Great Outback Escape
At a glance
Dates: 29 April – 6 May 2023
The Great Outback Escape is no ordinary cycling tour. It’s an eight-day, fully-supported premium bike riding holiday.
Staying in three to five-star accommodation, you will be afforded with all the luxuries and support needed to enjoy your time both on and off the bike.
During the day, you’ll ride and experience first-hand the magical landscapes of Australia’s Red Centre, including West MacDonnell Ranges, Kings Canyon and the iconic Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park by bike. At night, you’ll rest, relax, refuel and refresh, connecting with friends new and old.
We’ve also thrown in some extra special activities each day to make sure you experience the very best of Central Australia.
Itinerary
Day 1 – Arrive in Alice Springs
What’s on
Arrive at accommodation any time and get settled in with a free day to explore Alice Springs. Bicycle Network will provide a map showing bike routes to all of Alice’s best attractions.
Once you’ve settled in, join us for welcome drinks and canapes to meet your fellow riders, followed by a delicious dinner under the stars.
Welcome to country will acknowledge the traditional owners of the land in which we will be visiting, followed by the cultural sounds of a traditional didgeridoo artist.
Accommodation: Mercure Alice Springs Resort
Day 2 – Ride to Ellery Creek via Glen Helen | 60km
Ride details
Following breakfast at your accommodation you’ll kick off the day with a bus trip to Glen Helen, followed by coffee, tea and strudel and the chance to explore Glen Helen Gorge.
The day’s riding will take in quiet roads, rolling hills and the possibility of spotting wild horses and dingoes as you ride from Glen Helen to Ellery Creek.
In the evening we’ll transport you back from Ellery Creek to Alice Springs via coach. There you’ll get the chance to kick-back and reminisce on the days activities.
What’s on
- 6:30AM: Breakfast at accommodation
- 8:00AM: Depart on bus to Glen Helen
- 9:30AM: Morning tea at Glen Helen. Explore Glen Helen Gorge
- 10:30AM: Start ride from Glen Helen to Ellery Creek via Ormiston Gorge and Ochre Pits (route open 10:30am – 3:30pm)
- 4:00PM: Coach transport departs from Ellery Creek for Alice Springs
- 6:30PM: Dinner
Accommodation: Mercure Alice Springs Resort
Day 3 – Ride Standley Chasm to Alice Springs | 70km
Ride details
Relax and enjoy today’s riding which will take you along the scenic Simpson’s Gap bike path and wind through bushland in the foothills of the West MacDonnell Ranges.
You’ll have the option to join us on a walk through Standley Chasm and treat yourself to morning tea and coffee before the morning’s ride.
The quiet roads offer stunning views of the West Macdonnel Ranges with a rolling descent taking you back into Alice Springs at the end of the day.
What’s on
- 6:30AM: Breakfast at accommodation
- 7:00AM: Depart on bus to Standley Chasm
- 8:30AM: Optional walk through Standley Chasm followed by morning tea
- 9:30AM: Ride starts from Standley Chasm to Alice Springs (route open 9:30AM – 5:00PM)
- 6:07PM: Sunset
- 6:30PM: Two course dinner and drinks
Accommodation: Mercure Alice Springs Resort
Day 4 – Kings Canyon rest / adventure day
Today is what you make it. While the bike gets a rest for the day, you can experience any of the things on offer around Kings Canyon. Soak it all in by completing the full 6km rim walk, or if you’re feeling extra adventurous, try one of the amazing activities below.
Finally, cap off the day with a champagne as the sun sets over Kings Canyon before heading to a luxury two course dinner at Carmichaels.
All activities must be pre-booked with one of our friendly team members.
