Day 1: Arrive at Uluru
Upon arrival to Ayers Rock airport you will be transferred to your hotel by complimentary shuttle. Check in your room and relax before joining an afternoon Uluru sunset tour.
This 2 hour tour travels thorough the landscapes to the entrance of the Uluru Kata Tjuta National Park. Experience the many moods of Uluru at sunset with an uninterrupted view. Admire the immensity of Uluru as you immerse yourself in the environmental changes of this world-renowned icon. Relax with a glass of sparkling wine and light refreshments as the sun sets in the west. Return to Ayers Rock Resort, where you will be transferred to your accommodation.
Day 2: Uluru and Kata Tjuta
This morning you will join a 6 hour Uluru Trek tour, which commences with a transfer from your hotel to the base of Uluru, where you will start your trek. Explore the most profound and culturally significant monolith in Australia. As you start your sunrise trek around base trail of Uluru you will embrace the culture, geology and environment that is the essence of this amazing monolith. Along the trail you will witness sunrise, visit waterholes and the rock art sites of the ancients and learn of Uluru’s cultural significance to the Anangu people. Your guide will tell you a number of stories associated with prominent Tjukurpa (Dreaming) stories. Visit Mutitjulu Waterhole, a semi-permanent watercourse nestled in the contours of Uluru. Here you will learn the Creation stories of Liru (poisonous snake) and Kuniya (python) and their battle for control of Uluru. The total walking distance is approximately 12 kms, along well maintained flat walking tracks for approx 4.5 hours. On completion of your journey you will be dropped off back at Ayers Rock Resort.
In the afternoon travel to Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park, to a place where unique flora and fauna thrive – Kata Tjuta (The Olgas). Your guide will reveal the many attributes of this diverse environment and describe the cultural significance of Kata Tjuta as a sacred Aboriginal men’s ceremonial site. Arriving at Walpa Gorge, walk between the mighty conglomerate domes and hear how these 36 domes that make up Kata Tjuta have evolved over millions of years. Take time to listen to the wind (Walpa) far above and view the scale of the rock walls that surround you. The spirituality of this amazing location embraces everyone who ventures here. Your guide will return you to your hotel in time for Field of Lights dinner.
A Night at Field of Light experience begins with a convenient hotel pick-up to the remote desert location with majestic views of Uluru. With Uluru as your backdrop enjoy canapés and chilled sparkling wine to an unforgettable sunset. As darkness falls and the coloured lights of the 50,000 glass spheres gently sparkle to life join your table of fellow travellers for a special three-course bush tucker inspired buffet. Your knowledgeable host will provide insights and background to the artist and light installation that awaits you. You're invited to immerse yourself in the Field of Light, its pathways glistening softly with rhythms of coloured light, beckoning you to explore. Take a lasting look back at Field of Light from the raised viewing area as you enjoy a sweet treat, hot chocolate or port before boarding your return transfer.
Day 3: Uluru to Alice Springs
After breakfast you will be picked up from your hotel and travel through spectacular desert scenery, stopping at Angus Downs. At Angus Downs you will transfer to another luxury coach to continue your journey onto Alice Springs. From Angus Downs, stop at Erldunda Roadhouse, where you may purchase afternoon tea. Travel along the Stuart Highway before arriving in Alice Springs. You will then be transferred to your Alice Springs accommodation.
Framed by the MacDonnell Ranges and an intense desert landscape, the township of Alice Springs is Australia’s most famous outback town. Afghan cameleers, flying doctors, outback explorers, a rich cast of characters and the towns’ isolation has lead to the creation of an unrivalled community identity and a wealth of interesting events and sights. The desert climate and landscape of ‘the Alice’ allows for a variety of adventurous activities including quad and mountain-bike riding, trekking along the Larapinta Trail, four-wheel driving, bush camping and swimming in lush waterholes. Alive with culture and Aboriginal art, the pedestrian-only Todd Mall gives a sneak peek into the traditions and stories of the Arrernte people with water colours of desert landscapes and dot paintings of the seasons.
Day 4: Alice Springs/The Ghan
A wonderful experience awaits you in the early morning as you go on 60 minute hot air balloon ride.
