Tail to top adventure is guaranteed on this epic Adelaide to Darwin tour, with an itinerary of extremes showcasing the country’s colours. First, the greens of South Australia’s wine regions; the eye-popping striations of Wilpena Pound; Coober Pedy’s lustrous opals; the Red Centre’s warmth. Finally, the crystal waterfalls of Katherine and Kakadu’s emerald hues await. Bring your sunglasses.
(B) Breakfast (L) Lunch (D) Dinner (SD) Specialty Dinner Tour Code: NAAD
Located in Adelaide, this hotel is within a 15-minute walk of Rundle Mall and Adelaide Casino and has 329 air-conditioned rooms featuring minibars and Smart televisions. Complimentary wireless Internet access keeps you connected, and digital programming is available for your entertainment. Private bathrooms have complimentary toiletries and hair dryers. Conveniences include phones, as well as safes and desks. Enjoy recreation amenities such as a fitness centre, complimentary wireless Internet access and concierge services. For dining there is Japanese cuisine at Koomo, a themed restaurant where you can enjoy drinks at the bar/lounge and dine alfresco. Snacks are also available at the coffee shop/cafe.
Located in the heart of the Flinders Ranges on Adnyamathanha Country, Wilpena Pound Resort is the perfect base to explore this vast and spectacular ancient outback landscape. Known to the Traditional Owners as Ikara meaning ‘the meeting place’, Wilpena Pound Resort offers a one-of-a-kind experience of the destination, guided by the region’s Traditional Owners, the Adnyamathanha people. The region is renowned for its geological history, ancient fossils and Aboriginal rock art. A haven of outback hospitality, with a range of dining, activities and accommodation options.
Located approximately three hours north of Adelaide in the heart of Port Augusta, Majestic Oasis Apartments are the gateway to the spectacular Flinders Rangers and Australian outback. From here you can catch the Stuart Highway and cross the outback all the way to Darwin, go South West to Port Lincoln or West across the Nullarbor to Western Australia. The property features 75 modern and well-equipped studio, one and two bedroom self-contained apartments overlooking the grassy foreshore and waters of the Upper Spencer Gulf. Try spotting the dolphins during your morning walk along the foreshore.
Since 1915 Coober Pedy has lured those who seek the elusive opal which is found in this vast Outback semi-desert area. Many of the locals live in dugouts (underground homes) where the earth gives natural temperature control. Visitors have always been fascinated by this underground way of living and this unique underground hotel offers visitors the opportunity to stay underground. Or if visitors prefer, above ground rooms are also available. Sleeping underground is a unique experience. Quiet, cool, dark and airy – the rooms are spacious with high ceilings. Most visitors say that sleeping underground gives them the best night’s sleep they have ever had. It is an experience not to miss. The Desert Cave Hotel also has underground shops, a cafe, an opal interpretive centre, and an underground bar and gaming room. The hotel offers visitors the best opportunity to experience Coober Pedy ‘dugout’ living.
Desert Gardens Hotel boasts the only rooms with views of Uluru in Ayers Rock Resort. Perched within an oasis of native gardens, the hotel’s 218 elegant guestrooms provide a relaxing retreat from a day of adventure.
Accommodation options are diverse, from deluxe rock view rooms to shady poolside rooms, each located under a canopy of towering gumtrees and garden beds dotted with native shrubs and flowers.
All of Ayers Rock Resort’s luxuries and conveniences, including numerous lookouts, Red Ochre Spa and the shops, tour & information centre and cafés located at the Resort Town Square, are within easy walking distance or accessible via the free shuttle bus.
Kings Canyon is a natural wonder located approximately between Alice Springs and Uluru – literally at the heart of Australia’s Red Centre. The canyon was forged over 400 million years and is made from layers of sandstone with hard shale between layers. Soaring 270 metres above sea level, areas of the canyon plummet to the Garden of Eden where lush, plants thrive along the line of the permanent rock pools. It is at these pools you will often see native animals coming to drink.
It is a place of serenity and contemplation and one of great significance to the original land owners who ask that you do not swim in the waters. Other than this request, you are welcome to climb, touch and explore the canyon in a manner respectful to its history and natural environment.
