10 Day Darwin to Alice Springs

Day 1: Darwin to Mary River & Kakadu National Park

First we're off to the Mary River wetlands system, with the highest concentration of saltwater crocodiles in the southern hemisphere. We arrive in Woolna Country and you will receive a Cul Cul (welcome) from the traditional owners of the land, the Limilngan - Wulna people. Experience the local Aboriginal culture including cooking bush tucker, playing the didgeridoo, basket weaving and spear throwing. Get close (but not too close!) to ‘salties' and other wild creatures on a private billabong cruise. We arrive at history rich Ubirr in time for sunset. You will see vivid Aboriginal rock art that dates back over 20,000 years. Then we head to our overnight bush camp in Kakadu. (LD)

Day 2: Kakadu National Park                 

It's an early one this morning as we travel to Twin Falls. The spectacular gorge is experienced onboard a national park operated boat and along the boardwalk. Unwind and relax for a bit on the sandy banks before we head deep into the escarpment country to the awesome Jim Jim Falls. It's a challenging climb to the top of the falls (either Jim Jim or Twin Falls - seasonal) but it's worth it for the sensational views over Kakadu. You'll be asleep in no time once we reach our overnight bush camp in Kakadu! (BLD)

Day 3: Kakadu to Darwin                      

We start the day with a hike to Maguk (Barramundi Falls) and cool of with a dip in the plunge pools. Then take the 4WD Old Darwin Road (seasonal), stopping to admire the abundant birdlife at White Lily floodplains before continuing on to Darwin. (BL)

Dinner and accommodation at own expense.

Day 4: Darwin

A free day to explore or relax in Darwin (accommodation, activities and meals at own expense).

Day 5: Darwin to Katherine Gorge

Leaving Darwin, we stop for a break at Adelaide River on the way to Katherine. We spend the whole afternoon at the majestic Katherine Gorge (Nitmiluk), which is part of the Nitmiluk National Park. Experience the striking beauty while canoeing or cruising (at own expense & seasonal) through the gorge itself. Want to see more? Jump aboard a helicopter flight (at own expense) which will take you high above the vast gorge system. Tonight we stay at our permanent camp near Katherine Gorge. (LD)

Day 6: Katherine Gorge to Tennant Creek

Not far to the south is Mataranka, where you can revive in a sparkling thermal pool surrounded by lush tropical forest. Next stop is the iconic Daly Waters outback hotel, the Territory's oldest pub. Nearby lies Australia's first international airport, but you won't get a flight back home from here these days! After lunch, we continue south to Tennant Creek where we overnight at our private campsite. (BLD)

 

Day 7: Tennant Creek to Alice Springs      

This morning we check out the sacred site of the Devils Marbles, which balance precariously on their rocky perch. From here we stop in at Barrow Creek Pub, home to the historic Telegraph Station - catch a glimpse of what Outback telecommunication used to be like! We cross over the Tropic of Capricorn, before arriving early evening into Alice Springs. (BL) Dinner and accommodation at own expense.

 

Day 8: Alice Springs to Uluru                 

Experience a camel ride at the Outback Camel Farm (own expense) before cruising down to our camp near Uluru (Ayers Rock), arriving in time for lunch. In the afternoon we hike through the 'Valley of the Winds' at Kata Tjuta (Olgas) before watching the sunset over Uluru. After an outdoor dinner, star gaze from the comfort of your 'swag' (or dome tent). (LD)

Day 9: Uluru to Kings Canyon

Witness the magical Uluru sunrise then take an unguided base walk around Uluru. Learn about Aboriginal culture on an interpretive walk and visit the Cultural Centre before driving to Kings Canyon. We stay tonight at our campsite near Kings Canyon. (BLD)

Day 10: Kings Canyon to Alice Springs

Spend the morning hiking and climbing Kings Canyon, exploring the ‘Amphitheatre', breathtaking North & South Walls and 'Garden of Eden'. There's time to check out the view from above, you may wish to take a helicopter flight over the spectacular Canyon (at own expense). After lunch, we make our way back to Alice Springs. (BL)