 2026

Following breakfast on the ship, debark and meet your Tour Guide for the transfer to Melbourne Airport and your late morning flight to Uluru (Ayers Rock) the heart of Australia’s famed Red Centre. Upon arrival, check in at Longitude 131°, Australia’s most celebrated luxury camp.Located in the red dunes of the Central Desert, you will find your tented pavilion, that offers an incredible connection with the landscape and it’s heritage. Settle in and enjoy some unstructured afternoon leisure – perhaps venturing along one of the hiking trails or drinking in some mesmerizing Uluru views by the swimming pool.

As the day draws to a close, grab your camera and some warm clothing, and enjoy your first immersion into the magic of sunset over Uluru, with drinks and canapés in hand. Experience the wonder of artist Bruce Munro’s celebrated Field of Light installation, a massive fantasy garden of 50,000 glass spindles topped with illuminated frosted spheres that shift in waves of color with Uluru as their backdrop. As darkness descends on the desert, guests will enjoy  a four-course set menu dinner, complemented with fine Australian wines,  under a canopy of stars at  Table 131°.   Later, the lodge guide regales  the group with tales of the Southerly constellations, before heading back to the luxury of your tented pavilion.

Dinner and overnight accommodation at Longitude 131°.

DAY 2 – Wednesday, 4 March 2026

After an early breakfast at the hotel, begin a 4-hour exploration of Walpa Gorge and the domed formations of Kata Tjuta (the Olgas).  Explore, with your expert guide, the impressive formations of Kata Tjuta on a walk through Walpa Gorge.  Discover how weathering and continental changes have created the landscape you can see today. Afterwards, you will visit the Cultural Centre where, interactive and informative displaces will give you insight into the spiritual and cultural meanings of Uluru and Kata Tjuta.

Return to the coolness of the Dune House and enjoy a 2 course lunch of fresh seafood, meats and salads, paired with wine.   

After lunch, venture to the base of Uluru and uncover the traditions of the Indigenous Mala people. Guided by the expert team at Longitude 131°, guests follow a discovery trail that winds past ancient rock caves whose walls are etched with Aboriginal artworks. Each natural ‘room’ reveals its own cultural significance, telling stories passed down through generations. The trail meanders through groves of vibrant greenery, crossing boardwalks suspended over spinifex grass and, depending on recent rains, tranquil streams. As twilight approaches, the journey culminates at Kantju Gorge—an immense fold carved into Uluru’s majestic surface. Shaded by trees, the gorge opens to a serene waterhole, still used by the local Anangu people for swimming.

As the sun begins to set, Uluru comes alive in a blaze of colour—its surface glowing brilliant red against the backdrop of a deepening blue sky.

Dine this evening in the intimate ambience of the Dune House, your four-course menu paired with wines to match. The Longitude 131° culinary concept is grounded in respect for indigenous produce, local cuisine, and elevated sustainability, whilst providing a contemporary Australian menu.

Dinner and overnight accommodation at Longitude 131°.

DAY 3 – Thursday, 5 March 2026

Following a light pre-dawn breakfast at the hotel, begin the day with a guided walk at the base of Uluru, where the landscape tells the ancient Tjukurpa story of Kuniya Piti. This cultural journey brings to life the legend of the ancestral watersnake, Wanampi, and leads to Mutitjulu Waterhole—a peaceful pool that often features a cascading waterfall, depending on recent rainfall.

This part of Uluru surprises with its pockets of lush greenery, where trees and grasses thrive in contrast to the surrounding desert. As guests explore the area, they are immersed in the rich spiritual narrative of two ancestral beings: Kuniya, the woma python, and Liru, the venomous snake. Though their individual stories unfold on different sides of the rock, it’s near Mutitjulu Waterhole where their dramatic confrontation occurred. A nearby cave holds the markings that reveal the powerful conclusion of their epic struggle.

The experience concludes with morning tea served under the cool canopy of native trees, before guests return to Longitude 131°, where you can enjoy a more substantial breakfast in Dune House, before you check out of your accommodation and head to the airport for your afternoon flight to Adelaide.

Upon arrival into Adelaide, a short transfer brings you to the elegant Marriott Hotel in the heart of Adelaide, your final stop on this Outback adventure.

Dine this evening at Penny Blue, the Marriott’s signature restaurant. Enjoy a thoughtfully curated chef’s sharing menu, featuring South Australian produce. The experience is one of relaxed refinement, with dishes designed to highlight regional flavours in a modern Australian style.

Dinner and overngiht Accommodation at Adelaide Marriott Hotel.

DAY 4 – Friday, 6 March,2026

This morning, enjoy a full breakfast at the hotel, before checking out of the hotel and taking a drive to port, where you will say farewell to your Tour Guide and rejoin your ship, – embarking with a wealth of unforgettable experiences to remember and tales of the cultural and natural wonders of Australia’s Red Centre to share.

Program Inclusions:

  • Two nights at Longitude 131° Lodge (Luxury King Tent) – Uluru/Kata Tjuta
  • One night at the Adelaide Marriott (Luxury Room) – Adelaide
  • Activities and tours per itinerary (except optional activities – bookable at the hotel)
  • Scheduled Economy-class flights (Melbourne>Uluru, Uluru>Adelaide); .  At an additional charge, an upgrade to First or Business Class may be requested, subject to availability. Requests must be submitted at the time of booking this programme. The upgrade is non-refundable once confirmed.
  • Meals: 3 breakfasts, 1 lunch at Longitude 121, 2 inflight lunches, 2 curated four-course dinners; lunches & dinners include two beverages each: soft drink, local beer, or venue-selected wine, 1 dinner and two beverages each:  soft drink, local beer or venue-selected wine at Adelaide Marriott Hotel.
  • Private vehicle transfers throughout program

Not Included:

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

Please note:  This Mid-Voyage Overland Experience requires a moderate amount of walking, some in elevated temperatures, and much of it over uneven natural surfaces. It is recommended for guests in good physical condition and is not suitable for those with limited mobility or who utilize a wheelchair.  The optional experiences mentioned are not included, and some take place offsite. Additional charges apply. Arrangements can be made directly with local suppliers via Longitude 131° staff. Pack lightly; the luggage weight restriction is limited to 33 pounds (about 15 kilograms). Lightweight, comfortable clothing with flat, closed-toe walking shoes, a hat and sun protection are recommended. We suggest to pack lightly and leave any valuables onboard. Expect typical desert weather conditions, the temperatures can range quite a bit between day and night. Guests should be respectful of local sentiments, customs and traditions. The tour itinerary and sequence are subject to change without prior notice, and airline alterations to the flight schedules may affect the tour itinerary, tour sequence and/or programme content.

Note

Please note: This tour involves a moderate amount of walking for approximately 219 yards (about 200 metres), at times over uneven and gravel surfaces, with three-four steps to negotiate to get on/off the coach and at the sites visited. This tour is not suitable for guests prone to motion sickness, guests with limited mobility and guests who utilise a wheelchair. Guests are advised to wear lightweight, comfortable clothing with flat, closed-toe walking shoes, and bring sun protection and a light jacket from the ship. Guests must be at least 18 years old to participate in tastings of alcoholic beverages. The driving distance between the pier and wineries visited is approximately 1.75 hours in each direction. The tour sequence may vary. Space on this tour is very limited; we suggest you book in advance to avoid disappointment. In case Bortoli Winery is not available, guests will visit Rochford Winery instead.