Best of Northern Territory
Best of Northern Territory
Best of Northern Territory
8 Days Starting in Alice Springs and ending in Darwin
Visiting: Alice Springs, West MacDonnell Ranges / Kings Canyon, Kings Canyon / Kata Tjuta / Uluru / Yulara, Uluru / Yulara (or Alice Springs), Darwin, Litchfield National Park / Darwin, Kakadu National Park, Kakadu National Park / Darwin
Tour operator:
Tour code:
PZKNC
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Group size:
1 - 15
Age range:
0-99
Tour operated in:
EnglishInterests:
Tour Overview
Immerse yourself in the unique Outback landscapes and rich First Nations culture of Australia’s Red Centre and Top End on this eight-day adventure. Spot rock wallabies in Western MacDonnell Ranges National Park (Tjoritja), tour through ethereal rock formations in Kings Canyon and admire the sunrise over Uluru. Then, transfer to the Top End and roam the vast Litchfield National Park, plunge into the picturesque Florence Falls and spot crocs in Kakadu National Park. First Nations guided walks, cruises and more will showcase the cultural importance of these regions. This is a true-blue picture of Australia!
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1: Alice Springs
Location: Alice Springs
Accommodation: Hotel
Meals Included: dinner
G’day and welcome to Alice Springs (Mparntwe in the language of the traditional owners of the land on which Alice Springs is now located). This quintessential laidback Aussie town is the perfect place to start your journey into the ancient culture and landscapes of Australia’s Outback. This is your launching pad to reach some of the top spots on the agenda over the next few days. Your adventure officially kicks off with a welcome meeting at 6 pm, where you’ll meet your group leader and new travel companions. Until then, feel free to check out some of the town’s sights or tuck into an Outback inspired meal at one of the quirky local cafes.
Day 2: West Macdonnell Ranges / Kings Canyon
Location: West MacDonnell Ranges / Kings Canyon
Accommodation: Hotel
Meals Included: breaksfast, dinner
This morning, you’ll hit the road for Simpsons Gap in the West MacDonnell Ranges National Park (Tjoritja). Keep an eye out for rock wallabies as you take part in a guided walk through the important spiritual site. A First Nations guide will share their insights on the local flora and fauna and will tell the story of the great Tjunba (Perentie) totem that protects the gorge and its present importance to the Eastern and Northern Arrernte People. The walk will also take you along the riverbed that marks the boundary between the Eastern and Northern Arrernte tribes. Next, drive along the Stuart and Lasseter Highway and through the colourful semi-desert to Watarrka National Park, home of the majestic Kings Canyon. Your leader will take you along the Kings Creek Walk, following the trail between soaring cliffs and ethereal rock formations. You’d be hard-pressed to find a more magical place! Tonight enjoy an included dinner before visiting the Light Towers - an immersive visual and aural display.
Included Activities:
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Day 3: Kings Canyon / Kata Tjuta / Uluru / Yulara
Location: Kings Canyon / Kata Tjuta / Uluru / Yulara
Accommodation: Hotel
Meals Included: breaksfast
Spend the morning exploring the rugged landscape of Kings Canyon and enjoy the 3-hour rim walk up and across the famous Kings Canyon plateau, from the sandstone domes of the 'Lost City' to the oasis of the 'Garden of Eden'. You’ll walk across the red rock cliffs that protrude from the land and take in views of the palm forest below. Then hit the road again for a scenic drive across the sprawling landscape to Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park. Keep your eyes out, there’s chance that you might spot brumbys, camels or wallabies on the drive. Arrive at Kata Tjuta (formerly known as The Olgas) – a towering collection of 36 domed rock formations. Here, you'll embark on a walk to a popular lookout to admire the stunning formations that make up Kata Tjuta – these ochre-coloured shapes are a mesmerising sight. After, you'll make your way to one of Australia’s most spiritually significant and iconic sites, Uluru. From a prime location, you’ll enjoy the view as the sun sets over the epic sandstone monolith – watching the incredible landscape shift in colour is a sight you won’t soon forget!
Included Activities:
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Day 4: Uluru / Yulara (Or Alice Springs)
Location: Uluru / Yulara (or Alice Springs)
Meals Included: breaksfast
You'll start the day early in one of the best ways imaginable – watching a spectacular sunrise over Uluru. Embark on a short walk across the rust-coloured landscape to a nearby waterhole and marvel at some of the traditional art sites. Your leader will shed light on the history and nature here and explain how the Anangu people are deeply connected to the lands. After, stop by the Uluru-Kata Tjuta Cultural Centre to continue learning about First Nations culture. Stop by Yulara for any travellers finishing the trip here. Then, hit the highway for Alice Springs just after lunch. This is where you’ll say goodbye to the members of your group who are leaving today and your local leader.
