Itinerary

Day 1 : Alice Springs to Kata Tjuta and Uluru

Kick off your adventure on top of a camel! Our first stop is the Outback Camel Farm where you can choose to ride atop one of these desert giants (own expense). From here it’s off to Uluru (Ayers Rock) for lunch. Kata Tjuta will fascinate you, and you will get up close to the majestic features of this ancient geological formation during the Valley of the Winds hike. You’ll be mesmerised as the desert sun sets over Uluru, and as the night grows darker, curl up in your swag (Aussie bedroll) under millions of stars. (LD)

Day 2 : Uluru to Kings Canyon

It’s an early start this morning, but you’ll be rewarded with a glorious Uluru sunrise. Take the opportunity to stretch your legs with a walk around Uluru’s base (unguided). You’ll deepen your understanding of the land and its stories at the Cultural Centre. After lunch we travel to our permanent campsite at Kings Canyon where we camp for the night. (BLD)

Day 3 : Kings Canyon to Alice Springs

Get your hiking shoes on today as we head out to explore the impressive formations which make up Kings Canyon. You’ll be left breathless by the sheer beauty of the canyon as we trek through the Amphitheatre, the Lost City, the lush and ancient Garden of Eden and the North and South Walls. After lunch, take a well earned rest as we travel back to Alice Springs. (BL).

Overnight motel accommodation included.

Day 4 : Alice Springs

Enjoy a FREE day to relax and enjoy Alice Springs. Overnight motel accommodation included (meals at own expense).

Day 5 : Alice Springs to Banka Banka

We pass by the Tropic of Capricorn then stop at the Barrow Creek Pub. Learn about the early struggles of bush telecommunications at Barrow Creek’s historic Telegraph Station. Precariously balanced on their rocky perch are the Devils Marbles, a site sacred to its traditional owners. Last stop for today is our camp at Banka Banka Cattle Station and if the weather’s good, you can take a dip in the waterhole. (LD)

Day 6 : Banka Banka to Katherine Gorge

No visit to the Top End would be complete without a visit to the famed Daly Waters pub, a quintessential outback roadhouse and ‘watering hole’ for travellers from far and wide. Mataranka lies in the heart of the ‘never-never’ and you’ll feel a million miles from anywhere as you soak in the steamy thermal springs. As the day draws to a close, we reach our overnight camp at stunning Katherine Gorge. (BLD)

Day 7 : Katherine Gorge to Darwin

The gorge is all yours this morning, with a half day to spend canoeing or cruising (own expense & seasonal) the spectacular waters. Want to see more? Jump aboard a helicopter flight (own expense) which will take you high above the vast gorge system. We’ll head to Darwin after a stop at idyllic Edith Falls. (BL) Overnight motel accommodation included (dinner at own expense).

Day 8 : Darwin to Mary River

A refreshing start to your day checking out the waterfalls of Litchfield National Park. Travel west into Woolna Country and receive a Cul Cul or unique ‘Welcome to Country’ by the traditional owners of the land, the Limilngan – Wulna people. Experience the local Aboriginal culture including cooking bush tucker, playing the didgeridoo, basket weaving and spear throwing. To finish the day we head to the spectacular Mary River Wetlands, where birds aren’t the only wildlife abundant; keep a watch for lurking crocodiles on our private river cruise! A secluded campsite at Point Stuart Wilderness Lodge is where we’ll stay tonight. (LD)

Day 9 : Mary River to Kakadu

Discover ancient Aboriginal rock art at Ubirr and clamber to the top of a rocky lookout for fabulous views over the Nardab floodplain. Next it’s on to Maguk (Barramundi Gorge) where a hike is rewarded with a reviving swim in the plunge pools. Tonight we stay at our permanent camp within Kakadu National Park. (BLD)

Day 10 : Kakadu to Darwin

Get ready for some 4WD action today on our way to Jim Jim Falls! Once we get there, we’ll hike to the base of the falls before continuing on to Twin Falls. Feel the beauty of the stunning gorge and powerful falls from the National Park operated boat and boardwalk experience. The impressive scenery will continue to amaze you as we journey back to Darwin in the afternoon. (BL) Bring: Sturdy walking shoes (ankle high), swimming gear, hat and sunscreen, towel and toiletries, warm clothing in winter, water bottle, torch, insect repellent/net, camera, pillow, sleeping bag (can be hired for AUD$20). Included: Experienced tour guides, meals as indicated, accommodation transfers, camping fees and equipment and motel accommodation where stated.

Day 8-10 Tropical Summer Itinerary (DEC-MAY)

Day 8 : Darwin to Mary River

• Litchfield National Park
• Cultural Experience
• Crocodile Cruise
• Overnight Camp Point Stuart (LD)

Day 9 : Mary River to Kakadu

• Mamukala Wetlands (seasonal)
• Ubirr or Nourlangie Rock (seasonal)
• Bowali Visitor Centre
• Walk to Gubara Springs
• Overnight camp Kakadu (BLD)

Day 10 : Kakadu to Darwin

• Cathedral Termite Mounds
• Boulder Creek Falls
• Hike to Motor Car Falls
• Return to Darwin (BL)

Note: *Single accommodation is provided for 3 nights motel accommodation only (while camping single passengers will share with other same sex travellers). Package is made up of three individual tours; therefore you may travel with a different guide and passengers during each section. Tropical Summer Program applies December to May. *Flights must arrive before 1.20pm to connect with Yulara Airport Shuttle (free 6km transfer) to Desert Gardens Hotel. Please arrive in appropriate touring clothing and footwear with a day pack prepared.