The Resort, Backpackers Lodge and Camp Ground offer accommodations for all travellers. And the facilities of the resort provide an oasis of convenience in the middle of an ancient, rugged landscape.
Located on the banks of the Todd River, this Hilton hotel is two kilometres from the town cent and adjacent to Alice Springs Golf Club. This places it within 10 minutes of Alice Springs Desert Park and Anzac Hill, which stands above the town.
Recreational facilities include tennis courts and a heated outdoor pool overlooking the garden, home to the resident peacock.
This property is makes a great base from which to explore the diverse nature and culture of the Australian outback, the Bluestone, as this property is affectionately known locally — is the perfect place to stay at the halfway mark along the track from Alice Springs to Darwin and back, or coming west from Mt. Isa. Bluestone Motor Inn is a family owned motel restaurant that has become a well-known and recognized land mark throughout the Northern Territory. You can dine in the Air Conditioned dining room or enjoy the relaxed atmosphere of the Alfresco veranda area at popular Anna‘s Resturant.
Contour Hotel is only a short drive from all the Katherine region has to offer. Set amongst 4 acres of tropical gardens it is the ideal base to explore, or to come home to after a long working day. You can play tennis, go swimming, dine out, have a barbecue or enjoy a cool drink at the bar. The spacious and contemporary guest rooms are the perfect space to retire to at the end of a long day of exploring. There is a restaurant and bar that is open 7 days for breakfast and dinner.
Mercure Kakadu Crocodile Hotel is an idyllic retreat located in Kakadu National Park. Situated in the township of Jabiru, this hotel is the perfect base to start exploring Kakadu’s most significant natural attractions such as Ubirr, Jim JIm and Twin Falls, Gunlom Falls, Cahills Crossing & Mamukala Wetlands. Cool off in the large outdoor pool, the perfect oasis for relaxing in between discovery tours around Kakadu before feasting on Kakadu bush tucker & gourmet dining at the Escarpment restaurant and bar. Rooms are spacious, light and airy and provide a cool, inviting space, perfect for relaxing in after a long day exploring the region.
http://www.accorhotels.com/9616
This hotel has ocean views and overlooks the famous Darwin Esplanade. It is walking distance from most of the city’s major corporate offices, as well as the Darwin Convention Center. Enjoy the landscaping of the tropical gardens, or relax by the outdoor pool. Overlooking the sparkling waters of the outdoor pool and surrounded by lush tropical gardens, the Poolside Restaurant serves innovative Australian cuisine in a relaxed environment. Enjoy al fresco dining on the sun-soaked terrace.
Adelaide is South Australia’s capital and is bursting with culture, flavours, events and entertainment. It is a pretty city, surrounded by a ring of parkland on the River Torrens and it is home to renowned museums such as the Art Gallery of South Australia, displaying expansive collections including noted Indigenous art, and the South Australian Museum, devoted to natural history. Adelaide is the gateway to some of Australia’s best wine country including the Barossa, McLaren Vale, Handorf and Adelaide Hills, and is home to Australia’s official best restaurant, hotel, wine, gin and beach!
The rugged, weathered peaks and rocky gorges of the Flinders Ranges in outback South Australia form some of the most dramatic and beautiful landscapes in the country. It’s a place rich in Aboriginal history and home to a vast array of wildlife. Following the scenic roads, 4WD tracks and walking trails that crisscross this wild countryside will take you on a remarkable adventure. The Flinders Ranges are about 500 kilometres (311 miles) north of Adelaide, or a five-hour road trip.
Port Augusta is a small city in South Australia. Formerly a seaport, it is now a road traffic and railway junction city mainly located on the east coast of the Spencer Gulf immediately south of the gulf’s head and about 322 kilometres north of the state capital, Adelaide. It is often called the “Crossroads of Australia” since it is at the intersection of the main north-south route between Adelaide and Darwin, and the east-west route between Sydney and Perth.
Coober Pedy is a small town about halfway between Adelaide and Alice Springs. The town is sometimes referred to as the “opal capital of the world” because of the quantity of precious opals that are mined there. It is also renowned for its below-ground dwellings, called “dugouts”, which are built in this fashion due to the scorching daytime heat. It features a sun-baked lunar landscape, fascinating history and a unique way of life. Descend beneath the ground and discover a labyrinth of underground houses, hotels and even shops.
