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Outback Safari

4.4/5 Based on 5 Reviews No Booking FeesDedicated Travel Advisor
Fully Guided Coach Group Scenic
Our Price From 6,088 Per Person
Exclusive Savings 1,147 Per Person
 Trip Length
11 Days
 Trip Starts
Uluru
 Trip Finishes
Darwin
11 Day Outback Safari Itinerary (AAT Kings)
Countries Explored: Australia
Trip Style
First Choice
Departures
Accommodation
4 - 4.5 Star
Max. Group Size
49
Guide Level
Fully Guided
Trip Code
NUAD

Overview

Read 5 reviews and enjoy exclusive savings on AAT Kings 11 Day Outback Safari. World Heritage Sites like Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park are just the entrée to this deep dive into the Northern Territory. Main course includes Nitmiluk (Katherine) Gorge tours, Kings Canyon hikes, Earth Sanctuary stargazing, sunrise at Uluru, a Yellow Water Billabong cruise… and eating a lot of good food. Wherever you venture, Aboriginal Songlines are strong, permitting you the privilege to glimpse millennia-old rock art, meet Elders, go-to-the-artistic source and sample bush ...read moretucker.

Itinerary

Today is one of colours. The ochre soil spiked with cycads as your plane comes into land. The endless blue sky, from horizon to infinity. The russet hues of Uluru, that ‘Rock' that appears on just about every Australian postcard… And that's all before enchanting hour. Come sunset, the landscape changes with every click of your camera. If you can stop snapping, have a glass of bubbles and some nibbles with your fellow adventurers. They'll be besties by the time this trip is over. Or maybe even by this time tomorrow… Stay: Desert Gardens Hotel (2 Nights)

If you're looking for a reason to roll out of bed before dawn, make it an Uluru sunrise. We're not saying it's better, than last night's sunset. But being up with the birds certainly has its benefits. Like being cool when you circumnavigate the base of Uluru, the world's biggest monolith. A circumnavigation is 11 kilometres (that's your step-count sorted for the day) if you're up for it. Or join a shorter guided walk to Mutitjulu Waterhole, a sacred spot decorated with millennia-old Aboriginal rock paintings.

Dive even deeper into First Nations traditions at the Uluru-Kata Tjuta Cultural Centre - you won't be able to resist a purchase, opening your wallet sweetened by the fact that you're supporting local Aboriginal communities. Then wander through Kata Tjuta's Jurassic domed rock formations into Walpa Gorge, a natural creek that carves its way between the two tallest Kata Tjuta domes. More bubbles to serenade the day's end? We're one step ahead of you… (B)

The only other reason to get up before dawn is to glimpse the Uluru Field of Light, a dazzling installation by British artist Bruce Munro that sees 50,000 stem-like globes blanket the Uluru soil. It's optional - we won't judge you for sleeping in, steeling yourself for today's adventures. But if you've come this far, it would be a shame to opt for shut-eye over eye-popping.

Speaking of which, did you know Australia has the largest population of wild camels in the world, and Kings Creek Station, your next stop at lunchtime, is the largest exporter of these doe-eyed creatures? Next stop is Kings Canyon, part of the immense Watarrka National Park. Walk off those carbs and enjoy perspective-resetting views over the Red Centre. (B/D) Stay: Kings Canyon Resort

Cattle stations are the size of small nations in the Northern Territory outback, as you'll discover on your journey toward Alice Springs. The other ‘big' thing in these parts is the MacDonnell Ranges, the stark mountain massif undulating across the red earth like a jagged dinosaur's (or perhaps serpent's?) spine. Back in 1872, Alice Springs was a hive of activity, as a Telegraph Station - one of 12 - was built here to connect Adelaide and Darwin as part of the Overland Telegraph Line.

Sweat and tears went into the gargantuan, country-spanning project, as you'll discover browsing the grounds now an intimate museum. If you thought you were getting out of a sunset, think again - panoramas from Alice's Anzac Hill steal the scene. Are you keeping count? (B) Stay: Doubletree by Hilton Alice Springs (2 Nights)

In remote parts of Australia, community is everything, whether to ensure stories of the Arrernte people are not forgotten (you'll learn all about them today), or to help those who, well, need urgent help. The passionate Royal Flying Doctor Service health workers commute hundreds of kilometres every day to provide aid to those living in far-flung corners of Australia. Their stories are at once uplifting and inspiring.

End your day on a high at Earth Sanctuary World Nature Centre, where the Falzon family host a BBQ Be My Guest dinner under the stars. This is a lesson in off-the-grid, sustainable living, with a little boomerang throwing on the side. Let it inspire you to follow suit back at home. (B/D)

The whole of Peru covers 1.3 million square kilometers - the same size playing field that the School of the Air broadcasts daily classes to. Watch a live session with kids in some of Australia's most remote reaches, providing them with educational tools that would otherwise be unavailable. What's not on the curriculum? Aliens, probably, although you will learn all about them passing through Wycliffe Well, known as Australia's ‘UFO capital'. We can understand why they would want to call this pocket of the country home.

