Northern Territory Explorer

Get to know the steamy NT capital at your own pace – you'll fast find that the characters here are almost as colourful as the sunsets. You'll enjoy the latter over drinks and dinner with your Driver Guide and fellow adventure-seekers. A tasty entrée to your 11-day Northern Territory tour from Darwin. (D) Stay: Vibe Hotel Darwin Waterfront

Today is about getting your Darwin bearings on a city tour revealing the events that have shaped the city over the decades, from wars to natural disasters. You'll be a Darwin expert after visiting attractions like East Point Military Reserve and the MAGNT (Museum and Art Gallery Northern Territory).

The afternoon is at your leisure. If you're at a loss for ideas, we can point you in the direction of the Royal Flying Doctor Service Tourist Facility, perhaps, or the Mindil Beach Sunset Market, loaded with 200+ stalls. Grab a bite and watch the day end with your feet in the sand. (B)

Aboriginal culture is strong in this part of Australia, and its kept alive by Traditional Landowners on this morning's tour. 100% Aboriginal owned and operated family business, Pudakul offers cultural and nature-based cultural experiences from the Adelaide River Flood Plains on Aboriginal owned land Limilngan-Wulna. On this MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience, dive deep into First Nations heritage, highlighting art, music and bush tucker.

Your next deep dive is into the heart of Kakadu, a World Heritage listed national park that is one of Australia's most important living ecosystems. (B) Stay: Mercure Kakadu Crocodile Hotel

Kakadu is vast, spanning almost 20,000 square kilometres. The best way to gain appreciation for just how immense it really is from the air on a highly recommended morning flight (own expense). Now that you have your bearings, take to the land to discover ancient Aboriginal rock art and cruise the wildlife-packed Yellow Water Billabong to search for enormous saltwater crocs, a MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience – your eagle-eyed local cruise guide knows where to look. (B/D)

From one glorious national park to another - today's backdrop is the escarpments of Nitmiluk National Park, carved out over millions of years. Cruising through Nitmiluk (Katherine) Gorge is a humbling experience even before you know the region's history.  Hear the ancient story of the cicada, embodying the spiritual connection between the Jawoyn people and their land on this MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience. (B) Stay: Knotts Crossing Resort

If the Elsey Homestead looks familiar, that's because it starred in the 1982 Aussie drama We of the Never Never. Today it's better known for its Mataranka thermal hot springs. Pop on your swimsuit and have a soothing soak, the magical setting surrounded by palms.

The only thing more refreshing is a cold beverage at the Daly Waters Pub, self-declared as Australia's ‘original outback pub'. You can imagine the kind of swagger the locals bring. Visitors are encouraged to leave their mark as well; a memento, perhaps, something of their own. You'll arrive in Tennant Creek with a new appreciation for country life. (B/D) Stay: Bluestone Motor Inn

The Stuart Highway is long (2,700 kilometres), very straight and very flat. Which makes the appearance of Karlu Karlu (Devils Marbles) on the horizon all the more dramatic. These granite boulders pock the countryside. But they're not just a pretty sight – they're a sacred place for the Aboriginal community reflecting cultural beliefs and serving as a sacred site for ceremonies and storytelling.

Get the lay of the land atop Alice Springs' Anzac Hill. From this vantage, the East and West MacDonnell Ranges appear to stretch to the horizon. (B) Stay: DoubleTree by Hilton Alice Springs

Begin your day with a relaxed breakfast at your hotel before heading out to explore. Your first stop is the Alice Springs School of the Air, where you'll learn about this unique educational service for children in remote areas. Next, visit the Alice Springs Telegraph Station, a fascinating historical site that marks the town's origins as a vital communication hub in the 19th century.

After some free time for lunch, venture into the stunning West MacDonnell Ranges. Discover the striking beauty of Standley Chasm, with its towering red rock walls, and enjoy the peaceful charm of Simpsons Gap, a haven for wildlife and ancient rock formations. (B)

From the moment you leave Alice Springs, the journey to Uluru immerses you in the stunning landscapes and spiritual essence of Aboriginal culture.

Upon arrival, set out on a guided Uluru Base Tour, where you'll be captivated by ancient stories of its creation and the significance of the world's largest monolith. Early evening, experience the magic of Uluru at sunset, when the fading rays paint the desert in ever-changing hues. Sip sparkling wine with light refreshments, and let the breathtaking view leave you in awe.

For an unforgettable finish, choose to extend your evening under a canopy of stars with an exclusive Barbecue Dinner, the only one of its kind in the heart of Uluṟu-Kata Tjuṯa National Park (own expense). (B) Stay: Outback Hotel & Lodge

The day is yours to spend as you choose. Perhaps take a refreshing dip in the resort pool, join some of the free resort activities, such as guided garden walks, Indigenous bush food demonstrations, or interactive didgeridoo sessions, or visit the Gallery of Central Australia (GOCA) to admire its impressive collection of Indigenous art and learn about the rich cultural heritage of the region. For a truly unforgettable perspective, consider an optional scenic fixed-wing flight or a helicopter flight over Uluru (both own expense).

Whether you opt for relaxation or adventure, cap off the day by sharing your stories and memories during dinner this evening. (B/D)

Another reason to rise early: to catch the Field of Light art installation by artist Bruce Munro that blankets the desert floor (own expense). Your spirit will glow just as brightly as you bid farewell to this epic Northern Territory tour. (B)