Top End & Central Australia Explorer

Welcome to the Northern Territory! Please schedule flights to arrive by 4pm in time for a welcome meeting and drink. Why not arrive in Darwin a day or two early and see all the city has to offer. Extra nights are available for purchase.

Start your day with an orientation tour of Darwin and see some of the city's highlights. Next, travel down the murky waters of the Adelaide River and be thrilled and awed on a Jumping Croc Cruise. It's your chance to see these prehistoric creatures up close and in their natural habitat. Have your cameras ready for some fantastic photo ops! Return to Darwin where the remainder of the day is at leisure. Your Tour Director will have suggestions for additional sightseeing, shopping, and dining. (B)

This morning, visit the Warradjan Cultural Centre to learn more about the local aboriginal people who have lived in the region for up to 50,000 years. Afterward, cruise the unspoiled waterways of the Yellow Water Billabong. Enjoy incredible scenery with the opportunity to spot water buffalo, crocodiles, and an abundance of bird species. The remainder of the day is at leisure. You may want to take an optional helicopter flight to see more of this vast park or just relax with a cool drink at your resort's pool.

This evening, enjoy a dinner featuring local delicacies and bush food. Perhaps try some of the Northern Territories' famous Barramundi. (B/D)

Visit Nitmiluk National Park and enjoy a walk to Edith Falls where there is time for a swim in this amazing setting. Arrive in Katherine and enjoy a cruise through the dramatic Katherine Gorge. See dramatic cliffs, sandy beaches, and pristine wilderness. You'll have the chance to see wildlife including cockatoos, eagles, and wallabies plus learn the history and culture of the local indigenous people. This evening is at leisure. (B)

Start your day with a visit to Mataranka Thermal Springs where you can relax and enjoy this tropical oasis. Later, make a stop for a long cool drink at the historic Daly Waters Pub. Hear stories about the pub's history, meet some of the friendly locals, and see the treasures left behind by visitors from around the world. After dinner, your evening is at leisure in the Northern Territory's "Heart of Gold", Tennant Creek. (B/D)

Discover the iconic Devils Marbles, a collection of massive granite boulders. The boulders stand 6 meters (19 feet) high and were formed over millions of years. Enjoy a short walk and hear the ancient mythology of how the local aboriginal people believe them to be the fossilized eggs of the Rainbow Serpent. Before arriving at the hotel, make a stop at Alice Springs Brewing Co to sample some of their locally brewed craft beer. This evening is at leisure. (B)

This morning, visit remarkable Standley Chasm, a geological and cultural icon. Explore the history of this land as well have the chance to walk "the Gap of Water," a striking geological formation with a Local Indigenous Guide. Afterward, visit the Royal Flying Doctor Service to learn about the medical care required to service the remote region of the Outback. The remainder of the day is at leisure. You may wish to enjoy a bike hire and explore more on your own, browse the local art galleries and shops, try your luck at the casino, or relax by your resort's pool. (B)

This morning, travel to majestic Kings Canyon. After a relaxed lunch, lace up your walking boots for the incredible Kings Canyon Creek Walk. Other walks are available as well as scenic helicopter tours. Tonight, enjoy a refreshing drink as you watch the sunset. (B)

You may wish to rise early to join in the Kings Canyon Rim Walk. Enjoy amazing views and iconic sites such as the Garden of Eden, Priscilla's Crack, and the weathered domes of "the Lost City." Continue to Uluru and enjoy a locally guided tour at the base of the rock and visit the Mutitjulu Waterhole. Discover aboriginal rock paintings and learn their stories and historic significance. This evening, witness the sunset at Uluru with nibbles and drinks. (B)

NOTE: The optional Kings Canyon Rim Walk is challenging. There is a steep portion at the beginning of the walk which requires an acceptable level of fitness. Suitable footwear should be worn. Please speak to your Tour Director if you are unsure of your ability.

For those that wish, choose to rise early and see the sunrise over Uluru. Later, enjoy a walk at Kata Tjuta (the Olgas), a geological splendour of some 36 brilliant domes. The afternoon is at leisure. You may want to take an optional scenic helicopter flight, take part in a bush food experience, or participate in a walking tour. This evening, join your Tour Director for a festive farewell dinner. (B/D)

Your holiday ends with breakfast this morning. You may also choose to extend your time in Uluru and explore more on your own. Extra nights are available for purchase. (B)