Northern Territory Encompassed Southbound
9 days from Darwin to Alice Springs
From $ 2750
Duration9 days
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Travel through Australia's tropical Top End, Red Centre and the Western MacDonnell ranges. 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, Litchfield, and Katherine Gorge. Witness Uluru during a stunning sunrise, wander through the majestic canyons of Kata Tjuta and admire the views from. A region of exceptional landscapes and intriguing cultural attractions, this top-to-tail adventure of 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

  • Duration: 9 days
    Service level: Standard
  • Starts in: Darwin
    Physical Grading: Light
  • Ends in: Alice Springs
    Ages: 8+
Northern Territory Encompassed Southbound - Tour Map

Itinerary

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Day 1: Darwin - Mary River, via Litchfield National Park

Start place: Darwin

Welcome to the Northern Territory! Your adventure begins in the tropical city of Darwin. Set off from Darwin and head south to Lichfield National Park, a huge sandstone plateau with dozens of waterfalls. Explore Florence Falls, Wangi Falls and the Buley Rockholes. After a picnic lunch, stroll through steamy rainforests and cool off with a dip in one of Litchfield's picturesque swimming holes. Enjoy some relaxed time at the campsite and a meal before climbing into bed at the secluded Mary River campsite.
All tents are twin-share and come with a proper bed.
Total driving time: about five and a half hours (approximately 400 km)
Total walking time: approximately 45 minutes
Meals: L, D
Day 2: Kakadu National Park: Ubirr & Barramundi Gorge
After breakfast this morning, head to onto the water on a wildlife cruise in the Mary River Wetlands, a network of waterways home to crocodiles and native bird species. Kakadu National Park and discover ancient Aboriginal rock art in Ubirr. Your guide will lead an interpretive cultural walk through the numerous rock galleries, before you climb to the top of a lookout for views over the Nardab floodplain. Tonight, relax by the pool at the Kakadu campground and enjoy a group dinner.
Total driving time: about six and a half hours (approximately 550 km)
Total walking time: approximately two hours
Meals: B, L, D
Day 3: Kakadu - Katherine
This morning you have the option to take a scenic flight over Kakadu (at your own expense). The flight takes in views over the Arnhem Land escarpment, vast flood plains and billabongs. Later spend time exploring Kakadu’s other major Aboriginal rock art site – Nourlangie (Burrunggui), while your guide provides a glimpse into how the local Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people live. After lunch head south and stop to visit the historic gold-mining centre of Pine Creek. Stop for a quick dip at Maguk or Gunlom Falls, before continuing on to Katherine, where you'll settle in for the night at a private campsite near Nitmiluk National Park (Katherine Gorge).
Total driving time: about five and a half hours (approximately 400 km)
Total walking time: approximately one hour
Meals: B, L, D
Day 4: Katherine Gorge - Darwin
Depending on the season, head out on a morning cruise along the inky waters of Katherine Gorge, or canoe between red rock walls that are up to 70 metres high (both of these activities are optional and at your own expense). This 23 million-year-old landscape was formed by the Katherine River, which flows from Arnhem Land out to the Timor Sea. After lunch we head to the beautiful Edith falls for one last refreshing swim in the huge plunge pool before we hit the road back to Darwin, where your adventure comes to an end on arrival. Perhaps enjoy one final group dinner in town and toast to your adventure with your new friends.
Total driving time: about five hours (approximately 400 km)
Total walking time: approximately one hour
Meals: B, L
Day 5: Flight Travel Day Darwin to 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 Airways. Qantas was Australia's first commercial airline, and stands for "Queensland and Northern Territory Ariel Services" and is now one of the worlds best International airlines.
We'll arrange your air tickets and issue them a couple of weeks prior to your departure. On arrival in Alice Springs, someone will be waiting to transfer you to your hotel.
Day 6: Alice Springs to Uluru
Starting in Alice Springs, we make our way to Kata Tjuta (the Olgas) and take a guided walk through the awe-inspiring Domes. We then head to Australia's most iconic landmark - Uluru. As the sun begins to set below the horizon, enjoy some tasty snacks and 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.
Notes: Total driving time is approximately five and a half hours. Total walking time is around an hour.
Meals: L, D
Day 7: 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 Uluru, gaining insights into the land and the local Anangu 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. This exclusive experience will give you an exclusive insight to the meaning behind Anangu art and traditional culture. The on-site Cultural Centre also houses an extensive collection of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander arts and crafts for you to browse.
This afternoon 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.
Meals: B, L, D
Day 8: 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, and after you’ve relaxed for a little while we'll head back to Alice Springs where we will stay tonight before heading out to the West Macdonnell Ranges in the morning
Note: Total driving time takes around five hours. Total walking time is approximately three hours.
Meals: B, L, D
Day 9: Alice Springs/ Western MacDonnell Ranges
This morning we journey through Ormiston Gorge, witnessing contrasting colours as the light reflects off the cliffs. Keep your eyes peeled for wallabies and other wildlife. Move on to Ellery Creek to enjoy panoramic views of the area, perhaps taking a dip in its still waters. After lunch, visit the world famous Simpsons Gap, an important site to the local Aboriginal communities. Watch the colour of the peaks transform under the setting sun. Head back to Alice Springs, where your trip comes to an end.
The total driving time will be about three hours, and you will walk up to 10km.

End place: Alice Springs

Meals: B, L

Inclusions

Included

  • Litchfield National Park
  • Mary River cruise
  • Ubirr Rock
  • Kakadu National Park Fee
  • Bowali Visitor Centre
  • Edith Falls
  • Pine Creek Gold-Mining Centre
  • Maguk (Barramundi Gorge)
  • Airport Transfers
  • Uluru & Kata Tjuta National Park Entrance
  • Uluru Cultural Centre
  • Uluru Base Walk
  • Maruku Arts cultural experience
  • Kings Canyon Rim Walk
  • Western MacDonnell Ranges

  • Transport

    All Terrain vehicle, Plane

  • Accommodation

    Permanent, furnished tented camp (with shared facilities) (6 nights), Motel (2 nights)

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