Visit the sites that were hit by Japanese air raids in Darwin and journey to Charles Darwin National. Park to discover h
NORTHERN TERRITORY ITINERARY CONSULTANT
Geoff Doyle
Day 1 AIRPORT TO HOTEL SHUTTLE TRANSFER Wed Depart Ayers Rock Airport 13:00 Wed Arrive Yulara Resort LOCAL DAY TOUR - YULARA - KATA TJUTA VALLEY OF THE WINDS Wed Depart Yulara Resort 13:30 Wed Arrive Yulara Resort 20:00 Pickup Location Sails in the Desert Drop Off Location Sails in the Desert KATA TJUTA VALLEY OF THE WINDS An AAT Kings vehicle will pick you up from your hotel to commence an afternoon Kata Tjuta Valley of the Winds tour. Travel to Kata Tjuta (the Olgas) where your guide will explain the geological history of these giant domes. Enjoy a 2 to 3 hour walk in the valley between the massive red conglomerate rocks. The walking path is rocky and requires a good level of fitness. Marvel at the unique flora and fauna that has survived in this harsh environment. Reach the Valley of the Winds Lookout and take some time to gaze out over the central valley of Kata Tjuta. Then take in a magnificent outback sunset at Kata Tjuta while enjoying a complimentary glass of sparkling wine and nibbles. Tour concludes approximately 50 minutes after sunset, at which time hotel drop offs will commence HOTEL - SAILS IN THE DESERT Wed Check In 15:00 Fri Check Out 10:00 Sails in the Desert Yulara Drive Yulara NT 2 nights accommodation - 1 x Standard double or twin room Day 2 LOCAL DAY TOUR - YULARA - ULURU SUNRISE AND GUIDED BASE WALK Thu Depart Yulara Resort 05:00 Thu Arrive Yulara Resort 12:00 Pickup Location Sails in the Desert Drop Off Location Sails in the Desert
ULURU SUNRISE AND GUIDED BASE WALK An AAT Kings coach will pick you up from your hotel to commence a morning Uluru Sunrise and Guided Base Walk tour. Rise early and travel to the sunrise viewing area, Talinguru Nyakunytjaku near Uluru, to watch the first rays of sunlight creep across the desert plains. Here you will receive breakfast, as well as the opportunity to enjoy a cup of tea or coffee and biscuits as the morning sun slowly changes the colour of Uluru. After sunrise, accompany your guide to commence your Base Walk of Uluru. First up, walk from Kuniya Piti, an Uluru sacred site and hear the Tjukurpa (Anangu the local Aboriginal people - beliefs and law) story of the Mala Men. Next is the Mala Walk, one of the most important habitation areas for the local Aboriginal people over thousands of years. The walk includes a visit into Kantju Gorge where after rainfall, water can cascade over the side of Uluru and plunge some 90 metres. From here, you are then on to the base of the climb point. After a short rest break, continue on along the Lungkata Walk to hear the Tjukurpa story of the cheeky Blue Tongue Lizard! Next stop is the Mutitjulu Waterhole. Your guide will indicate the natural features of the landscape, Aboriginal rock paintings and relay more traditional stories relating to this special place. The waterhole was once an important water source for the Anangu people. The last section to complete your base walk is back to Kuniya Piti where you will board your coach back to Ayers Rock Resort and receive a certificate of your achievement! Tour concludes at approximately 1.00pm, at which time hotel drop offs will commence. LOCAL DAY TOUR - YULARA - CAMELS TO THE SOUNDS OF SILENCE EXPERIENCE Thu Depart Ayers Rock 16:00 Thu Arrive Ayers Rock 21:00 Pickup Location Sails in the Desert Drop Off Location Sails in the Desert CAMELS TO THE SOUNDS OF SILENCE EXPERIENCE Meander for one hour through red sand dunes on your friendly camel with Uluru and Kata Tjuta as your backdrop, while your experienced cameleer describes the unique flora and fauna of the landscape that surrounds you. As your peaceful ride comes to a close, you will be greeted and offered sparkling wine as you arrive at the sand dune viewing platform where your Sounds of Silence experience begins. Entered into the Australian Tourism Hall of Fame, Sounds of Silence offers