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Best of Northern Territory

Best of Northern Territory

From $ 5,485 AUD

Description

Immerse yourself in the unique Outback landscapes and rich First Nations culture of Australia’s Red Centre and Top End on this eight-day adventure. Spot rock wallabies in Western MacDonnell Ranges National Park (Tjoritja), tour through ethereal rock formations in Kings Canyon and admire the sunrise over Uluru. Then, transfer to the Top End and roam the vast Litchfield National Park, plunge into the picturesque Florence Falls and spot crocs in Kakadu National Park. First Nations guided walks, cruises and more will showcase the cultural importance of these regions. This is a true-blue picture of Australia!

Trip Name
Best of Northern Territory
Last Updated
2024-08-07
Days
8
Capacity
15
Highlights
  • Discover the ever-changing colours of Uluru, one of Australia’s most spiritually significant sites, as you marvel at the epic sandstone monolith at both sunrise and sunset.
  • Embark on a guided walk through Kata Tjuta (formerly known as The Olgas) – a towering collection of 36 domed rock formations – with your knowledgeable local guide.
  • Learn about the importance of great Tjunba (perentie) totem that protects the Simpsons Gap from a First Nations guide during a walk through the spiritual site.
  • Refresh yourself with incredibly scenic swims in the natural pools of Litchfield National Park, with stops at Wangi Falls and Florence Falls.
  • Marvel at ancient First Nations rock art at Kakadu National Park and learn more about the wildlife and histories of Ubirr and Burrungkuy (Nourlangie).

Itinerary

ITINERARY CHANGES Our itineraries are updated regularly throughout the year based on customer feedback and to reflect the current situation in each destination. The information included in this Essential Trip Information may therefore differ from when you first booked your trip. It's important that you review this information prior to travel so that you have the latest updates. Due to weather, local conditions, transport schedules, public holidays, political unrest or other factors, further changes may be necessary to your itinerary once in-country. Your group leader or local representative will keep you up to date with any such changes once your trip is underway. OPTIONAL ACTIVITIES A selection of optional activities that have been popular with past travellers are listed in the day-to-day itinerary. This isn't an exhaustive list and should be used as a guide only for some of what might be available. Prices are approximate, are for entrance fees only, and don’t include transport to and from the sites or local guides unless indicated. All activities are subject to availability, and maybe on a join-in basis. It may not be possible to do all the activities listed in the time available at each destination, so some pre-planning for what you are most interested in is advised. When it's recommended that travellers pre-book these activities, look for a note in the Special Information section of the day-to-day itinerary. For most, they can either be organised independently on the day, or let your group leader or local representative know you are interested at the Welcome Meeting and they can assist. Where activities are considered medium or high risk, we work with operators whose safety and credentials we have sighted and assessed. Although it is possible that you may find the same activity cheaper with another operator on the ground, we cannot vouch for the safety or quality of that operator. Medium and high-risk activities not listed above have not been assessed by us and as such our staff and group leader or local representative are unable to assist you with organising these activities. Activities that contravene our Responsible Travel policies are also not listed. Please remember that the decision to partake in any activity not listed is at your own discretion and risk. ABORIGINAL & TORRES STRAIT ISLANDER CULTURAL EXPERIENCES & COMMUNITIES First Nations people have complex community obligations, and at times activities or experiences may be cancelled at late notice due to cultural commitments. In the case that we are unable to include planned activities with First Nations communities, we will endeavour to find a suitable alternative in the same or another destination on your trip.

