Cloud 9 Explorer - Alice Springs to Darwin

Itinerary: day by day

Day 1 – Alice Springs to Kata Tjuta and Uluru

DEFAULT PICK UP (begin Alice Springs): Haven Backpacker Resort, 06:10am

DEFAULT PICK UP (begin Ayers Rock): Desert Gardens Hotel, 1:45pm**

Kick off your 9 day 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 (at own expense). From here we head off to Uluru (Ayers Rock) and a bite to eat. Kata Tjuta will fascinate you and you will discover some of the secrets of this ancient landform on the Valley of the Winds hike. Relax, wind down after a busy first day and take in a beautiful desert sunset over Uluru and as the night grows darker, curl up in your permanent tent or enjoy the option of a swag (Aussie bedroll) and experience a night under the outback 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. While the morning is fresh, enjoy an unguided walk around the base of Uluru. You will then deepen your understanding of the land and the Mala people as you take a cultural interpretive walk with an Aboriginal guide (and interpreter).* It is a unique opportunity to share experiences, connect with and learn about the oldest culture on earth. Afterwards, you will have the opportunity to purchase Aboriginal arts and crafts at the Uluru Cultural Centre before we travel to our exclusive campsite within the Watarrka National Park (Kings Canyon) where we sleep 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 and towering rock formations of Kings Canyon. You’ll be left breathless by the sheer size and 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. We enjoy lunch before making our way back to Alice Springs. Overnight dorm accommodation included. (BL)

Day 4 – Alice Springs

Enjoy a free day to relax and explore Alice Springs (overnight dorm accommodation included; meals and activities at own expense).

Day 5 – Alice Springs to Devils Marbles

PICK UP DAY 5: Haven Backpacker Resort, 11:00am

Leaving Alice we pass by the Tropic of Capricorn and make our way to Karlu Karlu (Devils Marbles) where we have some time to explore the well known marble shaped granite boulders, a site sacred to its traditional owners. Continuing north we make a stop at Tennant Creek for a chance to purchase some dinner and stretch your legs, before we make the overnight journey to Katherine. 

Day 6 – Katherine Gorge to Darwin

After a short early morning stop in Katherine where you can purchase breakfast we arrive at Nitmiluk National Park home to stunning Katherine Gorge. Here you will have the chance to take an optional 2 hour cruise through the first 2 gorges (at own expense and seasonal Apr-Nov). Early morning is the perfect time to experience and photograph the gorge in all its glory. If the cruise is not for you, our guide will lead a short return walk to Baruwei Lookout allowing you to get a nice postcard shot of the gorge and learn about this stunning area and its significance to the local Jawoyn Aboriginal people. Once we finish exploring the gorge, we drive the last leg into Darwin. Arriving around 1pm, you will have the afternoon free to explore the Northern Territory’s capital city.

Day 7 – Darwin to Mary River

PICK UP DAY 7: Adventure Tours Australia Shop, 52 Mitchell St Darwin, 06:50am

A refreshing start to the next leg of your adventure, checking out the flora, fauna and waterfalls of Litchfield National Park. Enjoy lunch before we travel into Wulna 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 bush tucker talks, playing the didgeridoo, basket weaving and spear throwing*. We finish the day in the spectacular Mary River Wetlands, where the exotic birds are not the only wildlife to see. Keep a watch for lurking crocodiles on an afternoon river cruise! Climb into your sleeping bag for a well earned rest at our secluded Mary River camping spot. (LD)

Day 8 – Mary River to Kakadu

This morning we travel into the heart of Kakadu to discover ancient Aboriginal rock art at Ubirr, then clamber up to 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 9 – Kakadu to Darwin

Get ready for some 4WD action today on our way to Kakadu’s most iconic site, 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 your National Park operated boat and boardwalk experience. Stop in at the Warradjan Aboriginal Cultural Centre this afternoon to learn more about local Indigenous culture and customs. The impressive scenery will continue to amaze you as we journey back to cosmopolitan Darwin in the afternoon. (BL)