Aussie Interior ex Alice Springs

Itinerary

Day 1, Alice Springs & Ayers Rock/Uluru

We head out of Alice Springs for a breathtaking walk into the Olgas (Kata Tjuta) and our first distant views of Ayres Rock (Uluru) before arriving at our camp site at Ayers Rock Resort. Plenty of time this evening for that world famous picture of Uluru (Ayers Rock) at sunset. An early rise is required today, not only to watch the sunrise but because the cool of the morning is the best time to for those that wish to climb Ayers Rock. For anyone not wanting to climb the Rock there is also plenty of time to seek out and explore the artwork and culture around the base of the Rock. Accommodation: Budget Lodging included

Day 2-5, Kings Canyon & Alice Springs

The comfort of your air-conditioned seat on the coach will be appreciated as we head around to Kings Creek Station. There is an opportunity to indulge in some optional activities such as camel ride, 4WD quad bike ride or even a helicopter ride over the George Gill Range. We depart "The Station" early this morning so that we can explore King's Canyon with its "Lost City" and "Garden of Eden" in the cool of the morning before spending a few days relaxing in Alice Springs. "The Alice" is home to some of the world's best hot air ballooning, complete with a champagne breakfast. Consider taking an optional day trip through the Western MacDonnell Ranges where you can see Simpson's Gap, the Ochre Pits or even hike around Ormiston Gorg; visit the Desert Park, go shopping or just hang out at the pool. Accommodation: Budget Lodging included

Day 6-7, Wauchope & Katherine

Next we head North up the Stuart Highway to the eerie Devils Marbles in time for sunset before arriving at our "bush camp" for the night. There are several short hikes around the area & some stunning photographs to be taken. We then head to the gold mining town of Tennant Creek and visit the Daly Waters Pub before a relaxing swim at Mataranka Hot Springs. Accommodation: Budget Lodging included

Day 8-9, Kakadu National Park

Back on the road, we head to the "World Heritage Listed" Kakadu National Park, one of Australia's most beautiful areas of wilderness. Here you can explore rainforest, eucalyptus woodlands, swamps and mangroves, home to a wide variety of fauna and flora. There are some fantastic hikes leading you around detailed aboriginal rock artwork before we explore their northern cultural centre and a stunning sunset over the escarpment. . We join our included Yellow Water Billabong Cruise where you can spot crocodiles, birds, snakes, dingos and a large array of water birds and more that are abundant in Kakadu. Accommodation: Budget Lodging included

Day 10-12, Darwin

Leaving Kakadu National Park, we continue to the city of Darwin. We will do a quick city tour before checking into the YHA for a bed for the next two nights. Let's head out for a meal on the town tonight and a beer at the Vic Hotel. A free day to sleep in or explore the city at your own pace. Take a sight seeing tour on the "Tour Tub" and leave some time for the Museum and Art Gallery of the Northern Territory. Well worth a look. We might even have a BBQ down by the beach tonight. Accommodation: Budget Lodging included

Day 13-14, Litchfield National Park & Katherine

Leaving Darwin there is time for an optional tour through the award winning Territory Wildlife Park before arriving at Litchfield National Park and it's famous Magnetic termite mounds. Time for a swim then a walk down to the base of Florence Fallsbefore heading to our semi-bush camp next to a crystal clear waterfall. Heading south, maybe take a cruise up two of the spectacular gorge systems of Katherine Gorge. Accommodation: Budget Lodging included

Day 15-17, Tennent Creek, Mount Isa & Charters Towers

The next few days will be a real outback adventure as we cross the remote landscapes from the North Territory to North Eastern Queensland. You'll get a real feel for the vastness and emptiness of much of Australia's interior. We visit the Daly Waters Pub before a relaxing swim at Mataranka Hot Springs then cross the border through Camooweal. We overnight in the mining town of Mt Isa before passing through small towns like Julia Creek before travelling over the Great Dividing Range Accommodation: Budget Lodging included

Day 18-19, Cairns & Great Barrier Reef

Crossing the Atherton Table lands we'll head into Cairns for two days . We spend a full day our multi-million dollar sailing boat and cruise to the Outer Barrier Reef. You can snorkel or dive some of the best sites and marvel at the vast array of marine life living in the most extensive reef system in the world. A day you will remember for the rest of your life. Accommodation: Budget Lodging included Tour ends at approx 17:00 - 18:00 hrs in Cairns on day 19.