Territory Tracks

When you arrive at Ayers Rock Airport, make your way to the front of the airport terminal for a complimentary transfer to your hotel. This afternoon visit Uluru Kata Tjuta National Park for an afternoon of discovery. Visit the Cultural Centre where you'll have time to explore the galleries and you may be lucky enough to see local Aboriginal Artists at work. Travel to the base of Uluru where you'll be amazed as your local guide shares the Aboriginal Tjukurpa (creation) stories that breathe life into this giant formation.

Feel the spirit of the land as your guide takes you on a walk to Mutitjulu Waterhole, interpreting the meaning of the ancient Rock Art and sacred sites you'll see along the way. With plenty of time, travel to the Uluru Sunset Viewing Area where you can relax with a sparkling wine or two while you enjoy a famous Uluru sunset. Witness the incredible changing colours as the sun sets below the horizon. You'll arrive back at Ayers Rock Resort 30 minutes after sunset. Stay: Desert Gardens Hotel

Rise early this morning to travel to Talinguru Nyakunytjaku, the Uluru Sunrise Viewing Area. Watch the first rays of sun light up the desert while enjoying a warming cup of tea or coffee. After sunrise travel to the mystical 36 domes of Kata Tjuta. On the way, enjoy panoramic views of the southern side of Kata Tjuta at a dune viewing platform before arriving at Walpa Gorge. Spend some time exploring the gorge and the unusual conglomerate rock formations. The 1.3km walking trail through Walpa Gorge follows the natural creek between two of the tallest domes of Kata Tjuta.

This afternoon sit back and relax as you travel through spectacular desert scenery from Ayers Rock Resort to Alice Springs. Pass through Curtin Springs cattle station and see Atila (Mt. Conner). Stop at Erldunda, a roadhouse located at the junction of the Stuart Highway and Lasseter Highway, where you can purchase afternoon tea. Stay: Crowne Plaza Alice Springs Lasseters

This morning is free for you to explore Alice Springs. This outback town is home to many unique institutions such as the Royal Flying Doctor Service, the School of the Air and the Telegraph Station. This afternoon, board The Ghan bound for Darwin. On departure from Alice Springs Terminal, it is time to enjoy modern Australian cuisine and regional fine wines onboard. And of course, there's time to socialise with your fellow traveller before retiring to your comfortable private cabin for the night. (D) Stay: The Ghan Gold Service, Overnight Train

The pristine wilderness of Katherine is stirring and powerful, and you'll have the chance to explore it from the water or land with your choice of off train experiences. Cruise the jaw dropping Nitmiluk Gorge, learn more about its ancient Indigenous rock paintings and gain insight into the culture of the traditional owners of Nitmiluk, the Jawoyn people; or discover a slice of authentic outback life on a cattle station. Once back on board, share lunch and laughter with new and old friends as the train makes its way through lush, green tropics to arrive at the terminal in Darwin in the early evening. (B/L) Stay: Travelodge Darwin Resort

Depart Darwin and travel along the Arnhem Highway, their major river systems and wetlands, into Kakadu National Park. Located 257 kilometres east of Darwin, this national park covers 20,000 square kilometres of landscape from rocky escarpment home to historic Aboriginal rock art dating back thousands of years, to floodplains abundant with wildlife. Visit the Warradjan Cultural Centre to view the informative displays depicting the traditions of the Aboriginal people in Kakadu. Join your local guide on a cruise of Yellow Water Billabong. Search for saltwater crocodiles and the colourful range of birdlife for which this region is renowned.

After lunch, stop at Nourlangie, where your Driver Guide will lead you on a walk to view the rock art galleries. There is the opportunity for an optional 50-minute scenic flight (own expense). (L) Stay: Mercure Kakadu Crocodile Hotel

This morning join your Driver Guide to explore the World Heritage Area of Ubirr, where you'll climb up through the ancient Aboriginal rock art galleries, believed to be 20,000 years old, to the lookout for a view over the surrounding wetlands. Join the Guluyambi Cruise on the East Alligator River. An Aboriginal guide will provide an insight into their culture, including local mythology, the river's abundant food chain, as well as bush survival skills. With special permission of the local people, you are able to go ashore in Arnhem Land. Visit the Marrawuddi Art Gallery before returning to Darwin, where your short break concludes. (L) Stay: Travelodge Darwin Resort

Your Short Break concludes this morning in Darwin. (Airport transfer is an additional cost.) Note: From November to May access to Ubirr and East Alligator River is not always possible. Alternative touring will be arranged on Day 6.