Outback Safari
Outback Safari
Outback Safari
11 Days Starting in Uluru, Australia and ending in Darwin, Australia
Visiting: Uluru, Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park, Alice Springs, Katherine, Kakadu National Park, Litchfield National Park, Darwin
Tour operator:
Tour code:
NUAD26
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Tour operated in:
EnglishTrip Styles:
Interests:
Activities:
Tour Overview
Embark on an unforgettable journey through Australia's iconic Outback with the "Outback Safari" tour. This adventure begins in Uluru, where you'll witness the mesmerizing colors of the desert and explore the ancient Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park. Experience the awe-inspiring Kings Canyon, the historic Alice Springs, and the unique School of the Air. Delight in the natural beauty of Nitmiluk Gorge and the lush Mataranka Thermal Hot Springs. Cruise through Kakadu's Yellow Water Billabong and marvel at the ancient rock art of Ubirr. Conclude your trip in Darwin, with a visit to Litchfield National Park and a sunset cruise on Darwin Harbour. This tour offers a perfect blend of cultural immersion, natural wonders, and unforgettable experiences.
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1: Welcome To Uluru
Location: Uluru
Accommodation Name: Desert Gardens
Today is one of colours. The ochre soil spiked with cycads as you come into land. The endless blue sky. The russet hues of Uluru… And that’s all before the enchanting hour. Uluru has been home to the Anangu for millennia. You will discover their connection to the land when you arrive in the Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park at sunset watching the shifting colours transform the desert. Elevate your evening with the exclusive Uluru Barbecue Dinner (own expense).
Day 2: Uluru Sunrise - Kata Tjuta
Location: Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park
Accommodation Name: Desert Gardens
Help protect the highlights of Australia's wilderness through your bucket list visit to Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park. You'll encounter iconic Uluru, half a billion years old, standing 348 metres high and taller than the Eiffel Tower. If you’re looking for a reason to roll out of bed before dawn, make it an Uluru sunrise. We’re not saying it’s better than the sunset. But rising with the birds certainly has benefits. Like being cool when you tour the base of the world’s biggest monolith. A circumnavigation is 11 kilometres, if you’re up for it. Or you can join a guided walk to Mutitjulu Waterhole, a sacred spot decorated with Aboriginal rock art. Later, visit Kata Tjuta and wander through Walpa Gorge, with more bubbles to serenade another sunset.
Day 3: Uluru - Kings Canyon
Location: Uluru
Accommodation Name: Kings Canyon Resort
The only other reason to get up before dawn is to glimpse the Uluru Field of Light, a dazzling installation by British artist Bruce Munro that sees 50,000 stem-like globes blanket the Uluru soil (own expense). It’s optional – we won’t judge you for sleeping in, steeling yourself for today’s adventures. But if you’ve come this far, it would be a shame to opt for shut-eye over eye-popping. Speaking of which, did you know Australia has the largest population of wild camels in the world, and Kings Creek Station, your next stop, is the largest exporter of these doe-eyed creatures? From here, the land eases into Kings Canyon, part of the immense Watarrka National Park. Views over the Red Centre are perspective-resetting. Feeling fit? Get your heart pumping on the 500 step climb on the 6km rim walk or take it easier on the creek bed walk.
Day 4: Kings Canyon - Alice Springs
Location: Alice Springs
Accommodation Name: Doubletree by Hilton Alice Springs
Cattle stations are the size of small nations in the NT outback, as you’ll discover on your journey toward Alice Springs. The other ‘big’ thing in these parts is the MacDonnell Ranges, undulating across the red earth like a caterpillar's spine. Back in 1872, Alice Springs was a hive of activity, as a Telegraph Station was built to connect Adelaide and Darwin as part of the Overland Telegraph Line. Sweat and tears went into the project, as you’ll discover browsing the grounds. Finally – panoramas from Anzac Hill steal the scene.
Day 5: Alice Springs
Location: Alice Springs
Accommodation Name: Doubletree by Hilton Alice Springs
Visit Alice Springs Desert Park. It's home to a vast range of plants and wildlife native to the area. You can really appreciate the beauty and diversity of this incredible landscape. In remote parts of Australia, community is everything, whether to ensure stories of the Arrernte people are not forgotten, or to help those who need help. The passionate Royal Flying Doctor Service health workers commute hundreds of kilometres to provide aid. End the day on a high at Earth Sanctuary World Nature Centre, where the Falzon family host a BBQ Be My Guest dinner under the stars. This is a lesson in off-the-grid, sustainable living.
