Day 1 Sat: Adelaide
On arrival in Adelaide you will be transferred
to your hotel.
Hotel: Grand Chifley, Adelaide. B (Flights to arrive prior to 4.00pm into Adelaide)
Day 2 Sun: Port Augusta
We travel north to Port Augusta, situated on the
quiet waterways at the head of the Spencer Gulf, in
close proximity to the Flinders Ranges. We have time
to explore the Wadlata Outback Centre.
Hotel: Acacia Ridge Motor Inn, Port Augusta. BD
Day 3 Mon: Coober Pedy
After leaving Port Augusta we travel to Woomera
before continuing to the isolated town of Coober
Pedy, the opal capital! Our afternoon tour includes
a visit to an underground church and home, as well
as an introduction to opals.
Hotel: Opal Inn, Coober Pedy. BD
Day 4 Tue: Uluru (Ayers Rock)
Leaving the opal capital behind, we cross the border
into Northern Territory and continue to Uluru - Kata
Tjuta National Park. Enjoy a complimentary glass of
wine and nibbles as the sun sets and the evening sky
brings out the many shades of colour for which Uluru
is renowned.
Hotel: Outback Pioneer Hotel, Ayers Rock Resort.
B
Day 5 Wed: Uluru (Ayers Rock)
Early this morning you may wish to join a tour to
view sunrise at Uluru. Later travel through the
desert plains to Kata Tjuta and see these massive
domes of red conglomerate rock. The walking trail
through Walpa Gorge follows the natural creek bed
between two domes. We continue to Kings Canyon
Resort.
Hotel: Kings Canyon Resort, Kings Canyon. BD
Day 6 Thu: Kings Canyon
For the energetic, a guided climb to the canyon rim
will be rewarded with magnificent views of Watarrka
National Park. Or you may prefer to explore the
boulder-strewn canyon floor - an easier walk.
Leaving Watarrka National Park behind, we travel
through to Alice Springs. See the sights of Alice
Springs, including the Royal Flying Doctor Service
and the School of the Air. We stop for panoramic
views of Alice Springs from Anzac Hill.
Hotel: All Seasons Oasis, Alice Springs, 2 nights.
BD
Day 7 Fri: Alice Springs 'Free Time'
You have the day free to relax or explore Alice
Springs. You may wish to join an optional 4WD Safari
to Palm Valley. You'll travel through the West
MacDonnell Ranges to Hermannsburg, renowned for its
Aboriginal art collection and then to Palm Valley to
see rock formations, white sands and an oasis of
rock pools and palm trees. Or perhaps visit the
Alice Springs Desert Park to learn about Australia's
unique desert marsupials and reptiles. B
Day 8 Sat: Tennant Creek
Travelling north we arrive at Karlu Karlu (Devils
Marbles). There is time to walk around these
precariously balanced boulders. On arrival in
Tennant Creek we join a local guide for a tour of
the historic Battery Hill Precinct. Tour a mine and
experience the life of an early miner.
Hotel: Bluestone Motor Inn, Tennant Creek. BD
Day 9 Sun: Mataranka - Katherine
Travel across vast outback stations. Visit the
historic Daly Waters Hotel before continuing on to
Mataranka, 'Land of the Never Never'. You can visit
the replica of the original Elsey Homestead, used in
the filming of 'We of the Never Never' or 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.
Hotel: Knotts Crossing Resort Motel, Katherine.
BD
Day 10 Mon: Katherine Gorge - Kakadu
Enjoy breakfast while cruising on Katherine Gorge in
Nitmiluk National Park. Visit the Nitmiluk Visitor
Centre then continue deep into Kakadu National Park.
Cruise on the famous Yellow Water Billabong. We
should see a variety of birdlife and perhaps the
feared estuarine crocodile basking in the muddy
shallows.
Hotel: Aurora Kakadu, South Alligator. HBD
Day 11 Tue: Kakadu - Darwin
Travel to Ubirr and climb to the top of this rocky
outcrop for rewarding views. We stop at Bowali
Visitor Centre. The displays here will take you on a
journey through Kakadu's varied habitats and
landscapes. This afternoon travel to Darwin and
enjoy a sightseeing tour of this tropical city.
Hotel: Travelodge Mirambeena Resort, Darwin. BD
Day 12 Wed: Depart Darwin
Your tour concludes this morning after breakfast.
You will be transferred to Darwin Airport to connect
with your onward flight. B