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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!
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.
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.
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.
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.
Day 6Darwin/Litchfield National Park
Set off on an early start to take advantage of time in Litchfield National Park. Visit the Florence Falls, the Buley Rockhole and see the spectacular giant termite mounds before heading off on a wetland nature cruise in search of crocs.
Pick-up provided from one of our approved pickup points from 7:00am. If you've travelled up with us from the Red Centre, you will be picked up at your accommodation between 7:00am and 7:15am, 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. During the wet season, groups will stay in dorm accommodation (located outside the park) to avoid the rain.
Private Vehicle
Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.
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.
Crocodile Spotting Cruise
Enjoy a captivating cruise along the muddy waters of Northern Australia's Adelaide River. See the area's most dangerous reptiles -- saltwater crocodiles -- jump up out of the river near the boat. Bring your binoculars to view birds, wild pigs and buffalo in the tall grasses along the banks.
Meals included:
Lunch | DinnerDay 7Litchfield National Park/Kakadu National Park
Cross into Kakadu National Park. Learn about rock art, and hike down to a breathtaking gorge with various pools.
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.
Meals included:
Breakfast | Lunch | DinnerDay 8Kakadu National Park/Darwin
Get an early start to visit Gunlom Falls en route to Katherine, then split with the group and catch a bus back to Darwin. Tour ends in Darwin upon arrival in the evening.
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 about post accommodation in Darwin, located across the street from the bus terminal.
Gunlom Falls Visit
Visit Gunlom Falls and the large natural swimming pool at their base. Follow a short but steep path to the top of the falls to find more pools to swim in. From up top, take in the amazing, sweeping views over southern Kakadu. Due to weather conditions, Gunlom Falls is only accessible during the dry season (April to Oct).
Your Wellness Moment: Ikoymarrwa Swim
Ikoymarrwa is the Jawoyn name for an area that contains a small plunge pool fed by the Rockhole Creek that is perfect for swimming.
Sit on a large boulder at the waterfall's base, listen to the call of lorikeets and kingfishers, and feel rejuvenated by this remote natural gem. The access road is bumpy and it's also restricted, which makes it a great spot to discover without any crowds.
Private Vehicle
Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.
Departure Day
Depart on arrival to your final destination.