Day 6: Alice Springs - Tennant Creek
Location: Alice Springs
Accommodation Name: Bluestone Motor Inn
The whole of Peru covers 1.3 million square kilometres – the same size playing field that the School of the Air broadcasts daily classes to. If you are lucky enough to be there during school term you might see a live session with kids in some of Australia’s most remote reaches, providing them with educational tools otherwise unavailable. Undeniably otherworldly are the precariously balanced boulders that characterise Karlu Karlu (Devils Marbles) and the landscapes surrounding gold-rich Tennant Creek.
Day 7: Tennant Creek - Katherine
Location: Katherine
Accommodation Name: Contour Hotel Katherine
When you’re not working hard in the Australian outback, you’re having a lot of fun. Case in point the Daly Waters Historic Pub, where the food – schnitzels, burgers – comes second to the atmosphere. Follow the lead of those here before you and leave a memento to decorate the walls. If you were a fan of TV drama We of the Never Never, you’ll recognise your next destination: the (replica) Elsey Homestead in Mataranka. Explore, or soak in the palm-shrouded thermal springs.
Day 8: Katherine - Kakadu
Location: Kakadu National Park
Accommodation Name: Mercure Kakadu Crocodile Hotel
Explore the natural beauty of Nitmiluk National Park on a MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience cruise along Nitmiluk Gorge. You’ll wind through this gorge carved through ancient sandstone alongside steep cliff walls, watching for lush rainforest gullies in giant cracks, and maybe a freshwater crocodile or two on the banks. You can almost feel the spirits yawning as they created this landscape on Jawoyn land, part of Nitmiluk National Park. It takes your breath away. More wildlife lurks in Kakadu’s Yellow Water Billabong, which is a mecca for sea eagles, brolgas and little kingfishers.
Day 9: Kakadu - Darwin
Location: Kakadu National Park
Accommodation Name: Hilton Garden Inn Darwin
The best way to grasp the immensity of Kakadu National Park? From the air, should you wish to take a scenic flight (own expense). You won’t regret it – perspective is always a good thing. Speaking of which, Ubirr’s Aboriginal rock art dates back an eye-watering 20,000+ years. If it looks familiar, that’s because it starred in classic Aussie movie, Crocodile Dundee. Get your Darwin bearings on a quick tour – we want to give you as much time as possible to enjoy the Mindil Beach Sunset Market.
Day 10: Litchfield National Park
Location: Litchfield National Park
Accommodation Name: Hilton Garden Inn Darwin
Think of today as dessert: the sweet finale to a decadent degustation. Travel to Litchfield National Park, pocked with 100-year-old, giant magnetic termite mounds. We’re not sticking around though – Florence and Wangi falls await. Change into your swimming costume and take a dip in the gem-like waterholes. (Swimming is seasonal and opening is controlled by NT Parks). Darwin can get steamy, but you’ll have wind in your sails as you cruise the harbour at sunset, enjoying one last toast to the NT.
Day 11: Farewell From Darwin
Location: Darwin
‘Ma Muk’ (‘See you later’), as the Larrakia people would say. This Outback adventure is over for now, but we’re positive your memories will last forever.
What's Included
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Specialist team of two highly experienced Travel Director and Driver
A specialist team of two highly experienced Travel Director and Driver that are accredited with Uluru and Kakadu National Parks.
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UNESCO World Heritage Sites
Visits to 2 UNESCO World Heritage Sites - Uluru-Kata Tjuta and Kakadu National Parks.
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Centrally located premium hotels
Accommodation in centrally located premium hotels.
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National Park entrance fees
Entrance fees to the National Parks are included.
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Arrival and Departure Transfers
Transfers from the airport to the hotel upon arrival and from the hotel to the airport upon departure are included.
What's Not Included
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Flights
Flights to and from the start/end of your trip are not included in the trip price.
