Accommodation and Travel

EXPERIENCE THE NORTHERN TERRITORY

Race It, Ride It, Experience the Gravel Muster!

Quick links to info below:

ACCOMMODATION

The Shimano Gravel Muster is based out of Alice Springs and travels to two cattle stations in the East MacDonnell Ranges as part of the journey. Accommodation at the two cattle stations is included in the entry.

Accommodation Plan
STAGEACCOMMODATIONTO DO
DAY 0
Wed 21 August		–Stay in Alice Springs – YOU BOOK!Rider needs to BOOK directly.
We recommend The Mercure. Details below…
DAY 1
Thurs 22 Aug		1Stay in Alice Springs – YOU BOOK!Rider needs to BOOK directly.
We recommend The Mercure. Details below…
DAY 2
Fri 23 Aug		2Stay at Hale River Homestead – INCLUDED!
(options detailed below)		Rider selects:
1. BYO Camping/Caravan OR
2. Rapid Ascent Camp Village.
(As of 15 March all Cabins at Hale River are sold out.)
DAY 3
Sat 24 Aug		3Stay at Ross River Homestead – INCLUDED!
(options detailed below)		Rider selects:
1. BYO Camping/Caravan OR
2. Rapid Ascent Camp Village
3. Cabin or Bunk House
DAY 4
Sun 25 Aug		4Stay in Alice Springs – YOU BOOK!Rider needs to BOOK directly.
We recommend The Mercure. Details below…

GEAR TRANSPORT: all gear will be transported for you on Days 2, 3 and 4 – regardless of Homestead accommodation selection.

Each venue and the different camping options are explained below.

Alice Springs (night 0, 1 and 4) – Stay at The Mercure

The event is based at Alice Springs for Day 0, Day 1 and Day 4. You can stay anywhere in Alice Springs but we recommend you stay at the Mercure Resort. This is where the Rapid Ascent crew will be staying and is the location of the race registration, competitor briefing and functions.

Nestled on the banks of the famous Todd River only a 5-minute walk from the town centre, The Mercure Alice Springs Resort combines friendly and efficient outback service with modern, comfortable facilities in 4.5-star surrounds.

SPECIAL COMPETITOR RATE AT 30% OFF!

HOW TO BOOK :

  • Day 0 and Day 1 – Wednesday 21 August and Thursday 22 August: Call or email The Mercure directly on 08 8951 4545 or [email protected]. Quote code: 169290 to secure the reduced rate of $255 for two people per night including breakfast.
  • Day 4 – Sunday 25 August: Call or email The Mercure directly on 08 8951 4545 [email protected]. Quote code: 169294 to secure the reduced rate of $255 for two people per night including breakfast

Other Accommodation Options in Alice Springs

Participants are welcome to stay at other Alice Springs accommodation however you will need to make your own way to The Mercure for the official race functions, registration, gear transport and briefing.

East MacDonnell Ranges (night 2 & 3) – included in your entry fee

After two nights in Alice Springs the event travels a long way east to Hale River and Ross River Homesteads in the East MacDonnell Ranges. All competitors must stay here on Day 2 and Day 3 with your gear transported for you! (NOTE: it is too far to drive back to Alice Springs)

Accommodation Levels

Accommodation, Meals and ALL Services at both Hale River and Ross River are included in the entry fee. However there are 4 levels, including 3 upgrade options which you select when you enter the event online:

LEVELINCL.
NIGHTS		EXTRA
FEE		DETAILS
Base Option
BYO Camp Gear		2$0Your entry already includes space in the campground.
Riders bring your own camping gear (tent, mattress and sleeping bag…) and we will transport it all for you! Or supporters drive your own caravans and camper trailer.
Upgrade Option 1
Rapid Ascent supplied Camp Gear		2$100You can select this upgrade option when entering the event online.
We supply your camp gear with each rider receives a 2 man tent, 10cm thick mattress and a pillow. We transport the camp gear to the campsites for you but you set it up (or for a small fee we’ll set it up as well).
Max. 75 people.
You just BYO a sleeping bag, pillow case and towel.
Upgrade Option 2
Camp x 1 Night at Hale River and Bunk x 1 Night at Ross River		2$100You can select this upgrade option when entering the event online.
Stay in a supplied tent, mattress and pillow at Hale River on night 2 and then in a rustic bunk room at Ross River on night 3. We will transport the camp gear for you and you set it up (or for a small fee we can set it up).
You just BYO a sleeping bag, pillow case and towel for the first night of camping. Linen supplied for the night at Ross River.
Upgrade Option 3
Camp 1 x Night at Hale River and 1 x Cabin at Ross River		2$175You can select this upgrade option when entering the event online.
Stay in a supplied tent, mattress and pillow at Hale River on night 2 and then in a comfortable twin share cabin at Ross River on night 3. We will transport the camp gear for you and you set it up (or for a small fee we can set it up).
You just BYO a sleeping bag, pillow case and towel for the first night of camping. Linen supplied for the night at Ross River.
*You can opt to have the Rapid Ascent team to set up your camping equipment as part of the Camp Village for a fee of $50 per night.