It's beautiful in a hypnotically mesmerising way. Undeniably otherworldly are the precariously balanced boulders that characterize Karlu Karlu (the Devils Marbles) and the landscapes surrounding gold-rich Tennant Creek. (B/D) Stay: Bluestone Motor Inn

When you're not working hard in the Australian outback, you're having a lot of fun. Case in point the Daly Waters Historic Pub, where the food - schnitzels, burgers - comes second to the atmosphere. Follow the lead of those here before you and leave a memento to add interest the walls; since the 1980s, visitors have been redecorating with everything from bras to boots.

If you were a fan of 1982 Australian TV drama We of the Never Never - an autobiographical film about Jeannie Gunn's life in the outback - you'll recognise your next destination without pause: the (replica) Elsey Homestead in Mataranka. Explore the grounds, or soak in the palm-shrouded thermal springs. We know what we're doing… (B/D) Stay: Contour Hotel Katherine

Cruising around Nitmiluk (Katherine) Gorge in the morning is a humbling experience. You can almost feel the giants yawning as they created this landscape on Jawoyn land, part of Nitmiluk National Park. A sprinkling of crocs, a flutter of rare birds, the ripple of the lagoon. It takes your breath away.

More wildlife lurks in Kakadu's Yellow Water Billabong, which is a mecca for sea eagles, brolgas and little kingfishers - and yet more crocs in the muddy shallows. This Kakadu tour and Yellow Water cruise will max out your camera's memory card, so be prepared and come with a spare. (B/D) Stay: Mercure Kakadu Crocodile Hotel

The best way to grasp the immensity of Kakadu and Arnhem Land? From the air, should you wish to take an optional tour. You won't regret it - perspective is always enlightening. Speaking of which, Ubirr's Aboriginal rock art dates back an eye-watering 20,000+ years. Your guide knows all the stories behind the murals you see, revealing Aboriginal Dreamtime stories passed down through generations. If this part of the Northern Territory looks familiar, that's because it starred in classic Aussie rom-com, Crocodile Dundee. This part of Australia was clearly made for film-sets.

Get your Darwin bearings on a quick city tour, then explore at your leisure - we want to give you as much time as possible to enjoy dinner at the Mindil Beach Sunset Market. (B) Stay: Garden Inn Darwin (2 Nights)

Think of today as dessert, one that comes with a cherry on top - the sweet finale to a decadent 10-day degustation. Travel deep into Litchfield National Park, pocked with 100-year-old, two-metre-high magnetic termite mounts. We're not sticking around though - Florence and Wangi falls await. Change into your swimming costume and take a dip in the gem-like waterholes for cool respite. Darwin can get steamy, but you'll have wind in your sails as you cruise the harbour at sunset, enjoying one last toast to the NT. Cheers to that! (B/D)

‘Ma Muk' (‘See you later'), as the Larrakia people would say. This Dreamtime adventure is over for now, but we're positive your memories will last forever. (B)

Trip Inclusions

  • Aside from being jam-packed with fish, Kakadu's Yellow Water Billabong boasts dramatic scenery. Cruise with a local guide – they know where the crocs hang out.
  • Many Aussie kids live in such remote realms that they would have no access to education if it weren't for the School of the Air. Watch a live class.
  • Thirsty visitors have been leaving mementos on the walls of the Daly Waters Pub for 40+ years. Over a beer think about what you can contribute.
  • Sleep soundly at Ayers Rock Resort knowing your stay is helping the Mutitjulu Foundation fund projects in health and education for Uluru's Aboriginal communities.

  • 16 meals included (10 Full Buffet Breakfasts, 6 Dinners with wine including Be My Guest & Farewell Dinner)
  • Specialist team of two- highly experienced Travel Director and Driver that are accredited with Uluru & Kakadu National Parks
  • Be My Guest Dinner Experience with the Falzon Family at Earth Sanctuary
  • Centrally located premium hotels

  • 10 Full Breakfasts
  • 6 Dinners with Wine

  • Sunglasses, sunscreen and hat
  • Water bottle
  • Warm layers in cooler months
  • Camera
  • Comfortable walking shoes

  • Day 1: Flights to arrive by 3:00pm into Uluru Airport
  • Day 11: Flights to depart any time from Darwin Airport

  • Kakadu – Nadab Lookout - Medium Level of Fitness Required. The climb to the top of Nadab Lookout at Ubirr in Kakadu National Park will not be suitable for all guests. To get to the lookout guests are required to scale up uneven rocky paths and steps to get to the lookout. There is an alternate route on a fairly flat gravel path for those unable climb to the top so they will not miss out on Rock Art.
  • Kings Canyon Rim Walk - High level of fitness required. This 6km hike will not be suitable for all guests. The first 30-minute incline is considered “Difficult”. The Tour Director will offer guest an easier alternative along the creek walk for those that are unable.

