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Kings Canyon Outback Tour Outback Australia Trip Devils Marbles Northern Territory Kakadu National Park

Alice Springs to Darwin 10 day Red Centre and Top End

Back to Alice Springs Tours

$2,640.00

Transport:
Mixed (Minibus,All Terrain Vehicle)
Difficulty:
Medium
Accom:
Mixed(Dorm Share and Camping)
Duration:
10 days, 9 nights
Food:
Most Meals
Guided?:
Fully
Departs:
Fridays(All year) and Tuesdays(April till October) at 5am
Arrives:
Darwin on Day 10 at 5:30pm
See all the best spots in the Northern Territory including The Rock and Kakadu with this 10 day trip!

There’s so many amazing destinations and landmarks to visit in the Northern Territory and if you want to see them all without blowing a hole in your budget then this is the trip for you!

You’ll visit the best spots in the top end including Kakadu and Litchfield National Parks. Swim in the waterfalls, spot crocodiles and view the amazing scenery!

Passage from Darwin to Alice Springs has it’s fair share of hot spots too – swim in Katherine Gorge, visit Mataranka Thermal pools, the Daley waters Pub and the Devils Marbles!

After spending a night in Alice Springs you’ll be off on more adventuring to see Kata Tjuta, Kings Canyon and of course ‘The Rock’ or Uluru near the small area of Ayers Rock.

A once in a lifetime adventure awaits!

Includes

  • Professional guide
  • All meals as indicated in itinerary
  • All accommodation (dormitory and camping)

“Hit all the must see spots in the Northern Territory on this 10 day tour. It’s amazing to go from the lush and green top end with Kakadu and Litchfield National Parks to the red desert sand in the centre of Australia.” –Cameron – One Stop Adventures Travel Expert

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Description

  • Explore Kakadu and Litchfield National Parks
  • Spot crocodiles on the Mary River Wetlands
  • Visit Katherine Gorge
  • Swim in Mataranka Thermal Pools
  • Visit the Daly Waters Pub
  • See the Devils Marbles
  • Visit Kata Tjuta (The Olgas) and explore the Valley of the Winds
  • Journey Kings Canyon
  • Visit The Rock or Uluru Or Ayers Rock! Whatever you want to call it!

Day 1 (Lunch*/Dinner)
It’s an early rise if you are joining us in Alice Springs where you will make the journey to Ayers Rock and meet our fellow travelers joining us there. On arrival to Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park, visit a camel farm and discover life atop one of the regions earliest forms of transport. This afternoon embark on an interpretive base walk of Uluru. Those choosing to climb will have the opportunity to do so, weather permitting. (Note: Uluru is a sacred site and the Anangu people ask visitors to respect their law and do not climb).  The Cultural Centre is impressive and well worth a visit before watching the ever changing colours of Uluru at sunset. After dinner, some stories and stargazing, it’s time for a good night’s rest at our private campsite before another active day tomorrow.

- Base Walk at Uluru
- Cultural Centre
- Sunset at Uluru
- Ayers Rock private campsite

Day 2 - (Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner)
Your guide will wake you bright and early to experience a mesmerizing Uluru sunrise which can be viewed close-by our campsite, early mornings being such a magical time in the desert. Then it’s a short drive to Kata Tjuta (the Olgas), an Aboriginal word for “many heads”, to explore its domes of which there are 36 in total. Pull on your hiking boots and take the Valley of the Winds walk through creek beds, domes and beautiful wilderness. After lunch, it’s farewell to Uluru – Kata Tjuta National Park as we travel to Kings Creek Station where we camp for the night. Our campsite really is ‘wayoutback’, set in a private location on this working cattle station.

- Uluru / Kata Tjuta Sunrise
- Kata Tjuta
- Kings Creek Station

Day 3 - (Breakfast / Lunch)
This morning we enter the Watarrka (Kings Canyon) National Park, home of a mighty chasm with sheer red rock faces which soar over 100 metres above lush palm forests. The rim of Kings Canyon is a 6km round trip walk. You will visit the Amphitheatre, Lost City and tranquil Garden of Eden. After our final meal together we begin our journey back to Alice Springs arriving in the late afternoon. Two nights dorm or Budget ensuite (Twin/Single) accommodation in Alice Springs is included (dinner is at own expense).

- Watarrka (Kings Canyon) National Park
- Alice Springs

Day 4
A day of leisure to either relax or explore the Red Centre township of Alice Springs. All activities and meals are at your own expense. Dorm or budget ensuite (Twin/Single) accommodation in Alice Springs is included.

