7 Days Alice Springs to Darwin 'Red Rocket'

Itinerary: day by day

Day 1 – 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 towards another ancient landform, Uluru (Ayers Rock) where we stay overnight in our private campsite. (LD)

Day 2 – 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. We head back to Alice Springs after lunch, watching through the window as the rugged desert scenery passes by. Overnight dorm accommodation included. (BL)

Day 3 – Alice Springs to Banka Banka

We pass by the Tropic of Capricorn then stop at the Barrow Creek Pub, home of the telegraph station. Catch a glimpse of what outback telecommunication used to be like! Precariously balanced on their rocky perch are the Devils Marbles, a site sacred to its traditional owners. Last stop for today is our private campsite at Banka Banka station where we camp for the night. (LD)

Day 4 – Banka Banka to Katherine Gorge

No visit to the Top End would be complete without a visit to the famed Daly Waters pub, a quintessential outback roadhouse and 'watering hole' for travellers from far and wide. Mataranka lies in the heart of the 'never-never', and you'll feel a million miles from anywhere as you soak in the steamy thermal springs. As the day draws to a close, we reach our overnight camp at stunning Katherine Gorge. (BLD)

Day 5 – Katherine Gorge to Darwin

The gorge is all yours this morning, with a half day to spend canoeing or cruising (at own expense and seasonal) the spectacular waters. Want to see more? Jump aboard a helicopter flight (at own expense) which will take you high above the vast gorge system. We'll head to Darwin after a stop at idyllic Edith Falls. Overnight dorm accommodation included (BL)

Day 6 – 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 7 - Kakadu to Darwin

Jim Jim Falls is our first 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)