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The Rock, Rail and Kakadu
8 days, Alice Springs to Darwin
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.
Pass by Erldunda, Lake Amadeus and Mt Connor en route, then stop at Curtin Springs cattle station for a quick break. Stop in the small town of Yulara for a homemade lunch, then stop off at the Uluru cultural centre to gain some more knowledge of the flora, fauna and Aboriginal people of the area.
Head to the base of Uluru for a guided Mala Walk, which includes a more in depth explanation of the area and Uluru. From there, continue onto the sunset viewing point to watch the sun dip behind the impressive sandstone rock and enjoy a glass of bubbly and snacks.
At night, experience the Red Centre the most unique way possible by sleeping outside in a swag (canvas bedroll) under the stars. This is bound to be one of the most unique and memorable nights of the trip. Enjoy a dinner cooked on the barbecue then enjoy the stars in the Outback sky.
*NOTE: This tour begins very early on Day 1. We recommend booking a pre-departure night in Alice Springs.
Pick up provided from one of our approved pick-up points from 5:25am and travel to the Red Centre. See Joining Hotel in the trip details or your voucher for the approved pick-up points. Pre-accommodation is available at the meeting location; please speak to your sales agent to book.
Between November and March, there is extreme heat with temperatures averaging between 43-46°C (109-115 ºF) in the middle of Australia, especially around Uluru and Kings Canyon. This can lead to heat exhaustion and potentially become very dangerous. Be sure to drink plenty of water and replenish electrolytes by drinking sports drinks, coconut water or water mixed with electrolyte powder packets.
Private Vehicle
Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.
Indigenous Cultural Centre Visit
Learn about Indigenous Australian culture in the area to get a better perspective of the history, beliefs and present-day life of the Anangu people. Discover the wild world of bush tucker (indigenous food), find out which plants are used in bush medicine, and hear creation stories.
Uluru Mala Walk
Take a guided walk along the northwest side of Uluru to learn about the history of the area, hear the stories of the Anangu people and gaze upon these awe-inspiring uplifted sandstone rock formations.
Uluru at Sunset
Enjoy a glass of bubbly, and watch the setting sun transform Uluru into a glowing monolith bathed in deep reds and oranges. Capture the moment with your camera but also take a moment to soak in the serenity of the scene just with your own eyes. Magic!
Accommodation
Below is an example of the hotel we may use in this city. For the actual hotel your specific departure will be using, please check your voucher.
Hotel Caesar (or similar)
The Caesar Hotel is situated in Lido di Camaiore, just a few steps from the beach. The hotel is owned and run by the Giugni family since 1965. Facilities include an outdoor swimming pool (typically open May - September), bar, restaurant, sun terrace and a spa with an indoor swimming pool (payable locally). Hotel rooms have air-conditioning, Wi-Fi and flat-screen TV. If you wish to upgrade to a room with a sea view for a supplement please call and our Holiday Advisors will be happy to assist.
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.
Awake before dawn to view the invariably stunning sunrise over Uluru before digging into breakfast. Travel to Kata Tjuta for a hike through the beautiful red rock formations of the Valley of the Winds. Return to Yulara for lunch, then continue onto Kings Creek Station for another night around the campfire.
Opt to take a helicopter ride over the area or get off road on a quad bike.
Uluru at Sunrise
Get up early, grab a coffee and watch the reddish hues of massive Uluru come to life as the sun rises.
Private Vehicle
Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.
Valley of the Winds Walk
Walk through the Valley of the Winds to explore the beautiful, red, domed rocks that comprise the site. Visit two separate lookouts for great views over the area.
Private Vehicle
Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.
Optional Activities - Day 2 HideShow
Kings Canyon Helicopter Ride
95-285AUD per personGet a birds-eye view of Kings Canyon from the large bubble windows of a 4-passenger helicopter.
Quad Biking
Hop on a quad bike and enjoy a guided off-road tour. A mix of adrenaline, nature and fun, quad biking gets you closer to the destination and puts a smile on your face.
