Itinerary

Day 1 : 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 2 : 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 fl oodplain. 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 3 : 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)

Overnight dorm accommodation included.

Day 4 : Darwin to Katherine Gorge

Leaving Darwin, we stop for a break at Adelaide River on the way to Katherine. We spend the whole afternoon at the majestic Katherine Gorge (Nitmiluk), which is part of the Nitmiluk National Park. Experience the striking beauty while canoeing or cruising (at own expense and seasonal) through the gorge itself. Want to see more? Jump aboard a helicopter flight (at own expense) which will take you high above the vast gorge system. Tonight we stay at our permanent camp near Katherine Gorge. (LD)

Day 5 : Katherine Gorge to Tennant Creek

Not far to the south is Mataranka, where you can revive in a sparkling thermal pool surrounded by lush tropical forest. Next stop is the iconic Daly Waters outback hotel, the Territory’s oldest pub. Nearby lies Australia’s first international airport, but you won’t get a flight back home from here these days! After lunch, we continue south to Tennant Creek where we camp overnight at an outback station. (BLD)

Day 6 : Tennant Creek to Alice Springs

This morning we check out the sacred site of the Devils Marbles, which balance precariously on their rocky perch. From here we stop in at Barrow Creek Pub, home to the historic Telegraph Station – catch a glimpse of what Outback telecommunication used to be like! We cross over the Tropic of Capricorn, before arriving early evening into Alice Springs. (BL)

Overnight accommodation included

Days 7-8 : Alice Springs

Two FREE days to explore the sights of Alice Springs. (meals at own expense).

Accommodation included

Day 9 : Alice Springs to Kings Canyon and Uluru

Journey deep into the remote ‘Red Centre’ as we head towards Kings Canyon. There’s a lot to explore here 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. We pass Mt Conner and Curtin Springs cattle station on the way to Uluru. Tonight, you’ll be glad to curl up in your swag (Aussie bedroll) after dinner as millions of stars fill the sky. (LD)

Day 10: Uluru and Kata Tjuta

Sunrise over Uluru is magical and it’s an early start to catch it. While the morning’s fresh (and your legs are too!) take a walk around Uluru’s base (unguided). 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. After refuelling with some lunch, we head to fascinating Kata Tjuta (the Olgas) to get up close to this ancient mystical landform. A glass of Australia sparkling wine is perfect while the desert sun sets over Uluru before returning to camp for dinner. (BLD)

Day 11 : Uluru to Coober Pedy

We go underground today! After breakfast, we head south through the rugged desert country into South Australia arriving into Coober Pedy in the late afternoon. Our bunkhouse for tonight is – you guessed it – underground. (BLD)

Day 12 : Coober Pedy to Quorn

This morning we check out the sites of Coober Pedy on a town and mine tour which includes an opal cutting demonstration with the opportunity to try your luck ‘noodling’ for opals! We continue our journey south and stop at ancient salt lakes, the small town of Glendambo (population 30!) and Port Augusta before arriving in quaint and historic Quorn. We stay here two nights in private accommodation at the historical ‘Mill’. Get ready for tonight’s BBQ dinner – it doesn’t get any more Aussie than this! (BLD)

Day 13 : Flinders Ranges and Wilpena Pound

Experience and explore this magical region! Wilpena Pound is a natural amphitheatre located in a huge stone crater and you will spend the morning hiking and exploring its wonder! After lunch, it’s a short walk to Yourambulla Caves to view Aboriginal rock paintings then stop at the ruins of Kanyaka Homestead. At peaceful Warren Gorge, there’s an opportunity to spot for the shy and elusive Yellow Footed Rock Wallaby. (BLD)

Day 14 : Quorn to Adelaide

This morning we hike to the summit of Dutchman’s Stern for stunning 360° views of Quorn, Spencer Gulf and the Flinders Ranges! Near the frontier township of Melrose we take a short walk across a swinging bridge and enjoy panoramic views from the Mt Remarkable lookout. Our last stop is in the infamous Clare Valley before arriving late afternoon into Adelaide. (BL)

Overnight accommodation included.

Day 15 : Adelaide

A FREE day to relax or explore Adelaide. (meals at own expense).

Overnight accommodation included.

Day 16 : Adelaide to Grampians National Park

Travelling through the picturesque Adelaide Hills, we cross the mighty Murray, and pass through small country towns on our way to the Grampians National Park. Get your legs working this afternoon with hikes at Hollow Mountain, the amazing MacKenzie Falls and Reeds Lookout before we settle in at our overnight Grampians accommodation. (D)

Day 17 : Grampians National Park to Great Ocean Road

Hiking to the Pinnacle is a challenge, but on the way you’ll experience breathtaking views of the national park. Next we head south to the coast and Warrnambool, where you’ll have the chance to spot whales (seasonal). There’s a lot to explore along the famous Great Ocean Road, renowned for its beauty. Discover the Bay of Islands, Bay of Martyrs, London Bridge and Loch Ard Gorge before sunset over the Twelve Apostles – gorgeous! Dinner will be at your overnight coastal accommodation. (BD)

Day 18 : Twelve Apostles to Melbourne

Start the day with optional helicopter ride (own expense) over the amazing Twelve Apostles or walk down the Gibson Steps to the beach to see a different angle of these limestone stacks. Next we visit the Otway Fly Tree Top Walk. We’ll stop for lunch (own expense) at the coastal town of Apollo Bay. Hugging the coastline, we stop at Kennett River to spot koalas and birdlife before continuing on to Lorne. We’ll check out the world famous Bells Beach and the surfing town of Torquay before arriving into Melbourne. (B)

Day 1-3 Tropical Summer Itinerary (DEC-MAY)

Day 1 : Darwin to Mary River

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

Day 2 : Mary River to Kakadu

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

Day 3 : Kakadu to Darwin

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

 

Note: Package is made up of individual tours; therefore you may travel with a different guide and passengers during each section. Tropical Summer Program applies December to May.