Adelaide to Darwin

Adelaide to Flinders Ranges (Lunch / Dinner)

Pick up from your Adelaide CBD accommodation at approx 7.00 am and head north to the Clare Valley which is well renowned for its excellent wines, with time to visit the Seven Hill cellars, the oldest winery in the region established by the Jesuits in 1851.

We travel to Melrose, a lovely little town nestled in the foothills of the Flinders Ranges. Driving further north we arrive at Quorn for lunch which became the junction of the Sydney-Perth and Adelaide-Darwin railway systems in 1917.

After visiting Jeff Morgan’s Wilpena panorama, we arrive at Hawker late afternoon in time to see the sunset over the Flinders Ranges as kangaroos and wallabies come out to feed. Tonight, enjoy a relaxing meal, o/n en-suite accommodation Outback Chapmanton Hotel.

Flinders Ranges to Marree (Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner)

After breakfast we drive to Wilpena Creek framed by huge river red gums, you can see the mystical heart of the Flinders Ranges with stunning views over Wilpena Pound.

Continuing our journey exploring Brachina and Bunyeroo gorge we discover their priceless geological treasures, crystal clear water holes and an abundance of flora and fauna including the rare yellow footed rock wallaby.

We will have lunch before travelling into the desert country up the Oodnadatta Track. We follow the old Ghan railway line and arrive at Lyndhurst to explore the ochre cliffs followed by a visit to the ghost town of Farina.

Late afternoon we arrive at Marree, a town at the junction of the famous Birdsville Track which is still populated by descendents of Afghan cameleers, and with a rich history as a staging post for the large camel trains carrying goods in the early days. O/n en-suite accommodation in Marree.

Marree to Coober Pedy (Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner)

We start the day with a visit of Marree to learn a bit more history of this place, back on the Oodnadatta track we view artesian spring’s ecosystem, arriving at the shores of Lake Eyre, to marvel at this inland sea.

This is followed by lunch at William Creek. Optional scenic flight over Lake Eyre (own cost). We then head for the opal capital of the world, Coober Pedy.

We will travel past the famous dingo fence and through the world’s largest cattle station, Anna Creek, before arriving in Coober Pedy, o/n Hotel en-suite accommodation.

Coober Pedy (Breakfast / Lunch / dinner)

This morning we start with a guided tour explaining the history of Coober Pedy and a 20 minutes award-winning documentary presented in an underground theatrette on three panoramic screens. We will learn about the opal industry including an opal cutting demonstration.

This will be followed by visiting an underground dugout home and the Serbian underground church. Late afternoon we head out to the breakaways reserve, a colourful land formation derived from the evaporation of an inland, ancient, Australian sea.

We return to Coober Pedy for dinner via the dog fence and the moon plains. O/n Hotel en-suite accommodation.

Coober Pedy to Yulara (Breakfast / Lunch)

After a Hearty breakfast, we continue through South Australia and cross the border into Northern Territory.

As we turn west towards Uluru, we notice a change of scenery, dotted with Sand dunes, spinifex and desert oak, on our left we see a formation rising from the horizon often mistaken for Uluru. This sandstone Mesa is called Mt Connor.

Late afternoon we arrive at Ayers rock resort. This evening an overnight stay at the Outback Pioneer Hotel ensuite accommodation

Yulara (Breakfast / Dinner)

This morning we travel to Kata Tjuta (The Olgas), a group of 36 massive, domed rock formations. Many dreamtime legends are associated with the area and it is still the site of spiritual ceremonies.

We visit the Uluru-Kata Tjuta Cultural Centre to learn about the park and the Anangu culture. The history of the traditional owners of the region dates back thousands of years.

This afternoon, time to relax at the resort before being picked up for the special Sounds of Silence dinner late afternoon. We then enjoy pre dinner drinks and canapes before feasting on a barbecue of authentic Australian delicacies and wines. Overnight stay Outback Pioneer Hotel ensuite accommodation.

Yulara to Kings creek station (Breakfast)

We start the day with a tour of the base of the magnificent Uluru (Ayers Rock) the world’s largest monolith rising 348 m above ground and a circumference of 9km We have plenty of opportunities to take photos along the way.

After lunch, we depart for Kings Creek Station, a working cattle station and the largest exporter of camels in Australia. Upon arrival we enjoy the sunset over the George Gill ranges. Overnight accommodation at Kings Creek station.