Kata Tjuṯa, also known as the Olgas, is a group of large, domed rock formations or bornhardts located about 360 km southwest of Alice Springs, in the southern part of the Northern Territory. Meaning ‘many heads’, Kata Tjuta is sacred to the local Aboriginal Anangu people, who have inhabited the area for more than 22,000 years. It forms an important focus of their spiritual life. As a visitor you can join a cultural tour to learn some of the region’s sacred history and Dreamtime stories.
Uluru–Kata Tjuta National Park is Aboriginal land and jointly managed by its Anangu traditional owners and Parks Australia. The park is recognised by UNESCO as a World Heritage Area for both its natural and cultural values.
Watarrka National Park is only three hours’ drive from Uluru, and is home to the mighty Kings Canyon – a majestic destination featuring 300 metre high sandstone walls, palm-filled crevices, and views that stretch across the desert. Feel on top of the world as you walk along the towering red rock cliffs of Kings Canyon and take in views of the forest of palms below. There is an iconic Kings Canyon Rim Walk. The six-kilometre circuit showcases some iconic landmarks like the Garden of Eden, a beautiful rockhole surrounded by rare plants, before ascending to 360 degree panoramic views over the red sand dunes – however can be a challenging walk and is best done in the morning at sunrise to avoid the heat.
Alice Springs is a remote town in Australia’s Northern Territory, halfway between Darwin and Adelaide, it’s a popular gateway for exploring the Red Centre, the country’s interior desert region. Known to the locals as “Alice”, this town embodies the quintessential Australian spirit, from the ancient desert it sits upon to the Aboriginal culture that is woven into the very fabric of life here. In the town itself, you’ll find an impressive array of outback activities from camel rides to sunrise hot air balloons. But escaping to nature isn’t difficult either. With an array of epic day trips accessible at your fingertips, you can float in freshwater swimming holes, explore the awe-inspiring Kings Canyon or marvel at the magnificent monolith, Uluru.
Tennant Creek is a town located in the Northern Territory of Australia. It is the seventh largest town in the Northern Territory, and is located on the Stuart Highway. Tennant Creek, a friendly hamlet on the main artery between Alice Springs and Darwin, where you can discover a rich history shaped by gold mining, Aboriginal culture and the NT’s original cattle kings. Australia’s last gold rush took place right here in the 1930s, earning the town its title of ‘the Territory’s heart of gold’.
Katherine is a town in the Northern Territory of Australia. It is situated on the Katherine River, after which it is named, 320 kilometres southeast of Darwin. This is where the Outback meets the tropics and you can discover a region full of gorges and misty waterfalls, thermal springs and ancient cultures. Nature comes alive at Katherine Gorge you can cruise, canoe or fly along the Gorge by helicopter.
Darwin is the capital of Australia’s Northern Territory Darwin and is a coastal city, situated along the western shoreline of the Northern Territory. The water meets the land from the Beagle Gulf, which extends out into the Timor Sea. Darwin’s proximity to Southeast Asia makes the city’s location a key link between Australia and countries such as Indonesia and East Timor. This tends gives it a diverse range of dining and cultural influences. It’s also a gateway to massive Kakadu National Park. Its popular waterfront area has several beaches and green areas like Bicentennial Park. Also near the water is the Museum and Art Gallery of the Northern Territory, displaying Southeast Asian and Pacific art, plus a pearling lugger and other seafaring vessels.
Only a 60-minute drive south of Darwin, Litchfield National Park is possibly the Northern Territory’s best kept secret. The park is filled with stunning waterfalls and waterholes that are surrounded by monsoonal vine forests – all of which offer a cool respite on warm summer days. A drive through Litchfield is full of contrasts and some of the most enormous termite mounds in the Top End it features misty waterfalls nestled among dramatic landscapes.
Cradled by ancient mountain ranges on the edge of the desert, Wilpena Pound is the crowning jewel of the Flinders Ranges. Also known by its Adnyamathanha name of Ikara, meaning meeting place. The ancient peeks of 800-million-year-old Wilpena Pound rise up to form a huge natural amphitheatre. The interior of The Pound is 11 kilometres long by 8 kilometres wide, hemmed in by a series of peaks, the largest of which, St Mary’s, is 1171m in height.
