Spirit of The Outback

Day 1: 01 June 22

Adelaide

Departing Adelaide, what lies ahead is rugged, beautiful and spectacular – through the Red Centre to the tropical north of Australia. Settle into your cabin and watch the rolling pastoral lands of South Australia from your window, or meet your fellow travellers in the lounge car. Before long some of the oldest rock formations in the world, the Flinders Ranges, come into view. As darkness envelops the rugged outback, it’s time to indulge in a regionally-inspired dinner and all-inclusive fine wines and beverages.

Day 2: 02 June 22

Alice Springs

Begin with a freshly brewed coffee or juice as the day dawns at Marla, an outback outpost in the remote reaches of South Australia. It is here, deep inland, that you will enjoy a one of a kind experience, as you watch the desert come to life at sunrise. All aboard for brunch as you make your way through the MacDonnell Ranges to Alice Springs where a choice of Off Train Excursions awaits. Alice is an iconic Red Centre outpost. 1,500 kilometres from the nearest major city, it may be remote, but offers plenty to explore – home to doctors who fly, rivers that run dry, and a cast of colourful characters. Your time in the ‘capital out of the outback’ offers numerous opportunities to explore its historic legacy and unique environment.

Day 3: 03 June 22

Katherine & Darwin

Your day dawns in the tropical north. The pristine wilderness of Katherine is stirring and powerful, and you’ll have the chance to explore it from the water or land with your choice of off train experiences. Cruise the jaw-dropping Nitmiluk Gorge, learn more about its ancient Indigenous rock paintings and gain insight into the culture of the traditional owners of Nitmiluk, the Jawoyn people, or discover authentic outback life on a cattle station.  As evening falls, arrive in Darwin to complete your epic Australian journey.

05 June 22

Welcome to Darwin

On arrival in tropical Darwin, enjoy a tour of the cosmopolitan city before joining your Travel Director and fellow travellers at the colourful Mindil Beach Sunset Market to experience a spectacular sunset under the coconut palms. There’s plenty of time to explore the art and crafts, aromas and atmosphere of the marketplace. You may like to try some fresh BBQ seafood or authentic Indian, Chinese, Greek or Japanese cuisine.

06 June 22

Darwin – Katherine

Travel to Litchfield National Park, pausing to examine the amazing phenomenon of hundreds of magnetic termite mounds standing up to two metres high in a wide swathe of otherwise empty terrain. Stop at Florence Falls, a spectacular double-plunge waterfall leading to a popular swimming hole, before venturing on to tropical Wangi Falls for a swim in its large waterhole surrounded by spectacular monsoon rainforest. Continue to Katherine, a thriving town that was originally established as an outpost on the Australian Overland Telegraph Line. (B,D)

07 June 22

Katherine Gorge

This morning, meet Manuel Pamkal to share his passion for the rich traditional culture into which he was born. There is the opportunity to purchase some local Indigenous art. Later, sit back and relax in tranquil surroundings as you cruise on Katherine Gorge. A series of thirteen deep gorges carved through ancient rock, there are many Aboriginal paintings on the sandstone walls throughout the system, some of which are thousands of years old. Discover the history and culture of the Jawoyn people, the traditional owners of Nitmiluk, as you explore the magnificent gorges with a backdrop of stunning rock-faces that change colour with the setting of the sun. Keep an eye out for freshwater crocodiles nesting along the banks. This evening, consider the optional experience of the Stockman’s Bush Dinner under the stars. (B)

08 June 22

Katherine – Kakadu

This morning you have the opportunity to swim in the waterholes of magnificent Edith Falls. Then pass through the mining town of Pine Creek, where buildings date back to the heady gold-rush days. Travel deep into World Heritage listed Kakadu National Park and discover spectacular escarpment, serene waterholes and teeming wildlife. Board the famed Yellow Water Billabong Cruise, spotting basking crocodiles and abundant birdlife with a local guide. Later, take a guided walk to view ancient Aboriginal rock paintings at Nourlangie, regarded as one of the premier rock art sites in the Top End. (B)

09 June 22

Kakadu National Park

This morning, perhaps take an optional experience scenic flight over Kakadu. Later, visit Ubirr, another of Kakadu’s foremost rock art galleries. The paintings here provide a fascinating record of Indigenous life over thousands of years: look for naturalistic paintings of animals, traditional x-ray art, and paintings of early contact with European people. Before leaving the site, climb to the top of a nearby rocky outcrop for superb views over the floodplains and escarpment country. Celebrate your Top End journey this evening at a Farewell Dinner with your Travel Director and new-found friends. (B,D)

10 June 22

Farewell from Darwin

Leave Kakadu this morning to return to Darwin. Keep an eye on the murky river crossings to see if you can spot saltwater crocodiles. Your final stop is Fogg Dam, a birdwatcher’s paradise. Bid farewell to your fellow travellers as your holiday comes to an end and you are transferred to Darwin Airport for your onward flight. (B)