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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$7,345
Save up To $150
Twin Share (Per Person)
 Trip Length
16 Days
 Trip Starts
Adelaide
 Trip Finishes
Darwin
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
GODA16R

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 Adelaide to Darwin. 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

Arrive into Adelaide airport, where you will be met on arrival and transferred to your hotel. This evening, get to know your fellow travellers and Driver-Guide as you enjoy a Welcome Dinner at your hotel. Stay: Adelaide, The Playford Hotel (D)

After breakfast, journey through the wine growing district of the Clare Valley. Here, enjoy lunch at Watervale Hotel. Travel to the Flinders Rangers. Enter Flinders Ranges National Park, a cultural, historical and geological wonder renowned for its spectacular 800-million-year-old landscapes. Stay Two Nights: Wilpena Pound Resort (B/L/D)

Today you will have a full day to explore the incredible Flinders Ranges National Park. Spend some time in the geological site of Brachina Gorge. Keep an eye out for the endangered Yellow-footed Rock-wallaby as you traverse the gorge's layers, dating back some 130 million years. After lunch, the afternoon is at your leisure to further explore, or perhaps enjoy some time to relax. You may also wish to take a fantastic optional scenic flight (own expense) or walk into Wilpena Pound. This evening, enjoy dinner back at your resort. (B/L/D)

This morning farewell the Flinders Ranges. Stop for lunch at the Prairie Hotel. Later, arrive at Marree and stay at your historic hotel that dates back to 1883. Stay: Marree Hotel (B/L/D)

After two exciting Signature Experiences, you are presented with the opportunity to board a scenic flight over the awe-inspiring Kati Thanda - Lake Eyre, where you will gain a bird's-eye view and true appreciation of this magnificent sight (own expense). This afternoon, arrive in Coober Pedy. Stay: Coober Pedy, Desert Cave Hotel (B/L/D)

Signature Experience - Journey to Kati Thanda-Lake Eyre Drive to the edge of Kati Thanda-Lake Eyre and look out to the seemingly endless salt flats.

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.

Make your way to the Umoona Opal Mine, where you will watch an informative award-winning documentary presented in an underground theatre. You will learn about the different types and quality of opals, as well as visiting a mine that was worked in the 1920s. Farewell South Australia and cross the border into the Northern Territory. Later arrive at Uluru. In the heart of the Red Centre, the luxury of Sails in the Desert complements the surrounding natural beauty. This evening, enjoy dinner at your resort. Stay Two Nights: Uluru, Sails in the Desert Hotel, Ayers Rock Resort (B/L/D)

At sunrise, enjoy a base tour of Uluru, learning about ancient traditions and stories from the Dreamtime while you marvel at this Australian icon. While you circumnavigate this amazing natural landmark, the experience will leave you mesmerised. Rising 348 metres above the plain, this national treasure is higher than both the Eiffel Tower in Paris and the Chrysler Building in New York. Tonight enjoy the once-in-a-lifetime Field of Light art installation. (B/L/D)

Signature Experience - Sounds of Silence Dinner Dine under the stars at a memorable Sounds of Silence dinner. With Uluru visible in the distance, toast the scene with a glass of sparkling and feast on a delicious bush tucker-inspired buffet, while the music from a didgeridoo sets the scene. As night falls, watch the land around Uluru light up with thousands of coloured lights as far as the eye can see. The Field of Light is world-renowned and guaranteed to be a highlight of your trip.

After breakfast, explore the incredible Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park. Visit Kata Tjuta - the Olgas, consisting of 36 majestic domes, which form deep valleys and steep-sided gorges. An important Indigenous cultural site, Kata Tjuta translates to ‘many heads'. Continue to explore the immense red walls of Walpa Gorge. Later arrive at Kings Canyon Resort. Set in the Watarrka National Park, just nine kilometres from Kings Canyon, Kings Canyon Resort will be a stay to cherish. Stay: Kings Canyon Resort and Lodge (B/L/D)

Signature Experience - See Kings Canyon Light Towers Light Towers, located at Discovery Resorts - Kings Canyon, presents an enchanting fusion of sound and light crafted by renowned British artist Bruce Munro. Widely celebrated for his iconic Field of Light at Uluru, Munro's latest creation brings its magical illumination to Kings Canyon.

Today travel from Kings Canyon along the Mereenie Loop Road to Alice Springs. Along the way stop at Hermannsburg and visit the Namatijira School of Art, where you view magnificent authentic art pieces before enjoying lunch at Gosses Bluff crater. This afternoon arrive in Alice Springs where you will enjoy a tour of this iconic township. Stay Two Nights: Crowne Plaza Alice Springs (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.

Head to Simpsons Gap, just one of the scenic areas that pierce the West MacDonnell Ranges. This sacred area is an important spiritual site to the Arrarnta Aboriginal people, where several dreamtime stories have said to take place. The area also contains one of the most prominent waterholes in the region. Here, be sure to keep an eye out for Black-footed Rock-wallabies.

Continue to the West MacDonnell Ranges National Park, a vast and spectacular section of the ranges. This is an outstanding example of ancient landscapes shaped over time by climatic elements. Here, cool scenic gorges are important refuges for a collection of plants and animals from the harsh elements, many of which are found only here.

