Explore Australia’s diverse Northern Territory. The Territory is a region of contrasting landscapes, from the desert centre with its rugged terrain and wide panoramas to the lush wetlands of Kakadu and the tropical coastal city of Darwin. A journey full of historical experiences and natural wonder.

Day 1 (L,D) HOME, ALICE SPRINGS, AYERS ROCK RESORT

Following metropolitan home/hotel pick up we transfer to Melbourne Airport for the direct flight to Alice Springs, arriving in time for lunch in Central Australia. Passengers from other states may choose to fly direct to Alice Springs, with different arrival times. We return to Alice Springs Airport for our short flight to Uluru. A short sightseeing tour prior to arriving at Ayers Rock Resort at Yulara. You may wish to arrange a flight over Uluru (own expense). Our home for the next two nights is the Desert Gardens. Dinner together completes our day.

Day 2 (B,L,D) ULURU, KATA TJUTA

Today we explore the Uluru region. Visit the Uluru-Kata Tjuta Cultural Centre. The Anangu, traditional owners of the region, have history dating back tens of thousands of years. During the day we tour the base of the magnificent Uluru (Ayers Rock) and stop for ample photo opportunities along the way, and travel to Kata Tjuta (The Olgas), a group of 36 massive, domed rock formations. Like Uluru, this is a sacred site. Many dreamtime legends are associated with the area and it is still the site of spiritual ceremonies. This evening we gather for our transport to the Sounds of Silence experience where we dine outdoors as the sun sets over nearby Uluru. As we gaze at the brilliant night sky, listen to legends and stories as told by the stars. A night to remember.

Day 3 (B,L,D) AYERS ROCK RESORT, KINGS CANYON

Early risers may wish to take in the sunrise over Uluru before breakfast. Following breakfast we depart for Kings Canyon, stopping at Kings Creek Station, a working cattle station and the largest exporter of camels in Australia. After lunch we continue to Kings Canyon. Upon arrival enjoy an afternoon walk along the Canyon floor, or maybe enjoy a helicopter ride (own expense) to view the canyon cliffs. Our home tonight is the Kings Canyon Resort.

Day 4 (B,L,D) KINGS CANYON, ALICE SPRINGS

Today we travel to Alice Springs via Erldunda and the Stuart Highway. After a late lunch in Alice Springs, we visit the Old Telegraph Station. Take in the view from Anzac Hill prior to relaxing at our home for two nights, the Chifley Alice Springs Hotel, situated on the banks of the famous Todd River with its magnificent river red gums.

Day 5 (B,L,D) ALICE SPRINGS

We spend today exploring the 300 million year old West McDonnell Ranges pausing at the John Flynn Memorial in memory of the missionary who founded the Royal Flying Doctor Service. Visit Simpson Gap, Standley Chasm, Ellery Creek Big Hole and the Ochre Pits, source of the coloured clays used by aboriginal people on ceremonial occasions.

Day 6 (B,L,D) ALICE SPRINGS, TENNANT CREEK

Departing “The Alice”, we travel north along the Stuart Highway passing through Ti Tree and Barrow Creek. Following lunch visit the Devil’s Marbles, a spectacular collection of granite boulders, then on to Tennant Creek. According to legend, a settlement sprung up when a beer wagon broke down here. Our home for tonight is the Eldorado Motel.

Day 7 (B,L,D) TENNANT CREEK, KATHERINE

An earlier start today as we continue our journey north. We call in at the Overland Telegraph Monument and Attack Creek Memorial Reserve. Stop at Newcastle Waters, once the drover’s crossing point where stock routes from the east and south meet, on route to the Daly Waters Hotel. Following lunch enjoy the open vistas as we continue to Mataranka and Katherine, home to the Tindal Air Force Base. Our home for the next two nights is the All Seasons Hotel.

Day 8 (B,L,D) KATHERINE

A relaxing day today as we visit Nitmiluk National Park and Katherine Gorge, a series of thirteen deep gorges carved though ancient sandstone. We cruise two of these spectacular gorges. Time to browse in the Visitor Centre prior to lunch. During the afternoon visit Katherine Museum and enjoy a Devonshire Tea at Springvale Homestead, the oldest homestead in the Northern Territory.

Day 9 (B,L,D) KATHERINE, PINE CREEK, KAKADU NATIONAL PARK, JABIRU

This morning we continue to Pine Creek, a small settlement established after the discovery of gold in the late 1800’s. Visit the Railway Station Museum and Miners Park. Lunch at Mary River before we reach the entrance to Kakadu National Park. We continue to Bowali Visitor Centre with time to view displays of the major parts of Kakadu and the meandering South Alligator River, told from both the Gukburlerri (Aboriginal) and Guhbele (non Aboriginal) points of view. Our home for two nights, Gagudju Crocodile Holiday Inn, Jabiru.

Day 10 (B,L,D) JABIRU, KAKADU

A highlight of our holiday is the Yellow Water cruise. Yellow Water wetland is home to brolga, several species of kingfisher and jabiru, and fresh and salt water crocodiles. (The area teems with wildlife, however sightings of jabiru are never guaranteed.) Following the cruise we visit Warradjan Cultural Centre, displaying Aboriginal culture in the area and an Aboriginal art and craft room. Lunch at Gagudju Cooinda Resort. During the afternoon we visit Nourlangie Rock (Burrunggui), take a short walk to an ancient living shelter, rock art sites and a lookout.

Day 11 (B,L,D) KAKADU, BATCHELOR

An earlier start this morning as we journey along the Arnhem Highway. At the Adelaide River we join the famous “Jumping Crocs” cruise. Nearby is the interactive display “Windows on the Wetland” located on Beatrice Hill which affords superb 360 degree views of the area. Later we arrive at our home for tonight, the Batchelor Resort.

Day 12 (B,L) BATCHELOR, DARWIN

Today we journey to the amazing Litchfield National Park. Here we see the famous “magnetic” termite mounds. Visit spectacular Florence Falls, a double waterfall set amid monsoon rainforest. A short walk to view the falls. On to Wangi Falls, the most accessible falls in the park, before heading to Darwin. We orientate ourselves with a city tour before arriving at our home for the next three nights, the Mirambeena Travelodge.

Day 13 (B,L,D) DARWIN

Another relaxing day as we visit the Charles Darwin National Park, one of Australia’s most significant wetlands, followed by the fascinating Aviation Heritage Centre which houses a great collection of aeroplanes from the twentieth century. After lunch we visit the East Point Military Museum. Take in the sunset views as we enjoy dinner tonight at Stokes Wharf, a unique Darwin experience.

Day 14 (B,L,D) DARWIN

Today we begin at the Botanic Gardens, where we see a large collection of tropical palms, orchids, bromeliads and exotic foliage plants. We visit Indo Marine Centre, an amazing insight into creatures of the sea. We also visit the Territory Gallery and Museum, which houses a fascinating Cyclone Tracy exhibit and the Darwin Wharf Precinct. Late afternoon we gather for a spectacular Sunset Dinner Cruise on the Alfred Nobel. A fitting way to enjoy our final dinner together.

Day 15 (B,L) DARWIN, HOME

Time to prepare for home. After a final opportunity to browse and shop, we transfer to Darwin Airport for our flight back to Melbourne. Lunch in flight. On arrival in Melbourne, home or hotel transfers are available. Passengers from other states may fly via Melbourne or direct to their home port depending on airline schedules. So concludes a most enjoyable exploration of the unique Northern Territory.