You ride the gravel. We’ll transport all your gear!

Further details about each of the the cattle stations:

Hale River Cattle Station 

Day 2, Friday 23 August

Hale River Homestead at Old Ambalindum is set up to provide accommodation, meals and drinks to visitors, functions and events in the East MacDonnells. Hosted by Lynne and Sean, it provides a range of facilities including pool, hot showers, shady gardens and grass, bar, and fire pits, as well as a range of accommodation styles. This is our first oasis in the outback and will be a very welcome home for us on night 2. View more here: http://www.haleriverhomestead.com.au/

Ross River Cattle Station

Day 3, Saturday 24 August

The Ross River Resort is based around the original 1890’s Loves Creek Homestead and is located in a spectacular setting at the base of the Ross River gorge. The homestead is set up as a bar and restaurant and their extensive surrounds include a large shady camping area, pool, cabins, bunkhouses and range of walks and places to explore. Ross River is renowned amongst visitors to the East MacDonnell Ranges and is a superb night 3 camp. View more here: http://rossriverresort.com.au/

AIRPORT TRANSFERS

Transfers between the airport and your accommodation in Alice Springs are best provided by Alice Silver Passenger Services who conduct airport shuttles. They can take your bike and drop you off anywhere in Alice.

They are aware of the event and ready to receive your booking.

TO BOOK:

Book online HERE https://alicesilver.com.au/airport-shuttle/ or e-mail [email protected] or phone: 0477 245 941.

FLIGHTS

Getting to Alice Springs does not have to be hard nor expensive and there are often sales for great airfares.

REMEMBER, ALICE SPRINGS AIRPORT IS NOT NEAR ULURU / AYERS ROCK. Uluru airport is about 4 hours south of Alice Springs, so don’t be a nufty and book the wrong location!! (Yes this has happened on more than one occasion!)

Qantas

Qantas offer Flights to Alice Springs from most Australian capital cities. Prices often fluctuate from week to week, and it is not at all uncommon to pick up flights for around $300 or less each way with Qantas from most capital cities if you keep a look out. www.qantas.com.au

Virgin Australia

Virgin Australia offers flights to Alice Springs from Darwin and Adelaide. www.virginaustralia.com/au

Bonza Airlines

Bonza have started flying to Alice Springs from some capital cities – providing great, low cost flights at various times to the Red Centre. Check out their flights on their website or via their App.

AirNorth
AirNorth flies from Perth to Alice Springs on each Monday, Wednesday and Friday. You can view their prices and schedule here.

BE A TOURIST

Central Australia is an incredibly scenic and inspiring place with a massive range of things to see and do both near and far from Alice Springs.

There are numerous tourist attractions and activities that be may be completed during the race week itself if you want to bundle into a car or catch a tour to sites like Simpsons Gap or the Alice Springs Desert Park. Or there are obviously even more that are further afield. We encourage you to book an extra night or two before or after racing.

• Hot Air Balloooning (from $335)
• Indigenous experiences and education sessions
• Outdoor Activities (such as camping, scenic flights, fishing) 
• Alice Springs (guided tours)  
• Larapinta Trail (Hiking) 
• Uluru, Yulara & Kata Tjuta (guided tours)  
• Self-Drive Tours  

The best place to make an enquiry, book a tour or plan out what else is around town is Tourism Central Australia who have partnered with us to help make the event a complete experience for everyone. They can book just about anything, including accommodation, and are a great resource for anyone visiting the area.

Website: www.discovercentralaustralia.com
Email: [email protected]
Telephone: 1800 645 199 or 08 8952 5800