The landscapes you see played a significant role in the stories of Western Arrernte Aboriginal culture, which have been passed on to generations for thousands of years. At Angkerle - Standley Chasm, follow a creek where spring-fed pools attract a variety of unique birdlife. The chasm's European name is a tribute to Ida Standley, who became the first school teacher in Alice Springs in 1914. Afterwards, visit the beautiful Ormiston Gorge, filled with stunning geology and is also home to a variety of unique species, including the Long-tailed Dunnart.

Later, enjoy the afternoon at your leisure to perhaps, take some time to relax and unwind form a hard day's exploration before enjoying a special Signature Experience later in the evening. (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.

Today, make your way to Tennant Creek. Along the way, stop at Karlu Karlu - Devils Marbles. A living cultural landscape, be in awe as the golden sunlight shines upon these giant granite boulders. Geologically, the marbles were formed from an upsurge of molten rock that cooled and became solid beneath a layer of sandstone. Over time water infiltrated the cracks of these solid structures, breaking down the sandstone, and then the granite. As a result, rounded granite boulders perched on top of each other have been revealed. Karlu Karlu is also recognised as of great cultural importance, with nearly the entire Reserve a registered sacred site, with many stories and traditions associated to this area.

Arrive at Barkly Homestead and enjoy dinner. Stay: Tennant Creek, Barkly Homestead (B/L/D)

Today make your way to Lorella Springs Wilderness Park. Enjoy lunch at the iconic Heartbreak Hotel. Continue 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)

Spend the day within Lorella Springs Wilderness Park, exploring natural swimming holes, hot and cold springs, fishing spots, billabongs, gorges and kilometres of coastline. A once-in-a-lifetime Signature Experience unveils a prized section of the wilderness park. Tonight, a delicious dinner awaits at your hotel. (B/L/D)

Signature Experience - Scenic Flight Over the Lost City Enjoy a scenic flight over the unique rock formations of the Lost City. A series of sandstone outcrops, the Lost City evokes the remains of an ancient civilisation.

Leave Lorella Springs Wilderness Park behind and make the journey to the remote township of Katherine, home to ancient Aboriginal culture, hot springs and waterfalls. Stay: Contour Hotel, Katherine (B/L/D)

Arrive in Darwin this evening, say goodbye to newfound friends and your Tour Director and driver during a special farewell dinner. Stay: Vibe Hotel Darwin Waterfront (B/L/D)

Signature Experience - Nitmiluk (Katherine) Gorge Cruise Board a cruise through Katherine Gorge and marvel at the network of gorges carved from centuries-old sandstone.

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.

Your amazing adventure draws to a close. After breakfast, you will be transferred to Darwin 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
  • Services of an 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
  • Weather may cause disruptions to itinerary
  • APT highly recommends travel insurance
  • Prices are for land and scenic flight only. Flights not specified are not included
  • In 2025 tour operates as a 15-day itinerary - refer trip code: GODA15R
Discover The NT
Discover The NT

APT's expertly guided NT tours take you beyond the typical tourist paths, offering a deeper connection to the places you visit. Read more

The APT Difference
The APT Difference

Expert-led travel, exclusive experiences, and over 95 years of crafting seamless, unforgettable journeys. Read more

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All Taken Care Of

At APT, we like to make things as easy as possible. Our journeys are what we like to call All-Inspiring Luxury. Read more

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Saturday 30 May 2026 30 May 26 Adelaide
Sunday 14 Jun 2026 14 Jun 26 Darwin
Details
Available Departure
Exclusive Savings
Was: $7,495
US$7,345
Save $150
Twin Share (Per Personpp)
Thursday 09 Jul 2026 09 Jul 26 Adelaide
Friday 24 Jul 2026 24 Jul 26 Darwin
Details
Available Departure
Exclusive Savings
Was: $7,495
US$7,345
Save $150
Twin Share (Per Personpp)
Wednesday 19 Aug 2026 19 Aug 26 Adelaide
Thursday 03 Sep 2026 03 Sep 26 Darwin
Details
Available Departure
Exclusive Savings
Was: $7,495
US$7,345
Save $150
Twin Share (Per Personpp)
Saturday 30 May 2026 30 May 26 Adelaide
Sunday 14 Jun 2026 14 Jun 26 Darwin
Details
Available Departure
Exclusive Savings
Was: $9,995
US$9,795
Save $200
Solo (Own Room)
Thursday 09 Jul 2026 09 Jul 26 Adelaide
Friday 24 Jul 2026 24 Jul 26 Darwin
Details
Available Departure
Exclusive Savings
Was: $9,995
US$9,795
Save $200
Solo (Own Room)
Wednesday 19 Aug 2026 19 Aug 26 Adelaide
Thursday 03 Sep 2026 03 Sep 26 Darwin
Details
Available Departure
Exclusive Savings
Was: $9,995
US$9,795
Save $200
Solo (Own Room)
Note
Your Global Journeys Travel Advisor will check the availability of your departure date when you Inquire. Additional savings may apply. T&C’s apply.
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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