5 Day Alice Springs to Darwin Explorer including Uluru

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

Why not kick off your adventure on top of a camel? Our first stop is an authentic outback camel farm where you can choose go for a short ride on one of these desert giants (at own expense). From here we’re off to Uluru (Ayers Rock) where we make a quick stop for lunch. Kata Tjuta will fascinate you and you will discover some of the secrets of this ancient landform on the Valley of the Winds hike. You’ll be mesmerised as the desert sun sets over Uluru. 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 theWatarrka National Park (Kings Canyon) where we sleep for the night. (BLD)

Day 3 – Kings Canyon to Alice Springs

You’ll need your hiking shoes on today as we head out to explore the remarkable formations that make up Kings Canyon. The sheer beauty and size of the canyon will leave you breathless as we trek through the Amphitheatre, the Lost City, the lush Garden of Eden and the North and South Walls. Enjoy lunch before we make our way back to Alice Springs. Overnight dorm accommodation is included. (BL)

Day 4 – Alice Springs and Devils Marbles

PICK UP DAY 4: Haven Backpackers, 11:00am

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

Day 5 – Katherine Gorge to Darwin

An early morning stop in Katherine gives you the chance to purchase breakfast before we arrive at NitmilukNational Park, home to Katherine Gorge. Here you will have the chance to take an optional 2 hour breakfast cruise through the first 2 gorges (own expense and seasonal Apr-Nov). You’re in for a treat, because early morning is the perfect time to experience and photograph the gorge in all its glory. If you’re looking for something more active our guide will lead a short return walk to Baruwei lookout where you can get a 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 1:00pm with the afternoon free to explore the Northern Territory’s capital city.

NOTES:  Tour may commence in either Alice Springs or from Ayers Rock Resort. Flight must arrive at Yulara Airport before 1:20pm to connect with Yulara Airport Shuttle (free) to Desert Gardens Hotel. Passengers arriving on flights after this time may forfeit day 1 afternoon activities.