Accommodation
Hotel Caesar (or similar)
The Caesar Hotel is situated in Lido di Camaiore, just a few steps from the beach. The hotel is owned and run by the Giugni family since 1965. Facilities include an outdoor swimming pool (typically open May - September), bar, restaurant, sun terrace and a spa with an indoor swimming pool (payable locally). Hotel rooms have air-conditioning, Wi-Fi and flat-screen TV. If you wish to upgrade to a room with a sea view for a supplement please call and our Holiday Advisors will be happy to assist.
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.
Take in the scenery or go on a 4km (2.5 mi) walk through the gorges and valleys of Kings Canyon of Watarrka National Park. Travel to Alice Springs via the homestead of Erldunda. Spend the night in a centrally-located hostel in Alice Springs.
Kings Canyon Hike
HIke through beautiful Kings Canyon in Watarrka National Park on this walk that visits the natural amphitheatre, the North and South walls, and the Garden of Eden.
Private Vehicle
Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.
Optional Activities - Day 3 HideShow
Camel Ride
Hold on and enjoy a ride on this even-toed ungulate, also known as the desert horse. Bring your camera for some fantastic photos of this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.
Accommodation
Hotel Caesar (or similar)
The Caesar Hotel is situated in Lido di Camaiore, just a few steps from the beach. The hotel is owned and run by the Giugni family since 1965. Facilities include an outdoor swimming pool (typically open May - September), bar, restaurant, sun terrace and a spa with an indoor swimming pool (payable locally). Hotel rooms have air-conditioning, Wi-Fi and flat-screen TV. If you wish to upgrade to a room with a sea view for a supplement please call and our Holiday Advisors will be happy to assist.
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.
Free day to explore Alice Springs. Embark on the Ghan Train at approximately 6pm. Sit back and enjoy the scenery pass by as the train travels from the Red Centre to the Top End of Australia.
Our seats are two-abreast; reclining chairs that can swivel to face each other if you'd like to socialize. The overnight train is comfortable and there is a café on board where you can buy meals. There are no power outlets on the train, so make sure all your gadgets are fully charged and ready to go!
Overnight Train (seats)
Curl up and catch a snooze en route to the next stop.
Accommodation
Hotel Caesar (or similar)
The Caesar Hotel is situated in Lido di Camaiore, just a few steps from the beach. The hotel is owned and run by the Giugni family since 1965. Facilities include an outdoor swimming pool (typically open May - September), bar, restaurant, sun terrace and a spa with an indoor swimming pool (payable locally). Hotel rooms have air-conditioning, Wi-Fi and flat-screen TV. If you wish to upgrade to a room with a sea view for a supplement please call and our Holiday Advisors will be happy to assist.
Day 5Katherine/Darwin
Stop at Katherine Gorge. Opt for a flat-bottomed boat trip or a walk before continuing on to Darwin.
Opt to walk the stunning Katherine Gorge or get adventurous with a flat-bottomed boat or helicopter flight over the gorge.
The Ghan Train makes a stop at Katherine for a 4-hour break. There are a number of activity options to choose from. A transfer to Katherine Gorge is included and from there, feel free to choose the activity that suits you.
We arrive into Darwin at approximately 5:30pm.
Train
Climb aboard, take a seat, and enjoy the ride.
Optional Activities - Day 5 HideShow
Katherine Gorge Walk
FreeTake a short self-guided walk along Katherine Gorge to enjoy the beautiful scenery of the area. Stop at the Nitmiluk Visitor Centre learn more about the cultural and spiritual significance of the area for the Jawoyn.
Katherine Gorge Flat-Bottomed Boat Ride
89AUD per personHop aboard a flat-bottomed boat and enjoy the view from Katherine River. With cliffs on either side of the river (try and spot the Indigenous rock art paintings) and freshwater and and saltwater crocodiles along the banks and in the water (depends on the season which one!), there's something to see wherever you look.
Helicopter Flight
104-226AUD per personEnjoy a bird's eye view of Katherine Gorge with an optional helicopter flight.
Accommodation
Hotel Caesar (or similar)
The Caesar Hotel is situated in Lido di Camaiore, just a few steps from the beach. The hotel is owned and run by the Giugni family since 1965. Facilities include an outdoor swimming pool (typically open May - September), bar, restaurant, sun terrace and a spa with an indoor swimming pool (payable locally). Hotel rooms have air-conditioning, Wi-Fi and flat-screen TV. If you wish to upgrade to a room with a sea view for a supplement please call and our Holiday Advisors will be happy to assist.
