Arnhem Land and Uluru Camping Adventure
9 days
from Darwin to Alice Springs
From
$ 2605
Duration9 days
Travel through Australia's Tropical Top End and dusty Red Centre. Embark on a Northern Territory adventure from Darwin to Alice Springs, taking in the region's biggest and best draws along the way. Witness Uluru during a stunning sunrise, wander through the majestic canyons of Kata Tjuta and admire the views from Kings Canyon. Enjoy exclusive access to Arnhem Land and get a taste of the tropics in Kakadu and Litchfield National Parks, as well as Katherine Gorge. A region of exceptional landscapes and intriguing cultural attractions, this tail-to-top adventure through the Territory is a trip that will leave you with a profound appreciation of Australia's raw and rugged natural beauty.
This tour is operated by
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Duration: 9 daysService level: Basic
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Starts in: DarwinPhysical Grading: Light
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Ends in: Alice SpringsAges: 8+
Tour Gallery
Itinerary
Day 1: Darwin - Arnhem Land
Start place: Darwin
Welcome to Darwin, the Northern Territory’s tropical capital. Leave Darwin in the early morning and travel to Wulna Country where you will be greeted by a Cul Cul or ‘Welcome to Country’ from the Traditional Owners of the land, the Limilngan-Wulna people. Learn about their culture as your hosts treat you to bush tucker talks and didgeridoo and basket weaving demonstrations. Then, it’s on to the border of Kakadu and Arnhem Land for a Guluyumbi cruise along the East Alligator River. Travelling with a Bininj guide, understand more about the cultural importance of the East Alligator River to the region’s traditional custodians and hear about local mythology and customs.
Once the cruise wraps up, jump in a vehicle and cross straight into Arnhem Land for an unforgettable afternoon of exploration. Start by unveiling more art at a complex known as Mawurndaddja. This complex has a spectacular series of galleries with rock art spanning from the present time to many thousands of years of age. Your guide will explain the importance of this art, the methods used to perform this expressionism and the anthropological system used to date the art as you are guided through the site. Spend the afternoon exploring this historic ancient site. Following this, head back into Kakadu for an overnight stay
Total driving time: about six hours (approximately 350 km)
Total walking time: about one and a half hours (including stops for informative talks)
Once the cruise wraps up, jump in a vehicle and cross straight into Arnhem Land for an unforgettable afternoon of exploration. Start by unveiling more art at a complex known as Mawurndaddja. This complex has a spectacular series of galleries with rock art spanning from the present time to many thousands of years of age. Your guide will explain the importance of this art, the methods used to perform this expressionism and the anthropological system used to date the art as you are guided through the site. Spend the afternoon exploring this historic ancient site. Following this, head back into Kakadu for an overnight stay
Total driving time: about six hours (approximately 350 km)
Total walking time: about one and a half hours (including stops for informative talks)
Meals: L, D
Day 2: Kakadu National Park
After fuelling up with an early breakfast, it's on to Jim Jim Falls, Kakadu's most iconic natural attraction. It’s a challenging walk through monsoon forest and over boulders. Recharge with a cooling dip in the clear waters beneath the falls upon arrival, or simply soak up the spectacular scenery while relaxing on the beach. After lunch head to Anbangbang and discover ancient rock art. Originally Warramal clan land, who have now passed away, Anbangbang is now looked after by neighbouring Mirarr and Djok clans. Consider taking a scenic flight over Kakadu in the afternoon, or visit Bowli Cultural Centre.
Total driving time: about four hours (approximately 120 km)
Total walking time: about two and a half hours
Total driving time: about four hours (approximately 120 km)
Total walking time: about two and a half hours
Meals: B, L, D
Day 3: Kakadu National Park
After breakfast, head to either Gunlom Falls or Maguk (Barramundi Gorge) for a swim in another pristine waterhole. Maguk flows down the steep walls of rugged gorge into a beautiful natural plunge pool. It’s a steep climb to the Gunlom Falls plunge pool, though the reward is sweeping views of Kakadu and the welcome shade of gum trees. Neither option will disappoint. After a relaxing morning, it’s time to hit the road. Stop in the old gold-mining town of Pine Creek for lunch before continuing for another three hours to your private campsite on the doorstep of Nitmiluk National Park. Once comfortable, have dinner with the group before relaxing in your tent for the night.
