Your Outback Tour continues and it is a day to sit back and enjoy the passing scenery as we leave South Australia and venture into the Northern Territory along the Stuart Highway. The road is named after John McDouall Stuart. Shifting sand dunes, salt and clay pans made this construction a tough assignment. We leave civilization and our drive takes us to the township of Yulara. The place to be for learning about culture and discovering one of the most spectacular and indigenous sacred sites called Uluru. Check into your room for the next 3 nights and meet back for a delicious Outback Pioneer BBQ dinner. (Day 4 Outback Pioneer Hotel, Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)

An early rise this morning for a sunrise breakfast near Uluru. Watch the desert coming to life and the changing colours of Uluru as the first sunlight of the day creep across the desert plains. Uluru is one of Australia’s most recognized natural landmarks and today is the time to take in the true magnitude of the rock by a walk around the base. It is the world’s largest monolith rising 348 metres above ground with a circumference of 9.2 kilometres. For those not wanting to take on the full journey, join your guide on several well selected and shorter walks at Uluru.

After lunch learn about musical instruments, weapons, bush tucker and medicines at the Culture Centre and view the many displays and some incredible art. Tonight we witness a spectacular sunset with many changing colours of Uluru and its surrounding landscape. Back at Yulara Resort we spoil ourselves with a delightful buffet dinner at the Ilkari Restaurant. Taste some of the finest produce available under the Australian sun. (Day 5 Outback Pioneer Hotel, Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)

Start the day with a sunrise breakfast at Kata Tjuta before we head off to explore the Kata Tjuta rocks, estimated to be over 500 million years old. The 36 weathered rock domes are another significant area for the indigenous – Anangu people. We follow a natural track between two of the tallest domes to a viewing platform at the end. Take in the beautiful surrounding scenery and listen to the sound of Walpa Gorge. Keen walkers have the opportunity to take on the much longer “Valley of the Winds” Track. Spend the afternoon with souvenir shopping, a visit to the local art gallery, museum, theatre or enjoy a relaxing nap or a treatment at the Red Ochre Spa. One of the best ways to experience Uluru and the domes of Kata Tjuta is from the air. This afternoon we give you the opportunity for an optional scenic helicopter flight. Tonight’s dinner choice is yours. Try one of the many restaurants in town square or join the Field of Light or Sounds of Silence Dinner. A night filled with Outback style canapes and sparkling wine or perhaps an unforgettable sunset journey on the back of a camel. (Day 6 Outback Pioneer Hotel, Breakfast, Lunch)

*The Field of Light Art Installation – you will have several options to experience the lights on the evening of day 6. Extra cost apply.

Today we drive to Kings Canyon, the biggest attraction inside Watarrka National Park. The canyon has been forged over 400 million years and is made from layers of sandstone with hard shale between the layers. Feel and experience aboriginal culture up close with a tour led by members of the local indigenous community. Be taken on an authentic journey while learning about musical instruments, weapons, bush tucker and medicines. After an inspiring introduction to the local culture, we take the short and easy walk into the base of the canyon. Marvel at the sheer cliffs from the ground and absorb the surrounding nature. A bird’s eye view is the best way to see this amazing part of the Watarrka National Park. Our last activity for today has us all flying in a scenic helicopter over the Canyon Rim, the “Lost City” and the “Garden of Eden”. It is a fabulous and exhilarating helicopter flight which completes a fantastic day at Kings Canyon. Tonight we dine at the fabulous Outback Bar & Grill at the Kings Canyon Resort. (Day 7 Overnight Kings Canyon Resort, Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)

Get up early and join your guide on a more challenging Rim Walk at Kings Canyon. Explore Kings Canyon, a scenic landscape of rugged ranges, ancient sandstone walls, rock holes and gorges. If moderate walking is not for you, enjoy a leisurely morning at the resort. Then it is time to say good bye to this magic part of Outback Australia and we all travel onto Alice Springs. We arrive late afternoon at the Aurora Hotel for the next 4 nights. You have time to refresh and before joining back together for a delicious meal at the Red Ochre Grill Restaurant. (Day 8 Overnight Aurora Hotel, Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)

Alice Springs is nestled in between the Western and Eastern MacDonnell Ranges and today we will explore the Western region. The panoramic landscapes are known for their sunburnt oranges, maroons and purple colours and our first visit takes us to Glen Helen Gorge. A permanent waterhole surrounded by towering red cliffs is the main feature of Glen Helen Gorge and home to a variety of water birds and fish. Then we visit the world heritage listed Ochre Pits, a colourful outcrop of ochre on the banks of a sandy creek. Ochre is an important part of Aboriginal Culture and this area is a registered sacred site. For lunch we travel to Standley Chasm, a narrow gap which was formed by rushing floodwaters over thousands of years ago. It is at its most dramatic around noon on a sunny day. Take a walk through the chasm surrounded by fire-red walls up to 80m in height. On our return drive to Alice Springs we stop at the Telegraph Station. Enjoy a guided tour before heading back to our hotel in Alice Springs. (Day 9 Overnight Aurora Hotel, Buffet Breakfast, Lunch)

