7 Day Alice Springs to Darwin Bus Journey

Summary

"Budget Tour - Overnight stops on this tour are worth a special mention. The timings of each day fits perfectly with the overnight stops - all are great locations: Ayers Rock, Banka Cattle Station , Mataranka Thermal Pools, Katherine River and Kakadu."

Itinerary

Day 1: Alice Springs - Kings Canyon - Uluru

Kick off your Red Centre adventure with a drive through James and Waterhouse Ranges and the ancient Hugh and Finke river systems on the way to Kings Canyon. There's a bit of exploring to do here: the monumental North and South Walls, the Amphitheatre, the Lost City and the lush, inviting Garden of Eden. From here we head to another ancient landform, Uluru (Ayers Rock) where we stay overnight in our private campsite.

Meals: L, D

Day 2: Uluru to Alice Springs

Sunrise at Uluru is worth the early start! Take a stroll part way around the base and discover mystifying rock formations and Aboriginal art sites around the base of Uluru. Be fascinated by the red domes of Kata Tjuta (The Olgas) and their spiritual significance to the Anangu people. We head back to Alice Springs after lunch, watching through the window as the rugged desert scenery passes by. Overnight (Alice Springs) dorm accommodation included.

Meals: B, L

Day 3: Alice Springs to Banka Banka

We pass by the Tropic of Capricorn then stop at the Barrow Creek Pub. Learn about the early struggles of bush telecommunications at Barrow Creek's historic Telegraph Station : it'll make your mobile phone seem like the space age! Precariously balanced on their rocky perch are the Devils Marbles, a site sacred to its traditional owners. Last stop for today is our camp at Banka Banka Cattle Station and if the weather's good, you can take a dip in the pretty waterhole.

Meals: L, D

Day 4: Banka Banka to Katherine Gorge

No visit to the Top End would be complete without a visit to the famed Daly Waters pub, a quintessential outback roadhouse and 'watering hole' for travellers from far and wide. The tiny town is also home to Australia's first international airport (but you wouldn't guess it!). Mataranka lies in the heart of the 'never:never', and you'll feel a million miles from anywhere as you soak in the steamy thermal springs. As the day draws to a close, we reach our overnight camp at stunning Katherine Gorge.

Meals: B, L, D

Day 5: Katherine Gorge to Darwin

The gorge is all yours this morning, with a half day to spend canoeing or cruising (at own expense & seasonal) the spectacular waters. Want to see more? Jump aboard a helicopter flight (at own expense) which will take you high above the vast gorge system. We'll head to Darwin after a stop at idyllic Edith Falls. Overnight Darwin dorm accommodation included.

Meals: B, L

Day 6: Darwin to Kakadu

Travel west into Woolna Country and receive a Cul Cul or unique welcome to country by the traditional owners of the land the Limilngan : Wulna people. Experience the local Aboriginal Culture, cooking your own bush tucker, playing the didgeridoo, basket weaving and spear throwing. Spot crocodiles (and other wild creatures!) on a cruise along the fresh waters of the Mary River Wetlands. After lunch, discover more about the land and its stories at the Bowali Visitor Centre. The whole of Kakadu is spread out before you at Ubirr Rock, where we spend the afternoon. Tonight we camp in Kakadu National Park.

Meals: L, D

Day 7: Kakadu to Darwin

Jim Jim Falls is our first stop today, and it's a stunner! You'll feel a bit dwarfed by the towering cliffs as we hike to the base of the falls. By now you've probably worked up an appetite for some lunch! This afternoon the spectacular gorge of Twin Falls is experienced on board a National Park operated boat and along the boardwalk. Unwind for a bit on the sandy banks before we trek back to Darwin.

Meals: B, L

Note

Itineraries may vary and/or attractions be substituted due to seasonal conditions, weather extremes, Traditional Owner and national park requirements. Package is made up of 3 separate tours therefore you may travel with a different guide and passengers on each section.

Further Information

Trip Highlights

Katherine Gorge, Darwin, Alice Springs, Tennant Creek, Mary River / Point Stuart, Kakadu National Park, Mary River Wetlands, Aboriginal Rock Art, Wildlife Cruise, Jabiru, Jim Jim Falls, Twin Falls, Maguk Gorge, Kings Canyon, Kata Tjuta (The Olgas), Uluru (Ayers Rock), Aboriginal Cultural Experience, Mataranka Springs, Devils Marbles .

What's Included

Experienced Guides, Meals as Indicated, Accommodation Transfers, 4 Nights Camping, 3 Nights Dorm .

What to Bring

Sturdy Walking Shoes, Hat and Sunscreen, Towel and Toiletries, Warm Clothing in Winter, Water Bottle, Torch, Insect Repellent/Net, Sleeping Bag (or $20 hire) .

Optional Tour Activities

Paid locally in AUD, Katherine Gorge Canoe $35-45, Katherine Gorge Cruise $60, Helicopter Flight $75-$350 (Katherine Gorge), Camel Ride $5, Helicopter Flight $50-$400 (Kings Creek Station), Harley Davidson Ride $90-$345 (Uluru), Helicopter Flight $120-$260 (Uluru) .

Things to Remember

Reconfrm booking 48 hours before departure., Luggage must be 15kgs or 10kgs on Kakadu tours..