What’s on
- 5:30AM: Breakfast at accommodation
- 6:15AM: Depart on bus to Kings Canyon, stopping for morning tea at the Eldunda Roadhouse
- 6:56AM: Sunrise
- 12:30PM: Arrive at Kings Canyon for lunch
- 1:30PM: Optional activities
- 5:30PM: Enjoy a champagne as the sun sets over Kings Canyon
- 6:30PM: Two-course dinner at Carmichaels
Accommodation: Kings Canyon Resort
Additional Activities
Kings Canyon Rim Walk
Experience the sheer natural beauty of one of Central Australia’s greatest geological features. A three to four hour self guided hike suitable for people of moderate fitness level.
Cost: Free
Time: 2:00pm
Helicopter Tour
Helicopter rides over Kings Canyon offer a stunning perspective from above. Be sure to take your camera!
Cost: $115pp | maximum 48 people
Time: 2:00pm | 8 min time slots
Kings Creek Walk
The 2.6km walk is less strenuous than the Rim Walk, and offers spectacular views of the Canyon from the floor. The walk is well marked and suitable for all fitness levels
Cost: Free
Time: 2:00pm
Day 5 – Ride to Kings Creek Station | 49km
Ride details
Ride to the base of Kings Canyon and take the opportunity to do the iconic Kings Canyon Rim Walk or explore the Kings Creek and Kathleen Springs walks.
Saddle up and pedal your way to Kings Creek Station, situated among beautiful desert oaks and falling at the foot of the stunning George Gill Range. It’s a perfect spot for lunch!
The last coach will depart Kings Creek Station at 1:30pm on route to Yulara. The later afternoon and early evening is yours to explore Yulara or put up your feet for a well deserved rest before dinner.
What’s on
- 5:30AM: Breakfast at Kings Canyon Resort
- 6:30AM: Start ride from Kings Canyon Resort (route open 6:30am: 1:00pm)
- 7:00AM: Optional Kings Canyon rim walk, Kings Creek Walk or Kathleen Springs Walk. Read more here.
- 1:30PM: Last coach departs Kings Creek Station for Yulara
- 4:30PM: Free time in Yulara
- 6:30PM: Dinner
Accommodation: The Lost Camel (Premium) | Sails in the Desert (Deluxe)
Additional Activities
Kings Canyon Light Towers
Be be among the first to experience the latest sound and light installation by internationally recognised British artist Bruce Munro. Opening in April, the installation follows on from his Field of Lights at Uluru which has received international acclaim since 2016.
Cost: $45 | 30 spots available
Time: 6:25am – 7:25am (this will be instead of the option Kings Canyon rim walk).
Day 6 – Ride to Uluru (return) | 48km
Ride details
It’s an early start today but one to treasure! Take a self-guided tour through the stunning Field of Light before watching the sunrise from a viewing platform with the backdrop of Uluru over breakfast.
During the day you’ll have time to ride a full loop of Uluru, stop in at the cultural centre and take a stroll to the Mutijulu waterhole.
The afternoon and evening are open for you to enjoy some free time – there’s plenty of activities to choose from, or you can simply kick back and relax.
What’s on
- 5:45AM: Bus departs for Field of Light
- 6:00AM: Self-guided tour through the Field of Light before sitting down to breakfast at sunrise (7:00AM)
- 8:15AM: Bus returns to accommodation
- 9:00AM – 1:00PM: Uluru loop ride with on-road support from Bicycle Network (route open 9:00AM – 1:00PM)
- From 12:00PM: Enjoy additional activities.
- 6:06PM: Sunset
Accommodation: The Lost Camel (Premium) | Sails in the Desert (Deluxe)
Additional Activities
Bush Foods Experience
Learn about Australian and local native bush foods with a tasting of seasonal seeds, fruits and spices and how for centuries the Indigenous people used the bush for food. You’ll find out about the uses of certain plants, fruits, grains and spices and about traditional food preparation methods.
Cost: Free | maximum 10 people
Time: 1:00pm – 1:45pm
Garden Walk
Desert Gardens Hotel is famous for it’s magnificent gardens full of local flora. Your Indigenous guide show you the authentic native gardens and plants which Anangu relied on for food and medicinal purposes.
