A portion of this tour runs as a group tour where you will be escorted by an expert tour leader. Another portion is self-guided, whether conducted by rail, cruise or land, and you will travel between destinations on your own, with free time to explore at your own pace.
This tour is categorised as 3 out of 5
Balanced exploration with walking tours: Our most popular style, this tour offers a good mix of planned activities and free time. Expect moderate daily walking tours, so pack comfortable shoes.
As a general requirement across all of our trips, you may be required to walk up and down stairs, get on and off transportation, handle your own luggage, and participate in all scheduled sightseeing that may be conducted on uneven ground and terrain. Any physical ailments you may have must be disclosed at the time of booking to determine your suitability and where required, supporting documentation may be requested to ensure that we are comfortable that you will enjoy your trip.
✓ Incredible sightseeing including the MacDonnell Ranges, Uluru, Kings Canyon, Kakadu, the Yellow Water Billabong, Nourlangie, Western Arnhem Land, Mikinj Valley, Ubirr, the East Alligator River and more
✓ 8 nights in comfortable, 3-star accommodation
✓ 2 breakfasts and 3 lunches
✓ Experienced driver/guides
✓ Comfortable, air-conditioned coach travel throughout
✓ 7 day cooling off period. See under Fine Print for more information
✈ Needing domestic airfares to accompany your Inspiring Vacation? You will be able to access our flight portal after securing your package to add domestic airfares to your booking.
Travel with the experts for a carefully curated, value-packed discovery of the world's most iconic destinations. Our tours are bursting with must-see sights, rich experiences and quality inclusions, all at an unbeatable price. Bucket list dreams are ticked off on these all-encompassing journeys.
Welcome to the Northern Territory! Once you arrive at Alice Springs Airport, make your own way to the hotel.
Once you’ve checked in, the rest of the day can be spent exploring Alice Springs at leisure.
Airport transfers are not included. Our transfer portal offers the option to book your airport transfers for an easier arrival experience (additional charges apply). Access to this portal will be available through your Traveller Hub once your booking is confirmed.
This morning we will travel from Alice Springs to Uluru (Ayers Rock), approximately a 4.5 hour drive. While travelling through this remote country, the rugged desert landscapes and the MacDonnell Ranges are magical to witness - make sure you have your camera handy! You’ll learn about the natural and geological history of the region, as well as the unique Australian desert flora and fauna in the area. Your driver/guide knows this part of the world very well, so feel free to ask any questions.
During the journey, we’ll stop at a local roadhouse for a quick break. Look out for Attila (Mt Conner) as we travel through Curtin Springs Station before arriving at Ayers Rock Resort, ready to explore the amazing World Heritage Listed Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park.
When we arrive, we’ll first stop at the Cultural Centre at Uluru Kata Tjuta National Park - there will be time to explore the galleries and perhaps even see local Aboriginal artists at work. As we travel to the base of Uluru, our local guide will share the Aboriginal Tjukurpa (creation) stories with us. On our walk to Mutitjulu Waterhole, one of the few permanent water sources around Uluru, we’ll learn about its sacred sites and how to interpret the meaning of the ancient rock art.
We’ll unwind with a sparkling glass of wine (or two) while we watch the sunset at Uluru from the viewing platform. Witnessing the incredible changing colours as the sun sets below the horizon is truly a once-in-a-lifetime experience.
Today you may opt for a relaxing breakfast and free morning before reuniting with the group later, or opt for the Sunrise Field of Light experience (additional cost).
We’ll then travel through spectacular scenery from Ayers Rock Resort, passing through Curtin Springs Station and Atila (Mt. Conner). Along the way your driver/guide will provide informative commentary about the history of the surrounding cattle stations on the way to Kings Canyon. Make sure you keep a look out for wild horses and camels along the way. We’ll arrive at Kings Canyon Resort in time to relax, before enjoying a spectacular sunset. Dinner at your own leisure.
PLEASE NOTE:
In the summer months, drinks will be available to purchase at the sunset viewing area (cash only). After dinner (at your own expense) you will have the opportunity to experience the Light Towers by Artist Bruce Munro, an immersive sound and light installation by acclaimed British artist Bruce Munro, who is also recognised for his Field of Light artwork at Uluru.
