Outback to the Top End: Adelaide to Darwin
15 days from Adelaide to Darwin
From $ 3049
Duration15 days
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If you’re going to get off the tourist track, you’ll have to shake things up a bit — that’s why we’ve created an itinerary that gives you an authentic taste of the Aussie outback with just the right amount of included activities and free time. Starting in charming Adelaide, fly to the Outback and explore the mysteries of Uluru before heading into Kakadu National Park. What are you waiting for? Come and experience for yourself the unique places and natural beauty of one of the world’s most awe-inspiring destinations.

This tour is operated by

  • Duration: 15 days
    Service level: Basic
  • Starts in: Adelaide
    Physical Grading: Average
  • Ends in: Darwin
    Ages: 18+
Outback to the Top End–Adelaide to Darwin - Tour Map

Itinerary

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Day 1: Adelaide

Start place: Adelaide

There are no planned activities during the day, so check in and explore the city. Opt to go for a cruise to swim with dolphins (seasonal), take the tram to Glenelg beach, visit a nearby winery, grab lunch at the Central Market, or enjoy time getting lost in the city.
Arrive at any time. Ever wanted to swim with wild dolphins? Now's your chance, by adding the 'Dolphin Swim and Cruise' extra to your tour. Head out from Adelaide and search for these majestic creatures, before hopping into the water and going for a swim as they play around you. Available mid-Sept to late-April.

PLEASE NOTE: If booking this extra, a pre-night in Adelaide is highly recommended as this activity starts early on Day 1.

End place: Adelaide

Day 2: Adelaide/Ikara-Flinders Ranges

Start place: Adelaide

Hit the road in the morning. Admire scenic views across the Clare Valley and enjoy a local food experience featuring some of South Australia's best regional produce. Travel to the Ikara-Flinders Ranges, an ancient mountain range and your base for two nights.
Meals: B
Day 3: Ikara-Flinders Ranges

Start place: Flinders Ranges

Head to Wilpena Pound for a walk to a natural amphitheatre sacred to the Aboriginal Adnyamathana people. Learn about Aboriginal art and early settler history.

End place: Flinders Ranges

Meals: B, L, D
Day 4: Ikara-Flinders Ranges/Adelaide

Start place: Flinders Ranges

Journey back to Adelaide via the historic township of Quorn. Stop for a waterside lunch at Port Pirie.

End place: Adelaide

Meals: B
Day 5: Adelaide/Alice Springs

Start place: Adelaide

Board your flight to Alice Springs, gateway to the Red Centre of Australia. Relax this afternoon, or opt to visit the Royal Flying Doctors Museum or hike up ANZAC Hill.
Meals: B
Day 6: Alice Springs/Kings Creek
Opt to get up early for a hot air balloon flight, before departing Alice Springs to journey to Kings Canyon. Spend your first night under the stars in a true Aussie desert swag (padded canvas bedroll).

End place: Kings Creek

Meals: B, D
Day 7: Kings Creek/Uluru

Start place: Kings Creek

Enjoy the morning taking in the scenery or by going on an optional 6km walk through the gorges and valleys of Kings Canyon of Watarrka National Park.
Enjoy a morning walk through the gorges and valleys of Kings Canyon. Drive to Uluru, where Australia's most iconic view awaits. Experience the colourful sunset at Uluru while enjoying a glass of bubbly.

End place: Uluru

Meals: B, L, D
Day 8: Uluru

Start place: Uluru

This morning, awake before the sun so you can watch it rise over Uluru (Ayers Rock). Then, do the Mala Walk around part of the base of Uluru while learning its significance to the local Aboriginals. Visit the cultural centre to get a better understanding of the area.

Opt to pre-book the "Uluru & Kata Tjuta Helicopter Ride" activity on the checkout page ahead of time, to include this optional on your tour.
Enjoy the Mala Walk at Uluru to learn the importance of the rock to the Aboriginal Australians.

End place: Uluru

Meals: B, L
Day 9: Uluru/Alice Springs

Start place: Uluru

Take in the scenery around Uluru. Travel to the rock formations of Kata Tjuta (the Olgas) and, temperature permitting, walk through the Valley of the Winds to explore the surrounding area. Travel to Alice Springs, where you will spend the next two nights.
Discover more of the Red Centre with a hike through the beautiful Valley of the Winds in Kata Tjuta, then transfer to Alice Springs.

End place: Alice Springs

Meals: B
Day 10: Alice Springs

Start place: Alice Springs

Enjoy a free day to relax and explore Alice Springs.

End place: Alice Springs

Day 11: Alice Springs/Darwin

Start place: Alice Springs

Board your flight bound for Darwin. Spend the afternoon exploring Australia's northernmost city.

End place: Darwin

Day 12: Darwin/Litchfield National Park

Start place: Darwin

Set off early from Darwin and head to Litchfield National Park. Visit the Florence Falls, the Buley Rockhole and see the spectacular giant termite mounds. Later, go on a wetland nature cruise to try and spot crocs. Stretch out in a swag (padded canvas bedroll) and sleep under the stars. The itinerary for this day varies depending on seasonal/weekly weather. We will visit slightly different attractions depending on the weather conditions.

End place: Litchfield National Park

Meals: B, L, D
Day 13: Litchfield National Park/Kakadu National Park

Start place: Litchfield National Park

Embark early on a full day of exploring. Travel to our overnight camp near Kakadu NP, where swags or tents await. End the day with a group barbecue.
Explore the waterfalls, swimming holes and trails of Kakadu National Park—a UNESCO World Heritage site.

End place: Kakadu National Park

Meals: B, L, D
Day 14: Kakadu National Park/Katherine Gorge

Start place: Kakadu National Park

Spend the morning exploring Kakadu NP. Finish the day with a drive to beautiful Katherine Gorge, stopping at Edith Falls on the way.

End place: Katherine Gorge

Meals: B, D
Day 15: Katherine Gorge/Darwin

Start place: Katherine Gorge

Enjoy a relaxed start to the day in Katherine Gorge. Opt to go kayaking through the gorge or enjoy a leisurely boat cruise. Make your way back to Darwin, with the tour finishing on arrival.

End place: Darwin

Meals: B
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Inclusions

Included

  • Your Welcome Moment: Meet Your CEO and Group Your Foodie Moment: Local Food Experience, Clare Valley
  • Champagne sunset viewing of Uluru
  • Mala Walk and cultural centre visit (Uluru)
  • Hikes at Kata Tjuta (the Olgas) and Kings Canyon
  • Wetland nature cruise in crocodile territory
  • Aboriginal art and craft centre visit
  • Guided exploration of Kakadu and Litchfield NPs
  • Internal flight
  • All transport between destinations and to/from included activities

  • Transport

    Private vehicle, Boat, Walking, Plane

  • Accommodation

    Hostels (8 nts), Swag camping (6 nts) All nts multi-share

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