Day 1 Tue. Sydney, Griffith
Passengers from Sydney depart the Sofitel Wentworth at 8.00
a.m. Our scenic drive today takes us east through the rich
Murrumbidgee Irrigation Area.
Accommodation: Griffith, Griffith Motor Inn. (D)
Day 2 Wed. Murray River, Adelaide
Travel west through Mildura and along the Murray River. Pass
through the Barossa Valley wine region to arrive in the city
of Adelaide.
Accommodation: Novotel Adelaide on Hindley, in the heart of
this beautiful city. (BD)
Day 3 Thur. Salt Lakes, Coober Pedy
As we continue north we visit the Wadlata Outback Centre
where you can enjoy a series of displays detailing the
unique Australian Outback, its plants and its animals. We
continue past massive salt lakes to the opal mining center
of Coober Pedy.
Two Night Stay: Coober Pedy, Desert Cave Hotel, an
award-winning hotel with some underground rooms carved out
of opal-bearing sandstone. (BD)
Day 4 Fri. Coober Pedy
Today we explore Coober Pedy, the world's largest opal
producing center. Sightseeing includes a tour of an
underground home, church and the Umoona Opal Mine, with an
opportunity to fossick for opals.
We also visit the lunar landscapes of the Breakaways and
tonight enjoy a gourmet barbecue dinner. (BD)
Day 5 Sat. Uluru (Ayers Rock), Red Centre
We cross into the Northern Territory and continue to Ayers
Rock Resort. This afternoon, we travel into the desert where
drinks are served as you watch the rays of the setting sun
strike the surface of Uluru (Ayers Rock).
Two Night Stay: Ayers Rock Resort, Sails in the Desert
Hotel. Luxury in the Australian Outback. (B)
Day 6 Sun. Uluru (Ayers Rock), FREEDOM OF CHOICE TOURING,
Kata Tjuta (Olgas),
Explore Uluru (Ayers Rock) in full today, with a host of
exciting options available. Rise early to witness Uluru at
sunrise. You have the option to climb the rock or walk
around the base. Walk into Mutitjulu waterhole, then our
Freedom of Choice gives you four exciting options. On the
Liru Walk, learn from Aboriginal custodians about the
history of Uluru. Alternatively, choose the Harley Davidson
tour, desert camel ride or see unique wildlife at the
Predators of the Red Centre show. Depending on the morning
activities you choose, there may also be time to visit the
Cultural Centre and join the Mala Walk, learning of the
rock's geology and flora. Ask your Tour Director for advice
on today's activities. This afternoon, we all travel to Kata
Tjuta (Olgas) and explore Olga Gorge. Tonight is the 'Sounds
of Silence' desert dinner. Listen to the didgeridoo as the
sun sets on Uluru. Savor a gourmet barbecue before an
astronomy tour of the night skies. (BD)
Day 7 Mon. Kings Canyon, FREEDOM OF CHOICE TOURING, DINE
AROUND DINNER
We arrive at Kings Canyon where you can climb to the rim for
incredible views, continuing down into the lush valley of
the 'Garden of Eden'. Or, take the more gentle walk along
the canyon floor. Tonight enjoy our Dine Around Dinner at
the resort.
Accommodation: Kings Canyon Resort. (BD)
Day 8 Tue. Alice Springs, DINE AROUND
Explore the remarkable desert features of Angkerle (Standley
Chasm) and Simpsons Gap, in the West MacDonnell Ranges.
Continue to Alice Springs for a choice of five restaurants
tonight, including the famed Drovers Blowout at Overlanders
Steakhouse - whichever you choose, we'll pay your meal bill.
Two Night Stay: Alice Springs Resort. (BD)
Day 9 Wed. FREEDOM OF CHOICE
Today, join a 4WD day tour to rugged Palm Valley.
Alternatively, combine half day options for a full day. In
the morning, experience the Aboriginal Dreamtime Tour, visit
the Desert Park or tour Glen Helen and Ormiston gorges.
Then, play golf or tour the Alice Springs highlights in the
afternoon. (B)
BOND SPRINGS FARMSTAY OPTION
Stay overnight at a working cattle ranch enjoying a
nocturnal animal tour and a barbecue. Additional cost,
please enquire.
Day 10 Thur. Bond Springs Station
Visit the School of the Air then call by Bond Springs
Station to see the workings of a cattle ranch. Travel to
Karlwekarlwe (Devils Marbles) and explore these unusual
boulders. At Tennant Creek, enjoy sunset drinks and learn of
the region's goldmining history.
Accommodation: Tennant Creek, Bluestone Inn. (BD)
Day 11 Fri. Mataranka Thermal Pool
Travel through tiny settlements, including a quick drink at
the Daly Waters Pub. At Mataranka, enjoy a swim in the
famous natural thermal pool.
Accommodation: Katherine, Mercure Inn. (BD)
Day 12 Sat. Nitmiluk National Park, Kakadu
Enter Nitmiluk National Park and cruise between the sheer
cliffs of Katherine Gorge. A guide will explain the region's
plants and wildlife. Continue to Kakadu.
ARNHEM LAND ADVENTURE OPTION
Take a charter flight across Kakadu deep into remote Arnhem
Land for an exclusive wilderness expedition. Guides will
take you on a fascinating 4-wheel drive adventure tour,
including billabongs, bush food and rock art, giving you a
rare insight into Aboriginal culture. Return to Jabiru by
air rejoining your tour this evening. Replaces touring on
Day 13. Please enquire for costs.
Two Night Stay: Jabiru, Gagudju Crocodile Holiday Inn, right
in the heart of Kakadu National Park. (BD)
Day 13 Sun. World Heritage Kakadu, East Alligator River
Cruise, Ubirr Art
Experience the majesty of Kakadu with a full day of touring
in the national park. Join local Aboriginal guides for a
cruise along the East Alligator River, stopping on Arnhem
Land to learn about Aboriginal culture, mythology, and their
traditional way of life (subject to road conditions). Later
this afternoon, visit Ubirr, rich in ancient Aboriginal rock
paintings, then call into the Bowali Visitor Centre. (B)
Day 14 Mon. Jumping Crocodile Cruise, Darwin
Take in the beauty of the Adelaide River on our guided
wildlife cruise. See a variety of birdlife and the
man-eating saltwater crocodile. Then tour the fascinating
landscapes of Litchfield National Park. Inspect the massive
termite mounds, enjoy a swim in the clear pools at Wangi
Falls and visit the double waterfall forming Florence Falls.
Travel into the city of Darwin and, this evening, enjoy a
traditional Australian barbecue dinner.
Accommodation: Darwin, Novotel Atrium Darwin. (BD)
Day 15 Tue. Darwin City Tour
Following breakfast, enjoy a tour of Darwin. See the city
sights of this tropical capital, including East Point and
the renowned Museum and Art Gallery of the Northern
Territory. Admire fine examples of colonial architecture.
Afternoon transfers to airport for flights departing after
2.00 p.m. (B)
Coach touring
Itinerary
Enjoy all the remarkable sights, unique wildlife and ancient
culture of Central Australia and the Top End...
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