The Great Outback Escape

The Great Outback Escape is no ordinary cycling tour. Its an eight-day, bike riding holiday that provides you with an unforgettable experience through Central Australia both on and off the bike.During the day, youll experience the rugged and unique landscapes of Australias Red Centre, including West MacDonnell Ranges, Kings Canyon and the iconic Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park by bike. At night, youll rest, relax, refuel and refresh in three to five star accommodation. Each day, weve also thrown in some extra special activities to make sure you experience the very best of Central Australia.

PackagesPremium Includes nightly 3 and 4 star accommodation plus a night under the stars (camping) at Glen Helen HomesteadLux Upgrades you to nightly 4 and 5 star accommodation, plus a night at Glen Helen Homestead and a helicopter ride over Kings Canyon.You can’t visit Central Australia without experiencing the awe-inspiring and ever changing colours of the landscape, sacred Aboriginal culture, clear starry skies and the red dirt between your toes. Inclusions As part of your entry to The Great Outback Escape, you’ll receive meals each day, stay in three to five star accommodation and take part in a number of unique and one-off Red Centre experiences. Some of these include:Welcome to Country at MecureDidgeridoo concertWelcome drinks and canapes Self-guided tour to Desert Park and telegraph station (Optional)Evening camp fire with marshmellows at Glen Helen HomesteadBush Food BBQTour of the Hermannsburg Historic PrecinctStandley Chasm walkAngkerle Artists art projectStandley Chasm art showKing Canyon Rim Walk and champagne on the viewing deckKings Canyon Helicopter ride (incl. lux ticket)Camel ride or quad biking at Kings Canyon (optional)Field of Light Sunrise breakfastSounds of Silence dinnerBike transport (Melbourne to Alice springs return)

Day 1 Day in Alice Springs Day 2116km rideThe first day of riding will see you cover over 100km on the bike but with a rewarding outback experience at your destination.Day 3 70km ride Soak up the quiet roads and stunning views of the West MacDonnel Ranges Day 4 Rest day in Kings Canyon Day 5100km ride Ride through the heart of the Watarrka National Park and pas the stunning ride-line of George Gill Range Day 648km rideSpend a day in the heart of the "Red Centre" with a sunrise at Uluru that you'll treasure forever (even with the early wake up!) Day 7 104km rideToday's ride will take you through Kata Tjuta National Park with stunning views of some iconic Central Australia landmarks

Day 1 Alice Springs - Explore all that Alice Springs has to offer, meet your fellow riders and settle into your first night away at Mercure Resort. Day 2 Hermannsburg to Glen Helen - The first day of riding will see you cover 100km on the bike but with a rewarding outback experience at your destination Day 3 Standley Chasm to Alice Springs - Soak up the quiet roads and stunning views of the West MacDonnel Ranges Day 4 Kings Canyon (Rest Day) - Take a break from a bike and rest your legs while experiencing the magnificence of Kings Canyon Day 5Kings Canyon to Ernest Giles Rd - Ride through the heart of teh Watarrka National Park and past the stunning ridge-line of George Gill Range Day 6 Yulara to Uluru Return - Spend a day in the heart of the "Red Centre" with a sunrise at Uluru that you'll treasure forever Day 7 Yulara to Kata Tjuta return - Today's ride will take you through Kata Tjuta National Park with stunning views of some iconic Central Australia landmarks.

Bike Transport Bicycle Network is offering complimentary bike transport from Melbourne to Alice Springs (return) for Great Outback Escape riders.Bikes will depart our workshop in Sunshine North on Tuesday 7 May 2019 and will be ready for your arrival at the Mercure Hotel on Saturday 11 May. Bikes will be returned to the workshop after the event.Riders will need to drop off and collect bikes from the the Bicycle Network workshop before and after the event during the following times.Bicycle Network workshop11 Hawthorn Avenue, Sunshine North 3020Drop-off timesWednesday 1 May: 9:00am – 3:00pmSaturday 4 May: 9:00am – 1:00pmCollection timesWednesday 22 May: 9:00am – 3:00pmSaturday 25 May: 9:00am – 1:00pmYour bike must be clearly labelled and boxed or carefully wrapped (e.g. in bubble wrap) upon drop off.The Bicycle Network team will take as much care as possible to look after your possessions, however, are not liable for damage to your bike in transit.

We welcome expressions of interest from interested volunteers from the local community in the NT. Applications will be assessed on a case by case basis. Send your details and experience through to volunteer @bicyclenetwork.com.au

What type of bike should I bring?We recommend bringing any bike that you feel comfortable on for riding 100km+. If you opt for a road bike, we suggest using wider tires of around 28mm for the best riding experience.How can I get my bike to the NT?Most airlines will allow you to travel with your bike for a handling fee (approx $25).Bicycle Network will also be able to freight your bike from Melbourne to Alice Springs, and back.Is the bus transfer to Alice Springs from Yulara included?Yes, all coach transfers are included in the entry fee.You may also elect to stay an extra night with us in Yulara, though we suggest pre-booking flights for your return leg well in advance.What is the total distance of the ride?438kmI want to do the helicopter ride over Kings Canyon but booked premium, can I still book a flight?Yes, helicopter rides are an optional extra for Premium tickets.8 min flight – $9515 min flight – $150This will be available as a bookable extra soon.I’ve booked the premium ticket and will be camping, do I need to bring anything?You are welcome to bring your own sleeping bag / linen, although this will all be provided on the night (including tent, bed rolls and a sleeping bag).