Trees for Days
Help us spread love around the world with Trees for Days. Together with Planeterra, we'll plant one tree in your name for every travel day.
Trees planted for this trip: 8
The Rock, Rail and Kakadu
8 days, Alice Springs to Darwin
We have multiple itineraries for this trip.Please select one for correct pricing and itinerary.
!
Sorry! There are no remaining departures for "The Rock, Rail and Kakadu" (OARK), but here are some similar trips.
We have multiple itineraries for this trip.Please select one for correct pricing and itinerary.
For rugged natural splendour, the Australian Outback is where it’s at. This journey into the remote regions of northern and central Australia brings you face-to-face with the land and the intriguing characters and wildlife that call it home. Majestic Uluru, sprawling Kings Canyon and the out-there landscapes of Kakadu National Park await your hiking boots, while the crocodiles and the mysteries of Indigenous Australian culture—as told by the locals themselves—are primed to fascinate. Adventure doesn’t get much more adventurous than this.
8 days
Alice Springs to Darwin
Sold Out
There are no departure dates currently available for the rest of this season. Some tours only run during parts of the year.
Trip Code: OARK
Is this tour for me?
Travel Style: 18-to-Thirtysomethings
Fast, fresh, and fun adventures that never slow down, made for young, budget-minded travellers.
Service Level: Camping
Camping most nights with some hotel/hostel stays to start and throughout; affordable public and private transport.
Physical Rating: 3 - Average
Some tours may include light hiking, biking, rafting, or kayaking in addition to walking.
Trip Type: Small Group
Small group experience; Max 20, avg 16
Age requirement: 18-39
Check Your Visa Requirements
Before booking, use our handy entry requirements tool so you know which documents you need to enter and travel through the countries on your trip.
View our Entry Requirements toolSee how your trip uplifts communities
In a number of impactful ways, your adventure directly benefits the local people and places we visit.
Itinerary Notes
Please note that this tour begins very early on Day 1.
Itinerary
Day 1Alice Springs/Uluru
Be picked up from one of our approved pick-up points starting at 5:25am, and travel to the Red Centre. Visit the Aboriginal cultural centre and take the informative Mala Walk around part of Uluru's base. Catch the sunset over Uluru before heading to the campground for the night. Camp under the stars of the night sky—the only way to really experience the Outback.
Meals included:
Lunch | DinnerDay 2Uluru/Kings Creek
Watch the sunrise over Uluru, then enjoy a walk through the Valley of the Winds in Kata Tjuta. Continue onto Kings Creek Station for another night around the campfire.
Meals included:
Breakfast | Lunch | DinnerDay 3Kings Creek/Alice Springs
Enjoy a morning walk through the gorges and valleys of Kings Canyon in Watarrka National Park, then transfer to Alice Springs.
Meals included:
BreakfastDay 4Alice Springs/Katherine
Travel in comfort on the famous Ghan Train. Glide through the remote Outback en route to the subtropical Top End of Australia.
Day 5Katherine/Darwin
Stop at Katherine Gorge. Opt for a flat-bottomed boat trip or a walk before continuing on to Darwin.
Day 6Darwin/Kakadu National Park
Set off early from Darwin to spot crocs on a boat cruise on the Mary River before continuing onto Litchfield National Park. Visit the Florence and Tolmer Falls, the Buley Rockhole and see the spectacular giant termite mounds. Stretch out in a swag (canvas bedroll) and sleep under the stars.
Meals included:
Lunch | DinnerDay 7Kakadu National Park/Litchfield National Park
Explore the waterfalls, swimming holes and trails of Kakadu National Park—a UNESCO World Heritage site.
Meals included:
Breakfast | Lunch | DinnerDay 8Litchfield National Park/Darwin
Guided tour in Litchfield National Park to encounter streams, rock formations and the impressive magnetic termite mounds. Tour ends in Darwin upon arrival in the evening; book onward travel after 9pm.
Meals included:
Breakfast | LunchWhat's Included
- Pick up on Day 1
- Sunrise and sunset viewing of Uluru
- Mala Walk around Uluru and visit to the cultural centre
- Hikes at Kata Tjuta (the Olgas) and Kings Canyon
- Crocodile-spotting boat cruise
- Visit to an Aboriginal art and craft centre
- Guided exploration of Kakadu and Litchfield National Parks
- All transport between destinations and to/from included activities
Accommodations
Hostels (2 nts, multi-share), camping (4 nts), overnight train (1 nt, airline-style seating)
Meals
4 breakfasts, 5 lunches, 4 dinners
Allow USD130-170 for meals not included.
Transportation
Private bus, train, 4x4, boat.
Staff & experts
Chief Experience Officer (CEO) throughout, local guides.
Available extras (Add these to your tour when you book)
Historical Genoa Guide - From $None
This large port city, with its twisting maze of narrow streets is famous as the birthplace of Christopher Columbus, and its maritime history spans centuries. Your guided tour will take you past a diverse mix of contemporary, Renaissance and Baroque architecture, grand palaces and a host of museums and galleries. Full day – moderate walking – Don’t miss!
Lerici and Portovenere Guide - From $None
Enjoy a full day excursion in the company of a Local Guide. We start the day by following the coast to Portovenere, which is a delightful little port on the Ligurian coast with its colourful medieval houses and sea-front fortress. You will have free time to explore this most romantic village with its pastel painted houses that cluster around the harbour, or you can wander along the pretty waterfront promenade, with nearby Byron’s Grotto an inspirational spot for the famous poet. Our next stop is the town Lerici which is located in the glorious Bay of La Spezia, famous for its natural beauty. This picturesque village dates back to medieval times when, under the rule of Pisa, it fought cross-bay battles with Genovese Portovenere as well as with local pirates. The town is set on a magnificent coastline of grey cliffs jutting down into a crystal-clear sea and surrounded by a national park that is nearly an unframed painting of pine forests, olive trees, and tiny colourful hamlets. The waterfront piazza is filled with trompe-l'oeil frescoed buildings and seaside cafés where you can sit and admire the charming harbour. Full Day – Moderate Walking – Picturesque
Pisa and the walled town of Lucca Guide - From $None
Head to Pisa to see its famous Leaning Tower. This bell tower resides in the Field of Miracles beside an amazing collection of religious buildings. Head inside the cathedral to see the marble pulpit created by the great sculptor Giovanni Pisano and nearby you’ll see a bronze lamp that according to a popular story Galileo was watching sway gently when the law of the pendulum occurred to him. Whether this tale is true or not, Galileo grew up here, so surely he was inspired by his surroundings. Continue to the perfectly preserved walled town of Lucca where you’ll find fine examples of medieval and Renaissance architecture, charming piazzas and even a tree-topped tower on a stroll through its historic centre. Please note: Entrance fees are payable locally at the Leaning Tower of Pisa and the cathedral. Full Day - Moderate Walking - Must See
Departures
There are no departure dates currently available for the rest of this season. Some tours only run during parts of the year.
Please Contact Us to inquire about dates for next season, or to discuss other tour options.