7 Days Darwin to Alice Springs 'Red Rocket'

Itinerary: day by day

Day 1 – Darwin to Kakadu

Head to the Mary River wetlands system for a private river cruise this morning, keep your cameras close and your eyes peeled for crocodiles. After lunch, discover more about the land and its stories at the Bowali Visitor Centre. The whole of Kakadu is spread out before you at Ubirr Rock, where we spend the afternoon. Tonight we camp within Kakadu National Park. (LD)

Day 2 - Kakadu to Darwin

Jim Jim Falls is our fi rst stop today, and it's a stunner! You'll feel a bit dwarfed by the towering cliffs as we

hike to the base of the falls. The spectacular gorge of Twin Falls is experienced onboard a National Park operated boat and along the boardwalk. Relax for a while on the sandy banks before we trek back to Darwin. (BL)

Day 3 – Darwin to Katherine Gorge

Leaving Darwin, we stop for a break at Adelaide River on the way to Katherine. We spend the 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 & seasonal) through the gorge itself. Want to see more? Jump onboard 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 4 – Katherine Gorge to Banka Banka

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 Banka Banka station where we camp overnight at our private campsite. (BLD)

Day 5 – Banka Banka 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. Overnight dorm accommodation included (BL).

Day 6 – Alice Springs – Kings Canyon – Uluru

Kick off your Red Centre adventure with a drive through James and Waterhouse Ranges and the ancient Hugh and Finke river systems on the way to Kings Canyon. There's a bit of exploring to do here: the monumental North and South Walls, the Amphitheatre, the Lost City and the lush, inviting Garden of Eden. From here we head to another ancient landform, Uluru (Ayers Rock) where we stay overnight in our private campsite. (LD)

Day 7 – Uluru to Alice Springs

Sunrise at Uluru is worth the early start! Take a stroll part way around the base and discover mystifying rock formations and Aboriginal art sites around the base of Uluru. Be fascinated by the red domes of Kata Tjuta (The Olgas) and their spiritual significance to the Anangu people. Passengers may leave the tour at Ayers Rock Resort.

Otherwise we head back to Alice Springs after lunch, watching through the window as the rugged desert scenery passes by. (BL)