Note this package can be taken with 1 night Alice Springs and 2 nights Darwin OR 2 nights Alice Springs and 1 night Darwin in between packages. See Departure/Pickups tab for more details.

Day 5 - (Lunch / Dinner)
You will be collected from your Alice Springs accommodation at approximately 6.00 am and then our adventure through the ‘Territory’ to Darwin begins. Just north of Alice Springs is the Tropic of Capricorn (80% of the Northern Territory lays north of this point). Further along the track are the Devils Marbles (Karlu Karlu) which are a collection of gigantic granite boulders magically balanced on top of one another. Our day winds to a close just north of Tennant Creek at historic Banka Banka Cattle Station where we camp for the night.

- Tropic of Capricorn
- Devils Marbles (Karlu Karlu)
- Banka Banka Cattle Station

Day 6 - (Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner)
No trip to the ‘Territory’ is complete without a visit to the Daly Waters Pub, an important watering hole for explorers and drovers in days gone by and now a great spot for a cold beer, a bit of history and a ‘fair dinkum outback experience’! Later in the day you can take a soak in the Mataranka Thermal Pools, a lush oasis fringed by paperbark trees and nearby where we camp overnight.

- Daly Waters Pub
- Mataranka Thermal Pools

Day 7 - (Breakfast / Lunch)
Your guide will wake you early this morning for the short drive to the Nitmiluk (Katherine Gorge) National Park which is owned by the Jawoyn Aboriginal people. Ancient sandstone has been carved away by the Katherine River to create a deep and picturesque gorge. You may like to take a boat cruise or paddle a canoe (seasonal) through the peaceful water (both optional and additional cost). In the afternoon, relax and watch the changing landscape as we travel to cosmopolitan Darwin. Overnight dorm or Budget ensuite (Twin/Single) accommodation in Darwin is included.

- Nitmiluk (Katherine Gorge) National Park
- Darwin

DAYS 8 TO 10 FOR TRAVEL IN NOVEMBER TO APRIL

Day 8 - (Lunch, Dinner) 
Departing Darwin at 7am, the first stop on your adventure is Ubirr Rock, one of the main cultural sites within the park. At Ubirr you can view a wide range of Aboriginal rock art which will be interpreted by your guide. Here you will learn about the Rainbow Serpent and climb the Nadab Lookout for excellent views over the surrounding floodplain and beyond into Arnhem Land. In the afternoon visit the Warradjan Cultural Centre to learn about the 40,000 years of aboriginal occupation within the park.  Tonight enjoy dinner and an overnight stay at either our private campsite or air-conditioned accommodation at Cooinda

- Ubirr Rock
- Warradjan Cultural Centre
- Cooinda

Day 9 - (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner) 
Up early to enjoy a crocodile cruise on the Yellow Waters billabong. A must do activity within Kakadu National Park, the award winning Yellow Waters cruise is Aboriginal owned and centres around a spectacular billabong system that is home to some remarkable and diverse wildlife. Spotting crocodiles is only one of the many wildlife viewing opportunities on this unique water system.   Later, enjoy a half day hike and swim at the beautiful Gubara Springs* and/or Gunlom Falls*, and walk to the top of the Nawurlandja lookout with spectacular views over Kakadu. Late afternoon we will drive to Mount Bundy, close by Litchfield National Park and spend tonight at our private permanent campsite with your fellow travellers, or in your lodge room nearby.

- Yellow Waters Cruise
- Gunlom Falls
- Gubara Springs
- Nawurlandja Lookout
- Mount Bundy Homestead

Day 10 - (Breakfast, Lunch) 
Enjoy the short journey to Litchfield National Park. Explore the waterfalls, spring-fed streams and rugged sandstone escarpments of Litchfield. Discover intriguing cathedral and magnetic termite mounds and swim, hike and explore Florence and Wangi Falls* (water level dependent) as well as Buley Rockhole. Return to Darwin in the early evening.

