11 Day Northern Territory Explorer

Arriving in the tropical Top End capital of Darwin, the weather and friendly locals will instantly make you feel at ease. The Darwin waterfront is the gathering place for locals and tourists, and this is where you will get to know your Travel Director and fellow travellers, while enjoying some refreshing drinks and nibbles at a Welcome Reception.

Board your coach to discover Darwin’s fascinating attractions, including East Point Military Reserve and the Museum and Art Gallery of the Northern Territory. This afternoon you’re free to explore or relax. You could visit the Royal Flying Doctor Service Tourist Facility and the Bombing of Darwin experience or soak up the atmosphere and flavours of the iconic Mindil Beach Sunset Market, with over 200 unique stalls featuring food, arts and crafts.

Delve into indigenous culture when you connect with a local family-run authentic, Aboriginal culture and nature-based experience, next to a billabong. Discover local indigenous history and learn and understand the local customs and traditions of the Aboriginal people of the region. Afterwards, venture deep into Kakadu National Park stopping at the Bowali Visitor Centre, which reveals the history of the park.

Viewing Kakadu National Park by air is one of the best ways and this morning you could to take to the skies on an optional experience scenic flight. On your exploration of the National Park you’ll get up close to ancient Aboriginal rock art. Later, you’ll cruise on the famous Yellow Water Billabong in search of saltwater crocodiles and discover plant and bird life that call this region home. Finish the day watching the sun set over this spectacular World Heritage UNESCO site.

Travel through remarkable countryside from one National Park to another, arriving in Nitmiluk National Park in time to board your boat for the cruise the Katherine Gorge with a local guide. Experience the varied and ever-changing landscapes, from dramatic cliffs and sandy beaches to pandanus-lined channels. Keep an eye out for the small freshwater crocodile while you hear stories of how this spectacular gorge was formed

Around an hour out of Katherine, you’ll visit Elsey Homestead Replica, used in the filming of a famous story about outback life, ‘We of the Never Never’. This stop is also home to the famous Mataranka thermal hot springs. Head down the palm lined walkway for a refreshing swim. When you think of an outback pub, the Daly Waters Historic Pub is probably what you imagine. The words rustic and eclectic best describe this interesting watering hole, as we divert off the Stuart Highway to check it out.

Leaving Tennant Creek, you’ll see some amazing and everchanging country. Travelling the highway along a straight section of road, Karlu Karlu (Devils Marbles) comes into sight. Seeing these massive granite boulders standing in the middle of nowhere is fascinating. Stretch your legs and wander through and around the boulders and discover the Dreamtime story of the fossilised eggs of the Rainbow Serpent. On arrival in Alice Springs we drive up to Anzac Hill to view the memorial, and panoramas of Alice Springs and the East & West MacDonnell Ranges, before heading for your hotel.

This morning is free so you may choose to rest as this outback town awakens or rise early and take an optional experience ride in a hot air balloon as the desert awakens. Or perhaps explore the West MacDonnell Ranges on a half day guided tour. This afternoon, join your Travel Director to tour the town of Alice Springs, visiting the historic Telegraph Station and the School of the Air to gain an insight into the outback and remote learning.

Learn about local Aboriginal culture this morning before heading west to Uluru. As you venture into the National Park for the first time you will be amazed by the sheer scale of Uluru and then the natural wonder of watching the sun set across it. The changing colours on the rock are spectacular and there is nothing better than toasting to it with a glass of sparkling wine.

It might still be dark but getting out of bed for sunrise over Uluru is worth it. Holding a freshly made tea or coffee as the sun rises and creeps across the face of Uluru is awe-inspiring. Your Travel Director will show you around the base of Uluru and then take you on some short walks, where you will discover the connection and culture of the local Anangu people that makes this place so special.

This afternoon is free for you to relax by the resort pool or you may like to view Uluru from the air on an optional experience scenic helicopter flight. Or perhaps cruise around it on the back of a Harley! This evening enjoy a Farewell Dinner with your fellow travellers, recounting the amazing experiences you’ve had exploring the Northern Territory.

This morning you may consider rising early for the optional experience once-in-a-lifetime Field of Light installation, and then join your fellow travellers for breakfast before your exploration of the Northern Territory comes to an end.