The adventure begins in the cool pre dawn darkness as you are picked up from your accommodation in Alice Springs. At the launch site, gas burners are used to inflate the balloons just as the sun lights up the rugged MacDonnell Ranges. Once floating gently in the air you will appreciate the vast remoteness of the Australian Outback. After landing you can assist the crew or take photographs, as the nylon balloon is packed back into its bag. Enjoy champagne and tropical fruit juice accompanied by a selection of muesli biscuits, exotic slices, cheese and fresh fruit. At the completion of the tour you will be transferred to your Alice Springs accommodation.
In the afternoon you will be transferred to Alice Springs railway station. Step aboard the legendary Ghan early evening and acquaint yourself with the friendly staff and facilities on board. Relax in your cabin or mingle with fellow travellers in the lounge car. Enjoy the passing scenery of the Outback while dinner is served in the classically styled Queen Adelaide Restaurant.
Day 5: The Ghan/Darwin
Start your day with an early breakfast so that you can make the most of your time in Katherine. Take a leisurely cruise on the Katherine River or gain an insight into the traditional owners of Nitmiluk (Katherine) Gorge, the Jawoyn people, with a tailormade cultural experience. You may choose to upgrade your excursion with scenic helicopter flight providing magnificent views over Kakadu and Nitmiluk National Parks (own expense). Depart Katherine early afternoon and enjoy lunch onboard as the lush tropical vegetation heralds your arrival into Darwin early evening.
Darwin has a relaxed outdoor lifestyle and enjoys warm weather all year round. Perched on a peninsula with sea on three sides, Darwin is an excellent base to explore the natural attractions of World Heritage listed Kakadu National Park, Litchfield and Nitmiluk National Parks, the Tiwi Islands and Arnhem Land. Darwin’s colourful history has contributed to its cultural diversity - more than 50 nationalities make up its 100,000 population, including the area's traditional landowners, the Larrakia Aboriginal people. The cultural and culinary benefits of such a melting pot are best experienced at Darwin's weekly markets, variety of restaurants and through the annual calendar of festivals and other events.
At the train station you will be met by a driver who will transfer you to your hotel.
Day 6: Darwin to Kakadu NP
Today you will board a private air charter from Darwin to Bamurru Plains. This scenic flight to the Top End will take around 30 min.
The Top End of the Northern Territory is known for its tropical weather, crocodiles, rich indigenous culture, great fishing, national parks and laid-back lifestyle. It is home to an eclectic mix of cultures whose outdoor lifestyle is complemented by brilliant sunsets, fantastic fishing .
Aboriginal people are the original custodians of the Top End and have a unique relationship with the land. Their art and Dreamtime stories weave a connection between spirit and country and provide modern travellers with a deeper understanding and insight to the mysteries of land and waters.
Check in to your luxury bush accommodation and enjoy the remoteness and beauty of your surroundings. Dinner is a delicious affair of 3-course meal enjoyed at a long timber table with the fellow guests and one of the guides.
Day 7: Kakadu NP
The true luxury of Bamurru Plains is its location. This beautiful wilderness region of over 300 square kilometres is shared by about 20 guests. The area is home to one of the largest crocodile populations in the world, and the annual migration of over one hundred thousand magpie geese is a sight to be seen.
A stay at Bamurru is bound to inspire a greater awareness of Australia’s unique and specialised environment. Watch as hundreds of birds take flight from around the infinity-edge pool, scan the shallows for big saltwater crocodiles as you skim across floodplains by airboat or slowly cruise the Sampan River watching for silver flashes of fish breaking the surface. On guided walks and game drives search for brumbies, buffalo, dingos and wallabies or pause to consider an intriguing reptile or the adaptations of a particular insect.
Your wilderness experience program includes airboat trips on the wetlands, river cruises in search of crocodiles, bird watching, astronomy evenings, bush drives, quad bike safaris and guided wilderness walks.
Day 8: Depart Kakadu NP
After breakfast it's time to leave this paradise and you will be transferred by 4WD back to Darwin for your onward travel arrangements.