the best of the Red Centre distilled into four magical hours. An unforgettable evening, eating beautifully prepared food under the sparkling outback sky. The journey begins on a lone sand dune. A meandering path takes participants to an uninterrupted, 360 degree view of this vast landscape. In front is the fabled Uluru; behind are the domes of Kata Tjuta and, possibly the most spectacular sunset you have ever seen. Here enjoy sparkling wine and a selection of delectable canapés. As the sun sets in a blaze of reds and oranges, and well into the starlit night, feast on a gourmet barbecue buffet of authentic Australian delicacies including barramundi, kangaroo, emu, crocodile, bush salads and classic desserts, complemented by some of Australia's finest wines. Attention then turns to some of the world's best stargazing, as the resident astronomer takes diners on an unforgettable tour of the spectacular southern night sky. As dinner winds down, select from a choice of tea, coffee or port. In winter, guests gather around a campfire to savour a special treat of hot mulled wine. Day 3 COACH TRANSFER – YULARA TO KINGS CANYON Fri Departure Yulara Resort 13:00 Fri Arrival Kings Canyon NT 17:30
An AAT Kings coach will pick you up from your hotel to commence the journey from Ayers Rock to Kings Canyon. Travel through rugged, desert scenery of the outback between Ayers Rock Resort and Kings Canyon. Pass through Curtin Springs cattle station before viewing Atila (Mt Conner) from the coach. After turning off the Lasseter Highway and onto the Luritja Road, informative commentary about the history of the surrounding cattle stations will be provided. Arrive at Kings Canyon Resort where there may be time to view the sun setting behind Carmichaels Crag.
HOTEL - KINGS CANYON RESORT Fri Check In 18:00 Sat Check Out 10:00 Kings Canyon Resort Luritja Road Kings Canyon NT AU 0871 1 night accommodation - 1 Standard double or twin room Day 4 LOCAL DAY TOUR - KINGS CANYON SCENIC CLIMB Sat Depart Kings Canyon NT 06:00 Sat Arrive Kings Canyon NT 10:00 Pickup Location Kings Canyon Resort Drop Off Location Kings Canyon Resort Kings Canyon Scenic Climb An AAT Kings coach will pick you up from Kings Canyon Resort to commence a Kings Canyon Scenic Climb tour. Make the rocky climb to the rim of the canyon for marvellous views of Watarrka National Park. Follow the rim of the canyon, with stops along the way at lookout points to look down into the canyon gorge. Time permitting, stop at the green oasis of the 'Garden of Eden'. The circuit walk takes approximately 3 hours to complete and is rocky and steep in parts. It is recommended for those with a good level of fitness. Alternatively an easier, shorter walk to explore the boulder strewn canyon floor is available. Tour concludes approximately 3.5 hours after commencement at Kings Canyon Resort. COACH TRANSFER – KINGS CANYON TO ALICE SPRINGS Sat Depart Kings Canyon NT 11:15 Sat Arrive Alice Springs 19:30 Join your AAT Kings coach at the Shell Service Station at Kings Canyon Resort to commence the journey from Kings Canyon to Alice Springs. Travel through the beautiful desert landscapes with informative commentary along the way. Stop for lunch at Kings Creek Station (own expense), then take some time to explore this working cattle station. Stop at a roadhouse for the opportunity to purchase afternoon tea (own expense). HOTEL - LASSETERS HOTEL AND CASINO ALICE SPRINGS Sat Check In 20:00 Mon Check Out 10:00 Lasseters Hotel and Casino 93 Barrett Drive Alice Springs NT AU 00870 2 nights accommodation - 1 Standard double or twin room Day 5 LOCAL DAY TOUR – ALICE SPRINGS – FULL DAY WEST MACDONNELL RANGES Sun Depart Alice Springs 08:00 Sun Arrive Alice Springs 18:00 Pickup Location Lasseters Hotel Drop Off Location Lasseters Hotel Full Day West MacDonnell Ranges Tour
