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Central Australian Discovery

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Central Australian Discovery
Central Australian Discovery
Central Australian Discovery
Fully Guided Adventure Small Group 4WD Scenic
Our Price From
US$7,051
Save up To $444
Twin Share (Per Person)
 Trip Length
16 Days
 Trip Starts
Darwin
 Trip Finishes
Adelaide
16 Day Central Australian Discovery Itinerary (APT)
Countries Explored: Australia
Trip Operator
Trip Style
4WD Adventure
Departures
Accommodation
4 - 4.5 Star
Max. Group Size
22
Guide Level
Fully Guided
Trip Code
GODA16

Overview

Book online and enjoy exclusive savings on APT's 16 Day Central Australian Discovery. Discover Central Australia’s ancient and sublime sights on this 16-day adventure from Darwin to Adelaide. Cut through the heart of the nation, stopping at iconic outback destinations including Flinders Ranges National Park, Coober Pedy and Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park for a once-in-a-lifetime experience.

Itinerary

Be met on arrival in Darwin and transfer to your hotel. Enjoy the afternoon at leisure before a special Signature Experience welcome dinner. Stay: Vibe Darwin (D)

Signature Experience - Darwin Sunset Dinner Cruise Set off at across the city's harbour aboard the Spirit of Darwin, admiring a spectacular sunset while feasting on a delicious buffet dinner.

Head towards the remote township of Katherine and enjoy a Signature Experience. Later, discover the music, stories and ways of the local Jawoyn people. Stay: Contour Hotel Katherine (B/L/D)

Signature Experience - Nitmiluk Gorge Cruise Board a cruise through Nitmiluk (Katherine) Gorge and marvel at the winding network of gorges carved from centuries-old sandstone. Keep an eye out for freshwater crocodiles and birdlife along the way.

Today, travel to Lorella Springs Wilderness Park, a one million-acre working castle station that stretches all the way to the Gulf of Carpentaria. Stay Two Nights: Lorella Springs Wilderness Park (B/L/D)

Today, we will explore this coastal wilderness sanctuary, driving through a variety of landscapes and a scenic flight. This 4000-square-kilometre park contains coastal floodplains, salt flats and mangroves, escarpment country and dense forest. Enjoy the remainder of the day exploring the wilderness park at your own pace. (B/L/D)

Signature Experience - Lost City Scenic Flight Board a scenic flight over the Lost City, a series of large sandstone outcrops that evokes the remains of an ancient civilisation.

Leave the oasis of Lorella Springs to journey along Nathan River Road towards Ryan's Bend. Along the way, take a break to savour a leisurely lunch at the iconic Heartbreak Hotel. Afterwards, continue your route to Barkly Homestead, your evening destination. Stay: Barkly Homestead (B/L/D)

Venture to Alice Springs via Tennant Creek. Along the way, stop at Karlu Karlu (Devils Marbles). A living cultural landscape, nearly the entire reserve is a registered sacred site. Stay Two Nights: Crowne Plaza, Alice Springs (B/L/D)

Explore Simpsons Gap, which pierces the West MacDonnell Ranges. This sacred area is an important spiritual site to the Arrarnta Indigenous people, where several Dreamtime stories have said to take place. Continue to the West MacDonnell Ranges National Park, whose landscapes played a significant role in the stories of Western Arrernte Indigenous culture. At Angkerle (Standley Chasm), follow a creek where spring-fed pools attract a variety of unique birdlife. Afterwards, visit Ormiston Gorge, home to a variety of unique species. Later, take the afternoon to unwind. (B/L/D)

Signature Experience - Outback Bush Barbecue Delight in an evening of exceptional entertainment and outback dining, set against the dramatic backdrop of the remote East MacDonnell Ranges. Savour a gourmet two-course bush barbecue paired with premium beverages, as a talented bush balladeer brings Australia's rich heritage to life through timeless song.

