Day 1
Alice Springs - Ayers Rock
Your day will start by travelling from Alice Springs to Ayers Rock Resort, with beautiful views of mountain Atila on the way. The evening will be spent sipping complimentary wine as you watch the sun set over the sacred Uluru, before journeying to the exclusive venue in Ayers Rock Resort for an award-winning BBQ dinner and an evening of star gazing.
Overnight: Desert Gardens Hotel (Superior) or Sails in the Desert Hotel (First Class)
Day 2
Ayers Rock
You’ll start early today with a gorgeous sun rise over the naturally beautiful Uluru, before joining your guide for an interesting drive around its base. Afterwards you’ll travel by coach to the Mutitjulu Walk, decorated with fascinating Aboriginal rock art and the charming Mutitjulu Waterhole. The afternoon will be spent learning about the area’s geology at Uluru-Kata Tjuta Cultural Centre, and enjoying an afternoon tour of the soaring Kata Tjuta and a two to three hour walk to the Valley of the Winds lookout.
Overnight: Desert Gardens Hotel (Superior) or Sails in the Desert Hotel (First Class)
Day 3
Kings Canyon - Alice Springs
Arrive in Alice Springs before being transferred to your hotel.
An early morning drive to Kings Canyon will grace you with a beautiful desert sunset this morning. Having arrived in Watarrka National Park, you’ll journey to the rim of the canyon for unforgettable views of Australia’s outback, or take an easier walk around the canyon’s boulder-strewn floor. Afterwards you’ll travel back to Alice Springs.
Overnight: Lasseters Hotel (Superior) or Chifley Alice Springs Resort, River Gum Rooms (First Class)
Day 5
The Ghan (Alice Springs to Darwin)
This morning is at leisure before making your way to the train station in preparation for the highlight of your tour – an overnight trip on The Ghan. A rustic passenger train with luxurious, sophisticated décor and amenities inside, The Ghan is known as one of the world’s greatest railway journeys, taking you through sweeping landscapes and offering lavish facilities. Spend the morning resting in the Outback Explorer Lounge, a stylish carriage with all-inclusive refreshments and the prime place to socialise with other travellers.
In the early afternoon you will stop at the charming town of Katherine, where you’ll have a few hours to while away. There’s the option of a leisurely cruise along the Katherine River, or take part in activities including basket weaving and painting with Aboriginal people. Afterwards, you’ll board the train again for dinner.
Overnight: The Ghan
Day 6
Darwin
Start the morning with breath-taking views from your panoramic cabin window before breakfast. Enjoy a casual breakfast at the delightful Matila Café, or Gold Leaf and Premium guests can tuck in to sumptuous cuisine at the Queen Adelaide Restaurant on board the luxurious Ghan.
On arrival into Darwin, you will transfer to the Mantra on the Esplanade for an overnight stay.
Overnight: Mantra on the Esplanade
Day 7
Kakadu National Park
Enjoy an exciting early start to the day with a Jumping Crocodile Cruise, watching as magnificent saltwater crocodiles jump for food right by your cruise boat. Lunch will be spent at Kakadu National Park, before visiting the Bowali Visitor Centre for an insight in to the park’s fascinating geology and history. In the afternoon you’ll get the chance to marvel at ancient Aboriginal rock art and take a guided walk to the top of towering Ubirr for wonderful views.
Overnight: Mercure Kakadu Crocodile Hotel (lunch included)
Day 8
Katherine
Witness the beauty of ancient rock art during a guided walk at Nourlangie, before wandering to the Warradjan Cultural Centre to discover more about its history. A cruise along the famous Yellow Water Billabong will grace you with fantastic views of wildlife and saltwater crocodiles. In the afternoon, you’ll travel to Katherine via the small town of Pine Creek.
Overnight: Ibis Styles Katherine (lunch included)
Day 9
Katherine Gorge Cruise & Darwin
See even more saltwater crocodiles lazing in the sun on an early morning cruise through Katherine Gorge. Breakfast will be spent at the Nitmiluk Visitor Centre, before a saunter to the cascading Edith Falls. Here you’ll have a relaxing dip in its natural pool, and then delve into the past at Adelaide River War Cemetery on the way back to Darwin.
Overnight: Doubletree by Hilton Hotel Esplanade Darwin (Breakfast included)
Day 10
Litchfield National Park
Witness stunning natural beauty in the morning with a meander through Litchfield National Park, where you’ll discover the gorgeous Florence and Tolmer Falls from the Tabletop Range. Have a laidback swim near the Wangi Falls before returning to Darwin to end your tour at approx. 6.00pm.
As this short break concludes at 6:00pm, you may like to pre-book accommodation for tonight.
