16 Days Adelaide to Darwin Explorer

Itinerary: day by day

Day 1 – Adelaide to Quorn

Leaving Adelaide we travel through the Clare Valley as we make our way towards the stunning Flinders Ranges. On our journey we enjoy a lunch break at a local Clare Valley Winery, with some tastings thrown in. We have the opportunity to then gain a bird's eye view from the top of Mt Remarkable as we look out over this beautiful region. We check into our private accommodation at the historical 'Mill' before enjoying a classic pub dinner & drink with the locals! This great Aussie Atmosphere sets our scene for this evening. (D)

Day 2 – Flinders Ranges & Wilpena PoundThis morning we enter the National Park where adventure, spirituality and tranquillity co-exist in one majestic destination. We set out on a hike for some spectacular views of the 'Flinders Ranges', named one of Australia's outstanding national landscapes. See the natural amphitheatre of Wilpena Pound - a lost world, located inside a giant stone crater. On our return to Quorn we visit the Yourambulla Caves for a glimpse at some local Aboriginal rock paintings and the stories that go with them. This evening enjoy a casual BBQ dinner. Overnight at the Quorn 'Mill'. (BLD)

Day 3 – Quorn to Coober Pedy

Leaving Quorn we travel through Port Augusta, then head north into the open landscapes and join the Stuart Highway (one of the longest highways in the world). Passing several salt lakes, you can capture a great photo opportunity of the vastness of Central Australia before we arrive in the 'Opal Capital of the World', Coober Pedy. A diverse township renowned for its many underground attractions! On arrival we enjoy a local town tour which includes a visit to an underground mine & museum. Our accommodation for tonight is – you guessed it – underground. (BLD)

Day 4 – Coober Pedy to MarlaBefore departing Coober Pedy we are enlightened with a town tour by a local, before visiting an outdoor public opal fossicking site, with the opportunity to try your luck 'noodling' for opals! From here we go north up the Stuart Highway and into the rugged country of Australia's inland and a visit to 'The Breakaways' with amazing views that go on and on and on! Tonight our remote base is a little further up at Marla. (BLD)

Day 5 – Marla to UluruFrom Marla, we cross the Northern Territory border and arrive at the Uluru – Kata Tjuta National Park. Kata Tjuta (The Olgas) will fascinate you, and you will discover some of the secrets of this ancient landform during 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. (BLD)

Day 6 – Uluru to Kings Canyon

Sunrise over Uluru is magical and it's an early start to catch it. While the morning's fresh (and your legs are too) enjoy an unguided walk around the base of Uluru. Gain a further insight into the land, its stories and the people who inhabit it at the Cultural Centre, where you'll also have the opportunity to invest in original arts and crafts by Indigenous artists. We'll have lunch before travelling to our exclusive campsite within the Watarrka National Park (Kings Canyon) where we sleep for the night. (BLD)

Day 7 - Kings Canyon to Glen Helen

There's a lot to explore at Kings Canyon and we check out the Amphitheatre, Lost City, the lush and ancient Garden of Eden and the sheer outcrops of the North and South walls. After lunch, we travel along the well-known Mereenie Loop Track (also called the Red Centre Way). We pass the 140 million year old meteorite crater, Gosse Bluff as we travel towards Glen Helen where we camp tonight nestled in the western end of the majestic MacDonnell Ranges. (BLD)

Day 8 – Glen Helen to Alice Springs

During a morning hike you will discover the spectacular geological features of Ormiston Gorge and spot for wallabies and other wildlife. Then we travel along the ancient track of the Finke River to access the majestic scenery of Palm Valley and Cycad Gorge, exploring what was once a prehistoric inland sea. Keep your eyes out for the Livistonia Mariae, a tropical palm and one of the rarest trees in the world. The spectacular Western MacDonnell Ranges will continue to impress you all the way back to Alice Springs. (BL)

Days 9 & 10 - Alice Springs

Enjoy 2 FREE DAYS to relax and explore Alice Springs. Overnight accommodation included (meals at own expense).

Day 11 – Alice Springs to Banka Banka

We pass by the Tropic of Capricorn then stop at the Barrow Creek Pub. Learn about the early struggles of bush telecommunications at Barrow Creek's historic Telegraph Station – it'll make your mobile phone seem like the space age! 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 12 – 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. The tiny town is also home to Australia's first international airport (but you wouldn't guess it!). 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 13 – Katherine Gorge to Darwin

The gorge is all yours this morning, with a half day to spend canoeing or cruising (at own expense & 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. (BL)

Day 14 - 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 15 - 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 16 - 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)