Enjoy two free days in Alice Springs. Visit the Women’s Hall of Fame or the Transport Hall of Fame. Check out the Desert Park, which is home to a vast range of plants and wildlife native to the area. Other great places to see are the School of the Air, the Royal Flying Doctor Service, Anzac Hill and several stunning art galleries. We also give you the opportunity to experience the breathtaking feeling of floating silently above the Outback as the sun slowly rises over the desert on a fabulous ballooning adventure. This optional activity will be available to you on the first free morning in Alice Springs. (Day 10/11 Overnight Aurora Hotel, Buffet Breakfast included)

Driving towards the “Top End” we follow the trail of the giant termite nests and pass through Ti Tree and Barrow Creek. Stroll between the giant rock formations of Devil’s Marbles located between Wauchope and Tennant Creek. These huge rounded boulders are the result of millions of years of erosion and are a nature lovers’ and photographers’ delight. Have a look around Tennant Creek before a delicious BBQ dinner. (Day 12 Overnight Bluestone Motor Inn, Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)

We travel further north to a small town called Mataranka,which was made famous by the novel “We of the Never Never” – a book written about nearby Elsey Station by Jeannie Gunn. The Mataranka Homestead Tourist Resort is our accommodation for tonight. Framed by two rivers and the serene Elsey National Park, the homestead is a great place to relax. Swim in the crystal clear and sandy-bottomed thermal pool, sit back and immerse yourself in a truly relaxing atmosphere. (Day 13 Overnight Mataranka Motel, Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)

After a morning swim in the thermal pools, we head towards Katherine. Stroll along the shops of Katherine or visit the Katherine museum. The township is set on the Katherine River which flows through Nitmiluk National Park. We are destined for a Dreaming Sunset Dinner Cruise at Katherine Gorge. Sit back and relax as the tranquil surroundings take you into a spiritual world of the Jawoyn culture and history. Discover the stories and ways of the Jawoyn people against the magnificent backdrop of the Nitmiluk Gorge, changing colour with the setting sun. Our tour includes a three course candle light dinner, featuring fresh, local Australian produce cooked on board, and a complimentary glass of sparkling wine. (Day 14 Overnight IBIS Hotel, Breakfast, Lunch, Sunset Dinner)

Today we head out to Leliyn / Edith Falls for a day of relaxation and swimming in the main natural pool. The Edith River comes down from the Nitmuluk escarpment at Leliyn, creating the Top Pools and the idyllic plunge pool surrounded by lush Melaleuca and Pandanus trees. Enjoy floating with a pool noodle or swim to the waterfall base. If you love walking, join your guide on a walk along the Leliyn Trail to the summit. Take in the spectacular scenic views, marvel at the sandstone formations and soak in the crystal clear upper pools. This is sure to be a day in paradise. (Day 15 Overnight IBIS Hotel, Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)

Our journey takes us further north and we visit the township of Pine Creek. Originally the town was built to service the Overland Telegraph Line, but while digging holes for posts gold was found and led soon to the gold rush in 1871. Like in many other parts of Australia, the town became a busy mining town and Pine Creek had over 15 mines. Nowadays, the historical buildings and mining relics attract visitors to learn more about the past. Back on the bus we travel to Adelaide River, where we view the War Cemetery, the resting place of WWII service men and women. It is the site of the only Australian war cemetery on Australian soil. After lunch we make our way to Batchelor, the Gateway to Litchfield National Park. Spend the late afternoon at your own leisure with a relaxing swim in the pool, a visit to the Batchelor Museum or learn more about Butterflies at the local butterfly farm. ( Day 16 Overnight Litchfield Motel, Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)

Today we will spend a full day in Litchfield National Park. The park has many attractions and with time on our side, we will enjoy the scenery, explore the waterfalls and walking trails. Perhaps the most distinctive feature of the Northern Territory landscape are the termite mounds. Discover the Cathedral Termite mounds which are unique to the area with some of them being seven metres tall and over 100 years old. We will also see a group of picturesque Magnetic Termite Mounds. It is truly incredible that hundreds of mounds have been built by tiny little bugs using sand, saliva and faeces. Our next stop takes us to Florence Falls. The plunge pool is only a short walk away and a great place for a refreshing swim. One of Litchfield’s most popular landmarks is Wangi Falls. Join your guide for a walk through a monsoon forest and look out for local wildlife including colourful lizards, tree snakes, frogs, red-winged parrots and kingfishers. A last swim at Wangi Falls has us fully refreshed and energized before heading back to Batchelor for another night. (Day 17 Overnight Litchfield Motel, Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)

Watch out for giant salt water crocodiles as we take the Jumping Crocodile Cruise up the Adelaide River. It is a great way of seeing crocs in their natural habitat. Leaving the saltie’s behind us, we make our to way into Darwin after lunch. Year round warm weather, glorious sunsets, relaxed lifestyle and numerous attractions will await you in this far north city. Sadly, our Outback Tour is coming to an end and we will drop you off at your Darwin city hotel. But why not meet up for a dinner at the Fannie Bay Sailing Club tonight as this has always been a great finale of our Outback Tours. (Day 18 Breakfast, Lunch)