Outback Safari

Today is one of colours. The ochre soil spiked with cycads as your plane comes into land. The endless blue sky, from horizon to infinity. The russet hues of Uluru that appears on just about every Australian postcard… And that’s all before enchanting hour. Uluru has been home to the Anangu for millennia. You will discover their connection to the land when you arrive in the Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park at sunset watching the shifting colours transform the desert. Not ready to return to your hotel yet? Ask us about pre-booking our exclusive Uluru Barbecue Dinner for tonight (own expense).

Discover Australia's wilderness through your bucket list visit to Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park. You’ll encounter the iconic Uluru, half a billion years old, standing 348 metres high and taller than the Eiffel Tower. If you’re looking for a reason to roll out of bed before dawn, make it an Uluru sunrise. Every time you see Uluru, it feels and looks different, and being up with the birds certainly is worth the effort. Rising early will keep you cool when you explore the base of Uluru, the world’s largest monolith. Dive even deeper into First Nations traditions at the Uluru-Kata Tjuta Cultural Centre. Then, travel to Kata Tjuta’s to wander through its Jurassic domed rock formations into Walpa Gorge, between two of the tallest domes. Return to the resort, where this afternoon is yours to spend as you wish.

Witness a breathtaking glimpse of the Uluru Field of Light before dawn, where 50,000 glowing bulbs transform the desert landscape into a mesmerising spectacle (own expense). It’s an unforgettable way to begin your day, energised by the exhibition as well as the sunrise, seeing Uluru from another viewpoint. Among Australia’s record-breaking rock formations, few are as striking as Atila (Mt. Conner), its flat-topped silhouette is impossible to forget. Pause at Kings Creek Station, Australia’s largest wild camel exporter, where camel burgers make for a unique outback lunch. Afterwards, continue to Kings Canyon Resort in Watarrka National Park.

This morning prepare for the awe-inspiring Kings Canyon Rim Walk, a 440-million-year-old geological wonder featuring soaring sandstone domes, dramatic plateaus, and hidden rock pools - a true feast for the senses. The Northern Territory Outback is a land of vast scale, from sprawling cattle stations to the dramatic MacDonnell Ranges, which stretch towards Alice Springs on your drive today. The town holds a special place in Australian history with its 1872 Telegraph Station, one of eleven connecting Adelaide to Darwin over 3,200 kilometres. See it up close, then take in its significance from Anzac Hill, where sweeping views offer a glimpse into the landscapes that inspired many works in Alice Springs’ galleries.

Start your day with a scenic drive to the stunning West MacDonnell Ranges. Marvel at the rugged beauty and unique rock formations as you explore Simpsons Gap, a picturesque gorge with towering cliffs and a secluded waterhole. Return to Alice Springs for a visit to the Royal Flying Doctor Service Visitor Centre, where you'll learn about the incredible medical services provided to remote Australian communities. The afternoon is yours to enjoy at leisure. Unwind by the hotel pool, soaking up the sun, or take the opportunity to discover more of Alice Springs at your own pace. Whether you choose to explore local shops, visit art galleries, or simply relax, this day offers the perfect blend of adventure and relaxation.

Kick off your morning with a visit to the School of the Air, which broadcasts lessons across an incredible 1.3 million square kilometres. If visiting during the school term, you might even observe live educational sessions. Depart Alice Springs and make your way to Karlu Karlu (Devils Marbles), a fascinating collection of boulders formed over millions of years. These unique rock formations vary in size, with some reaching up to 6 metres high. Stroll through the boulders, marvelling at their impressive size and the natural beauty of the area. Continue your journey to Tennant Creek, renowned for its rich gold mining history.

Since the 1930s, the Daly Waters Pub has been a beloved Outback institution, serving up schnitzels, barramundi burgers, and hearty steaks. Its walls tell stories, adorned with quirky keepsakes left behind by travellers, from bras to boots. What will you add to the collection? Next, the Land of the Never Never awaits in Mataranka, where you can visit a replica of the Elsey Homestead, featured in the 1982 film We of the Never Never. Or take a peaceful stroll through palm-lined walkways and indulge in a soak at steamy thermal springs, the perfect remedy for weary limbs, before arriving in Katherine.

Explore the natural beauty of Nitmiluk National Park on a MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience cruise along Nitmiluk Gorge. You’ll wind through this gorge carved through ancient sandstone alongside steep cliff walls, watching for lush rainforest gullies in giant cracks, and maybe a freshwater crocodile or two on the banks. The Jawoyn people have called Nitmiluk (Katherine) Gorge home for a millennia, their deep connection to Country reflected in the ancient tale of the cicada, symbolising their spiritual bond with the land. Journey into Kakadu National Park, where the Yellow Water Billabong cruise unveils untouched wetlands bursting with diverse wildlife and breathtaking scenery. Glide through this tranquil landscape, spotting crocodiles basking in the sun and lush vegetation such as water lilies - a bushtucker food, as you’ll discover from your expert local guide. Keep your eyes peeled for sea eagles, brolgas, and kingfishers, their striking colours adding to the magic of the Top End - an  unforgettable immersion into Australia’s wild beauty.

The vast beauty of Kakadu is best admired from above. Take a morning flight for sweeping views of this immense wilderness, gaining insight into its Indigenous significance (own expense). Back on solid ground, uncover the Aboriginal art of Ubirr, where ancient rock galleries tell stories of the land’s deep cultural heritage. Climb to the top for panoramic vistas across floodplains and escarpments - a backdrop made famous in Crocodile Dundee. As night falls, Darwin’s tropical energy takes over. Begin at the Mindil Beach Sunset Markets, where a fusion of global flavours awaits, setting the perfect tone for an unforgettable evening (own expense).

Your final full day in the Northern Territory is fittingly warm and tropical - embrace the relaxed rhythm of the Top End. Spend the morning your way, whether it’s sleeping in before indulging in a tropical breakfast or setting off on an optional experience. Explore Litchfield National Park, a spectacular blend of magnetic termite mounds, cascading waterfalls, and refreshing waterholes (seasonal swimming). Alternatively, venture to the Tiwi Islands, where First Nations guides offer deep insights into Indigenous history and art (both own expense). No matter how you spend the day, gather in the evening for a memorable dinner, celebrating the incredible experiences shared along the journey.

It’s time to say farewell and head home, sorting through snapshots of an unforgettable journey. But the best souvenirs? The lasting memories of 11 days immersed in the untamed Northern Territory Outback experiences.