This morning after breakfast, we’ll head out to Kings Canyon, also known as Watarrka. We’ll climb the 6 km to the rim of the canyon and take in the marvellous views of Watarrka National Park. For those who want a view without the climbing, you can opt for an easier, shorter walk to explore the boulder-strewn canyon creek bed.
Time permitting, you may choose to descend into the Garden of Eden, a beautiful, serene waterhole.
We’ll then travel to Alice Springs and make a stop at Erldunda, an authentic Northern Territory Roadhouse located at the junction of the Stuart Highway and Lasseter Highway. We’ll continue to travel along the Stuart Highway before arriving in Alice Springs.
This evening explore Alice Springs as you wish. Your guide may be able to recommend some restaurants in the area, too.
Today you will make your own way to the airport for your flight from Alice Springs to Darwin. On arrival into Darwin you will take yourself to your hotel where you will have the evening free to enjoy.
Today we make an early start to the day! We will depart at 6.30am and travel along the Arnhem Highway to Kakadu National Park, approximately an hour and 40 minutes. Kakadu covers 20,000 sq km of beautiful landscapes from historic Aboriginal rock art dating back thousands of years, to floodplains abundant with wildlife, our visit will be one to remember.
We’ll visit the Warradjan Cultural Centre before cruising the Yellow Water Billabong with a local guide (look out for saltwater crocodiles and the colourful birdlife!). After lunch, we’ll stop at Nourlangie where our driver/guide will take us on a walk to view the rock art galleries. There will also be an opportunity to take a 50-minute scenic flight (optional tour).
OPTIONAL TOUR:
Scenic flight - 50 minutes
This morning we will travel by 4WD into Western Arnhem Land, said to be the home of the oldest continuously living culture in the world, and the Mikinj Valley. The scenery includes forests, sandstone outcrops, escarpments, floodplains and billabongs.
We’ll visit places inaccessible to most, including ancient rock art sites*. We’ll learn about traditional land ownership, bush skills, hunting, food gathering, and bush tucker preparation.
Enjoy lunch before heading back to our hotel.
*Most tours are accompanied by an Aboriginal guide.
This morning we’ll head to the World Heritage Listed area of Ubirr, where we’ll view ancient Aboriginal rock art galleries, believed to be 20,000 years old, and head to the lookout for stunning views over the wetlands.
Later, we’ll join the Guluyambi Cruise on the East Alligator River where an Aboriginal guide will provide insights into their culture and local mythology, the river’s abundant food chain, and we’ll learn about bush survival skills. With special permission of the local people, you can go ashore in Arnhem Land.
Before making the journey back to Darwin, we’ll visit the Marrawuddi Art Gallery which supports over 500 artists across different arts disciplines such as painting, screen-printing, weaving, photography and sculpture.
Notes:
Ubirr - Low to moderate level of fitness required. Walk is slightly uneven around the base but quite steep on the way to lookout.
After breakfast this morning, bid the Northern Territory goodbye and head to Darwin Airport for your onward flight.
We trust that you enjoyed your tour and we look forward to seeing you on your next inspiring journey!
Airport transfers are not included. Our transfer portal offers the option to book your airport transfers for an easier arrival experience (additional charges apply). Access to this portal will be available through your Traveller Hub once your booking is confirmed.
Secure your trip with a $99.00 deposit per person.
Once we receive your deposit, we will send you an invoice with your remaining balance and payment options.
Instalment Schedule:
This is a land only package.
This package does not include domestic airfares. If you would like to add airfares to your booking our flight portal will be available via your Traveller Hub. The flight portal will allow you to search for all available airfares to your destination. The function works like most general flight search engines allowing you to select your preferred airline, book different cabin classes (eg. Business class) and view flight durations and transit times to your destination.
The flight portal will be available via your Traveller Hub once the following criteria has been met:
Visit our Flight Hub for more information on terms and conditions, amending your flights and information on luggage allowances.
Some of our packages will include airport transfers in either one or both directions when arriving or departing from your destination. To know if transfers are included please view the ‘inclusions’ section of your selected package. If airport transfers are stated, transfers will be included as advised.
