Fact file

Tour:

Outback Ballooning Alice Springs runs at dawn most days of the year (weather permitting). A normal 60-minute flight costs A$369 (NZ390) an adult; backpacker 30-minute flights A$285 when available. Visit outbackballooning.com.au.

Stay:

Crowne Plaza Alice Springs Lasseters rooms from A$220 a night. Visit crowneplaza.com.

Getting there:

Qantas operates indirect flights from New Zealand to Ayers Rock Airport and Alice Springs. Visit qantas.com.

Carbon footprint:

Flying generates carbon emissions. To reduce your impact, consider other ways of travelling, amalgamate your trips and, when you need to fly, consider offsetting your emissions.