Day 1: Darwin - Mary River
Your epic Top End adventure begins in the tropical northern city of Darwin. Experience 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 to really connect with your destination nestled deep in the bush. Join your Journey Director for a Welcome Reception with drinks and canapés, followed by dinner.
Note: As this journey departs at 7.30am from Mantra on the Esplanade Darwin, accommodation will need to be prebooked for the previous night.
Day 2: Mary River - Kakadu
Wake up to the sounds of local 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 such as jabiru and brolga. Next, journey into the tropical depths of iconic world heritage and Ramsar listed 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.
Day 3: Kakadu - Katherine
Enjoy a leisurely start to your day, or take to the skies on an optional experience early-morning flight over Kakadu before venturing to Nourlangie to admire the ancient Dreamtime art of the Bininj and Mungguy people. Continue crosscountry to Gunlom Falls, where a short hike to the summit is rewarded with a refreshing dip in the crystal-clear plunge pool. Enjoy lunch in the shade of rustling gum trees before driving on to tonight’s five-star eco-lodge accommodation.
Day 4: Katherine Gorge
This morning meet Dalabon didgeridoo expert Manuel Pamkal and share in his passion for the rich traditional culture into which he was born. Hear about life in the bush and experience first-hand the fine art of rarrk (cross-hatch) painting. Later, board a special dinner cruise on Katherine Gorge and learn about the history and culture of the local Jawoyn people.
Day 5: Katherine - Darwin
Emerge from the wilderness to journey north along the Stuart Highway on your return to Darwin, stopping to cool off in the cascading and clear waters of majestic Edith Falls. Later, visit the poignant Adelaide River War Cemetery.
Day 6: Darwin - Alice Springs
After a morning flight to Alice Springs there’s free time before meeting your Red Centre Journey Director and group of fellow travellers. Visit the Royal Flying Doctor Service to see how this facility provides vital medical assistance to outback inhabitants. Nearby, call into the School of the Air, a crucial service providing education to children living in remote Australian communities. This evening, join your Alice Springs family hosts for a Local Dining Experience barbecue dinner around a campfire, as the Milky Way lights up the sky.
Day 7: Alice Springs
Visit the historic Overland Telegraph Station, site of the first European settlement in Alice Springs. Then the stunning landscapes of the West MacDonnell Ranges take centre stage, as you embark on a walk through Simpsons Gap and dramatic Angkerle (Standley Chasm). The deep red sandstone formation contrasts with the lush green ferns and gum trees on the valley floor.
Day 8: Alice Springs - Kings Canyon
En route to Kings Canyon you’ll travel off-road along the 4WD Mereenie Loop Road passing Tylers Lookout and Gosses Bluff. Another unique Local Dining Experience, Under a Desert Moon, awaits you this evening. The flickering glow of the fire is the perfect accompaniment to sparkling wine and canapés followed by dinner, prepared from fresh produce and ingredients unique to the Australian outback.
Day 9: Kings Canyon - Uluru
Gaze across the deep chasm at the edge of Kings Canyon as you embark on a six-kilometre rim walk past the domed ‘Lost City’ and the luscious ‘Garden of Eden’. Now you’re bound for Uluru. On the way visit Curtin Springs Station, home to the Severin family since 1956. Kick back in true Aussie-style at a barbecue lunch while hearing from one of the locals about the Severin’s and gain an insight into the cattle rearing heritage. Afterwards, enter Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park and experience the magnificence of the 36 red conglomerate rock domes that form Kata Tjuta, and joining your Journey Director for a guided walk through the immense Walpa Gorge. Later, witness the changing colours as the sun sets over Uluru, then join your Journey Director for a Celebration Dinner at Ilkari Restaurant.
Day 10: Farewell from Uluru
Experience a majestic sunrise over Kata Tjuta and Uluru from the sunrise viewing area. From here it’s off to the Uluru- Kata Tjuta Cultural Centre for an insight into the history of the local Anangu people. At the base of Uluru hear timeless stories, view spectacular rock art, and visit the culturally-significant Mutitjulu Waterhole. In the late morning, when your Inspiring Journey comes to an end, you’ll be transferred to Ayers Rock Airport for your onward flight.