Included Activities:
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Day 5: Darwin
Location: Darwin
Accommodation: Hotel
Your included airport transfer will take you from the hotel to Alice Springs Airport today. Fly to Darwin (flight not included), or Gulumerrdgen in the language of the local Larrakia people, who are the Traditional Owners of the land on which Darwin is now located. Transfer to your hotel in Darwin, then meet your new group members and new leader during your second welcome meeting at 6 pm tonight.
Day 6: Litchfield National Park / Darwin
Location: Litchfield National Park / Darwin
Accommodation: Darwin
Meals Included: lunch
Today, drive into the magnificent Litchfield National Park. Situated on a huge sandstone plateau, the park is home to stunning waterfalls, secret swimming spots and towering rocky pillars. Your first stop will be the Wangi Falls, where you’ll be able to take a short loop walk or go for a plunge in the picturesque natural pool. Then it’s off to the dramatic Tolmer Falls and Florence Falls. Hidden amongst monsoon forest, you'll have a picnic lunch next to a bubbling creek. The last stop for the afternoon is Litchfield’s famous Magnetic Termite Mounds, which are up to 100 years old and unique to the northern parts of Australia, before returning to Darwin for the evening.
Included Activities:
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Day 7: Kakadu National Park
Location: Kakadu National Park
Accommodation: Hotel
Meals Included: lunch, dinner
Rise bright and early, have breakfast and drive towards Kakadu National Park this morning. Covering an enormous 20,000 sq km, the park is a world of its own. Stop for at the Mamukala Wetlands (and see if you can spot the wetland birds, then drive on to Ubirr, one of Kakadu's rock art gems, where you’ll learn more about the local First Nations history and stories from your leader. Later in the afternoon hop aboard a cruise up the East Alligator River (despite the name, you won’t see any alligators – this is crocodile country) and take in the wonderful pristine wilderness of this World Heritage landscape. You’ll be joined by an Aboriginal guide who’ll provide a unique insight on the cultural significance of the landscape, the local mythology, and the plants and animals that live there. You'll also have the chance to disembark on the Arnhem Land side of the river. After, continue to your Kakadu accommodation for an included dinner with your group.
Included Activities:
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Day 8: Kakadu National Park / Darwin
Location: Kakadu National Park / Darwin
Meals Included: breaksfast, lunch
Your final morning at Kakadu National Park begins with a drive to a local cultural arts centre at Jim Jim Creek. Here, depending on availability, you may be able to take part in a cultural weaving class, learning the craft and listening to local stories about the significance of weaving in the local culture. After lunch, a drive will take you to Burrungkuy (Nourlangie), famous for its World Heritage-listed rock art created by the Bininj people. There are various short walks available while you’re here, each offering a different perspective on the wildlife, art and natural features of the area. Then, a drive north will take you back to Darwin where your adventure will finish. If you’d like to extend your stay in Darwin, just speak to your booking agent.
Included Activities:
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What's Included
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Accommodation
Hotel (7 nights) -
Tjoritja / West MacDonnell National Park - Guided Aboriginal cultural walk
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Kings Canyon - Creek Walk
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Kings Canyon - Light Towers by Night
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Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park - Walpa Gorge Walk
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Watarrka National Park - Kings Canyon Rim Walk
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Uluru - Uluru Sunset
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Uluru - Kuniya Walk to Mutitjulu Waterhole with Anangu guide
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Uluru - Uluru Sunrise
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Litchfield National Park - Wangi Falls
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Litchfield National Park - Tolmer Falls
What's Not Included
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Insurance
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International Travel
Transport
- DRIVING DISTANCES IN AUSTRALIA
- Australia is a BIG country! In fact, the whole of Europe fits into Australia with plenty of room to spare. Australians are accustomed to driving long distances on holiday, but you may not be. Perth to Broome is roughly the length of Portugal. Driving from Alice Springs to Darwin is about the length of the UK, and Perth to Adelaide is about the same distance from Spain to Poland. However, that's why we think seeing Australia from the ground is better. We live in a country that has it all; stunning coastline and beaches, the outback, tropical rainforests, and some seriously amazing landscapes and wildlife. Please read the itinerary carefully for travel time estimates.
- HOT WEATHER
- From October to March it is likely that you will experience temperatures over 35C/95F. These extreme temperatures place stress on the air-conditioning units within our vehicles which can make travelling uncomfortable. Your leader will assist with regular breaks and information to assist keeping cool and hydrated.
