Central Australian Explorer

Today you'll be greeted at Adelaide airport upon your arrival (please arrive by 11am). After some lunch we make our way out of Adelaide and head north along the Princes Highway to Port Augusta. We arrive late this afternoon. Stay: Standpipe Golf Motor Inn (L/D)

This morning we visit to the Aridlands Botanic Gardens and Wadlata Outback Centre, an award winning multifunctional visitor centre. Step back in time and learn about the early explorers of Sturt, Eyre, Giles and Stuart and their brave expeditions into the unknown. We then head up the western side of the Flinders Ranges, arriving at Parachilna early this afternoon for a gourmet lunch under the verandah of the Prairie Hotel.

This afternoon we continue heading to Marree at the junction of the Oodnadatta and Birdsville Tracks. Marree is a true desert settlement which enjoys just 155mm of rainfall annually. We spend the night at the Marree Hotel in modern cabins with ensuite bathrooms Stay: Marree Hotel (B/L/D)

This morning we visit the Marree Museum which features the famous old mail truck E. G Kruse usedto transport mail from Marree to Birdsville. Then, travel the Oodnadatta Track and follow in the footsteps of John McDouall Stuart. Pass by Lake Eyre South and through William Creek before arriving into Coober Pedy mid afternoon.

Due to the summer heat, most of Coober Pedy's residents live underground. The town is also known as the opal capital of the world, supplying 70% of the world's precious opals. This afternoon enjoy a guided tour of the Umoona Opal Mine and perhaps fossick for your own. Tonight we stay at the award winning Desert Cave Hotel. Note: Underground rooms at the Desert Cave Hotel cannot be guaranteed. Stay: Desert Cave Hotel (B/L/D)

Today we trek north along the Stuart Highway through Marla and Kulgera before heading west along the Lasseter Highway to Yulara. Our accommodation for the next 2 nights is at the 5-star Sails in the Desert Hotel, part of Ayers Rock Resort.

Tonight, enjoy a sumptious dinner at Ilkari Restaurant. Stay: Sails in the Desert Hotel (B/L/D)

This morning early risers will experience the sun rising over Uluru and the colours of dawn spreading across the landscape. After breakfast, head off to discover Kata Tjuta (The Olgas) and admire the stunning rock formations on a guided walk into Walpa Gorge. Then, return for a guided tour around the base of Uluru, which stands 348 metres above the desert plains. Learn about traditional Anangu culture as you marvel at one of the largest monoliths in the world!

This afternoon we prepare for ‘A Night at Field of Light', which combines Bruce Munro's acclaimed Field of Light installation with the award winning ‘Sounds of Silence' dining experience. Departing the resort before sunset, we head to an exclusive dune top location with majestic views of Uluru. Then, enjoy a special 3-course bush tucker inspired menu as Field of Light gently illuminates. Spread across an area the size of 7 football fields, ‘Field of Light' features 50,000 slender stems crowned with radiant frosted spheres. After dinner, head off to explore the stunning display via the dedicated pathways. This evening we return to the hotel. Stay: Sails in the Desert Hotel (B/L/D)

After breakfast we head to Curtin Springs Cattle Station and enjoy a station talk by the manager. Then, it's on to Kings Creek Station for lunch before continuing to Kings Canyon Resort.

This afternoon you have the choice of two walks, the 6km Rim Walk offering breathtaking views of the canyon and descending into the ‘Garden of Eden', or a shorter 2.6km walk that meanders up the centre of the Canyon floor. Stay: Kings Canyon Resort (B/L/D)

Departing Kings Canyon this morning we travel the Mereenie Loop Road to historic Hermannsburg. After some lunch we visit Angkerle (Standley Chasm) and also Simpsons Gap, home to a number of rock wallabies. We arrive into Alice Springs where we spend the next 3 nights. Stay: DoubleTree by Hilton Alice Springs (B/L/D)

Our activities today include a visit to the award-winning Alice Springs Desert Park, The Royal Flying Doctor Service and a tour of the historic Telegraph Station. We arrive back at the hotel late afternoon. ( Note: Those who have experienced these attractions previously can spend the day at leisure).

This evening we head into the East MacDonnell ranges for a unique & authentic dining experience. The ‘Original Outback Bush BBQ dinner show' is a fun filled evening of entertainment and Outback cuisine, taking place around a large campfire under a star filled territory sky. Enjoy timeless Australian songs from a bush balladeer and gain some insights from the local cattlemen's talk. Stay: DoubleTree by Hilton Alice Springs (B/L/D)

Today we trek south, following the Old Ghan Railway line. The first train arrived in Alice Springs in 1929 after travelling through some of the harshest country on Earth. Before this mode of transport, all supplies to Alice Springs were carried by the Afghan cameleers. This line was eventually closed in 1980.

We arrive at Chambers Pillar in time for some lunch. This natural sandstone formation was used by our famous early explorers as a navigational point. John McDouall Stuart first recorded the Pillar in April 1860 and the expedition carvings and signatures can still been seen today. We return to our resort late afternoon Stay: DoubleTree by Hilton Alice Springs (B/L/D)

This morning we depart Alice Springs and trek north again along the Stuart Highway. Stop at Karlwe Karlwe (The Devils Marbles) before arriving in Tennant Creek mid-afternoon. Visit the Battery Hill Mining Centre before heading east to the Barkly Homestead for our overnight stay in recently upgraded motel rooms. Stay: Barkly Homestead (B/L/D)

The Barkly Tablelands are well suited to cattle grazing and economically it is one of the most important areas for pastoral production in the NT. The Mitchell and Flinders grasses provide excellent feed on the rich black soils. The largest lease (Brunette Downs) is over 12,000 square kms and runs around 65,000 head of cattle.

This afternoon we pass through Cape Crawford and take the Savannah Way north to Lorella Springs Station. This one million acre station sits adjacent to the Limmen National Park and stretches all the way to the shores of the Gulf. Accommodation comprises a mixture of safari tents and cabins, all with ensuite bathrooms. Stay: Lorella Springs Station (B/L/D)

Today we take part in an exhilarating helicopter and ground tour of the southern ‘Lost City'. After landing near these ancient sandstone structures enjoy a ground tour with a guide who'll share expert knowledge on the local geology, vegetation and birdlife. We return to Lorella mid-afternoon, where the rest of the day can be spent at your leisure. Enjoy a dip in the nearby thermal springs, one of the most pristine in the Northern Territory. Stay: Lorella Springs Station (B/L/D)

Our travels today take us further north along the Savannah Way. We pass through the remote village of Roper Bar, situated on the south east boundary of Arnhem Land. The Roper River was first explored by Ludwig Leichhardt in 1845 and by the 1870's was lined with paddle steamers bringing in supplies for the men building the Overland Telegraph Line.

This afternoon we trek through Mataranka to Katherine. Stay: Knott's Crossing Resort (B/L/D)

This morning we enjoy a 2-hour boat cruise on Katherine River Gorge in Nitmiluk National Park. We then continue to Darwin, arriving mid-afternoon to check in to our accommodation for the final night of the tour. Enjoy the rest of the afternoon at your leisure before boarding the Charles Darwin for a delicious Territory-style sunset dinner cruise and celebrate a truly amazing trip! Stay: DoubleTree by Hilton (B/L/D)

This morning we take a city sights tour including the National Museum, Cullen Bay and the Port. You'll then be transferred to the airport or your accommodation if staying on in Darwin. (B)