Outback Adventure

Day 4 : Adelaide - Flinders Ranges

Sample some local wines at Sevenhill Cellars, the oldest existing winery in the Clare Valley. Travel through the spectacular Flinders Ranges and on to Wilpena Pound, a remarkable natural amphitheatre covering nearly 8,000 hectares.

Hotel: Wilpena Pound Resort

Day 5 : Flinders Ranges - Port Augusta

Explore spectacular Wilpena Pound, before you travel through picturesque Pitchi Richi Pass to Port Augusta, where you’ll visit the Wadlata Outback Centre.

Hotel: Majestic Oasis Apartments

Day 6 : Port Augusta - Coober Pedy

Visit Woomera before travelling to isolated Coober Pedy, Australia’s opal capital. Visit an underground church and home with a local guide and view an opal demonstration.

Hotel: Desert Cave Hotel

Day 7 : Coober Pedy - Ayers Rock

Cross the border into the Northern Territory and continue to Uluru – Kata Tjuta National Park. Enjoy complimentary wine and canapés as the sun sets over the horizon and the evening sky brings out the many shades of colour for which Uluru is renowned.

Hotel for 2 nights: Desert Gardens Hotel 

Guests on the 11 day Outback Safari tour will be transferred from Ayers Rock airport on arrival (flights must arrive before 3pm) and join tour this evening.

Day 8 : Ayers Rock

See the Red Centre set alight by the morning’s first rays of sunlight. After sunrise tour the base of Uluru. Perhaps take a self-guided stroll around the 11km base of ‘The Rock’ or enjoy a guided walk with your Travel Director to Mutitjulu Waterhole. You’ll view Aboriginal rock paintings as your Tour Director interprets their meaning. Learn about the flora, fauna and cultural traditions of traditional owners, the Anangu. Visit Uluru-Kata Tjuta Cultural Centre where there is time to buy some locally made Aboriginal art and learn more about the region. This afternoon visit the spectacular domes of Kata Tjuta (the Olgas) and walk through Walpa Gorge, following the natural creek-bed between the main domes. Take in a magnificent outback sunset at Kata Tjuta while you enjoy sparkling wine and nibbles.

Day 9 : Ayers Rock - Kings Canyon

Travel to Kings Canyon. On the way marvel at Atila (Mt. Conner) the ‘forgotten wonder of Central Australia’. Continue to Kings Creek Station. Established in 1982 by Ian and Lyn Conway, the station was originally vacant crown land and covers an area of 1,800 square kilometres. It runs cattle and is the largest exporter of wild camels in Australia. Continue to Kings Canyon Resort and a 6km Rim Walk exploration of the spectacular Kings Canyon in Watarrka National Park. If you’d prefer a more relaxed walk there’s the option of a creek bed walk, where you’ll explore the rock-strewn canyon floor.

Hotel: Kings Canyon Resort

Day 10 : Kings Canyon - Alice Springs

Leaving Watarrka behind, you’ll travel to Alice Springs. Alice Springs lies in the physical and spiritual heart of Australia’s Red Centre, surrounded on all sides by the jagged MacDonnell Ranges, which according to the traditional owners, the Arrernte people, was formed during the Dreamtime by giant caterpillars. Stories of Australia’s history and heritage are told through a colourful cast of characters and events that include camel races, gold-diggers and outback pioneers. Today, the town’s inhabitants continue to uphold its vibrant history and it’s also an excellent place to pick up an authentic piece of unique Aboriginal art. End the day on Anzac Hill for panoramic views over Alice Springs.

Hotel for 2 nights: Chifley Alice Springs Resort

Day 11 : Aboriginal Culture

Learn of the life and survival of the Arrernte People, including bush food, the search for water and kinship from a local Aboriginal guide. Visit the Nocturnal House and enjoy a Birds of Prey Presentation. Continue on to Simpsons Gap, a prominent waterhole in the West MacDonnell Ranges. The Gap is a sacred site to Central Arrernte Aboriginal people, and is called Rrengetyirpe in the local language. It’s a place that’s associated with Perentie (goanna), Eagle and Rock Wallaby Dreamings. Visit the Royal Flying Doctor Service. This evening join a discovery tour at the Earth Sanctuary then enjoy a barbecue dinner and afterwards hear from the Falzon brothers about their sustainable lifestyle.

Day 12 : Alice Springs - Tennant Creek

Visit the School of the Air and witness a live class room lesson broadcast over 1.3 million square kilometres, to children living in remote locations who would otherwise have no access to public education. Stop at Wycliffe Well on the way to visit Karlu-Karlu (Devils Marbles). You’ll have plenty of time to walk around the precariously balanced boulders. End the day at Tennant Creek, an old gold mining town.

Hotel: Bluestone Motor Inn

Day 13 : Tennant Creek - Katherine

Travel across vast outback stations. Visit the Daly Waters Historic Pub before continuing on to Mataranka, ‘Land of the Never Never’. On arrival you can take time to visit the replica of the original Elsey Homestead, used in the filming of ‘We of the Never Never’. Or you may take the beautiful palm lined walkway for a swim in the famous thermal springs. Travel on to Katherine, the third largest town in the Northern Territory, the place ‘where the outback meets the tropics’.

Hotel: Paraway Motel

Day 14 : Katherine - Kakadu

Join your local guide on an early morning cruise through Katherine Gorge. You have the opportunity to see wildlife and a variety of bird life. Your cruise through the gorge takes you past sheer sandstone walls and all manner of flora and fauna. Then continue deep into Kakadu National Park. Join a local guide for a cruise on the famous Yellow Water Billabong. You should see prolific bird life and with luck may see the feared estuarine crocodile basking in the muddy waters.

Hotel: Mercure Crocodile Hotel, Jabiru

Day 15 : Kakadu - Darwin

This morning visit Ubirr and view Aboriginal rock art dating back some 20,000 years. Climb to the top of this rocky outcrop for spectacular views over the flood plains and escarpment country. You may recognise the location from the famous Australian film, Crocodile Dundee! On arrival in Darwin this afternoon you can choose from a range of “Included Choice” sightseeing experiences. You could take the opportunity to visit the colourful Mindil Beach Sunset Markets for a spectacular sunset over the Timor Sea where we’ll treat you to dinner, visit Crocosaurus Cove at your leisure or even sit back and relax at Darwin’s famous Deckchair Cinema.

Day 16 : Darwin

Travel to Litchfield National Park. Today you’ll stop at the amazing Termite Mounds. Built by termites, they are amazing architectural feats complete with arches, tunnels, chimneys, insulation and nursery chambers. Travel on to Florence Falls to view the famous plunge pool from a high vantage point. Venture on to tropical Wangi Falls for a relaxing swim in the large crystal clear waterhole before heading back to Darwin. This evening join your Travel Director and fellow travellers for a Farewell Dinner on board a Darwin Harbour Cruise. Enjoy a delicious buffet meal as you watch the sun set over Darwin and the surrounding area – it’s time to celebrate your Northern Territory outback adventure (cruise is seasonal).

Day 17-18 : Darwin - Arrive UK

Your holiday concludes this morning after breakfast. You will be transferred to Darwin Airport to connect with your return flight.