Friday 27th July 2012
Today is your arrival day at Yulara and the Ayers Rock Resort. You will be met at the airport by a member of the Travelling Fit team and escorted to your hotel on one of the complimentary Airport Shuttles which will drop you off right at the door of your hotel.
Once you arrive you will be guided to our dedicated check-in area where you will get your room key as well as your race registration pack that will contain, amongst other things, your race bib and exclusive Australian Outback Marathon Coolmax running top.
Depending on when you arrive, there is plenty of time to relax by the pool, explore the resort or simply head to the Town Square for a bite to eat and a little souvenir shopping.
At 16:00h there will be the opportunity to purchase your very own limited edition Australian Outback Marathon merchandise and you will also be able to change your chosen event, should you wish to. Both of these activities will take place at the Amphitheatre near the Sails in the Desert Hotel, followed by the Australian Outback Marathon Opening Ceremony and Race Briefing starting at 17:00h.
Please note that the Opening Ceremony and Race Briefing are mandatory as there will also be a safety briefing at this time and it is also our last opportunity to pass along any additional information prior to the race itself.
At 18:00h the traditional Carbo Load dinner will commence where you will get plenty of opportunity to mingle with your fellow competitors and also to fully “carbo load” should you wish to.
Note: your 3 day Uluru/Kata Tjuta National Park entry pass is included. This will be given to you on the bus for the Uluru Sunrise Tour.
Included Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Saturday 28th July 2012
TODAY IS THE DAY!
You will need to get up bright and early today but for those with a healthy appetite a full breakfast will be served from 05:00h at your hotel. Our private fleet of coaches will pick you up from the lobby of your hotel at 06:45h to take you to the race start so please don’t be late!
Sunrise is approximately 07:30h and this is another excellent opportunity to see the first rays of the sun splash across the mighty Uluru which forms the back-drop of the start/finish area. Toilets will be provided for those needing to quell those last minute nerves and at 07:45h the 3rd Australian Outback Marathon (and Half-Marathon) will begin. For those participating in the 11km Fun Run and the 6km Fun Run, your start time will be 08:00h.
There will be plenty of tables and chairs at the start/finish area and we will also be providing fruit, an assortment of sandwiches, muffins and drinks for you once you have completed the race. All competitors are encouraged to stay and cheer in your fellow runners but for those that wish to leave once your race has been completed there will be a shuttle bus circulating all day between the finishing area and the resort. You may want to head on back, have a shower and then come on back to the finishing line to cheer on the last runners as they complete their journey.
OPTIONAL TOURS
There are two optional sunset tours available to you should you wish to take advantage of them (at own expense);
- Uluru Sunset Tour
- Sunset Camel Ride
Please see end of Itinerary for detailed explanations of optional tours
In the evening all the runners are encouraged to head on over to the Outback Pioneer Hotel pub for an informal get together, a few drinks and some dancing. This is a great way to end your day (food and drinks at own expense).
Included Meals: Breakfast, Brunch at the Race start/Finish
Sunday 29th July 2012
After a leisurely breakfast you are invited to join your fellow competitors in the swimming pool at Sails in the Desert for a post-race Aqua-Aerobics session starting at 10:00h. This is a great way to take any unwanted aches and pains out of your legs and it is also a fun way to wind down.
OPTIONAL TOURS
There are three optional daytime tours available to you should you wish to take advantage of them (at own expense);
- Kata Tjuta (the Olgas) “Valley of the Winds” walk
- Uluru and Kata Tjuta Helicopter Flight
- Kings Canyon Day Tour
Please see end of Itinerary for detailed explanations of optional tours
Should you decide to relax at the resort the day is free for you do explore on your own or alternatively simply rest and relax by the pool.
This evening will be one of the highlights of your trip, the Australian Outback Marathon Celebration Dinner. Based on the multi-award winning Sounds of Silence dinner this is an evening not to be missed. The Sounds of Silence experience now forms part of the Australian Tourism Hall of Fame and you will certainly understand why. With a fully hosted multi-course meal, an excellent wine list, an on-site star talker, a marathon slide-show and closing presentations you will remember the Celebration Dinner long after the aches and pains have gone. Buses will depart from your hotel at 17:40h and return at approximately 22:00h.
Included Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Monday 30th July 2012
Today your regular tour ends. After breakfast you check out of your hotel to begin your journey either homewards (with a complimentary airport transfer) or on towards Kings Canyon and Alice Springs.
Included Meals: Breakfast
OPTIONAL TOUR (3 Days / 2 Nights)
Here is the opportunity to visit the magnificent Kings Canyon. Overnight in Kings Canyon and Alice Springs.