Total driving time: about five and a half hours (approximately 340 km)
Total walking time: about one and a half hours
Total driving time: about five and a half hours (approximately 340 km)
Total walking time: about one and a half hours
Meals: B, L, D
Day 4: Nitmiluk National Park
Spend the day exploring the deep Nitmiluk (Katherine) Gorge and ancient sandstone landscape of Nitmiluk National Park. A wonderland of colours, Aboriginal rock art, waterfalls and wildlife, perhaps take a cruise or rental a kayak to get a closer look. Keep in mind that these optional activities are seasonal and at your own expense. In the afternoon, travel on to Edith Falls, a hidden oasis of clear, cool waters surrounded by bronze boulders. After a quick swim in the huge rock pools, continue to tonight’s camp located at the edge of Litchfield National Park, where dinner awaits.
Total driving time: about four and a half hours (approximately 350 km)
Total walking time: about three and a half hours
Total driving time: about four and a half hours (approximately 350 km)
Total walking time: about three and a half hours
Meals: B, L, D
Day 5: Litchfield National Park
After breakfast, head to Litchfield National Park. A bit of a local secret, Litchfield is awash with tropical rainforest, gorgeous waterfalls and crystal-clear waterholes. Visit Florence Falls, Wangi Falls or Bluey Rockholes, then tuck into a picnic lunch. Enjoy a stroll through the steamy rainforests and refreshing dip in one of the park’s gorgeous swimming holes. In the afternoon, make the two-hour drive back to Darwin where the trip ends on arrival. If you decide to stay an additional night in Darwin, perhaps enjoy an optional night out with the group to celebrate the end of this section of your trip
Total driving time: about three and a half hours (approximately 250 km)
Total walking time: about one hour
Total driving time: about three and a half hours (approximately 250 km)
Total walking time: about one hour
Meals: B, L
Day 6: Flight Darwin - Alice Springs
Today, skip the 1,500km of driving which is about 24 hours by road, and fly from Darwin to Alice Springs with Qantas (QF). Qantas is Australia's first commercial airline and is now recognised as one of the world’s best International airlines.
We'll arrange your air tickets and issue them a couple of weeks prior to your departure. Please note this day is not escorted by your guide
On arrival in Alice springs please look for your transfer vehicle (operated by Alice Wanderer - green and yellow bus) to transfer you into Alice Springs.
The rest of the day is free to explore.
We'll arrange your air tickets and issue them a couple of weeks prior to your departure. Please note this day is not escorted by your guide
On arrival in Alice springs please look for your transfer vehicle (operated by Alice Wanderer - green and yellow bus) to transfer you into Alice Springs.
The rest of the day is free to explore.
Day 7: Alice Springs - Uluru
Starting early, we make our way to Kata Tjuta and take a guided walk through the awe-inspiring Domes of Kata Tjuta. We then head to Australia's most iconic landmark - Uluru. As the sun begins to set below the horizon watch the 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 delicious spread of food with your group. If the weather permits, sit outside under the stars.
Meals: L, D
Day 8: Uluru Sunrise
Another early start this morning is rewarded with an Uluru sunrise. While the morning is fresh enjoy a walk around the base of Uluru, gaining insights into the land and the local Mala Aboriginal people. After your stroll, we walk to the cave paintings near Mutitjulu Waterhole at the base of Uluru. You will be in the hands of an Anangu guide who will share the stories of this unique landscape and explain the Art, the Culture and connection to Land which will give you an exclusive insight to the meaning behind Anangu art and traditional culture. Once you’ve had lunch, perhaps purchase some 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 hours if you do the full 8.5km / 5.3mi base walk.)
Note: Total driving time today is around three and a half hours. Total walking time is approximately two hours (or up to 4 hours if you do the full 8.5km / 5.3mi base walk.)
Meals: B, L, D
Day 9: Kings Canyon
After breakfast, get your hiking shoes back 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, arriving around 6pm this evening. Maybe head out for an optional final dinner with your group this evening in Alice.
Note: Total driving time approx. five hours.
Total walking time is approx three hours.
Note: Total driving time approx. five hours.
Total walking time is approx three hours.
End place: Alice Springs
Meals: B, L
Inclusions
Included
- Guluyambi Cultural Cruise
- Mawurndaddja rock art and occupation complex
- Jim Jim Falls Walk
- Maguk (Barramundi Gorge)
- Edith Falls
- Buley Rockholes
- Florence Falls
- Litchfield National Park
- Wangi Falls
- Uluru & Kata Tjuta National Park Entrance
- Uluru Cultural Centre
- Maruku Arts cultural experience
- Kings Canyon Rim Walk
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Transport
All Terrain vehicle, Private vehicle, flight -
Accommodation
Camping (with shared facilities) (1 night), Permanent tented camp (with shared facilities) (2 nights), Permanent, furnished tented camp (with shared facilities) (3 nights) multishare hostel (with shared facilities) (2 nights)