14 Day Adelaide to Darwin: Ayers Rock, Kakadu

Summary

"Discover a unique area of Australia that few are lucky to experience! A remarkable and memorable cultural journey, unimaginable until experienced 1st hand. Wilpena Pound , Uluru, Kings Canyon, Flinders Ranges, Coober Pedy, Kakadu, plus lots more."

Itinerary

Day 1 - Adelaide to Quorn

Leaving the city behind, we travel through the Clare Valley to Quorn, a quaint and historical railway township nestled at the entrance to the Richman Valley. Eat a hearty lunch, because this afternoon we hike to the summit of Dutchman's Stern for stunning 360? views of Quorn, Spencer Gulf and the Flinders Ranges! We return to Quorn where we stay two nights in private accommodation at the historical 'Mill'. Get ready for tonight's BBQ dinner ? it doesn't get any more Aussie than this! (LD)

Day 2 - Flinders Ranges and Wilpena Pound

The Flinders Ranges has been recognised as one of Australia's National Landscapes and today you'll get to experience and explore this magical region! Wilpena Pound is a natural amphitheatre located in a huge stone crater and you will spend the morning hiking and exploring its wonder! After lunch, it's a short walk to Yourambulla Caves to view Aboriginal rock paintings. Learn about the hardships of sheep farming in the mid 1800's as you view the ruins of Kanyaka Homestead. As we travel back to Quorn, there's an opportunity to spot the shy and elusive Yellow Footed Rock Wallaby on a quiet stroll through peaceful Warren Gorge. Overnight at the Quorn 'Mill'. (BLD)

Day 3 - Quorn to Coober Pedy

We travel north through Port Augusta and the small township of Glendambo (population 30!) passing ancient salt lakes which are the remnants of an inland sea. The Opal Capital of the World is our destination and our bunkhouse for tonight is ? you guessed it ? underground. (BLD)

Day 4 - Coober Pedy to Marla

After breakfast we check out the sites of Coober Pedy on a town tour which includes an opal cutting demonstration and mine tour with the opportunity to try your luck 'noodling' for opals! We continue our drive north and you will see the flat topped mesas, 'The Breakaways'. During the afternoon we drive through the rugged desert country to the small outback township of Marla. (BLD)

Day 5 - Marla to Uluru

From Marla, we cross the Northern Territory border and arrive at the Uluru ? Kata Tjuta National Park. Kata Tjuta (The Olgas) will fascinate you, and you will discover some of the secrets of this ancient landform during the Valley of the Winds hike. You'll be mesmerised as the desert sun sets over Uluru, and as the night grows darker, curl up in your swag (Aussie bedroll) under millions of stars. (BLD)

Day 6 - Uluru to Kings Canyon

It's an early start this morning, but you'll be rewarded with a glorious Uluru sunrise. While the morning's fresh (and your legs are too!) enjoy an unguided walk around the base of Uluru. You will then deepen your understanding of the land and the Mala people as you take a cultural interpretive walk with an Aboriginal guide (and interpreter). Explore the many caves of the Mala people, learning how they lived and prepared for ceremonies. Your Aboriginal guide will also share the sensitive story of the Mala people who lived at Uluru with their friend the Itjaritjari (marsupial mole). There is also a visit to sacred Kantju Gorge, a quiet water hole at the base of a dramatic rock face. Afterwards, you will have the opportunity to purchase Aboriginal arts and crafts at the Cultural Centre before we travel to our exclusive campsite within the Watarrka National Park (Kings Canyon) where we sleep for the night. (BLD)

Day 7 - Kings Canyon to Alice Springs

Get your hiking shoes on today as we head out to explore the impressive formations of Kings Canyon. You'll be left breathless by the sheer beauty of the canyon as we 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, before we make our way to Alice Springs. Overnight accommodation included. (BL)

Day 8 - Alice Springs

Enjoy a FREE DAY to relax and explore Alice Springs. Overnight accommodation included (meals at own expense).

Day 9 - Alice Springs to Tennant Creek

We pass by the Tropic of Capricorn then stop at the Barrow Creek Pub, home of the Telegraph station. Catch a glimpse of how outback telecommunication used to be. Precariously balanced on their rocky perch are the Devils Marbles, a site sacred to its traditional owners. Last stop for today is our private campsite near Tennant Creek where we camp for the night. (LD)

Day 10 - Tennant Creek 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. 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. (BLD)

Day 11 - Katherine Gorge to Darwin

The gorge is all yours this morning, with a half day to spend canoeing or cruising (at own expense and 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. (BL)/p>

Day 12 - Darwin to Mary River

A refreshing start to your day checking out the waterfalls of Litchfield National Park. 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. To finish the day we head to the spectacular Mary River Wetlands, where birds aren't the only wildlife abundant around here; keep your eyes out for lurking crocodiles on our private river cruise! A secluded campsite in the Mary River Region is where we'll stay tonight. (LD)

Day 13 - Mary River to Kakadu

Discover ancient Aboriginal rock art at Ubirr, our first stop this morning. Clamber to the top of a rocky lookout for fabulous views over the Nardab floodplain. Next it's on to Maguk (Barramundi Gorge), where a hike is rewarded with a reviving swim in the plunge pools. Tonight we stay at our permanent camp within Kakadu NP. (BLD)

Day 14 - Kakadu to Darwin

Get ready for some 4WD action today on our way to Jim Jim Falls! Once we get there, we'll hike to the base of the falls before continuing on to Twin Falls. Feel the beauty of the stunning gorge and powerful falls from the National Park operated boat and boardwalk experience. The impressive scenery will continue to amaze you as we journey back to Darwin in the afternoon. (BL)

Notes

Park Entrance Fees: (Paid on day of travel) $62.50 National Park Fees (includes $25 entry into Kakadu National Park, $25 entry to Uluru - Kata Tjuta National Park and $12.50 Twin Falls boat transfer ? dry season)

This tour includes 7 nights dorm accommodation and 6 nights camping.

Upgrade accommodation is available but may be located on different premises to dorm accommodation

This is a combination tour so you may have a different group and guide for each section.

Tour also available in reverse. Tour Code: AD-PBTAS

A Tropical summer itinerary applies in Kakadu Dec-May. Itineraries may vary and/or attractions be substituted for any cause including seasonal conditions, weather extremes, Traditional Owner and national park requirements. See terms and conditions for full details.

A strict luggage limit of 15kg applies (10kg in Kakadu)

Further Information

What's Included:

All Touring, Camping 6 Nights, Hostel Dorm Accommodation 7 Nights, Opal Mine Tour, South Australia Park Fees, 9 X Breakfasts, 12 X Lunches, 9 X Dinners .

Highlights:

Parachilna, Flinders Ranges, Wilpena Pound, Coober Pedy, Uluru, Kata Tjuta, Kings Canyon, Alice Springs, Mataranka Springs, Katherine Gorge, Darwin, Litchfield National Park, Mary River, Kakadu National Park .

What to bring:

Sturdy Walking Shoes (Ankle High), Hat & Sunscreen, Towel & Toiletries, Warm Clothing in Winter, Water Bottle, Torch, Insect Repellent, Camera & Film, Pillow, Sleeping Bag (or hire for $20).