Travel to Hermannsberg and visit the Hermannsburg School of Modern Art, where you can view authentic art pieces. Afterwards, travel to Gosses Bluff crater, before heading off-road along the Mereenie Loop Road. Take in the outback scenes as you travel to Kings Canyon. Stay: Kings Canyon Resort (B/L/D)

Signature Experience - Kings Canyon Light-Towers Experience the Light-Towers at Discovery Resorts - Kings Canyon, a captivating sound and light exhibit created by renowned British artist Bruce Munro. Known worldwide for his Field of Light installation at Uluru, Munro's latest creation is now illuminating Kings Canyon.

Journey into the heart of Watarrka National Park today, where unspoiled bush and red rock canyons create an amazing experience. The Luritja people have called Watarrka National Park home for more than 20,000 years. After lunch, head inside Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park. Visit Kata Tjuta (the Olgas), consisting of 36 domes that form deep valleys and steep-sided gorges. Explore Walpa Gorge before arriving at Ayers Rock Resort. Stay Two Nights: Uluru, Sails in the Desert (B/L/D)

Signature Experience - Kings Canyon Rim Walk Embark on the Kings Canyon Rim Walk. On this challenging hike, venture around the rim of the canyon's incredible sandstone walls, then after reaching the lookout, marvel at the canyon itself. About halfway along is the Garden of Eden, featuring a waterhole and riverine vegetation.

At sunrise, embark on a base tour of Uluru, learning stories from the Dreamtime while you explore this icon. (B/L/D)

Signature Experience - Sound of Silence Dinner This evening, experience ‘A Night at Field of Light'. Indulge in a Sounds of Silence dinner under the stars. Savour a glass of sparkling before helping yourself to a ‘bush tucker' inspired budget accompanied by the music of a didgeridoo. At the same time, immerse yourself in the spectacular Field of Light art installation.

Cross into South Australia and arrive in the outback town of Coober Pedy. Visit the Umoona Opal Mine, where you'll get an insight into Indigenous and European settlement in the area, as well as learning about how opals are mined. Stay: Coober Pedy, Desert Cave Hotel (B/L/D)

Today you will journey along the Oodnadatta Track, pausing at William Creek for lunch. Perhaps board a scenic flight over the awe-inspiring Kati Thanda - Lake Eyre. Take to the skies and gain a true appreciation of this natural wonder from above (own expense). Afterwards, drive to the edge of Kati Thanda - Lake Eyre and lookout over the seemingly endless salt flats. Later, arrive at the small town of Marree. Stay: Marree Hotel (B/L/D)

Signature Experience - Travel the Oodnadatta Track Embark on an unforgettable journey along the legendary Oodnadatta Track, where every turn reveals a new chapter of Australia's rich history and stunning landscapes. Traverse rugged terrain and ancient pathways, immersing yourself in the heart of the Outback's rugged beauty.

On the way to Ikara-Flinders Ranges National Park, stop for lunch at Parachilna's famous Prairie Hotel. Arrive at the national park, which is a cultural site renowned for its 800-million-year-old landscapes. Explore Wilpena Pound, cradled within a natural amphitheatre of mountains. Continue to your accommodation, set amongst river red gums and native pines. Stay Two Nights: Wilpena Pound Resort (B/L/D)

A full day has been set aside for you to explore Ikara-Flinders Ranges National Park in more depth. Visit Brachina Gorge and keep an eye out for the endangered yellow-footed rock-wallaby as you traverse the gorge's ancient layers. Spend the afternoon at leisure, or perhaps take an optional scenic flight over Wilpena Pound (own expense). (B/L/D)

Farewell Ikara-Flinders Ranges National Park as you make your way through the wine-growing district of the Clare Valley. Arrive in Adelaide and toast the end of your journey during a farewell dinner. Stay: Adelaide, The Playford Hotel (B/L/D)

Signature Experience - Dine at the Watervale Hotel Visit the highly acclaimed Watervale Hotel for a delightful meal featuring local produce from their organic, bio-dynamic farm in the Clare Valley.