Please see end of Itinerary for detailed explanations of optional tours
Optional Tours
Uluru Sunset Tour – $50*
Saturday 28th July 2012
Our exclusive coach will depart from your hotel at 17:20h to the Uluru sunset viewing area. Enjoy complimentary canapés and sparkling wine as the sun sets over the western horizon and the evening sky brings out the many shades of colour for which Uluru is famous. The coach will return to your hotel at approximately 19:20h. Don’t forget your camera!
* IMPORTANT: Excludes 3 day Uluru/Kata Tjuta National Park entry pass – additional cost $25
Sunset Camel Ride – $109
Saturday 28th July 2012
Begin your peaceful 1 hour camel ride over the big red sand dunes at sunrise or sunset. A ride through this spectacular desert region brings you closer to nature and offers great views of Uluru – Kata Tjuta National Park World Heritage Area. Skilled guides will describe the flora and fauna along the trail. A refreshing glass of sparkling wine or beer and tasty snacks wait at the end of the trail.
The tour departs from your hotel at 16:50h and returns at 19:20h.
Children under 5 years are NOT permitted to ride camels.
Please advise if any guest travelling weighs more than 100kg.
Kata Tjuta (the Olgas) “Valley of the Winds” Walk – $38*
Sunday 29th July 2012
You will be picked up from your hotel at 11:30h for your tour to Kata Tjuta where your driver/guide will explain the geological history of these giant domes. Your driver/guide will then escort you on a 2-3 hour moderate (at times strenuous) walk in the valley between the massive red conglomerate rocks. Marvel at the unique flora and fauna that has survived in this harsh environment. When you reach the Valley of the Winds Lookout, take some time to gaze out over the central valley of Kata Tjuta. Comfortable walking/hiking shoes are recommended and please take plenty of water with you and cover up with a hat and sunscreen. The coach will return to your hotel at approximately 16:00h.
* IMPORTANT: Excludes 3 day Uluru/Kata Tjuta National Park entry pass – additional cost $25
* OR Take advantage of your 3 day park pass when purchasing the optional Uluru Sunset Tour on Saturday 28th July 2011.
Uluru and Kata Tjuta Helicopter Flight – $248
Sunday 29th July 2012
Make sure you see it all while you are here on this once in a lifetime trip by combining the beauty of Uluru and Kata Tjuta in one unforgettable flight. Professional Helicopter Services will pick you up from your hotel, driven to the Helicopter base and taken on a 30 minute aerial tour. Note: Bookings are essential so as to ensure you get the departure time that suits you.
Kings Canyon Day Tour – $159
Sunday 29th July 2012
Few are prepared for their experience of Kings Canyon in Watarrka National Park, explored on this exciting tour. The magnificent Kings Canyon’s rugged rock formation, home to a wide variety of life, looms into the clear desert sky. For those with a good level of fitness the self-guided rocky climb to the rim of Kings Canyon (taking up to 3 hours) will be rewarded with marvellous views. Alternatively, you may wish to explore the boulder-strewn canyon floor, an easier walk.
The tour departs from your hotel at 04:00h and you will be provided with a packed breakfast for your trip. Lunch will be served at Kings Creek Station after your walk memorable Kings Canyon walk. You will then return to Ayers Rock Resort arriving at approximately 15:30h in time for the Australian Outback Marathon Celebration Dinner in the evening.
Kings Canyon and Alice Springs – 3 Days / 2 Nights
$890 (Standard twin share); $970 (Deluxe twin share)
$1115 (Standard single room); $1275 (Deluxe single room)
Monday 30th July 2012
At 08:00h you will check out of your hotel and board our private, luxury coach for your trip to Kings Canyon. Travel through the amazing desert landscape, see mount Connor along the way and upon your arrival, enjoy lunch at Carmichael’s Restaurant.
After you check in to your hotel you will take a guided rim walk of Kings Canyon itself where you will be rewarded with spectacular views over the surrounding plains. Please make sure you bring plenty of water with you and don’t forget your camera! Dinner is included this evening so there is nothing for you to do but enjoy the day.
Included Meals: Lunch, Dinner
Tuesday 31st July 2012
After breakfast you will check out of the Kings Canyon Resort and once again board your luxury coach at 08:00h for your onward trip to Alice Springs. You will stop at the famous Mt Ebenezer Cattle Station on the way for a bite to eat (at own expense) and view the art gallery in the show room before arriving at approximately 14:00h at the Aurora Alice Springs Resort.
The afternoon and evening is yours to explore “the Alice”; check out the original springs, maybe a trip to the Royal Flying Doctor Service or even shopping in the famous Todd Mall.
Included Meals: Breakfast
Wednesday 1st August 2012
After breakfast you check out of your hotel for your journey home.
Included Meals: Breakfast