You don’t have to travel far from Adelaide to be surrounded by vines. In fact, just 1.5 hours north lies the Clare Valley, and therein one of Australia’s most awarded wineries. Knappstein Enterprise Winery’s roots reach back to 1878, which yields extremely tasty drops, as you’ll discover at the cellar door. Built on a rich heritage, it is one of the most recognisable and popular Clare Valley wineries. Located in an historic building, the Cellar Door is a must-see when you visit Clare. The original nineteenth century Enterprise Brewery is a National Trust building and a landmark of the Clare township. Wander inside and enjoy a tasting of their premium range of wines. Knappstein’s medal winning wines reflect the true nature of the region, showcasing quality fruit at its purest and most vibrant.
Hawker, home of the Jeff Morgan Gallery where you’ll get to meet Jeff and experience his spectacular 30 metre panoramic painting of the Flinders Ranges. You won’t forget your experience at the Jeff Morgan Gallery. Housed across several large enclosures are Jeff’s huge displays that transport you to a different and place. They include painted panoramas, rock collections, model cars and memorabilia.
The iconic hike to the top of Kings Canyon is known as the spellbinding Rim Walk. The Rim Walk will take you on a 6 kilometre circuit transcending down into the Garden of Eden and back to the top to wonder at the 360 views. Depending on what pace you take to absorb the humbling scenery, the walk can take around 3-4 hours.
The start of the walk is the most difficult, with around 500 steep steps to climb. Once you are up there it will be one of the most magical experiences of your life. After you take in the views from the top of the stairs, continue your journey through Priscilla’s Crack made famous by the classic Australian movie Priscilla Queen of the Desert and to the first lookout across the canyon. From there you will see the marvelous sandstone domes (a mini-Purnululu) known as the Lost City due to it resembling an ancient city.
Next up is your choice to continue exploring the top or take the stairs down to the picturesque Garden of Eden filled with lush greenery where you can cross a secured bridge over the sacred watering hole. Once you have captured this iconic moment take the stairs back up to the south side of the canyon.
This 6km hike requires a high level of fitness so it’s not suitable for all travellers. The first 30-minute incline is considered “Difficult”. The Tour Director will offer an easier alternative along the creek walk for those that are unable.
The Royal Flying Doctor Service Tourist Facility is an exciting attraction in Darwin that brings to life two iconic Australian stories. Both iconic stories are retold using state of the art technology. Enjoy Virtual Reality headsets, hologram movies, audio-visuals and touch screen TVs as well as the fascinating story boards.
The first story is the Royal Flying Doctor Service, affectionately known as the RFDS. Founded in 1928 by Reverend John Flynn, it began its aero-medical operations in the Northern Territory in 1939. The second story is the Bombing of Darwin on 19th February 1942. The bombing raids by the Japanese, brought destruction to the city of Darwin and many of the events that happened that day are featured.
Trawl along Katherine River through Nitmuluk National Park and take in the dramatic scenery as you move deeper into the stunning Katherine Gorge. With its abundant waterways, including rivers, gorges, pools and waterfalls, this region is where the outback meets the tropics. For fabulous views of remote and dramatic scenery, a boat journey is a must on your Northern Territory itinerary. Take this relaxing cruise at Nitmiluk (Katherine) Gorge where you’ll really feel the spirituality of the land and marvel at the gorges while you spot wildlife and learn about the history and culture of the local Traditional Owners, the Jawoyn people.
Travel deep into Kakadu for a cruise on the famous Yellow Water Billabong. You should see a stunning variety of birdlife such as sea eagles, brolgas and with any luck, fascinating little kingfishers. You’ll also see feared estuarine crocodiles basking in the muddy shallows.
About one third of Australia’s bird species are represented in Kakadu National Park, with at least 60 species found in the wetlands. Whistling Ducks and Magpie Geese are the most abundant. Eagles can be seen hovering searching for prey. And at times you will see distinctive Jabirus and may even get to see Brolgas dancing.
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