13 Day Adelaide to Darwin

HIGHLIGHTS
:: FLINDERS RANGES
:: PARACHILNA
:: WILPENA POUND
:: COOBER PEDY
:: ULURU (AYERS ROCK)
:: KATA TJUTA
:: KINGS CANYON
:: ABORIGINAL CULTURE
:: ALICE SPRINGS
:: DEVILS MARBLES
:: TENNANT CREEK
:: DALY WATERS
:: MATARANKA SPRINGS
:: KATHERINE GORGE
:: LITCHFIELD NATIONAL PARK
:: MARY RIVER WETLANDS
:: KAKADU NATIONAL PARK

ITINERARY

DAY 1 :: ADELAIDE TO FLINDERS RANGES
Leaving the city behind, we travel through the pretty Clare Valley to Quorn. This afternoon, we’ll check out some interesting Aboriginal rock art at Yourambulla Caves. Get ready for tonight’s BBQ dinner at Parachilna – it doesn’t get any more Aussie than this! We stay overnight in Parachilna. (LD)

DAY 2 :: FLINDERS RANGES & WILPENA POUND
If the weather’s good, we’ll take the scenic route through the stunning Parachilna Gorge on our way to Wilpena Pound, the jewel of the Flinders Ranges. Grab your hiking boots for a guided climb of Mt Ohlssen-Bagge: you’ll be rewarded for your efforts with sweeping views over the ranges, the desert and Lake Torrens. We reach Rawnsley Park, a sheep station set of Wilpena Pound and spend the night here in bunkhouse accommodation. (BLD)

DAY 3 :: WILLIAM CREEKTO COOBER PEDY
It’s time to go underground! We’ll travel to Coober Pedy today in time for an opal mine tour and you might have the chance to go ‘noodling’ for opals if there’s time. Our bunkhouse for tonight is – you guessed it! – underground. (BLD)

DAY 4 :: COOBER PEDY TO ERLDUNDA
Driving through the rugged desert country, we reach Yulara in time for sunset at Uluru (Ayers Rock). The stars put on a show back at our permanent campsite at Yulara. (BLD)

DAY 5 :: ULURU TO KATA TJUTA & KINGS CANYON
Wake up early to experience sunrise at Uluru – it’s worth the early start! Go for a walk around the base or climb to the top if you choose (although the traditional Anangu owners prefer it if you don’t), before we take a guided interpretive walk at Mala. After visiting Kata Tjuta (The Olgas) we head to Kings Canyon, where we camp for the night. (BLD)

DAY 6 :: KINGS CANYON TO ALICE SPRINGS
There’s lots to explore at Kings Canyon, including the Lost City, the lush and ancient Garden of Eden, and the sheer outcrops of the North and South Walls. After a bite to eat, we make our way through the harsh desert landscape to Alice Springs. (BL) Overnight accommodation included.

DAY 7-8 ::ALICE SPRINGS
Enjoy two FREE DAYS to explore Alice Springs. Accommodation included (meals at own expense).

DAY 9 :: ALICE SPRINGS TO DALY WATERS
We pass by the Tropic of Capricorn before stopping at Ti Tree for the chance to buy original works of art by Indigenous artists. Learn about the early struggles of bush telecommunications at Barrow Creek’s historic Telegraph Station – it’ll make your mobile phone seem like the space age! Precariously balanced 14 DAYS on their rocky perch are the Devils Marbles, a site sacred to its traditional owners. Last stop for today is our camp at an outback station and if the weather’s good, you can take a dip in the pretty waterhole. (LD)

BRING
Sturdy walking shoes (ankle high), hat & sunscreen, towel & toiletries, warm clothing in winter, water bottle, torch, insect repellent, camera & film, pillow, sleeping bag (can be hired for AUD$15)

INCLUDED
Experienced guides, meals as indicated, accommodation transfers, camping fees & equipment, Opal Mine tour, 7 nights dorm accommodation (or upgrade to ensuite), opal mine tour, South Australia park fees.

NOTE
This tour includes 7 nights dorm accommodation and 6 nights camping. Upgrade to 7 nights ensuite motel accommodation is available. Upgrade accommodaton is budget style and may be located on different premises to dorm accommodation. Package is made up of three individual tours; therefore you may travel with a different guide and passengers during each section. Tropical Summer Program applies December to May In Kakadu.

TROPICAL SUMMER ITINERARY (NOV/DEC TO MAY)
DAY 11 ::
– Litchfield National Park
– Cathedral Termite Mounds
– Overnight camp
DAY 12 ::
– Mamukala Wetlands (seasonal)
– Ubirr or Nourlangie Rock (seasonal)
– Wildlife Cruise
– Walk to Gubara Springs
– Overnight camp Kakadu
DAY 13 ::
– Gunlom Falls or Motor Car Falls (seasonal)
– Warradjan Culture Centre
– Return to Darwin

Valid between 01/04/14 – 31/03/15

DEPARTS
Adelaide accom. 6:30am
Sundays

FINISHES
Darwin accommodation early evening Day 13

MAX PEOPLE – 24

Valid till 31 March 2015

Maximum 24 front facing seats, air-conditioned vehicle

Dorm or Twin/Double rooms with shared facilities