- Termite mounds
- Florence Falls
- Wangi Falls
- Buley Rockhole

DAYS 8 TO 10 FOR TRAVEL FROM MAY TO OCTOBER 

Day 8 - (Lunch, Dinner)
You will be collected from your Darwin accommodation at approximately 6.30am where our Top End adventure begins as we travel to the Mary River Wetlands for our cruise. This region is home to over 250 bird species and has the highest concentration of saltwater crocodiles in the Southern Hemisphere. Search for the mighty crocs who rule this waterway, buffalo, birds and other wildlife. Our entrance to Kakadu National Park is at the South Alligator River, a picturesque location for a picnic lunch. There’s the opportunity to purchase Aboriginal arts and crafts at the Bowali Visitor Centre before our late afternoon arrival at Ubirr. Here you will view a wide range of ancient Aboriginal art which will be interpreted by your guide. Learn the story of the Rainbow Serpent and climb the Nadab Lookout for panoramic views over the floodplain and beyond into Arnhem Land. As the day draws to a close we head to our private campsite for dinner and our overnight stay.

- Crocodile and Wildlife cruise
- Bowali Visitor Centre
- Ubirr

Day 9 - (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
This morning the jewels of Kakadu National Park await. After breakfast and departing camp we travel off road to the majestic Twin and Jim Jim Falls* for a day of adventure and exploration.  Travelling into Twin Falls by 4WD track, a boat shuttle and finally a rocky track and boardwalk we will be rewarded by the beauty of this remote waterfall deep within Kakadu National Park.  Afterwards we stay off the beaten track where a walk through monsoon forests and over boulders lead us to Jim Jim Falls. Surrounded by 150 metre cliffs, we spend some time soaking up the natural beauty of this majestic location. This afternoon we depart Kakadu National Park and travel towards Litchfield National Park where we will stop along the way at our private campsite. Tonight, enjoy a hearty meal with your fellow adventurers.

- Twin and Jim Jim Falls

Day 10 - (Breakfast, Lunch)
Today is spent exploring the waterfalls, spring-fed streams and rugged sandstone escarpments of Litchfield National Park. Marvel at the intriguing magnetic and cathedral termite mounds and swim, hike and explore Florence and Wangi Falls*. Discover the many rock holes and cascading waterfalls of Buley Rockhole before our early evening arrival back in Darwin.

- Termite mounds
- Florence Falls
- Wangi Falls
- Buley Rockhole

*Lunch on Day 1 is only included for passengers beginning their tour in Alice Springs. Passengers starting in Ayers Rock will need to have eaten prior to pick up.

Frequently Asked Questions

What sort of camping is done on this trip?

Swag Camping! A swag is a kind of bag that you can sleep in. It has a mattress and pillow inside and you can roll it up for storage. It has a flap you can put over your head for total cover but most people choose to fall asleep staring at the night sky!

Do I need a sleeping bag?

You will definitely want a sleeping bag in winter as it can get quite cold at night, especially the further south you are and in the Red Centre around Uluru, Kata Tjuta and Kings Canyon. In summer it is advisable as it can still be cool at night. We advise to bring along your own sleeping bag, otherwise you can hire one for $50.

I've heard the flies are bad in summer. Is this true?

In the warmer months there can definitely be a lot of flies while travelling through the outback. It is advisable to bring a fly net in the warmer months.

What clothes do I need?

In summer the temperatures can be extremely hot when travelling through the outback. A shirt and shorts is all that is needed during these months though we recommend a light long sleeved top and light long pants (zip off) to minimize your exposure to the sun. It can still get cool at night and in the morning so you will want a jumper as well.

Definitely bring swimmers as there will be opportunities to swim at some locations. Sunglasses, as well as sunscreen (SPF 30+ or better), are also a necessity no matter what time of year.

During winter the temperatures can be mild during the day but cold at night and in the morning when travelling through the centre of Australia. You will want a mixture of warm and cool clothes for this time of year. Long pants, a good jumper, a beanie, gloves and warm socks are recommended for use at night and in the morning. Further North near Darwin the temperature will not be so cold.

At all times of the year you will need a hat, preferably wide brimmed.

Departs

1 April  - 31 October - Tuesday, Friday

1 November  - 31 March - Friday

Extras / local payments: Customers are required to pay their National Park fees to their guide on departure. Fees vary between $50 and $77.50 depending on time of travel. Sleeping bag hire is a $50 local payment. Swags will be provided as standard and tent hire is available for a $60 local payment. Sleeping bags and tents need to be pre-booked and can be done so by informing your travel agent or by reconfirming 48 hours prior to departure. Local payments can either be made by credit card at time of reconfirmation or on by cash only on day of departure.

What to bring:

  • Sturdy walking shoes (ankle high)
  • Hat and sunscreen
  • Towel and toiletries
  • Warm clothing in winter
  • 1.5L water bottle
  • Torch
  • Insect repellent
  • Camera
  • Travel pillow
  • Sleeping bag (can be hired for $50)