10 Day Alice Springs to Darwin Safari

 

 

 

 

Notes:
* This tour includes 6 nights camping and 3 nights motel accommodation (motel accommodation is based on twin share).
* Itinerary may vary due to seasonal conditions.

Hikes up to 6-8kms per day. (Average Fitness)

ITINERARY

Day 1 - Alice Springs to Kata Tjuta & Uluru

We travel to the Outback Camel Farm for an optional camel ride (at own expense), then enjoy the sights of the ancient Hugh and Finke River systems, Mt Connor and the unique scenery on our journey on to Uluru (Ayers Rock). After lunch at Yulara, we explore the Valley of the Winds in the majestic Kata Tjuta (Olgas) then return to enjoy a glass of sparkling wine with the sun setting over Uluru. Camp at our permanent campsite in tents or view the brilliance of the outback night sky while sleeping in an authentic Aussie bedroll (swag). (LD)

Day 2 - Uluru to Kings Canyon

Up before sunrise for optional climb or base walk at Uluru to explore the mysterious rock formations and Aboriginal art sites. Visit the Cultural Centre for a greater insight into Aboriginal art and beliefs. After lunch we head to Kings Canyon for our overnight camp. (BLD)

Day 3 - Kings Canyon to Alice Springs

Climb and explore spectacular Kings Canyon, view the 'Amphitheatre', the 'Lost City', the picturesque 'Garden of Eden' and the breathtaking North and South Walls, then enjoy a refreshing dip in the waterhole (summer only). After lunch, we return to Alice Springs viewing the rugged desert scenery along the way. Overnight motel accommodation. (BL)

Day 4 - Alice Springs

A day free to relax and enjoy Alice Springs. Take a day trip to the West MacDonnell Ranges (own expense), look at the Aboriginal art galleries or just soak up the isolation of Australia's Red Centre. Overnight Motel accommodation. (No meals)

Day 5 - Alice Springs to Banka Banka

We stop at the Tropic of Capricorn before calling in at an Aboriginal community for the chance to purchase authentic Aboriginal art. Then we head to the Devils Marbles to explore these mysterious formations. After a lunch-stop at Mary Ann Dam with the chance for a refreshing swim (summer only), we enjoy a tour of the Battery Stamp Gold Mine at Tennant Creek. We travel on to the historic Banka Banka Cattle Station, one of the first in the NT, where we get to meet the ringers and learn about cattle station life. There is time for a swim (weather permitting) before settling down in our overnight camp. (LD)

Devils Marbles - massive red granite boulders balancing precariously on top of each other located some 100kms south of Tennant Creek.

Aboriginal belief is that these boulders are eggs laid by the mythical Rainbow Serpent.

Day 6 - Banka Banka to Katherine Gorge

We head further north to experience the famous outback pub at Daly Waters, the oldest pub in the Northern Territory, where you can check out the historic memorabilia and meet some of the local characters. After lunch we travel to Mataranka to enjoy a relaxing afternoon in the crystal clear thermal springs. Late afternoon we travel to the magnificent Katherine Gorge for our overnight camp. (BLD)

Day 7 - Katherine Gorge to Darwin

Spend half a day canoeing or cruising (at own expense) the spectacular gorge. There is also the chance for a scenic helicopter flight (at own expense) to appreciate the vastness of the gorge system. Enjoy lunch before heading to Darwin via Edith Falls and Adelaide River. Overnight in Darwin in Motel accommodation.

 

 

 

Day 8 - Darwin to Litchfield NP & Mary River

We depart Darwin heading for the beautiful Litchfield National Park and spend the morning exploring Florence Falls and Buley Rockhole as well as the huge magnetic termite mounds. In the afternoon, we travel to Point Stuart Wilderness Lodge for a crocodile/wildlife cruise on the pristine Mary River Wetlands. After dinner, we settle down for our overnight camp. (LD)

Day 9 - Kakadu

We journey to Ubirr, an area rich in Aboriginal history with vivid rock art and spectacular views of the surrounding floodplains. Next stop is Bowali Visitor Centre for lunch then onto Gubara Springs for a swim and time to explore this beautiful place. Overnight camp in Kakadu National Park. (BLD)

Day 10 - Kakadu to Darwin

We begin the day exploring the Aboriginal art sites of Nourlangie Rock followed by a visit to the Warradjan Cultural Centre. The natural wonders of Gunlom Falls is our next destination where you can relax and swim in the waterhole before heading back to Darwin. (BL)