ITINERARY

Day 1 – Alice Springs to Kata Tjuta & Uluru

Welcome to the Outback! Our first stop is the Outback Camel Farm where you can see the world from the top of a camel if you choose to take a ride (at own expense). Next it’s to Uluru, in the heart of the Red Centre. After lunch, we explore fascinating Kata Tjuta (The Olgas) on a guided interpretive walk through the Valley of the Winds. We make it back in time for an enthralling desert sunset over Uluru. After dinner, curl up in your swag (Aussie bedroll) and watch the stars come out to play in the darkening sky. (LD)

Day 2 – Uluru to Kings Canyon

Sunrise over Uluru is magical! It’s an early start to catch it. While the morning’s fresh (and your legs are too!) take an unguided walk around the base of Uluru. Gain a further insight into the land, its stories and the people who inhabit it at the Cultural Centre, where you’ll also have the opportunity to invest in original arts and crafts by Indigenous artists. We’ll have some lunch before heading over to Kings Canyon where we camp for the night. (BLD)

Day 3 – Kings Canyon to Glen Helen

There’s a lot to explore at Kings Canyon and we check out the Amphitheatre, Lost City, the lush and ancient Garden of Eden and the sheer outcrops of the North and South walls. After lunch, we travel along the well-known Mereenie Loop Track (also called the Red Centre Way) where we check out the 140 million year old meteorite crater, Gosse Bluff. We pass by the home of acclaimed Indigenous artist Albert Namatjira and visit the Hermannsburg Historical Precinct, which was established in 1877 by Lutheran missionaries who travelled by foot from the Barossa Valley. We spend the night nestled in the western end of the majestic MacDonnell Ranges. (BLD)

Day 4 – Glen Helen to Alice Springs

Discover the spectacular geological features of Ormiston Gorge, before we jump back into the vehicle for some 4WD action through the ancient track of the Finke River. Today we have a chance to explore Palm Valley and Cycad Gorge, which was once a prehistoric inland sea. Keep your eyes out for the Livistonia Mariae, a tropical palm and one of the rarest trees in the world. The spectacular Western MacDonnell Ranges will continue to impress you all the way back to Alice Springs. (BL)

Overnight Motel accommodation included.

Day 5 – Alice Springs

Enjoy a FREE day to relax and explore Alice Springs. (Meals at own expense)

Overnight motel accommodation included.

Day 6 – 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 – it’ll make your mobile phone seem like the space age! 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 pretty waterhole. (LD)

Day 7 – 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. The tiny town is also home to Australia’s first international airport (but you wouldn’t guess it!). 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 8 – Katherine Gorge to Darwin

The gorge is all yours this morning, with a half day to spend canoeing or cruising (at own expense & seasonal) the spectacular waters. Want to see more? Jump aboard a helicopter flight (at 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.

Day 9 – Darwin

Enjoy a FREE day to relax and explore Darwin. (Meals at own expense)

Overnight motel accommodation included.

Day 10 - 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, cooking your own 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 around here; keep your eyes out for lurking crocodiles on our private river cruise! A secluded campsite at Point Stuart Wilderness Lodge is where we’ll stay tonight. (LD)

 Day 11 - Mary River to Kakadu

Discover ancient Aboriginal rock art at Ubirr, our first stop this morning. 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 NP. (BLD)

Day 12 - 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)

Note: Itineraries may vary and/or attractions be substituted due to seasonal conditions, weather extremes, Traditional Owner and national park requirements. *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.