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.
Pick-up provided from one of our approved pickup points from 6:30am for an early start to take advantage of time in Kakadu. First up is a stop at Corroboree Billabong for an included wildlife and crocodile-spotting cruise. Visit Ubirr to look at the indigenous rock art. Stop at an Aboriginal arts and crafts centre to learn about the stories behind the creations. You have the option to sleep in a tent or outside under the night sky in a swag (canvas bedroll).
Pick-up provided from one of our approved pickup points from 6:30am. If you've travelled up with us from the Red Centre, you will be picked up at your accommodation between 6:30am and 6:45am, so be ready!
NOTE: The itinerary for this day varies depending on the season. We will visit slightly different attractions depending on the weather conditions.
4x4
Roads? Where this rough-and-ready vehicle's going, we don't need roads.
Crocodile-Spotting Boat Cruise
Enjoy a scenic cruise on the Corroboree Billabong. Learn about the wetlands and their inhabitants from 30 species of birds to the infamous crocodiles. This area is home to the largest concentration of saltwater crocodiles in the world. Bring your camera, insect repellent and get ready for a thrill.
Ubirr Rock Art
Ubirr is home to one of Kakadu's most famous rock art galleries. See rock paintings depicting fish, turtles and other local wildlife created by Aborigine ancestors thousands of years ago. The view from Ubirr is incredible and you might recognize this spot from the film "Crocodile Dundee."
Aboriginal Art and Craft Centre Visit
Visit a non-proft, community enterprise that is comprised of over 200 artists and weavers. Stop to admire the raw beauty of the creations and learn more about Aboriginal art and the meanings behind it.
Accommodation
Hotel Caesar (or similar)
The Caesar Hotel is situated in Lido di Camaiore, just a few steps from the beach. The hotel is owned and run by the Giugni family since 1965. Facilities include an outdoor swimming pool (typically open May - September), bar, restaurant, sun terrace and a spa with an indoor swimming pool (payable locally). Hotel rooms have air-conditioning, Wi-Fi and flat-screen TV. If you wish to upgrade to a room with a sea view for a supplement please call and our Holiday Advisors will be happy to assist.
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.
Embark early on a full day of exploring. Travel to our overnight camp near Litchfield NP, where swags or tents await. End the day with a group barbecue.
Twin Falls Hike
Hike to the top of Twin Falls for great views and an outstanding swimming spot.
Jim Jim Falls Walk
Walk to Jim Jim Falls along a path and then by scrambling over slippery rocks and boulders. Look w-a-y up to see the Jim Jim Creek cascade as a plunge waterfall over the edge of the Arnhem Land escarpment. Swim in one of two cool pools near the base of the falls.
4x4
Roads? Where this rough-and-ready vehicle's going, we don't need roads.
Accommodation
Hotel Caesar (or similar)
The Caesar Hotel is situated in Lido di Camaiore, just a few steps from the beach. The hotel is owned and run by the Giugni family since 1965. Facilities include an outdoor swimming pool (typically open May - September), bar, restaurant, sun terrace and a spa with an indoor swimming pool (payable locally). Hotel rooms have air-conditioning, Wi-Fi and flat-screen TV. If you wish to upgrade to a room with a sea view for a supplement please call and our Holiday Advisors will be happy to assist.
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.
Get up early to take advantage of time in Litchfield National Park.
Some members of the group may be continuing south as part of a longer trip. Your CEO will accompany you to the bus station in Katherine, but won't be joining you back to Darwin. Ask your GCO or agent about post accommodation in Darwin, located across the street from the bus terminal.
Litchfield National Park Visit
Hike trails to see the Buley Rockhole and Florence Falls. Bring a bathing suit to take a quick dip to cool off. Head to the Buley Rockhole, past forests of Eucalyptus trees, and marvel at the magnetic termite mounds, aligned in a north-south direction.
4x4
Roads? Where this rough-and-ready vehicle's going, we don't need roads.
Departure Day
Depart on arrival to your final destination.