Product Description
Highlights
Fly with Qantas airways between Darwin and Alice Springs, skip the 24 hours sitting in a bus on a straight road. Get back to basics with this classic three-day overland adventure. See the highlights and national parks of Australia’s Top End in rugged, authentic style. Discover the wonders of Kakadu National Park. Get adventurous on a 4WD tour to the spectacular Jim Jim Falls and see the ancient Aboriginal rock art of Ubirr. Learn about the ancient culture and traditions of the Limilngan-Wulna people as they invite you into their community with a traditional ‘Welcome to Country’
Overview
Embark on a Northern Territory adventure, from Darwin to Alice Springs, taking in the region’s biggest and best-known drawcards along the way. Head out croc spotting in the Mary River Wetlands and get a taste of the tropics in Kakadu National Park. Enjoy exclusive access to Arnhem Land. Witness Uluru during a stunning sunrise, wander through the majestic canyons of Kata Tjuta and admire the views from Kings Canyon. A region of exceptional landscapes and intriguing cultural attractions, this tail-to-top adventure of the Territory is a trip that will leave you with a profound appreciation of Australia’s raw and rugged natural beauty.
Breakfast Included: 5 Lunches Included: 7 Lunches Included: 6
Litchfield National Park
Welcome to Darwin, capital of Australia’s Northern Territory. After meeting with your group, depart en route to explore Litchfield National Park to get a proper glimpse into the rugged landscapes of the Top End. Visit Florence falls, Buely Rock Hole, Wangi Falls and the Termite Mounds before departing in the afternoon to the Mary River campsite. From watery gorges to dry, monolithic termite mounds, Litchfield’s landscapes are astounding. The region is characterised by rich reddish-brown soil and cliff faces, which create a contrast next to the rough green leaves of the gumtrees above. Swimming under the cascading waterfalls and relaxing in waterholes is a favourite pastime for visitors and locals alike – they’re a fantastic place to hide away from the heat.
Arnhem Land exclusive access
Next stop, head to the border of Kakadu and Arnhem Land to experience a cruise through Guluyumbi along the East Alligator River. Travelling with a Binninj guide, understand more about the cultural importance of the East Alligator River to the region’s traditional custodians while hearing tales of the dreamtime – the religious-cultural concept crucial to the Aboriginal understanding of the world. Once the cruise wraps up, jump in a vehicle and cross straight into Arnhem Land for an unforgettable afternoon of exploration. Begin at the Injalak Arts Centre to discover incredible examples of indigenous art, witnessing traditional paintings, bark art, basket weaving and screen-printing being created during a walk with an Indigenous guide – the option to purchase a piece to take home with you is also available once the walk comes to a close. After visiting the arts centre, unveil more indigenous art at two exclusive sites. The first site, Mawurndaddja, is a spectacular series of galleries with art thought to be over 18,000 year old – your guide will explain the importance of this art and the methods used to perform this expressionism as you wander through the site. Keep an eye peeled to find ochre and ancient spear tips lying on the ground, offering a glimpse into the history of an age long past. Spend the afternoon exploring this historic site, breaking time up with a few snacks and drinks along the way. Following this, head to Kakadu for an overnight stay.
Kakadu National Park to Nitmiluk National Park
After breakfast, head to either Maguk (Barramundi Gorge) or Gunlom Falls and cool off with a dip in the plunge pools. Visit the historic gold-mining centre of Pine Creek and head further south after lunch. Journey for around three hours in a private vehicle to your campsite on the doorstep of Nitmiluk National Park. Once comfortable, have dinner with the group before relaxing in your tent for the night.
Note: Total driving time today is around five-and-a-half hours. Total walking time is approximately an hour-and-a-half.
Flight Travel Day
Today take a flight from Darwin to Alice Springs with Qantas. Your transfers and accommodation are included today however meals are at your own expense.
Alice Springs to Uluru
Starting in Alice Springs, set off to experience a working camel farm, perhaps even enjoying a ride. Make our way to Kata Tjuta (the Olgas) and take a guided walk through the awe-inspiring Domes of Kata Tjuta. We then head to Australia's most iconic landmark - Uluru (Ayres Rock). As the sun begins to set below the horizon, take a glass of sparkling wine and watch the rock's rich colours change against the backdrop of a blazing Red Centre sunset. The perfect end to a remarkable day is awaiting you back at camp, as you enjoy a famous 1,000 star dinner. With the red earth at your feet and an infinite sprawl of stars overhead, sit down to a candlelit spread of locally sourced food and wines.
Uluru Sunrise
An early start this morning is rewarded with an Uluru sunrise. While the morning is fresh enjoy a walk around the base of the rock, gaining insights into the land and the local Aboriginal people on an interpretive cultural walk with an Aboriginal guide. It's also a unique opportunity to share experiences, and to connect with and learn about the oldest culture on Earth. Once you’ve had lunch, perhaps purchase some indigenous art and craft at the Uluru Cultural Centre. Travel onto the exclusive campsite within Watarrka National Park (Kings Canyon), where the group will eat and sleep for the night.
Note: Total driving time today is around three and a half hours. Total walking time is approximately two hours (or up to 4 if you do the full 8.5km base walk.)
Kings Canyon rim walk
After breakfast, get your hiking shoes on and head out to explore the impressive formations of Kings Canyon. You’ll be left breathless by the sheer beauty of the canyon, as you trek through the Amphitheatre, the Lost City, the lush and ancient Garden of Eden and the North and South Walls. Lunch is a welcome prospect, before you make your way back to Alice Springs. On arrival, you're free to leave and carry on your travels.