If transfers are not included, we also offer the option to book your airport transfers using our online portal. Access to this portal is available through your Traveller Hub once your booking is confirmed. Transfers are readily available and do not need to be booked until your final hotel list has been confirmed. Once you have made a transfer booking, please refer to your confirmation email for all transfer details including a local contact number for the transfer company.
It is the traveller's responsibility to ensure they have a valid passport. The passport must be valid for a minimum of six months from the intended date of return. Visas may be required for your destination. For further visa information, click here.
Fitness Requirements
While the tour itinerary should give you some guidance and overview to the expected requirements, to determine if this tour is right for you we categorise each of our tours in terms of their intensity. These guidelines are to ensure that each tour group is conducted as expected and to ensure the overall satisfaction of all Inspiring Vacations customers.
As a general rule, porterage is not included, therefore at all times you are expected to handle your own luggage where help may not be available.
This particular tour is categorised as a ”3”
Moderate Tour: A good level of fitness and mobility is required, as this tour includes a moderate level of physical activity and is considered a medium-fast paced tour. You should be able to walk up and down stairs, get on and off the coach and able to walk reasonable distances of approximately 2 kilometres per day or more with ease. Any physical ailments you may have must be disclosed at the time of booking to determine your suitability. If you have any form of walking aids, other than a walking stick or hiking poles, then this tour is not suitable.
Tipping
A friendly reminder that tipping is not included in your package. Tipping is not compulsory on your trip, but they can make a big difference to locals employed in the tourism industry. If you feel that your guide and driver have done an impeccable job, you can choose to give a gratuity, but this is entirely your decision.
Accommodation
The accommodation listed is subject to change. Any changes will be of an equal or higher standard. Bedding configurations (double or twin) are requests only. All efforts will be made to meet your preferences, but we can’t guarantee your request will be available at all properties.
Single travellers
When booking this tour, solo travellers will be presented with two options:
1 - Single Supplement
By paying an additional $1,070.00 per person, in addition to the twin-share price, you guarantee the privacy of your own room throughout the entire trip.
2- Shared Room with a known friend
If travelling together with a friend, you can opt to share your room with him/her and avoid paying a single supplement.
You and your friend can create a unique booking each. Creating a unique booking, gives each of you the flexibility of making different travel arrangements (such adding extra accommodation, flights, etc), make separate payments and have individual access to our Traveller’s Hub
During the purchase path, you will need to provide your friend’s booking ID (if known) or at a minimum, your friend’s full name.
Triple Share
Not available.
Travel Insurance
Travel insurance is recommended to protect yourself against the unexpected. In addition to the support that a policy may provide, you may be asked to present a copy of your travel insurance documentation while traveling.
Children
Children must be 5 years old or above and share a room with parents at all times. Children are charged the same price as adults.
Tour Style
To meet the needs of various types of travelers, we choose to operate various types of tours, and depending on your selected package will mean different services are provided throughout your trip. The following descriptions of each tour style we hope will ensure that each traveller has appropriate expectations before they start their travels:
All participants must be in good physical condition to fully engage in this journey. For the safety and welfare of yourself and fellow travellers, if you are feeling unwell prior to departure, we advise staying home and contacting us to arrange alternate plans.
Prior to selecting your trip, carefully review the itinerary to assess your ability to comfortably manage our travel style. Please be aware that if, based on evaluation by our leader or local representative, a participant is deemed unable to safely complete the itinerary, we retain the right to exclude them from all or part of the trip without reimbursement.
It is advisable to consult your physician for current medical travel advisories and any required vaccinations before embarking. We recommend carrying a first aid kit and any necessary medications in their original packaging, as they may not be readily available during travel. For those carrying medication, it's essential to check your government's foreign travel guidelines for local restrictions or regulations.
You can enhance your holiday by arriving or departing before or after the tour. On this tour you can choose from the following options:
Pre Tour Accommodation
Post Tour Accommodation
Please select the number of extra nights required in the 'Additional Nights Accommodation' field when making your purchase. The additional cost for these arrangements will be added to your final payment invoice and are subject to availability.