Cost: Free | maximum 10 people
Time: 4:45pm – 5:45pm
Sunset Camel Tour
Travel on Uluru Camel Tours friendly camels in the spectacular desert landscape with stunning views of Uluru and Kata Tjuta while their skilled cameleers will tell you stories of the territory. Return to the farm at twilight to relax and enjoy a drink and outback bush foods including their famous freshly baked beer bread damper.
Cost: $145pp | maximum 30 people
Time: 4:20pm.
GoCA (Gallery of Central Australia)
A visit to GoCA provides a unique opportunity to view authentic Indigenous artwork, learn about its significance and with the chance to observe artists at work (not guaranteed). Admission is free, and guests can purchase authentic artworks at the Gallery to support the dedicated and talented artists and their families who live and work in the Central Desert region.
Cost: Free | No booking necessary
Time: 1:00pm – 5:00pm
Uluru’s Best & Segway Tour
Explore on foot Uluru’s magnificant Mutitjulu waterhole. Learn how to Segway then Segway the most scenic portion of Uluru’s base walk (approx 1.5 hours). After feeling the wind on your face and seeing Uluru’s beauty your guide will teach you more about Indigenous culture and provide you an opportunity to see Aboriginal rock art whilst walking the Mala Walk.
Please read the disclaimer before booking.
Cost: $179 | maximum 20 people
Time: 1:00pm – 4:30pm
Day 7 – Ride to Kata Tjuta (return) | 104km
Ride details
Arguably the best day of road riding starts with a winding road through Uluru – Kata Tjuta National Park, featuring stunning views of Kata Tjuta as you approach the culturally significant site. The return to Yulara is rewarded with easy descending and even better views of Uluru.
Just when you thought it was all over, there’s one more memorable experience to top it all off – the Sounds of Silence dinner!
You’ll be dining under the desert night while a storyteller shares tales as told in the stars. Take the opportunity to reflect on your best memories of the trip and enjoy a final night with new friends.
What better way to wrap up a trip that you’ll never forget.
What’s on
- 6:00AM: Breakfast at Ilkari Restaurant
- 6:57AM: Sunrise
- 7:00AM: Riders through Kata Tjuta National Park starts (route open 7:00AM – 2:30PM)
- 5:00PM: Bus departs for Sound of Silence dinner
- 6:00PM: Three-course dinner followed by didgeridoo performance and stargazing tour
- 6:05PM: Sunset
Accommodation: The Lost Camel (Premium) | Sails in the Desert (Deluxe)
Day 8 – Farewell
What’s on
Day 8 brings us to the end of our incredible adventure through some of the most untouched natural landscapes in the world.
Depart any time or enjoy our optional transfer service back to Alice Springs. If you’re flying directly from Uluru, you can utilise the resort’s free Airport Shuttle Service.
If you choose to stay the extra night and make the most of the weekend away you can purchase this along with your ticket. We recommend that you fly out of Yulara should you decide to stay an extra night.
Farewell and have a safe journey home!
Got a question? Chat to the team.
Chelsea de Ruyter
Phone: (03) 8376 8888
Email: escape@bicyclenetwork.com.au
Contact: Monday – Wednesday 9am – 5pm
Coordinating larger community groups across Bicycle Network’s various events, Chelsea’s excited to use this experience to create a memorable cycling holiday for riders on the Great Outback Escape. As a travel and nature enthusiast, she can’t wait to help you get the most out of exploring the Red Centre and make it the trip of a lifetime.
Jaimie Collins
Phone: (03) 8376 8888
Email: escape@bicyclenetwork.com.au
Contact: Thursday – Friday 9am – 5pm
With four years under her belt in the Bicycle Network events team, Jaimie takes every opportunity to travel the world and is happiest when outdoors and being active. After exploring the outback in 2019 and 2022, she’s looking forward to helping you explore all the hidden gems on offer at the Great Outback Escape.
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