Itinerary: The Ultimate Northern Territory Adventure

Day 1

Darwin – Mary River

Your epic Top End adventure begins in the tropical northern city of Darwin. Join your Travel Director and board your luxury 4WD vehicle, before experiencing stunning Litchfield National Park before embarking on a cross-country journey along the rugged Marrakai Track (seasonally accessible) to the Mary River Wetlands. Tonight, stay in private, permanent safari tents. Note as this Inspiring Journey departs early morning, accommodation will need to be pre-booked for the previous night at Mantra on the Esplanade.

• Stay at Wildman Wilderness Lodge, Mary River
• Lunch
• Dinner with wine

Day 2

Mary River – Kakadu

Wake up with the wildlife and head to Corroboree Billabong, where you’ll take a cruise in the company of a local guide to explore its floodplains and spot the creatures that find sanctuary in its lotus-covered waters. Next, journey into the tropical depths of iconic Kakadu National Park, enjoying a sunset walk at the rock-art galleries of Ubirr. Perched atop Nadab Lookout, watch the sun set over the lush Kakadu floodplains.

• Stay at Mercure Kakadu Crocodile Hotel, Jabiru
• Breakfast
• Lunch
• Dinner with wine

Day 3

Kakadu – Katherine Gorge

Enjoy a leisurely start to your day, or take to the skies on an early-morning flight over Kakadu and Arnhem Land (own expense) before venturing to Nourlangie to admire the ancient Dreamtime art of the Bininj and Mungguy people. Continue cross-country to Gunlom Falls, where a hike to the summit is rewarded with a refreshing dip in the crystal-clear plunge pool. Lunch in the shade of rustling gum-trees before driving on to tonight’s five-star eco-lodge accommodation.

• Stay at Cicada Lodge, Nitmiluk National Park, Katherine
• Breakfast
• Lunch
• Dinner with wine

Day 4

Katherine

Meet didgeridoo expert Manuel Pamkal this morning and share in his passion for the rich traditional culture into which he was born. Learn about life in the bush and experience firsthand the fine art of rarrk (cross-hatch) painting. Later, join a Highlight Dinner cruise and learn about the history and culture of the local Jawoyn people.

• Stay at Cicada Lodge, Nitmiluk National Park, Katherine
• Breakfast
• Lunch
• Highlight dinner

Day 5

Katherine – Darwin

A leisurely start to the day could see you relaxing at the lodge or setting off on a comfortable walk. Later, emerge from the wilderness to journey north along the Stuart Highway on your return to Darwin, stopping to cool off in the cascading waters of Edith Falls and visit the poignant Adelaide River War Cemetery. Tonight, enjoy an evening at leaisure in Darwin.

• Stay at Mantra on the Esplanade, Darwin
• Breakfast
• Lunch

Day 6

Darwin – Alice Springs

Today you’ll fly to Alice Springs and meet your new Travel Director and group of fellow travellers before visiting the historic Overland Telegraph Station and School of the Air, a crucial service for children living in remote communities. This afternoon, meet a local Indigenous guide for a walk into Simpsons Gap, a stunning gorge carved out of the towering West MacDonnell Ranges. Dine under the Milky Way tonight, enjoying a delicious three-course meal

• Stay at Crowne Plaza Alice Springs Lasseters
• Dinner with wine

Day 7

West MacDonnell Ranges

Take a walk this morning through the ancient, dramatic Angkerle (Standley Chasm), a striking red sandstone formation contrasting with the carpet of lush green ferns and gum trees on the valley floor. There’ll be time to swim in the spectacular Ellery Creek Big Hole before visiting the Royal Flying Doctor Service to see how this facility provides vital medical assistance to Outback inhabitants.

• Stay at Crowne Plaza Alice Springs Lasseters
• Breakfast
• Lunch
• Dinner with wine

Day 8

Alice Springs – Kings Canyon

Travelling off-road this morning, visit the little-known but fascinating Henbury Meteorites Conservation Reserve before enjoying a relaxed walk along the shady creek-bed of towering Kings Canyon. Another unique wilderness dining experience under a canopy of stars awaits you this evening. You’ll enjoy sparkling wine and canapés followed by a sophisticated fourcourse dinner prepared from fresh produce and ingredients unique to the Australian Outback.

Included Meals: Breakfast, lunch, highlight dinner

es on the valley floor. There’ll be time to swim in the spectacular Ellery Creek Big Hole before visiting the Royal Flying Doctor Service to see how this facility provides vital medical assistance to Outback inhabitants.

• Stay at Kings Canyon Resort, Deluxe Spa Rooms
• Breakfast
• Lunch
• Highlight dinner

Day 9

Kings Canyon – Uluru

The 6km ‘Rim Walk’ around spectacular Kings Canyon today takes in highlights such as the domed Lost City, Cotterill’s Lookout and the verdant Garden of Eden. Travel on to Curtin Springs, home of the Severin family since 1956, and enjoy a delicious barbecue lunch while learning about the logistics of running a million-acre cattle property. This afternoon you’ll enter Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park, experiencing the magnificence of the thirty-six red sandstone domes that form Kata Tjuta (the Olgas), and joining your Travel Director for a guided walk through the immense Walpa Gorge. Witness the spectacular changing colours as the sun sets over Uluru, then join your fellow travellers for a Farewell Dinner at Ilkari Restaurant.

 

Included Meals: Breakfast, lunch, farewell dinner

• Stay at Sails in the Desert Hotel, Ayers Rock Resort
• Breakfast
• Lunch
• Farewell dinner

Day 10

Farewell

Experience a majestic sunrise this morning over Kata Tjuta (the Olgas) and Uluru (Ayers Rock) from the fantastic Kata Tjuta dune viewing area. From here it’s off to the Uluru-Kata Tjuta Cultural Centre for breakfast and an insight into the history of the local Anangu people. Take a walk around the base of Uluru, hearing timeless stories, viewing spectacular rock art, and visiting the culturally-significant Mutitjulu Waterhole. In the late morning, when your Inspiring Journey comes to an end, you’ll be transferred to the airport for your onward flight.

• Breakfast