Top End & Central Australia Explorer

Landscapes like no other and an abundance of cultural heritage, this is just some of what you can expect to uncover on this 11-day tour through Central Australia. Starting in Darwin, you’ll travel south through the Northern Territory, ending in Uluru, with overnights in Darwin, Kakadu, Katherine, Tennant Creek, Alice Springs, Kings Canyon and Uluru.

Start your morning in Kakadu spotting local wildlife from your guided sunrise Yellow River Cruise; at Nitmiluk National Park, where you’ll see the famous Katherine Gorge and enjoy a swim in Edith Falls; Kings Canyon, where your Tour Director and Local Guide will take you on the incredible Kings Canyon Rim Walk; and of course, at Uluru, where you’ll enjoy walks to the base of the rock and Mutitjulu waterhole.

These are just some of the many highlights of this Central Australia tour featuring awe-inspiring scenery, fascinating cultural history and fun-filled experiences.

 Your 10 night Top End guided holiday from Darwin to Uluru includes:

• 10 nights accommodation in moderate accommodation
• a total of 13 meals - 10 breakfasts, 3 dinners
• Touring by private, air conditioned motocoach

Departure dates:  08, 22 July - 05 August - 02, 16, 30 September 2021

 Highlights

• Elsey National Park
• Katherine Gorge
• Kings Canyon Lodge
• Kings Canyon
• Standley Chasm
• Uluru

Accommodation

Darwin - 1 night

Kakadu National Park - 2 nights

Katherine - 1 night

Tennant Creek - 1 night

Alice Springs - 2 nights

Kings Canyon - 1 night

Uluru - 2 nights

Peace of Mind Travel Plan

Buy now, change later with our Peace of Mind Travel Plan†. This complimentary plan will be attached to all 2021 holiday bookings, giving travellers the flexibility to move holidays to any other 2021, 2022 or 2023 date, destination, itinerary or even, another brand in our vast travel portfolio. No penalties, no problem – as long as the booking is moved before the final payment date.

And for as long as the COVID-19 pandemic is still affecting, travel**, all bookings for 2022 travel dates are also covered by our Peace of Mind Travel Plan, extending the ability to move travel dates through 2023.

Added Travel Protection With SafetyNet

Give yourself even more flexibility for your holiday with our SafetyNet Protection ($95 per person* for International bookings and $105 per person* for Australia bookings). This allows you to cancel with no penalties up to 30 days prior to your holiday, or transfer your holiday to another date with only 24 hours' notice.

Day 1 / Arrive Darwin.

Welcome to the Northern Territory! Please schedule flights to arrive by 4pm. Please meet your Tour Director at your leisure in the hotel lobby from 2.00pm - 5.30pm to complete the tour check-in process. During this time there will be a welcome meeting and drink.

Day 2 / Darwin - Kakadu National Park.

Travel to Kakadu National Park where sightseeing includes a visit to Nourlangie Rock to see ancient art carvings. Then, participate in a bush foods discovery tour & tasting. This evening, enjoy a dinner featuring local delicacies and bush foods. Perhaps try some of the Northern Territories' famous Barramundi.

Day 3 / Kakadu National Park.

This morning, visit the Warradjan Cultural Centre to learn more about the local aboriginal people who have lived in the region for up to 50,000 years. Afterward, cruise the unspoilt waterways of the Yellow Water Billabong. Enjoy incredible scenery with the opportunity to spot water buffalo, crocodiles, and an abundance of bird species. The remainder of the day is at leisure. You may want to take an optional helicopter flight to see more of this vast park, take a walking tour to view Jim Jim Falls, Kakadu's biggest waterfall, or just relax with a cool drink at your resort's pool.

Day 4 / Kakadu National Park - Nitmiluk National Park - Katherine.

Visit Nitmiluk National Park and enjoy a walk to Edith Falls where there is time for a swim in this amazing setting. Arrive in Katherine where your evening is at leisure.

Day 5 / Katherine - Mataranaka - Tennant Creek.

Start your day with a dawn cruise through the dramatic Katherine Gorge. See dramatic cliffs, sandy beaches, and pristine wilderness. You'll have the chance to see wildlife including cockatoos, eagles, and wallabies plus learn the history and culture of the local indigenous people. Next, visit Mataranka Thermal Springs where you can relax and enjoy this tropical oasis. Later, make a stop for a long cool drink at the historic Daly Waters Pub. Hear stories about the pub's history, meet some of the friendly locals, and see the treasures left behind by visitors from around the world. Your evening is at leisure in the Northern Territory's "Heart of Gold", Tennant Creek.

Day 6 / Tennant Creek - Devils Marbles - Alice Springs.

Discover the iconic Devils Marbles, a collection of massive granite boulders. The boulders stand 6 metres high and were formed over millions of years. Enjoy a short walk and hear the ancient mythology of how the local aboriginal people believe them to be the fossilised eggs of the Rainbow Serpent. Before arriving at the hotel, make a stop at Alice Springs Brewing Co to sample some of their locally brewed craft beer. This evening is at leisure.

Day 7 / Alice Springs.

This morning, visit remarkable Standley Chasm, a geological and cultural icon. Explore the history of this land as well have the chance to walk "the Gap of Water," a striking geological formation with a local indigenous guide. Afterward, visit the Royal Flying Doctor Service to learn about the medical care required to service the Outback. Next, visit the School of the Air to see how educational services are provided in this remote region and then the Old Telegraph Station to discover how early settlers developed communications in this remote region. The remainder of the day is at leisure. You may wish to enjoy a bike hire and explore more on your own, browse the local art galleries and shops, try your luck at the casino, or relax by your resort's pool.

Day 8 / Alice Springs - Kings Canyon.

This morning, travel to majestic Kings Canyon. After a relaxed lunch, lace up your walking boots for the incredible Kings Canyon Creek Walk. Other walks are available as well as scenic helicopter and quad bike tours. Tonight, enjoy a refreshing drink as you watch the sunset.

Day 9 / Kings Canyon - Uluru.

You may wish to rise early to join in the Kings Canyon Rim Walk. Enjoy amazing views and iconic sites such as the Garden of Eden, Priscilla's Crack, and the weathered domes of "the Lost City." Continue to Uluru and enjoy a locally guided tour at the base of the rock and visit the Mutitjulu waterhole. Discover aboriginal rock paintings and learn their stories and historic significance. This evening, witness the sunset at Uluru with nibbles and drinks.

Day 10 / Uluru.

For those that wish, choose to rise early and see the sunrise over Uluru. Later, enjoy a walk at Kata Tjuta, a geological splendour of some 36 brilliant domes. The afternoon is at leisure. You may want to take an optional scenic helicopter flight, see the sights on the back of a Harley-Davidson motorcycle, take part in a bush food experience, or participate in a walking tour. This evening, join your Tour Director for a festive farewell dinner.

Day 11 / Uluru.

Your holiday ends with breakfast this morning. You may also choose to extend your time in Uluru and explore more on your own. Extra nights are available for purchase.

 Prices listed are per person in Australian Dollars, based on twin occupancy, including all discounts unless otherwise stated. The offer is subject to availability at time of booking.  Fares are capacity controlled and are subject to change at any time without notice.  Prices and itinerary is a guide only and may change.  Tour full payment, amendment and cancellation conditions apply.   Payments made by credit card will incur a surcharge.