After breakfast, farewell your new-found friends and be transferred to the airport for your onward flight. (B)

Trip Inclusions

  • Lost City Scenic Flight: Board a scenic flight over the Lost City, a series of large sandstone outcrops that evokes the remains of an ancient civilisation.
  • Sounds of Silence Dinner: Indulge in a Sounds of Silence dinner under the stars. Savour a glass of sparkling before helping yourself to a ‘bush tucker' inspired buffet accompanied by the music of a didgeridoo and the spectacular Field of Light art installation.
  • Travel the Oodnadatta Track: Embark on an unforgettable journey along the legendary Oodnadatta Track, where the long road reveals a new chapter of Australia's rich history and stunning landscapes.
  • Kings Canyon Light-Towers: Discover an enchanting fusion of sound and light at Kings Canyon, crafted by renowned British artist Bruce Munro, widely celebrated for his iconic Field of Light art installation at Uluru.
  • Kings Canyon Rim Walk: Journey into the heart of pristine Watarrka National Park and embark on the Kings Canyon Rim Walk, which affords a bird's-eye view of the surrounding landscape.

  • Experiences in 17 destinations
  • The services of an expert APT Tour Director and driver
  • Price includes airport transfers and park fees
  • Board a scenic flight over the Lost City, a series of large sandstone outcrops
  • Experience the incredible ‘Night at Field of Light' at Uluru
  • Enjoy a cruise through Nitmiluk (Katherine) Gorge and keep an eye out for crocodiles
  • Embark on the Kings Canyon Rim Walk and take in spectacular views
  • View the salt flats of the largest inland lake in Australia, Kati Thanda–Lake Eyre

  • Locally inspired dining – a total of 44 meals

  • Itinerary, inclusions and pricing are subject to change
  • Prices are for land and scenic flight only. Flights not specified are not included
  • In 2025 tour operates as a 15-day itineary - refer trip code: GODA15
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Discover The NT

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The APT Difference

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Saturday 09 May 2026 09 May 26 Darwin
Sunday 24 May 2026 24 May 26 Adelaide
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Was: $7,495
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Save $150
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Thursday 18 Jun 2026 18 Jun 26 Darwin
Friday 03 Jul 2026 03 Jul 26 Adelaide
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Was: $7,495
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Save $150
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Wednesday 29 Jul 2026 29 Jul 26 Darwin
Thursday 13 Aug 2026 13 Aug 26 Adelaide
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Was: $7,495
US$7,345
Save $150
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Wednesday 09 Sep 2026 09 Sep 26 Darwin
Thursday 24 Sep 2026 24 Sep 26 Adelaide
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Was: $7,495
US$7,051
Save $444
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Saturday 09 May 2026 09 May 26 Darwin
Sunday 24 May 2026 24 May 26 Adelaide
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Was: $9,995
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Save $200
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Thursday 18 Jun 2026 18 Jun 26 Darwin
Friday 03 Jul 2026 03 Jul 26 Adelaide
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Exclusive Savings
Was: $9,995
US$9,795
Save $200
Solo (Own Room)
Wednesday 29 Jul 2026 29 Jul 26 Darwin
Thursday 13 Aug 2026 13 Aug 26 Adelaide
Details
Available Departure
Exclusive Savings
Was: $9,995
US$9,795
Save $200
Solo (Own Room)
Wednesday 09 Sep 2026 09 Sep 26 Darwin
Thursday 24 Sep 2026 24 Sep 26 Adelaide
Details
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Was: $9,995
US$9,501
Save $494
Solo (Own Room)
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Note
Tour & cruises prices are per person. Prices shown have savings applied, are subject to availability and may be withdrawn at any time without notice. Pricing and trip details are correct at this point in time, however are subject to confirmation at the time of booking and are subject to change by APT. For cruise itineraries, cabin images are sourced from the cruise-line and 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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