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Optional Activities
Optional activities such as the exclusive Uluru Barbecue Dinner and the Uluru Field of Light installation are not included and are at your own expense.
Mode of Transport
Enjoy comfortable transportation with arrival and departure transfers included. Note that flights to and from the start/end of your trip are not included in the trip price.
Accommodation
Stay in centrally located premium hotels including Desert Gardens, Kings Canyon Resort, Doubletree by Hilton Alice Springs, Bluestone Motor Inn, Contour Hotel Katherine, Mercure Kakadu Crocodile Hotel, and Hilton Garden Inn Darwin.
Check out our Q&As
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What kind of fitness level is required for the tour?
A low level of fitness is required for most activities on the tour. However, a high level of fitness is required for the Kings Canyon Rim walk. There are other options available for those with lower fitness levels.
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Are flights included in the tour price?
No, flights to and from the start and end of the trip are not included in the trip price. You need to arrange your flights to arrive prior to 3.00pm into Ayers Rock Airport on Day 1 and depart anytime from Darwin Airport on Day 11.
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What kind of accommodation can I expect during the tour?
The tour includes centrally located premium hotels. Specific accommodations mentioned include Desert Gardens, Kings Canyon Resort, Doubletree by Hilton Alice Springs, Bluestone Motor Inn, Contour Hotel Katherine, Mercure Kakadu Crocodile Hotel, and Hilton Garden Inn Darwin.
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What kind of wildlife might I see during the tour?
You might see a variety of wildlife including freshwater crocodiles, sea eagles, brolgas, little kingfishers, and other native plants and animals at Alice Springs Desert Park. Additionally, you may spot camels at Kings Creek Station.
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What cultural experiences are included in the tour?
The tour includes several cultural experiences such as learning about the local culture of the traditional Jawoyn landowners during a cruise along Nitmiluk Gorge, visiting the School of the Air, and exploring Aboriginal rock art at Ubirr.
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What are some of the unique natural features I will see on this tour?
You will see unique natural features such as the ochre soil and russet hues of Uluru, the precariously balanced boulders of Karlu Karlu (Devils Marbles), the lush rainforest gullies in Nitmiluk Gorge, and the crystal-clear waters of Mataranka Thermal Hot Springs.
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Is there any special equipment I need to bring for the tour?
Yes, it is recommended to bring sunglasses, sunscreen, a hat, a water bottle, warm layers for cooler months, a camera, and comfortable walking shoes.
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Are there any optional activities available during the tour?
Yes, there are optional activities such as the exclusive Uluru Barbecue Dinner and a scenic flight over Kakadu National Park.
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What kind of meals are included in the tour?
The tour includes a BBQ Be My Guest dinner under the stars at Earth Sanctuary World Nature Centre, hosted by the Falzon family. Other meals are not specifically mentioned, so it is advisable to check with the tour operator for more details.
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Who will be my travelling companions on the tour?
The beauty of taking a holiday with us is you’ll have the opportunity to meet and travel with people from all over the globe.
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Can I join the tour once it has departed?
It is important to adhere to departure times while on tour for the comfort of everyone on-board, and to make sure no one misses out on the planned experiences. The coach will not be able to wait for you, and in some instances, if you miss a departure time you will need to make your own way to the next destination to re-join the tour.
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Do you operate a “single share” option and how does it work?
AAT Kings operated Guided Holidays have competitive single supplement rates available if you prefer to confirm your own room. Or we can match you to share with a guest of the same gender at no extra cost. If we fail to match you, we will accommodate you in a single room at no extra cost.
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How long has the tour company been trading?
Over 100 years
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What documents will I receive before I travel?
We will email your documents to you approximately four weeks before your departure date provided you have completed your pre trip registration using the My Travel Portal. If you’ve booked through a travel agent, your documents will be emailed directly to your agent.
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Low Deposit
AAT Kings requires a minimum deposit of 100 GBP per person or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 60 days before departure.
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Cancellation Policy
We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of aat kings charges.
Up to 60 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.
At 59 days before tour starts: Forfeit 30% of booking price.
At 15 days before tour starts: Forfeit 50% of booking price.
At 7 days before tour starts: Forfeit 90% of booking price.
At 1 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.