9 Days Darwin to Alice Springs 'Cloud 9'

Itinerary: day by day

Day 1 - Darwin to Mary River

A refreshing start to your day checking out the waterfalls of Litchfield National Park. Enjoy lunch before heading 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 in the Mary River Region is where we'll stay tonight. (LD)

Day 2 - 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 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. Stop in at the Warradjan Aboriginal Cultural Centre this afternoon to learn about local Indigenous culture. The impressive scenery will continue to amaze you as we journey back to Darwin in the afternoon. (BL)

Day 4 – 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 5 – 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 6 – 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 7 – Alice Springs to Kata Tjuta & Uluru

Kick off your 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 it's 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. You'll be mesmerised as the desert sun sets over Uluru, and as the night grows darker, curl up in your swag (Aussie bedroll) under millions of stars. (LD)

Day 8 – Uluru to Kings Canyon

It's an early start this morning, but you'll be rewarded with a glorious Uluru sunrise. While the morning's fresh (and your legs are too!) 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). Afterwards, you will have the opportunity to purchase Aboriginal arts and crafts at the Cultural Centre before we travel to our exclusive campsite within the Watarrka National Park (Kings Canyon) where we sleep for the night. (BLD)

Day 9 – Kings Canyon to Alice Springs

Get your hiking shoes on today as we head out to explore the impressive formations of Kings Canyon. You'll be left breathless by the sheer 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. Lunch is a welcome prospect, before we make our way back to Alice Springs. (BL)