Enjoy a breakaway in the Northern Territory and learn the history and culture from local Aboriginals while you visit the ancient sights in the Uluru (Ayers Rock)-Kata Tjuta Olgas) National Park and swimming under waterfalls and walk in the National Parks while exploring the Top End.
Day 1. Cultural Centre, Mala Walk, Uluru (Ayers Rock) Sunset
Arrive at Ayers Rock Airport and be transferred to your hotel. This afternoon visit the Cultural Centre then walk to the waterhole of Mutitjulu. Join the Mala Walk around the base of Uluru, view rock art and sacred sites, and learn the significance of this region to its traditional owners. Enjoy a glass of wine as you take in the changing colours of Uluru at sunset. Tonight you might like to enjoy the Uluru Aussie Barbecue (additional cost per person).
Day 2. Sunrise, Kata Tjuta (Olgas), Kings Canyon
Rise early today and enjoy a cup of tea or coffee and watch the sunrise at Uluru. Drive out to the cluster of giant domes known as Kata Tjuta and walk into Walpa (Olga) Gorge. Some of the plants here are so rare that they are only found around these great sandstone monoliths. It is believed that Kata Tjuta was once a single rock many times the size of Uluru. Depart for Kings Canyon.
Day 3. Kings Canyon, Kings Creek Station
You have a choice of walks this morning at Kings Canyon. The rim walk takes you around the canyon rim for stunning views of the canyon walls and surrounds, then through the formations of the Lost City and Garden of Eden. The floor walk takes you deep into the canyon. This afternoon, stop at Kings Creek Station before continuing to the town in the heart of Australia, Alice Springs.
Day 4. West MacDonnell Ranges, Angkerle (Standley Chasm), Alice Springs Tour
Tour the rugged West MacDonnell Ranges with a visit to Simpsons Gap and Angkerle. Returning to Alice Springs, take in the sights on a town tour, including visits to the Royal Flying Doctor Service Base and the School of the Air. Visit the Old Telegraph Station and enjoy views over the township from atop Anzac Hill.
Day 5. Alice Springs, Darwin
Enjoy free time this morning before transferring to the airport (travel from Alice Springs to Darwin is at your own expense). Arriving at Darwin Airport, be transferred to your hotel. Enjoy the remainder of the day at your leisure.
Day 6. World Heritage Kakadu National Park, Aboriginal Rock Art, Yellow Water Cruise
Travel to Kakadu National Park. Visit Warradjan Aboriginal Cultural Centre to gain an insight into the park’s history and culture. Join a guided cruise on the waterlily-covered Yellow Water billabong for a truly iconic Kakadu experience. Keep an eye out for estuarine crocodiles and the extensive bird and plant life that call these waters home. After lunch, see ancient Aboriginal rock art at Nourlangie Rock.
Day 7. Ubirr, Guluyambi Cruise, Darwin
Travel to Ubirr to view ancient rock art before joining the renowned Guluyambi Cultural Cruise. Glide along the waters of the East Alligator River, and your Aboriginal guide will explain the culture, history and wildlife of the region. Later, visit the Bowali Visitor Centre.
Day 8. Katherine Gorge Cruise, Nitmiluk National Park, Leliyn (Edith Falls)
In Nitmiluk National Park take a memorable cruise between the sandstone walls of spectacular Katherine Gorge. Your guide will detail the region’s flora and fauna, and explain the significance of the gorge for the Aboriginal people of this region. After a relaxing lunch, visit stunning Leliyn, where you have the opportunity to take a refreshing swim, (conditions permitting). Return to Darwin.
Day 9. Litchfield National Park
Today discover Litchfield National Park, a lush region of scattered sandstone outcrops, monsoonal rainforest, year-round waters and spring-fed streams. This morning visit the striking double waterfall that forms Florence Falls, then travel to Tolmer Falls, one of the park’s most beautiful features. Stop for lunch (own expense) before continuing to stunning Wangi Falls to enjoy a swim in the rock pool (subject to conditions) or take a nature walk to the top of the falls. Stop to view the park’s intriguing magnetic termite mounds.
Day 10. Darwin
Enjoy free time in the tropical city of Darwin before your transfer to the airport.
