Trip Itinerary
Alice Springs: Before leaving Alice Springs we start our tour with visits to ANZAC Hill and The Old Telegraph Station, and an inside look at Australia?s Outback hero: the Royal Flying Doctor?s Sevice. Tonight we?ll be staying at the Mercure Inn Oasis Alice Springs. Hotel(D)
Alice Springs to Uluru (Ayers Rock): An opportunity this morning to join an Aboriginal Bush Tucker tour. We then cross the oldest river in the world, the Finke River, before turning onto the Lassiter Highway. Continuing past amazing Mt Connor, we reach the modern Yulara Resort, our accommodation for the next two nights. Watch the sun set and rise over Uluru and explore this world-famous monolith. We will also visit the excellent Cultural Centre housing a display of information on Aboriginal culture. Lodge (B)
Uluru at leisure ? Sunrise and sunset: Uluru National Park and the famous ?big rock? await! We?ll watch the amazing warm hues of the Uluru sunrise. Then why not get on a Harley and take in more of the Spinifex plains? Maybe take a scenic flight over the area or challenge the vertical and climb Uluru? Later, time for a swim and to enjoy a glass of champagne to toast the Uluru sunset. Lodge (B)
Uluru to Kings Creek Station: A last look at Uluru before we drive to the mysterious rock formations known as Kata Tjuta or the Olgas. Hike through the Valley of the Winds or Olga Gorge. This afternoon we?re off to Kings Creek Station adjacent to Watarrka National Park. A chance to explore this working cattle and camel station by quad bikes. Enjoy how food is meant to taste cooked in true outback style, before rolling out your sleeping swag under a blanket of brilliant stars. Outback bush camp (B,D)
Kings Creek Station to Alice Springs: Up early to take in the stunning sights as we wander along the ridge of Kings Canyon and discover the Garden of Eden and the Lost City. Then onwards to Alice Springs. Tonight why not enjoy a ?drovers blowout? dinner? Try outback delicacies like crocodile and emu. Hotel (B)
Alice Springs to Tennant Creek: Dreamtime and Devils Marbles. Why not take the opportunity of a lifetime and see the dawn break over the MacDonnell Ranges from a hot air balloon and upon returning to terra firma, feast on chicken and champagne? We?ll cross the Tropic of Capricorn on our way to the Devils Marbles. Then north to Tennant Creek which is the site of the last gold rush in Australia. Remember, not everything that glitters is gold ? however here it just might be. All discovered nuggets must be passed onto the Contiki crew! Hotel (D)
Tennant Creek to Katherine ? The coldest and the oldest: Try a cold beer at the oldest Territory pub. Enjoy a refreshing swim in the crystal waters of Mataranka Thermal Pools or take a look at the Elsey Homestead. Onwards to Katherine for tonight?s get together ? because by now you know everyone and everyone knows you! Hotel (B)
Katherine to Kakadu ? Gorgeous gorges: A morning stop in Katherine then onto Nitmiluk National Park and the sensational Katherine Gorge. Why not take in the beauty of natures sculpture with a leisurely boat trip through two of the many ancient gorges. This afternoon we?ll head to Kakadu National Park and Jabiru. Our accommodation is right in the middle of the park and it?s soon time for another romantic sunset at Ubirr Aboriginal rock art site. Relax this evening in a tropical poolside setting. Why isn?t life always like this? Lodge (B,D)
Kakadu National Park at Leisure ? Kakadu and you: Rise early and you have the chance to see the wonders of Kakadu from the air. This scenic flight will leave you breathless and it?s not the altitude. You?ll understand why this is a world heritage region. Then on to Nourlangie Rock, famous for its Aboriginal art. View the wetlands and spend the afternoon on a wildlife cruise. Such a magnificent day ? why not finish it in style dining out on a Territorial banquet at the Gagudju Crocodile Hotel? Lodge (B)
Kakadu National Park to Darwin: We?ll head north towards Darwin, the most northerly city in Australia. We visit the Northern Territory Museum then there?s free time this afternoon to shop till you drop or if the pace is getting to you ? just drop. Tonight is our last night together. Uh-huh ? time to party hard! Try your luck at the casino then dance the night away at one of Darwin?s clubs. Hotel (B)
Darwin to Litchfield National Park: Start planning your next Contiki holiday. Litchfield National Park is 650 square kilometres of top end treasure, enclosing a spectacular sandstone plateau. We?ll swim at picturesque Florence Falls. All good things must come to an end and so it?s back to our Darwin hotel where our tour ? not the friendships made ? ends. (B)
