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Best of Northern Territory

Best of Northern Territory

From $ 5,760 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
1970-01-01
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 and has the authority to amend or cancel any part of the trip itinerary if deemed necessary due to safety concerns. , 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 – or ‘Mparntwe’ in the language of the Arrernte people, the Traditional Owners of the land on which Alice Springs is located. Your adventure begins with a welcome meeting at 6 pm at your hotel where you’ll meet your local leader and group. After a quick intro, drive to Earth Sanctuary where you’ll get to know each other over a delicious Outback barbeque while the sun sets over the Eastern MacDonnell Ranges. Then, watch the Southern Sky come alive with constellations and stories on a guided star gazing experience with an astronomer. You’ll also get the chance to look through Earth Sanctuary’s Deep Sky Telescopes to spot a range of celestial objects.
Day 2 - Kings Canyon (Watarrka)
Hit the road to Simpsons Gap in West MacDonnell Ranges National Park (Tjoritja). Keep an eye out for rock wallabies on a guided walk through this spiritual site with a First Nations guide. They’ll share insights on the local flora and fauna and the story of the great Tjunba (Perentie) totem that protects the gorge. 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 to Kings Canyon. Your leader will take you along the Kings Creek Walk, following the trail between huge cliffs and ethereal rock formations. You’d be hard-pressed to find a more magical place! Tonight enjoy an included dinner before an optional visit to the Light Towers – an immersive visual and aural display.
Day 3 - Yulara
Spend the morning exploring the rugged Kings Canyon and do the famous rim walk up and across the Kings Canyon plateau. From the sandstone domes of the 'Lost City' to the oasis of the 'Garden of Eden', you’ll walk across 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. Arrive at Kata Tjuta (formerly known as The Olgas) – a collection of 36 towering rock domes – and walk to a popular lookout to admire the formations. After, head to one of Australia’s most spiritually significant and iconic sites, Uluru. Enjoy the view from a prime location as the sun sets over the epic sandstone monolith – watching the landscape shift in colour is a sight you won’t soon forget!
Day 4 - 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 Gulumoerrgin 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 to Darwin
This morning, travel into Litchfield National Park. Situated on a huge sandstone plateau, the park is home to waterfalls, secret swimming spots and towering rocky pillars. Your first stop will be Litchfield’s Magnetic Termite Mounds – these 100-year-old natural sculptures are distinctive to the northern parts of Australia. Then, it’s off to and Florence Falls. Hidden among monsoon forest, you'll stop for a picnic lunch next to a bubbling creek. Next up is Buley Rockhole, where you can go for a refreshing swim while your leader prepares lunch. After lunch, head to the Tolmer Falls lookout, and then to Wangi Falls, where you can take a short loop walk or plunge into the natural pool. Later, continue back to Darwin where you’ll stay tonight.
Day 7 - Kakadu
This morning drive towards Kakadu National Park – covering an enormous 20,000 sq km, the park is a world of its own. Along the way, stop at the Mamukala Wetlands and see if you can spot the wetland birds, before continuing to Ubirr – one of Kakadu's rock art gems, where you’ll learn more about the local First Nations history and hear stories from your leader. This 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 surrounding wilderness of this UNESCO World Heritage landscape. As you float along the river, hear about the cultural significance of the landscape, and the plants and animals that live here from an Aboriginal guide. Later, travel to your accommodation in Kakadu. Tonight, join your group for dinner to celebrate the last night of your trip through Australia’s Top End.
Day 8 - Darwin
Your final morning at Kakadu National Park starts with breakfast, followed by a drive to Burrungkuy (Nourlangie) – known for its UNESCO World Heritage-listed rock art created by the Bininj people. When you arrive, set off on one of the various short walks, each offering a different perspective on the wildlife, art and natural features of the area. Next up you’ll visit the local cultural centre and, depending on the time of day, you may be able to join a weaving or damper-making class. You then have the option to explore the natural wonders of Kakadu National Park with an Indigenous-owned cruise along the Yellow Water Billabong (at own expense). After lunch, drive back to Darwin where your adventure will finish at around 5.30 pm. If you’d like to extend your stay in Darwin, just speak to your booking agent ahead of time.

Trip Dates

StartEndPrice FromRoom Type
17-05-202624-05-2026AUD $ 6,330-
21-06-202628-06-2026AUD $ 6,130-
05-07-202612-07-2026AUD $ 6,560-
26-07-202602-08-2026AUD $ 6,495-
09-08-202616-08-2026AUD $ 6,295-
23-08-202630-08-2026AUD $ 6,330-
20-09-202627-09-2026AUD $ 5,760-
27-09-202604-10-2026AUD $ 5,795-
11-10-202618-10-2026AUD $ 5,860-

Accommodation

Hotel (7 nights)

Transport

Private vehicle, Boat

Map