Day 1 - Darwin to Kakadu National Park
You will be collected from your Darwin accommodation at approximately 6.30am where our Top End adventure begins as we travel to the Mary River Wetlands for our cruise. This region is home to over 250 bird species and has the highest concentration of saltwater crocodiles in the Southern Hemisphere. Search for the mighty crocs who rule this waterway, buffalo, birds and other wildlife. Our entrance to Kakadu National Park is at the South Alligator River, a picturesque location for a picnic lunch. There’s the opportunity to purchase Aboriginal arts and crafts at the Bowali Visitor Centre before our late afternoon arrival at Ubirr. Here you will view a wide range of ancient Aboriginal art which will be interpreted by your guide. Learn the story of the Rainbow Serpent and climb the Nadab Lookout for panoramic views over the floodplain and beyond into Arnhem Land. As the day draws to a close we head to our private campsite for dinner and our overnight stay.
MEALS INCLUDED - DAY ONE Lunch - Dinner
Day 2 - Kakadu National Park to Litchfield National Park
This morning the jewels of Kakadu National Park await. After breakfast and departing camp we travel off road to the majestic Twin and Jim Jim Falls* for a day of adventure and exploration. Travelling into Twin Falls by 4WD track, a boat shuttle and finally a rocky track and boardwalk we will be rewarded by the beauty of this remote waterfall deep within Kakadu National Park. Afterwards we stay off the beaten track where a walk through monsoon forests and over boulders lead us to Jim Jim Falls. Surrounded by 150 metre cliffs, we spend some time soaking up the natural beauty of this majestic location. This afternoon we depart Kakadu National Park and travel towards Litchfield National Park where we will stop along the way at our private campsite. Tonight, enjoy a hearty meal with your fellow adventurers.
MEALS INCLUDED - DAY TWO Breakfast -Lunch - Dinner
Day 3 - Litchfield National Park to Darwin
Today is spent exploring the waterfalls, spring-fed streams and rugged sandstone escarpments of Litchfield National Park. Marvel at the intriguing magnetic and cathedral termite mounds and swim, hike and explore Florence and Wangi Falls*. Discover the many rock holes and cascading waterfalls of Buley Rockhole before our early evening arrival back in Darwin.
MEALS INCLUDED - DAY THREE Breakfast - Lunch
Day 4 - Begin Journey to Alice Springs
You will be collected from your Darwin accommodation at approximately 6.00 am when our adventure through the ‘Territory’ to Alice Springs begins. The afternoon is spent at Nitmiluk (Katherine Gorge) National Park which is owned by the Jawoyn Aboriginal people. Ancient sandstone has been carved away by the Katherine River to create a deep and picturesque gorge. You may like to take a boat cruise, paddle a canoe (seasonal) through the peaceful water or a breathtaking scenic flight over the Gorge System (all optional and at additional cost) before journeying to our nearby campsite.
MEALS INCLUDED - DAY FOUR Lunch - Dinner
Day 5 - Journey to Banka Cattle Station
A great start to the day, is a soak in the Mataranka Thermal Pools, a lush oasis fringed by paperbark trees. No trip to the ‘Territory’ is complete without a visit to the Daly Waters Pub, an important watering hole for explorers and drovers in days gone by and now a great spot for a cold beer, a bit of history and a ‘fair dinkum outback experience’! Our day winds to a close at historic Banka Cattle Station where we camp for the night.
MEALS INCLUDED - DAY FIVE Breakfast - Lunch - Dinner
Day 6 - Arrival into Alice Springs
We pass through Tennant Creek and then further along the track are the Devils Marbles (Karlu Karlu) which are a collection of gigantic granite boulders magically balanced on top of one another. Later in the day we cross the Tropic of Capricorn (only 20% of the Northern Territory lies south of this point) then a short time later we arrive into Alice Springs. Two night’s dorm or Twin/Single accommodation in Alice Springs is included.
MEALS INCLUDED - DAY SIX Breakfast - Lunch
Day 7 - Explore Alice Springs
A day at leisure to either relax or explore the Red Centre township of Alice Springs. All activities and meals are at your own expense. Dorm or Budget Twin/Single accommodation in Alice Springs is included.
Day 8 - Alice springs to Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park
It’s an early rise this morning where you will make the journey to Ayers Rock. On arrival to Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park, visit a camel farm and discover life atop one of the regions earliest forms of transport. This afternoon embark on an interpretive base walk of Uluru. Those choosing to climb will have the opportunity to do so, weather permitting. (Note: Uluru is a sacred site and the Anangu people ask visitors to respect their law and do not climb it). The Cultural Centre is impressive and well worth a visit before watching the ever changing colours of Uluru at sunset. After dinner, some stories and stargazing, it’s time for a good night’s rest at our private campsite before another active day tomorrow.
MEALS INCLUDED - DAY EIGHT Lunch - Dinner
Day 9 - Uluru to Kings Creek Station
Your guide will wake you bright and early to experience a mesmerising Uluru sunrise which can be viewed close-by our campsite, early mornings being such a magical time in the desert. Then it’s a short drive to Kata Tjuta (the Olgas), an Aboriginal word for “many heads”, to explore its domes of which there are 36 in total. Pull on your hiking boots and take the Valley of the Winds walk through creek beds, domes and beautiful wilderness. After lunch, it’s farewell to Uluru – Kata Tjuta National Park as we travel to Kings Creek Station where we camp for the night. Our campsite really is ‘wayoutback’, set in a private location on this working cattle station.
MEALS INCLUDED - DAY NINE Breakfast - Lunch - Dinner
Day 10 - Kings Creek Station to Alice Springs
This morning we enter the Watarrka (Kings Canyon) National Park, home of a mighty chasm with sheer red rock faces which soar over 100 metres above lush palm forests. The rim of Kings Canyon is a 6km round trip walk and you will visit the Amphitheatre, Lost City and tranquil Garden of Eden. After our final meal together we begin our journey back to Alice Springs arriving in the late afternoon.
You won’t need your swag tonight, as your hostel accommodation is included (dormitory/twin or double room) along with dinner for our last night together. Later, you’ll have the chance to wash your dusty clothes before experiencing the nightlife of this charming outback town.
MEALS INCLUDED - DAY TEN Breakfast - Lunch
Day 11 - Alice Springs to Ayers Rock Airport
Today we have an early start. Following breakfast we leave Alice Springs and begin our journey to Ayers Rock. With a short stop along the way we will get you and your baggage to Ayers Rock Airport or resort before saying farewell to this magical destination.
MEALS INCLUDED - DAY 11Breakfast