|
Day 1: Arrive Darwin
On arrival in Darwin you will be transferred
to your hotel. This afternoon join a city orientation
tour of Darwin. Visit the Museum and Art Gallery
of the Northern Territory and enjoy views across
Darwin Harbour. Enjoy a welcome drink with your
Tour Director and travelling companions this
evening. Accommodation: Saville Park Suites,
Darwin. 
Day 2: Kakadu National Park
We visit the Window on the Wetlands Visitor
Centre, before travelling deep into the World
Heritage listed Kakadu National Park. Stop at
the Bowali Visitor Centre and see displays of
the varied landscapes of Kakadu. Late in the
afternoon visit Ubirr and view Aboriginal rock
art dating back some 20,000 years. A climb to
the top of Ubirr is rewarded with superb views
of the surrounding wetlands and escarpment country.
There is also time for an optional scenic flight.
Accommodation: Gagudju Crocodile Holiday Inn,
Jabiru. (B)
Day 3: Kakadu - Katherine
Yellow Water Billabong is home to a number of
estuarine crocodiles, with luck we may see some
on our cruise this morning. Our local and well
informed guide will also point out many species
of birds that inhabit the wetlands. Departing
Kakadu we travel south to Katherine Gorge in
Nitmiluk National Park. Our cruise features
the gorge at its finest, as the walls reflect
the colours of the late afternoon sun. Accommodation:
All Seasons Katherine, Katherine. (B)
Day 4: Ord River Cruise - Kununurra
This morning travel across vast cattle stations
into Western Australia. Visit the Durack Homestead
and join a spectacular cruise along the Ord
River, from Lake Argyle to Kununurra. Our guide
has a vast knowledge of the Ord River ecosystems.
Accommodation: Lakeside Resort, Kununurra, 2
nights. (B)
Day 5: El Questro - Parry Lagoon
Visit El Questro Station and cruise through
Chamberlain Gorge. This afternoon we travel
to Parry Lagoon Nature Reserve. See the bird
life of this region and learn about traditional
lifestyles. Continue to Wyndham. Enjoy spectacular
views of the Kimberley from the 5 Rivers Lookout,
whilst hearing about both the cultural and contemporary
history of the area. (B)
Day 6: Kununurra - Katherine
This morning there is time for an optional scenic
flight over the Bungle Bungle Range. Farewell
the Kimberley this morning as we retrace our
steps to the Northern Territory. See the mighty
Victoria River and pass through the Gregory
River National Park, en route to the town of
Katherine. Accommodation: All Seasons Katherine,
Katherine. (B)
Day 7: Mataranka Thermal Springs -
Tennant Creek
We stop at Mataranka where there is time for
a dip in the thermal springs, which maintain
a constant temperature of 34-35°C. Learn a
little of the life on an outback station by
visiting the Elsey Homestead replica, home of
Jeannie Gunn, author of ‘We of the Never Never’.
This afternoon we travel to Tennant Creek.
Accommodation: Bluestone Motor Inn, Tennant
Creek. (B)
Day 8: Devils Marbles - Alice Springs
This morning enjoy a tour of the historic gold
mining precinct of Battery Hill. Join a local
guide on an underground mine tour and experience
the life of an early miner. As we travel south
there is time for a walk around the precariously
balanced Karlu Karlu (Devils Marbles) that have
been worn smooth by the harsh elements of nature
over many thousands of years. Later this afternoon
we cross the Tropic of Capricorn and arrive
in 'The Alice', a unique outback town.
This evening there is the opportunity to join
an optional Red Centre Dreaming Dinner and Show,
an evening of entertainment by traditional and
contemporary Aboriginal artists including a
three-course dinner in a bushland setting. Accommodation:
Alice Springs Resort, Alice Springs. (B)
Day 9: Uluru (Ayers Rock) - Kata Tjuta
(the Olgas)
Stop to view majestic Mt.Conner before arriving
at Ayers Rock Resort. This afternoon visit Kata
Tjuta. We walk into Walpa Gorge to appreciate
the sheer size of these unusual domes. Enjoy
wine and nibbles as we watch the sunset change
the colours of Uluru. Accommodation: Sails in
the Desert Hotel, Ayers Rock Resort. (B)
Day 10: Uluru (Ayers Rock) - Kings
Canyon
This morning you may wish to join an early tour
to view sunrise over Uluru (no extra charge
- ask your Tour Director for details). Afterwards,
travel by coach to Kuniya Piti, an Aboriginal
sacred site at the base of Uluru. Your guide
will escort you on a walk to the Mutitjulu Waterhole,
pointing out the natural features of the landscape,
Aboriginal rock paintings and traditional Aboriginal
stories relating to this special place.
Experience the sheer size of Uluru as your guide
explains the geological formation, Aboriginal
history and the flora and fauna unique to this
area. Visit the informative Uluru – Kata Tjuta
Cultural Centre. This afternoon depart Ayers
Rock Resort to travel to Kings Canyon Resort.
Accommodation: Kings Canyon Resort, Kings Canyon.
(B)
Day 11: Kings Canyon
There is time for the fit and energetic to make
the climb to the rim of the Canyon for marvellous
views of Watarrka National Park. Alternatively
you may wish to explore the boulder-strewn Canyon
floor. This afternoon we travel to the town
of Alice Springs. Accommodation: Alice Springs
Resort, Alice Springs. (B)
Day 12: Depart Alice Springs
This morning after breakfast tour the sights
of Alice Springs. Visit the historic Telegraph
Station and enjoy views from Anzac Hill. You
will be transferred to Alice Springs Airport
to connect with your onward flight. (B)
|