Kings Canyon to Alice springs (Breakfast / Dinner)

A morning at beautiful Watarka. named by the explorer Ernest Giles in 1872 after his close friend, Mr. Fielder King. Kings Canyon is the traditional home of the Luritja people of Central Australia. After European settlement, it became part of Tempe Downs station, before becoming part of Watarka National Park and returned to its traditional owners in 2012.

We enjoy amazing views on this incredible creek walk into the gorge, marvelling at its breathtaking 100m high wall. The Park houses a wide variety of desert plants and birds. We are rewarded by the stunning colours and scenery of this place.

We travel north via Erldunda before arriving in Alice Springs. Dinner in town. Overnight Mercure Hotel en-suite accommodation.

Alice springs (Breakfast / Lunch)

This morning we visit Anzac Hill giving us a panoramic view over Alice springs.

We then make our way to the old telegraph station for a visit before heading to the Royal Flying Doctors base. We hear the amazing history of one of the most comprehensive aeromedical organisations in the world.

This afternoon free time to relax or visit the shopping precinct with numerous art galleries and souvenir shops.

Overnight Mercure Hotel en-suite accommodation.

Alice Springs to Tennant Creek (Breakfast / Lunch / dinner)

After breakfast we head north passing the Tropic of Capricorn. We visit the Aileron outback art gallery.

We continue our journey up the Stuart highway via Wycliffe, Ti-tree and Barrow creek, the old Overland Telegraph Station. All significant landmarks

We cut across flat plains and travel through a patch of no man’s land. We arrive at Karlu Karlu (the Devils Marbles), a strange grouping of enormous boulders. These are a result of millions of years of erosion. A great place for photos.

Overnight stay at Bluestone Hotel en-suite accommodation

Tennant Creek to Daly Waters (Breakfast /Lunch / Dinner)

This morning we head to the visitor centre to Discover the history, science and gold mining in Tennant Creek and the Barkly.

Heading north, we stop by Renner Springs, which serves as a border between the lush tropics of the north and the red desert of Australia’s Centre and then onto Newcastle Waters, a ghost town with a rich, vibrant history as a gathering place for drovers on their grueling overland cattle drives. It is located at the junction of three major overland stock routes.

Late afternoon we arrive at the oldest pub in the Northern Territory, Daly Waters, licensed since 1893 and the site for the first International Airport in Australia which refuelled planes and passengers en route to London. Overnight at the iconic Daly water pub. en-suite accommodation.

Daly Water to Katherine (Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner)

Our first stop today is Larimah, where a staging camp was set up during World War 2. Afterwards, we continue into ‘Never Never’ country.

Stop at the tropical oasis of Mataranka for a relaxing dip in the thermal springs or stroll through the Elsey Homestead replica, used in the filming of ‘We of the Never Never’.

In the afternoon, we arrive in riverside Katherine where we embark for a sunset dinner cruise, set against the dramatic backdrop of the Katherine Gorge, enjoying a delicious 3-course dinner on-board, sipping sparkling wine whilst enjoying the rugged landscape.

Overnight Contour hotel en-suite accommodation

Katherine to Jabiru (Breakfast / Lunch)

We continue our journey north stopping at Pine Creek essentially a gold mining town which stumbled into existence when the teams building the Overland Telegraph Line in 1870 dug up some gold while digging holes for posts creating a new gold rush.

We enter Kakadu National Park following the trail of the giant termite mounds. We stop at the Bowali Visitor Centre. The displays here will take us on a journey through Kakadu’s varied habitats and landscapes.

Late afternoon we travel to Ubirr a breathtaking Aboriginal art site. A short climb takes us to the top of this rocky outcrop for rewarding views over the Nadab floodplain.

Overnight Mercure Crocodile Hotel en-suite accommodation.

Jabiru to Darwin (Breakfast / Lunch)

This morning we will visit Nourlangie, famed for its well-preserved Aboriginal rock art, some of which is dated back at least 20,000 years. A guided tour will give us a detailed interpretation of the art and the rich Aboriginal culture as we explore the various outdoor galleries.

Followed by a cruise on the famous Yellow Water Billabong. We will see a variety of birdlife and hopefully we may also see the feared estuarine crocodile basking in the muddy shallows.

This afternoon travel to Darwin and enjoy our last dinner together at the Darwin yacht club. Overnight Palm City Resort en-suite accommodation.

Darwin (Breakfast)

Enjoy breakfast at your leisure, before being transferred to the airport where we say our goodbyes and take our respective flights home.