Day 1 Fri: Sydney – Hay
Depart Sydney and travel along the Hume Highway via Goulburn and the Riverina to Hay. Enjoy a welcome drink this evening with your Tour Director.
Hotel: Comfort Inn, Hay. D
Day 2 Sat: Hay – Adelaide
Today we leave Hay for Adelaide, travelling via vast Hay plains and Mildura, located on the mighty Murray River. We cross the South Australian border and travel through the vineyards of the Riverland District to Adelaide. Clients joining this afternoon (Tour Code: PZD) will be transferred from Adelaide Airport (flights to arrive prior to 4.00pm).
Hotel: Grand Chifley, Adelaide. B
Day 3 Sun: Port Augusta
We travel north to Port Augusta, situated on the quiet waterways at the head of the Spencer Gulf, in close proximity to the Flinders Ranges. We have time to explore the Wadlata Outback Centre.
Hotel: Acacia Ridge Motor Inn, Port Augusta. BD
Day 4 Mon: Coober Pedy
After leaving Port Augusta we travel to Woomera before continuing to the isolated town of Coober Pedy, the opal capital! Our afternoon tour includes a visit to an underground church and home, as well as an introduction to opals.
Hotel: Opal Inn, Coober Pedy. BD
Day 5 Tue: Uluru (Ayers Rock)
Leaving the opal capital behind, we cross the border into Northern Territory and continue to Uluru – Kata Tjuta National Park. Enjoy a complimentary glass of wine and nibbles as the sun sets and the evening sky brings out the many shades of colour for which Uluru is renowned.
Hotel: Outback Pioneer Hotel, Ayers Rock Resort. B
Day 6 Wed: Uluru (Ayers Rock)
Early this morning you may wish to join a tour to view sunrise at Uluru. Later travel through the desert plains to Kata Tjuta and see these massive domes of red conglomerate rock. The walking trail through Walpa Gorge follows the natural creek bed between two domes. We continue to Kings Canyon Resort.
Hotel: Kings Canyon Resort, Kings Canyon. BD
Day 7 Thu: Kings Canyon
For the energetic, a guided climb to the canyon rim will be rewarded with magnificent views of Watarrka National Park. Or you may prefer to explore the boulder-strewn canyon floor - an easier walk. Leaving Watarrka National Park behind, we travel through to Alice Springs. See the sights of Alice Springs, including the Royal Flying Doctor Service and the School of the Air. We stop for panoramic views of Alice Springs from Anzac Hill.
Hotel: All Seasons Oasis, Alice Springs, 2 nights. BD
Day 8 Fri: Alice Springs ‘Free Time’
You have the day free to relax or explore Alice Springs. You may wish to join an optional 4WD Safari to Palm Valley. You’ll travel through the West MacDonnell Ranges to Hermannsburg, renowned for its Aboriginal art collection and then to Palm Valley to see rock formations, white sands and an oasis of rock pools and palm trees. Or perhaps visit the Alice Springs Desert Park to learn about Australia’s unique desert marsupials and reptiles. B
Day 9 Sat: Tennant Creek
Travelling north we arrive at Karlu Karlu (Devils Marbles). There is time to walk around these precariously balanced boulders. On arrival in Tennant Creek we join a local guide for a tour of the historic Battery Hill Precinct. Tour a mine and experience the life of an early miner.
Hotel: Bluestone Motor Inn, Tennant Creek. BD
Day 10 Sun: Mataranka – Katherine
Travel across vast outback stations. Visit the historic Daly Waters Hotel before continuing on to Mataranka, ‘Land of the Never Never’. You can visit the replica of the original Elsey Homestead, used in the filming of ‘We of the Never Never’ or take the beautiful palm lined walkway for a swim in the famous thermal springs. Travel on to Katherine, the third largest town in the Northern Territory.
Hotel: Knotts Crossing Resort Motel, Katherine. BD
Day 11 Mon: Katherine Gorge – Kakadu
Enjoy breakfast while cruising on Katherine Gorge in Nitmiluk National Park. Visit the Nitmiluk Visitor Centre then continue deep into Kakadu National Park. Cruise on the famous Yellow Water Billabong. We should see a variety of birdlife and perhaps the feared estuarine crocodile basking in the muddy shallows.
Hotel: Aurora Kakadu, South Alligator. HBD
Day 12 Tue: Kakadu – Darwin
Travel to Ubirr and climb to the top of this rocky outcrop for rewarding views. We stop at Bowali Visitor Centre. The displays here will take you on a journey through Kakadu’s varied habitats and landscapes. This afternoon travel to Darwin and enjoy a sightseeing tour of this tropical city.
Hotel: Travelodge Mirambeena Resort, Darwin. BD
Day 13 Wed: Depart Darwin
Your tour concludes this morning after breakfast. You will be transferred to Darwin Airport to connect with your onward flight. B