  • Accommodation, itinerary and inclusions subject to change.
  • Prices are for land/cruise and internal flights as specified only. Flights not specified are not included.
  • 29 July 2023 - Due to lack of availability, this departure has the following accommodation changes: Alice Springs has been moved from Alice Springs to Mercure Alice Springs. Darwin has also been moved from Garden Inn Darwin to Rydges Darwin Central.

Trip Reviews (5) Most Recent 'Outback Safari' Reviews

4.4
AVG. RATING 4.4 / 5
5 Reviews
5 Star
60%
4 Star
20%
3 Star
20%
2 Star
1 Star
AAT Kings Outback Safari   0 , VIC, Australia, May 2021
I thoroughly enjoyed the tour. Probably the only positive thing out of Covid and the fact that I couldn’t travel overseas. It’s quite a full on itinerary but that’s understandable and a couple of long days on the road but that can’t be helped because of the distance that needed to be travelled.

Overall the accommodation was very good except for ...read more a couple of a small motels in the smaller towns but I accept that there were no other options in said towns. They were clean and had everything in them. Would highly recommend the Uluru Field of Lights and Kakadu flight optional tours.
Safari worry free holiday 1 , New Zealand, Jul 2017
Highlights was walking around Uluru and also climbing King Canyon. The tour was well organised and Pete the tour driver was very very informative.
Had a wonderful time on our journey 0 , VIC, Australia, Aug 2015
We had a wonderful time on our journey through Central Australia. Our tour director, Dave Overton was excellent - very professional and knowledgeable. The information he imparted to us regarding the aboriginal culture and history of the specific sites and local areas was very impressive. He was always willing to answer any questions and was able ...read more to offer assistance and guidance to anyone who had specific needs. Our driver Stuart needs to be commended for his wonderful driving skills, especially on the very long drives. Both Dave and Stuart worked very well as a team. The tour covered all the main sites and attractions that Central Australia is renowned for and although it was fairly strenuous, it was what we expected. The accommodation could not be faulted except for the motel at Tennant Creek. This was definitely below par however, there appears to be renovation work being done at present, so hopefully future tours will reap the benefits of this. The meals were very good and Dave always had the right cafes, roadside stops and suggestions for food specialities etc. on offer. Loved the mango smoothies at Maceys and the barra burgers at Daly Waters Pub!!! We would thoroughly recommend this tour, however, travellers should be prepared to be on the go. There is quite a lot of walking involved but everyone is given the option of doing strenuous or leisurely walking. We have returned home for a rest!
This tour was very very very good 1 , Australia, Sep 2012
Early September was an excellent time to travel before the wet season starts and the higher temperatures and humidity start to become uncomfortable. Our tour Guide from AAT Kings, Gillian was extremely knowledgeable and able to answer any question. She also went out of her way to help anyone that needed assistance. The itinerary ran smoothly and to ...read more plan. The timing for this tour was also excellent as it was not too hot for the climbing & walking that was required to fully enjoy the different landscapes. Our coach driver Ralph was a very safe and cautious driver. We will definitely be booking our next holiday with Global Journeys. We will be recommending Global Journeys to all our friends.
Do it in September, as the weather was perfect 1 , Australia, Sep 2010
Everything about this trip was terrific. Our tour director Gail Richards was very knowledgable, efficient & a lot of fun. Paul the bus driver likewise. The bus was always clean. Accommodation along the trip was excellent until we arrived in Darwin & stayed at the Mantra Pandanus. The front desk staff were far from helpful, bordering on rude at times. ...read more All the organised exursions ran smoothly. I will be recommending this trip to any of my friends who ask. I would encourage them to do it in September, as the weather was perfect. A wonderful experience for us. Thanks.
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A definite departure means minimum numbers have been reached for this departure to operate. Your Global Journeys Travel Advisor will check the availability of your departure date when you enquire. Additional savings may apply. We guarantee the lowest price in Australia. T&C’s apply.
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Tour & cruises prices are per person. Prices shown have savings applied, are subject to availability and may be withdrawn at any time without notice. Prices and trip information are correct at the time at this point in time, however are subject to confirmation at the time of booking and are subject to change by AAT Kings. For cruise itineraries, cabin images are sourced from AAT Kings. These should be treated as indicative only. Cabin inclusions, upholsteries and room layout may differ to the image(s) shown depending on the ship selected and your sailing dates.

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