11 Day Darwin to Alice Springs Adventure Tour

Itinerary

Day 1 - Darwin to Mary River

See the falls of Litchfield National Park before heading to the spectacular Mary River Wetlands, home to a vast array of bird life. This afternoon look for 'crocs' and other abundant wildlife on our private river cruise. Arrive at Point Stuart Wilderness Lodge where we spend the night in our permanent campsite. (LD)

Day 2 - Mary River to Kakadu

Our first stop is Ubirr where we discover ancient Aboriginal rock art and climb to enjoy picturesque views. We continue on to Maguk (Barramundi Gorge), where we hike to the plunge pools for a refreshing dip. Stay overnight at our permanent camp within Kakadu NP. (BLD)

Day 3 - Kakadu to Darwin

This morning we 4WD into the awesome Jim Jim Falls, hiking to the base of the falls then continue on to Twin Falls. Here we join a National Park operated boat and boardwalk experience up the stunning gorge to the waterfall. In the afternoon we return to Darwin, enjoying the impressive scenery along the way. Overnight dorm included. (BL)

Day 4 - Darwin to Katherine Gorge

After a refreshment break at Adelaide River we head to Katherine, home to the majestic Katherine (Nitmiluk) Gorge situated in the Nitmiluk National Park where we spend the entire afternoon either canoeing or cruising (at own expense) the striking gorge. Dinner and overnight stay is at our permanent camp near Katherine Gorge. (LD)

Day 5 - Katherine Gorge to Tennant Creek

A short distance south, relax in a crystal clear thermal pool surrounded by lush tropical forest at Mataranka. Next we visit the famous outback pub at Daly Waters, the oldest in the Northern Territory and first international airport in Australia! After lunch, we travel south to Tennant Creek for our overnight camp at Juno Horse Farm. (BLD)

Day 6 - Tennant Creek to Alice Springs

This morning we check out the Devils Marbles; precariously balanced granite boulders sacred to the traditional owners' then stop in at the Barrow Creek Pub to view the historic Telegraph Station. A little further down the 'track' we take a break at Ti Tree, for an opportunity to purchase authentic Aboriginal art. We then cross the Tropic of Capricorn and arrive into Alice Springs late in the afternoon. Overnight dorm included. (BL)

Day 7 - Alice Springs

Relax and explore Alice Springs. Overnight dorm accommodation included. (Meals at own expense)

Day 8 - Alice Springs to Kata Tjuta & Uluru

Ride a camel this morning at the Outback Camel Farm (at own expense) and then continue on through the remote outback of the Red Centre to Uluru (Ayers Rock). After lunch, we set out to explore the wonder of Kata Tjuta (Olgas) on a guided interpretive walk through the Valley of the Winds returning in time to view the desert sun set over Uluru. After dinner curl up under the millions of stars in an authentic Aussie bedroll (swag) at our permanent campsite at Ayers Rock Resort. (LD)

Day 9 - Uluru to Kings Canyon

An early start is required to view the magical Uluru sunrise. Absorb the early morning wonder on a 9.4km walk around the base of Uluru or if you prefer, tackle the climb. Enjoy a guided interpretive walk exploring mysterious rock formations and Aboriginal art sites followed by a visit to the Cultural Centre. After lunch we depart for Kings Canyon, where we enjoy a delicious camp oven dinner and overnight at our permanent campsite at Kings Canyon Resort. (BLD)

Day 10 - Kings Canyon to Glen Helen

Climb and explore Kings Canyon viewing the impressive formations of the 'Amphitheatre', 'Lost City', picturesque 'Garden of Eden' and the breathtaking North and South Walls. After lunch, we travel along the famous Mereenie Loop Track, sighting Gosse Bluff (a meteorite crater believed to be over 130 million years old) and the home of renowned Aboriginal artist Albert Namitjira as we travel towards Glen Helen. We spend tonight in our permanent campsite at Glen Helen, nestled in the western end of the majestic MacDonnell Ranges. (BLD)

Day 11 - Glen Helen to Alice Springs

This morning we explore picturesque Ormiston Gorge before engaging '4WD' as we travel along the ancient track of the Finke River into Palm Valley and Cycad Gorge. We spend most of the day exploring Palm Valley, the site of an in-land sea in prehistoric times and home to one of the rarest trees in the world, tropical palm Livistonia Mariae. Enjoy the spectacular scenery of the Western MacDonnell Ranges as we journey back to Alice Springs. (BL)

Further Information

Max Passengers

16/24

Highlights

Uluru (Ayers Rock), Kata Tjuta (Olgas), Aboriginal Culture, Kings Canyon, Palm Valley, Mereenie Track, Gosse Bluff, Western MacDonnell Ranges, Devils Marbles, Mataranka Thermal Springs, Katherine Gorge, Darwin, Litchfield NP, Kakadu National Park, Mary River Wetlands, Wildlife/Crocodile Cruise, Bowali Visitor Centre, Ubirr Rock, Aboriginal Rock Art, Jim Jim & Twin Falls, Nourlangie Rock, Boulder Creek, Small Gorge, Motor Car Falls.

What to bring

Sturdy walking shoes (ankle high), swimming gear, hat & sunscreen, water bottle, towel & toiletries, torch, warm clothing in winter, camera & film, pillow, sleeping bag (can be hired for $15). 15kg luggage limit

What's Included

3 Day 4WD Kakadu/Litchfield Safari, 3 day Darwin to Alice Springs, 4 day 4WD Red Centre Safari Safari, 4 nights dorm accommodation (Cavenagh in Darwin, Melanka in Alice Springs), all meals on tour as indicated.