Experience the magnificent grandeur of the West MacDonnell Ranges, the deep red cleft of Standley Chasm, the mystique of Ellery Creek Big Hole, the cultural significance of the Ochre Pits. Visit Glen Helen Gorge. Sip on a glass of wine and enjoy a ploughmans lunch at Glen Helen. See the immense cliffs of quartzite at Simpsons Gap, a haven for a colony of black footed rock wallabies. Day 6 LOCAL DAY TOUR – ALICE SPRINGS DESERT PARK Mon Depart Alice Springs 08:00 Tue Arrive Alice Springs 12:00 Pickup Location Lasseters Hotel Drop Off Location Lasseters Hotel Alice Springs Desert Park Immerse yourself in the beauty and mystery of Australia's deserts. Wander through the ancient landscape. Experience the animals of the night. Discover the diversity of desert plants. Be inspired by ancient living cultures with local Aboriginal guides. Marvel at the energy and spirit of free flying birds. RAIL JOURNEY - GREAT SOUTHERN RAIL – THE GHAN Mon Depart Alice Springs 18:00 Tue Arrive Darwin 17:30 Rail Service THE GHAN No of Passengers 2 Rail Seat Platinum Class Including meals, drinks, Platinum Class transfers Prepare for a holiday of unimaginable proportions as the legendary Ghan takes you deep into the heart of Australia. Enjoy the comfort and solitude of your private cabin, lose yourself in conversation with newfound travelling companions, or simply gaze out of the window taking inspiration from the ever changing landscape. And when the train stops along the way, the adventures begin. Experience the dramatic scenery of central Australia on the back of a camel and explore the ancient, awe-inspiring wonders of the Northern Territory. Regarded as one of the world’s greatest rail journeys, The Ghan delivers so much more than an extended train ride. It promises access to parts of Australia no other holiday can come close to – the perfect balance of comfort and adventure culminating in an experience that will move you in every sense of the word. Platinum Service offers guests the most luxurious transcontinental holiday Australia has to offer. Boasting deluxe extras such as Platinum Transfers, in-cabin breakfasts and access to the Platinum Lounge and Restaurant, Platinum Service promises and delivers a journey beyond expectations.
Day 7 HOTEL - DOUBLETREE BY HILTON DARWIN ESPLANADE Tue Check In 18:00 Thu Check Out 09:00 Doubletree by Hilton Darwin Esplanade 116 The Esplanade Darwin 0800 2 nights accommodation - 1 x 1 BEDROOM SUITE Day 8 LOCAL DAY TOUR – DARWIN – FRONTLINE AUSTRALIA WWII TOUR Wed Depart Darwin 08:00 Wed Arrive Darwin 12:00 Pickup Location Doubltree by Hilton Darwin Esplanade Drop Off Location Doubltree by Hilton Darwin Esplanade Frontline Australia WWII Darwin tour An AAT Kings coach will pick you up from your hotel for your transfer to 69 Mitchell Street, the departure point of your tour. At 8.00am join your coach to commence a morning Frontline Australia WWII tour. Learn about Australian history and the bombing of Darwin during World War II on 19th February 1942, which were the largest attacks ever mounted by a foreign power against Australia. Visit the sites that were hit by Japanese air raids in Darwin and journey to Charles Darwin National Park to discover historic bunkers and ammunition storages. Enjoy a cruise on Darwin Harbour, then explore the Military Precinct at East Point, visit the Darwin Military Museum and view the Catalina Flying Boat Base. Tour concludes at approximately 12.00noon, at which time hotel drop offs will commence. LOCAL DAY TOURING – DARWIN - TASTES OF THE TERRITORY SUNSET CRUISE Wed Depart Darwin 17:00 Wed Arrive Darwin 20:30 Pickup Location Stokes Hill Wharf Drop Off Location Stokes Hill Wharf Tastes of the Territory Sunset Cruise-Tumlaren Join your Darwin Harbour Cruise at Stokes Hill Wharf to commence an 2.5 Hour Tastes of the Territory Sunset Cruise tour. Aboard Tumlaren includes complimentary Australian sparkling wine at Sunset and a delicious light tasting plate of Territory style food including smoked kangaroo, Crocodile and Emu with bush tomato relish, semi dried tomatoes, Australian marinated olives and a variety of cheeses. Our experienced crew share interesting and informative commentary on the sites and rich history of Darwin Harbour, Cyclone Tracey and WWII. Guests will have the opportunity to experience Clayton's sailing in true comfort, weather permitting. Tour concludes at approximately 8:30pm at Stokes Hill Wharf. Day 9 CAR HIRE – DARWIN - THRIFTY Thu Pick Up Darwin 09:00 Sun Return Darwin 16:00 Pick up Downtown Darwin Depot Drop off Darwin Airport Intermediate/Wagon/Auto/With Air 4 days rental