Accommodation
- The style of accommodation indicated in the day-to-day itinerary is a guideline only and may change. On some occasions, alternative arrangements may need to be made due to the lack of availability of rooms in our preferred accommodation. In these cases, we will use a similar standard of accommodation.
- Throughout the trip, we request that our properties prepare rooms in time for our arrival, especially if we're arriving prior to normal check-in time. However, this isn't always possible which means we won't be able to check-in immediately on arrival at some hotels. Instead, we can store our luggage and explore our new destination or on some trips, have use of shared day rooms until all rooms are available.
Important Information
- FLIGHTS BETWEEN TRIPS
- Your flight from Alice Springs to Darwin is not included. Please see the itinerary for information on recommended flight details and book these through your agent or directly with the airline.
- START & END TIMES
- The trip starts in Alice Springs with a Welcome Meeting at 6pm on Day 1 at our joining point hotel. The trip finishes on arrival in Darwin at our finish point hotel by 4pm. Accommodation is not included on this day but can be booked on request.
- COMBINATION TRIP
- This is a combination trip made up of two shorter trips. This means the composition of your group may change in Darwin as some group members leave and new ones join you.
- SINGLE SUPPLEMENT
- A Single Supplement can be booked if you’d prefer not to share a room on this trip, subject to availability.
Mode of Transport
- DRIVING DISTANCES IN AUSTRALIA
- Australia is a BIG country! In fact, the whole of Europe fits into Australia with plenty of room to spare. Australians are accustomed to driving long distances on holiday, but you may not be. Perth to Broome is roughly the length of Portugal. Driving from Alice Springs to Darwin is about the length of the UK, and Perth to Adelaide is about the same distance from Spain to Poland. However, that's why we think seeing Australia from the ground is better. We live in a country that has it all; stunning coastline and beaches, the outback, tropical rainforests, and some seriously amazing landscapes and wildlife. Please read the itinerary carefully for travel time estimates.
- HOT WEATHER
- From October to March it is likely that you will experience temperatures over 35C/95F. These extreme temperatures place stress on the air-conditioning units within our vehicles which can make travelling uncomfortable. Your leader will assist with regular breaks and information to assist keeping cool and hydrated.
Check out our Q&As
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Is this trip right for you
Flights from Alice Springs to Darwin are not included. Please see the itinerary for information on recommended flight details.
Temperatures in Northern Territory can be extreme, so you will need to be well prepared. Depending on the time of the year, daytime can be very hot (and the Australian sun is very strong year-round) so always use sun protection and drink plenty of water. In the evenings temperatures can really drop, so bring sufficient warm clothing.
On some days of the trip, you’ll spend many hours driving through very remote areas of Australia. Sit back and enjoy landscapes that you would miss in any other form of travel. The days can be long, but you’ll want to fit as much of this amazing place in as you can in four short days!
As sunrise and sunset times as well as weather conditions vary throughout the year, the order of activities may change to ensure you have the best experience possible. On occasion, the First Nations experiences may not be available should your guides have other cultural commitments, in which case there will be alternative activities. -
What policies are in place for Covid-19?
Please contact us for latest COVID-19 policies
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How long has the tour company been trading?
Intrepid Travel has been taking travellers around the world for over 30 years
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Will the accommodation included meet local health and safety regulations?
Yes
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What Ethical Travel credentials does the tour company have?
Since 2002, The Intrepid Foundation has supported over 130 organisations across the world. We’re creating positive impact through the joy of travel, community and connection.
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Do you operate a “single share” option and how does it work?
Over 50% of traveller travel solo with Intrepid. You can choose to share a room with another solo travelle of the same sex for no additional charge, or choose to pay a single supplement if you’d like your own room. Please request this when booking, and we will secure you a single supplement wherever possible. Please note, if you are booking a last-minute trip, it may be harder for us to secure a single room
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Free Date Changes
Intrepid Travel allows you to make 10 free date changes, as long as the change is made at least 56 days before the start of the tour.
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Transfer as credit to Future Tours
Intrepid Travel allows you to transfer existing payments to a future tour to avoid cancellation fees if you can't travel and inform intrepid travel, 56 days before departure.
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Low Deposit
Intrepid Travel requires a minimum deposit of 400 USD per person or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 56 days before departure.
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Cancellation Policy
We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of intrepid travel charges.
Up to 56 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.
At 55 days before tour starts: Forfeit 30% of booking price.
At 30 days before tour starts: Forfeit 60% of booking price.
At 14 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.
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Terms and Conditions