Day 1 - Alice Springs
G’day and welcome to Alice Springs (Mparntwe in the language of the traditional owners of the land on which Alice Springs is now located). This quintessential laidback Aussie town is the perfect place to start your journey into the ancient culture and landscapes of Australia’s Outback. This is your launching pad to reach some of the top spots on the agenda over the next few days. Your adventure officially kicks off with a welcome meeting at 6 pm, where you’ll meet your group leader and new travel companions. Until then, feel free to check out some of the town’s sights or tuck into an Outback inspired meal at one of the quirky local cafes.
Day 2 - West MacDonnell Ranges / Kings Canyon
This morning, you’ll hit the road for Simpsons Gap in the West MacDonnell Ranges National Park (Tjoritja). Keep an eye out for rock wallabies as you take part in a guided walk through the important spiritual site. A First Nations guide will share their insights on the local flora and fauna and will tell the story of the great Tjunba (Perentie) totem that protects the gorge and its present importance to the Eastern and Northern Arrernte People. The walk will also take you along the riverbed that marks the boundary between the Eastern and Northern Arrernte tribes. Next, drive along the Stuart and Lasseter Highway and through the colourful semi-desert to Watarrka National Park, home of the majestic Kings Canyon. Your leader will take you along the Kings Creek Walk, following the trail between soaring cliffs and ethereal rock formations. You’d be hard-pressed to find a more magical place! Tonight enjoy an included dinner before visiting the Light Towers - an immersive visual and aural display.
Day 3 - Kings Canyon / Kata Tjuta / Uluru / Yulara
Spend the morning exploring the rugged landscape of Kings Canyon and enjoy the 3-hour rim walk up and across the famous Kings Canyon plateau, from the sandstone domes of the 'Lost City' to the oasis of the 'Garden of Eden'. You’ll walk across the red rock cliffs that protrude from the land and take in views of the palm forest below. Then hit the road again for a scenic drive across the sprawling landscape to Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park. Keep your eyes out, there’s chance that you might spot brumbys, camels or wallabies on the drive. Arrive at Kata Tjuta (formerly known as The Olgas) – a towering collection of 36 domed rock formations. Here, you'll embark on a walk to a popular lookout to admire the stunning formations that make up Kata Tjuta – these ochre-coloured shapes are a mesmerising sight. After, you'll make your way to one of Australia’s most spiritually significant and iconic sites, Uluru. From a prime location, you’ll enjoy the view as the sun sets over the epic sandstone monolith – watching the incredible landscape shift in colour is a sight you won’t soon forget!
Day 4 - Uluru / Yulara (or Alice Springs)
You'll start the day early in one of the best ways imaginable – watching a spectacular sunrise over Uluru. Embark on a short walk across the rust-coloured landscape to a nearby waterhole and marvel at some of the traditional art sites. Your leader will shed light on the history and nature here and explain how the Anangu people are deeply connected to the lands. After, stop by the Uluru-Kata Tjuta Cultural Centre to continue learning about First Nations culture. Stop by Yulara for any travellers finishing the trip here. Then, hit the highway for Alice Springs just after lunch. This is where you’ll say goodbye to the members of your group who are leaving today and your local leader.
Day 5 - Darwin
Your included airport transfer will take you from the hotel to Alice Springs Airport today. Fly to Darwin (flight not included), or Gulumerrdgen in the language of the local Larrakia people, who are the Traditional Owners of the land on which Darwin is now located. Transfer to your hotel in Darwin, then meet your new group members and new leader during your second welcome meeting at 6 pm tonight.
Day 6 - Litchfield National Park / Darwin
Today, drive into the magnificent Litchfield National Park. Situated on a huge sandstone plateau, the park is home to stunning waterfalls, secret swimming spots and towering rocky pillars. Your first stop will be the Wangi Falls, where you’ll be able to take a short loop walk or go for a plunge in the picturesque natural pool. Then it’s off to the dramatic Tolmer Falls and Florence Falls. Hidden amongst monsoon forest, you'll have a picnic lunch next to a bubbling creek. The last stop for the afternoon is Litchfield’s famous Magnetic Termite Mounds, which are up to 100 years old and unique to the northern parts of Australia, before returning to Darwin for the evening.
Day 7 - Kakadu National Park
Rise bright and early, have breakfast and drive towards Kakadu National Park this morning. Covering an enormous 20,000 sq km, the park is a world of its own. Stop for at the Mamukala Wetlands (and see if you can spot the wetland birds, then drive on to Ubirr, one of Kakadu's rock art gems, where you’ll learn more about the local First Nations history and stories from your leader. Later in the afternoon hop aboard a cruise up the East Alligator River (despite the name, you won’t see any alligators – this is crocodile country) and take in the wonderful pristine wilderness of this World Heritage landscape. You’ll be joined by an Aboriginal guide who’ll provide a unique insight on the cultural significance of the landscape, the local mythology, and the plants and animals that live there. You'll also have the chance to disembark on the Arnhem Land side of the river. After, continue to your Kakadu accommodation for an included dinner with your group.
Day 8 - Kakadu National Park / Darwin
Your final morning at Kakadu National Park begins with a drive to a local cultural arts centre at Jim Jim Creek. Here, depending on availability, you may be able to take part in a cultural weaving class, learning the craft and listening to local stories about the significance of weaving in the local culture. After lunch, a drive will take you to Burrungkuy (Nourlangie), famous for its World Heritage-listed rock art created by the Bininj people. There are various short walks available while you’re here, each offering a different perspective on the wildlife, art and natural features of the area. Then, a drive north will take you back to Darwin where your adventure will finish. If you’d like to extend your stay in Darwin, just speak to your booking agent.

Trip Dates

StartEndPrice FromRoom Type
11-05-202518-05-2025AUD $ 5,485-
18-05-202525-05-2025AUD $ 5,485-
08-06-202515-06-2025AUD $ 5,485-
15-06-202522-06-2025AUD $ 5,765-
29-06-202506-07-2025AUD $ 5,765-
06-07-202513-07-2025AUD $ 5,765-
13-07-202520-07-2025AUD $ 6,025-
27-07-202503-08-2025AUD $ 6,025-
03-08-202510-08-2025AUD $ 6,025-
10-08-202517-08-2025AUD $ 6,025-
24-08-202531-08-2025AUD $ 6,025-
31-08-202507-09-2025AUD $ 5,765-
07-09-202514-09-2025AUD $ 5,765-
28-09-202505-10-2025AUD $ 5,485-
05-10-202512-10-2025AUD $ 5,485-
10-05-202617-05-2026AUD $ 5,735-
17-05-202624-05-2026AUD $ 5,735-
07-06-202614-06-2026AUD $ 5,735-
14-06-202621-06-2026AUD $ 6,020-
28-06-202605-07-2026AUD $ 6,020-
05-07-202612-07-2026AUD $ 6,020-
12-07-202619-07-2026AUD $ 6,295-
26-07-202602-08-2026AUD $ 6,295-
02-08-202609-08-2026AUD $ 6,295-
09-08-202616-08-2026AUD $ 6,295-
23-08-202630-08-2026AUD $ 6,295-
30-08-202606-09-2026AUD $ 6,295-
06-09-202613-09-2026AUD $ 6,020-
20-09-202627-09-2026AUD $ 6,020-
27-09-202604-10-2026AUD $ 5,735-
04-10-202611-10-2026AUD $ 5,735-

Accommodation

Hotel (7 nights)

Transport

Private vehicle,Boat

Map