Mitsibushi Outlander or similar intermediate wagon This morning you will drive 250 kms (3 hours) to Jabiru in the Kakadu National Park. HOTEL – JABIRU – MERCURE CROCODILE KAKADU HOTEL Thu Check In 14:00 Sat Check Out 10:00 Mercure Crocodile Kakadu Hotel Flinders Street Jabiru NT 2 nights accommodation – 1 x Standard double or twin room This afternoon drive the 60 kms (45 mins) to Cooinda for your cruise. LOCAL SIGHTSEEING CRUISE – YELLOW WATER Thu Depart Cooinda 16:30 Thu Arrive Cooinda 18:30 Pickup Location Cooinda Lodge Drop Off Location Cooinda Lodge Yellow Water 2 hour cruise Join the Yellow Water Cruises shuttle coach at Kakadu Lodge Cooinda for the transfer to Yellow Water Billabong, the departure point of your cruise. Board your vessel, which is an aluminium flat bottom motorised vessel, to commence a 2 hour cruise. The indigenously owned cruise is a discovery through the most famous Kakadu wetland, Yellow Water Billabong. Observe a large variety of birds, flora, fauna and crocodiles in their natural surroundings. Through your guide, learn fascinating insights into this ancient wetland and how the Bininj people use the flora and fauna to support their way of life. On conclusion of your cruise, you will be transferred back to Kakadu Lodge Cooinda. Day 10 LOCAL DAY TOUR – JABIRU – SPIRIT OF KAKADU ADVENTURE TOUR Fri Depart Jabiru 06:45 Fri Arrive Jabiru 18:30 Pickup Location Mercure Crocodile Kakadu Hotel Drop Off Location Mercure Crocodile Kakadu Hotel Spirit of Kakadu Adventure Tour See the less accessible parts of Kakadu with Spirit of Kakadu Adventure Tours. Take an exclusive offroad adventure to visit the waterfalls, swimming holes and escarpments of Kakadu. The Adventure Tour offers 4WD all day tours during the shoulder and dry seasons in Kakadu. Flexible itineraries change according to access and time of the year. The tour has a modern fleet of 4WDs and meals and refreshments are provided throughout the day On Saturday morning you will drive the 300 kms (3.5 hours) to Katherine. Day 11 HOTEL – KATHERINE – IBIS STYLES KATHERINE Sat Check In 14:00 Sun Check Out 11:00 Ibis Styles Katherine Stuart Highway
Katherine NT 0850 1 night accommodation - 1 x Standard double or twin room LOCAL DAY TOURING – KATHERINE – TOP DIDJ ABORIGINAL CULTURAL EXPERIENCE Sat Depart Katherine 14:30 Sat Arrive Katherine 17:00 Top Didj Aboriginal Cultural Experience The Top Didj Cultural Experience is a two and a half hour activity that is available for 2 sessions per day. Visitors can interact with Top End Aboriginal artist Manuel Pamkal and ask questions about aboriginal culture whilst being educated on the significance of his painting style, weapons used and how he lived off the land. Day 12 LOCAL SIGHTSEEING CRUISE – NITMILUK GORGE Sun Depart Katherine 09:00 Sun Arrive Katherine 13:00 Pickup Location Nitmiluk Visitor Centre Drop Off Location Nitmiluk Visitor Centre Timeless Land 3 Gorge Cruise Board your Nitmiluk Tours vessel at the Nitmiluk National Park boat jetty, a 200 metre walk from the Nitmiluk Centre at Katherine Gorge (a 32 kilometre drive from Katherine) to commence a Timeless Land 3 Gorge Cruise. Travel along the first three gorges and marvel at the sheer rock face walls and the striking scenery as you head further into the gorge. Before you return, there may be an opportunity to freshen up with a cooling swim. Cruise concludes approximately 4 hours after commencement, at the boat jetty. At the conclusion of your cruise you will drive the 340 kms (3.5 hours) back to Darwin Airport and drop off your car. Thank you for booking through helloworld
