Outback Safari (Small Group)

The Red Centre makes an unforgettable first impression. Ochre earth, endless sky and the vast silhouette of Uluru set the scene for the adventure ahead. After arriving, journey into Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park to watch the great monolith glow at sunset, revealing the powerful beauty and deep spiritual significance this place holds for the Anangu people. The evening is yours to continue soaking up the atmosphere or perhaps join an optional experience and enjoy a delicious barbecue dinner in Uluru.

Watch Uluru emerge with the dawn, its colours shifting with the first light of day. Explore the base of this extraordinary monolith and gain deeper insight into the traditions and stories of the world's oldest living culture at the Uluru-Kata Tjuta Cultural Centre. Continue to Kata Tjuta, where massive domes rise from the desert plain. Walk into Walpa Gorge, framed by towering rock formations, then return to your resort with time at leisure to relax or explore as you please.

Begin the day with an optional experience to see the acclaimed Field of Light installation, where 50,000 glowing stems illuminate the desert before sunrise. From here, you'll journey deeper into the Outback, passing the striking flat-topped form of Atila (Mt. Conner), one of Australia's most distinctive landmarks. Stop at Kings Creek Station for a taste of station life and the chance to try a camel burger for lunch before continuing to Kings Canyon Resort in Watarrka National Park.

This morning, set out on the awe-inspiring Kings Canyon Rim Walk, exploring a 440-million-year-old landscape of towering sandstone domes, sculpted plateaus and hidden rock pools, where sheer cliffs and ancient formations reveal the immense scale and story of the Red Centre. Continue through the vast Northern Territory Outback, passing remote cattle stations and the striking MacDonnell Ranges as they rise and fall on the journey towards Alice Springs.

On arrival, visit the School of the Air, a remarkable lifeline for remote students delivering education across 1.3 million square kilometres, where you may observe live lessons and gain insight into life and learning in Australia's most isolated communities today.

Start your day with a scenic drive to the stunning West MacDonnell Ranges. Marvel at the rugged beauty and unique rock formations as you explore Simpsons Gap, a picturesque gorge with towering cliffs and a secluded waterhole. Return to Alice Springs for a visit to the Royal Flying Doctor Service Visitor Centre, where you'll learn about the incredible medical services provided to remote Australian communities.

The afternoon is yours to enjoy at leisure. Unwind by the hotel pool, soaking up the sun, or take the opportunity to discover more of Alice Springs at your own pace. Whether you choose to explore local shops, visit art galleries, or simply relax, this day offers the perfect blend of adventure and relaxation.

Depart Alice Springs and take in sweeping views from Anzac Hill, revealing the vast landscapes that have inspired generations of local artists. Visit the historic Telegraph Station, established in 1872 as part of the Overland Telegraph Line connecting Adelaide and Darwin across 3,200 kilometres.

Continue north to Karlu Karlu, where enormous, rounded boulders rise from the earth, shaped over millions of years and holding deep cultural significance for Traditional Owners. Wander among these striking formations before travelling on to Tennant Creek, a town rich in gold mining history and outback character, where stories of the region's pioneering past come to life.

Pause at the Daly Waters Pub, an iconic Outback stop that has welcomed travellers since the 1930s. Its walls are lined with stories and mementos from visitors who came before, creating a character all its own. In Mataranka, step into the spirit of the Never Never with a visit to the replica Elsey Homestead, or wander beneath swaying palms to the region's warm thermal springs for a restorative soak. Later, continue to Katherine.

Cruise through Nitmiluk Gorge on a MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience, travelling between soaring sandstone cliffs carved over countless centuries. As you glide along the gorge, hear stories that reflect the Jawoyn people's deep connection to Country and watch for freshwater crocodiles resting along the banks.

Later, you'll continue into Kakadu National Park for a Yellow Water Billabong cruise through one of Australia's richest wetland ecosystems. Look out for crocodiles, water lilies and birdlife including sea eagles, brolgas and kingfishers as your Local Specialist shares insights into the region's plants, wildlife and bush foods. Your visit directly supports United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities.

Take in Kakadu's immense scale from a new perspective with an optional experience scenic flight over this vast and ancient wilderness. Back on the ground, visit Ubirr, where rock art galleries reveal stories of Aboriginal culture and connection to the land stretching back thousands of years. Climb to the lookout for sweeping views across floodplains and escarpments before travelling on to Darwin.

In the evening, you may wish to explore the lively Mindil Beach Sunset Market to enjoy global flavours and tropical energy by the sea.

The laid-back rhythm of the Top End is yours to enjoy today. Sleep in, savour a tropical breakfast or choose from optional experiences that reveal more of the Northern Territory: journey to Litchfield National Park to see magnetic termite mounds, waterfalls and seasonal swimming spots, or why not try a lunch cruise? Later, join your fellow travellers for dinner and reflect on the remarkable landscapes, stories and shared moments of your journey.

Your Northern Territory adventure comes to an end in Darwin. As you prepare to head home, take with you memories of glowing desert sunsets, ancient rock art, dramatic gorges and the unforgettable spirit of Australia's Outback.