Discover the Outback

Day 2 : Kata Tjuta Sunrise & Uluru Sunset

Your 5 hour tour commences with a transfer from your hotel, where you will revel in the early morning serenity of a truly spiritual place as the sunrise colours change on Kata Tjuta. Travel through the landscape to the entrance of Uluru Kata Tjuta National Park, from there it is a 40 kilometre journey through the desert landscape to the mighty rock formation. On arrival at the viewing area, you walk to the best vantage point to see the 36 domes while watching the sun’s morning glow as the desert comes alive. Make your way to the western side of Kata Tjuta where you will have the opportunity to relax and enjoy a gourmet picnic breakfast. As you approach the entrance to Walpa Gorge, named for the wind (Walpa) that whistles between the massive domes that shape Kata Tjuta, the result of eons of weathering and continual upheaval, your guide will share the significance of this men’s sacred ceremonial site. Take a stroll between these mighty conglomerate rock walls and learn how the environment and the geology has evolved over millions of years. Return to Ayers Rock Resort, with time to relax.

Late afternoon travel to the entrance of the Uluru Kata Tjuta National Park and experience the many moods and admire the immensity of Uluru as you immerse yourself in the environmental changes of this world-renowned icon. Relax with a glass of sparkling wine and light refreshments as the sun sets in the west. Return to Ayers Rock Resort and enjoy the evening.
 

Day 3 : Uluru Sunrise, Field of Light - Kings Canyon (305km)

A short transfer will provide just enough time for some background commentary on the internationally renowned artist Bruce Monroe. Arriving in complete darkness, in the quiet of pre-dawn, you will be able to enjoy the 50,000 globes of light in the desert, before making your way up the hill to the Field of Light sunrise viewing platform. Once at the platform, you will be served tea, coffee or hot chocolate. You can enjoy your beverage as the sun starts to creep light throughout the sky and then watch in awe as it rises in the distance behind Uluru, flooding the landscape, including Kata Tjuta behind you. As the natural light brightens the landscape, the Field of Light will dim for the day. Enjoy some amazing photos from this unique raised location that allows you to view both Kata Tjuta and Uluru in all their natural glory. 
Check out from your hotel and head for the airport to collect your rental car for the drive to Kings Canyon. Perhaps stop and stretch your legs at Kings Creek Station, the largest exporter of wild camels in Australia, before arriving at Kings Canyon resort for a two night stay. Time your journey right and you may be in time to view the sun set behind Carmichaels Crag, if not, there’s always tomorrow’s sunset.
 

Day 4 : Kings Canyon

A day to explore this 440 million years old red landscape. Perhaps take a rim walk or enjoy the sunset from the viewing area.

Day 5 : Kings Canyon - Alice Springs (323km)

Things are bigger in the Northern Territory outback, from the cattle stations to the MacDonnell Ranges, which stretch like a dinosaur spine towards Alice Springs where you’ll stay for two nights.

Day 6 : Alice Springs

Nestled in the heart of Australia’s ochre and known to the locals as “Alice”, this town embodies the quintessential Australian spirit, from the ancient desert it sits upon to the Aboriginal culture that is woven into the very fabric of life here. In the town itself, you’ll find an impressive array of outback activities from camel rides to sunrise hot air balloons. Australian Aboriginal art is the world’s oldest ongoing art tradition. Discover it for yourself on the arts trail, where Dreamtime stories and ancient history are woven into colourful creations, old and new. Witness the magic of the Milky Way, visit the kangaroo sanctuary or the botanical gardens. Alice makes Australian history for the 1872 Telegraph Station, one of twelve along the overland telegraph line from Adelaide to Darwin and it’s well worth a visit. Be sure to end the day on Anzac Hill for panoramic views over the town.

Day 7 : Alice Springs – Tennant Creek (508km)

Take to the Stuart Highway today and head north to Tennant Creek. On the way visit Wycliffe Well, the self proclaimed UFO capital of Australia. At Karlu Karlu the Devils Marbles await; precariously balanced boulders that appear to be glued together. 

Day 8 : Tennant Creek – Katherine (675km)

The longest day of the trip today as you continue your journey north towards the Top End. Since the 1930’s the Daly Waters Historic Pub has been dishing up food and drink to passing travellers and the walls are adorned with treasures that passers-by have left behind. Further up the road the “Land of the Never Never” awaits in Mataranka before you arrive in Katherine for a two night stay.

Day 9 : Katherine

This is where the Outback meets the tropics, a region full of gorges and misty waterfalls, thermal springs, swimming holes and ancient culture. Nature comes alive at Katherine Gorge as you cruise, canoe or fly along the Gorge by helicopter. Get a hands on perspective of indigenous culture, explore indigenous art, or hike one of the trails. To ensure you have the best view, enjoy an included and breathtaking 8 gorges flight which will give you a great perspective of Nitmiluk Gorge system with spectacular views of Nitmiluk Gorge, the Arnhem Land escarpment and local wildlife from a state of the art helicopter.

Day 10 : Katherine – Kakadu National Park (190 miles)

Head for the Kakadu National Park today for a two night inclusive experience at the Hawk Dreaming Wilderness Lodge. The lodge is situated in an extremely special and justifiably renowned part of the Park, known as Cannon Hill, which has abundant wildlife, especially bird and marine life, and where a large diversity of the Park’s landscape elements come together. The area has considerable importance to the local Aboriginal people, some of whom still live nearby to the lodge. In fact the whole of the Cannon Hill area where the camp is situated is a registered sacred site. The sandstone outliers around Cannon Hill host significant rock art dating back many thousands of years.

After arriving at the lodge and getting acquainted with the facilities you’ll be treated to a sunset tour taking in nearby rock art sites and nibbles by the Cannon Hill billabong or rock art sites before returning to the Lodge for dinner. Accommodation is in tented cabins with ensuite facilities and deck.
 

Day 11 : Kakadu – Yellow Water Cruise

Today join a Yellow Water Cruises, an adventure tour that you will never forget. Yellow Water Billabong, Kakadu’s most famous wetland, is located at the end of Jim Jim Creek, a tributary of the South Alligator River. The river system, which is the largest in Kakadu, contains extensive wetlands that include river channels, floodplains and backwater swamps. About one third of Australia’s bird species are represented in Kakadu National Park, with at least 60 species found in the wetlands. The guides on the cruise run a competition between themselves on who can find “the big five” on one cruise - all five species of kingfisher that can be found in Kakadu.

Rest of the day is at leisure

Day 12 : Darwin ( 115 miles)

Depart Kakadu and drive to Darwin for a 2 night stay, perhaps making a stop at Ubirr to see the ancient Aboriginal rock art. 

Day 13 : Darwin

This morning join a tour which captures the spirit and resilience of this unique tropical city. Explore historic WWII sites and tropical woodlands at Charles Darwin National Park, then marvel at legendary aircrafts at the Aviation Museum. Enjoy sweeping harbour views from Dudley Point before pausing at the Cyclone Tracy memorial. Finish with vibrant Aboriginal art and powerful stories at the Museum and Art Gallery of the Northern Territory. At the completion of the tour you will be transferred to your Darwin accommodation.

Day 14 : Depart Darwin

Return your car at the airport in time to check in for your homeward flight or next destination.