TERRITORY DISCOVERY
Routing: Ayers Rock to Darwin
Duration: 8 Days
Code: AY2
From AUD$1,500.00* per person, based on standard double/twin share accommodation.
Includes: 7 nights’ accommodation, 8 days unlimited kilometre use of a compact size car, 1.5hr Yellow Water Cruise, Nit Nit Dreaming 2 Gorge Cultural cruise and fully detailed itinerary with local and regional maps.
From AUD$1,675.00* per person, based on superior double/twin share accommodation.
Includes: 7 nights’ accommodation, 8 days unlimited kilometre use of a compact size car, 1.5hr Yellow Water Cruise, Nit Nit Dreaming 2 Gorge Cultural cruise and fully detailed itinerary with local and regional maps.
DAY 01: Ayers Rock
On arrival collect your vehicle and check into your room at Ayers Rock.
This afternoon we suggest a tour out to the Rock and just drive slowly around it before heading to “Sunset Strip” to see the famous sunset over Uluru.
DAY 02: Ayers Rock
An entire day to explore what the region has to offer. Take a walk around the Rock, a visit to the Cultural Centre, a Harley ride around the Rock or a scenic flight. This afternoon try a picnic lunch at the Olgas and a walk through the Valley of the Winds before viewing another spectacular sunset.
DAY 03: Ayers Rock to Alice Springs (463 km)
This morning you can see the sunrise over Uluru before departing Ayers Rock. Travel for 242 kilometres east along the Lasseter Highway to Erldunda, passing the imposing Mount Connor. At Erldunda turn north along the Stuart Highway towards Alice Springs. Spend the rest of the day exploring this beautiful part of the Australian Outback.
DAY 04: Alice Springs to Tennant Creek (508 km)
From the heart of the Red Centre – Alice Springs, continue the journey north towards Tennant Creek. Travel through the small townships of Aileron, Ti Tree and Barrow Creek. We suggest a stop at the Devils Marbles on the way, 96 kilometres south of Tennant Creek. These are fascinating natural rock formations. Legend has it that Tennant Creek was formed when a beer wagon broke down and the drivers stayed to drink the cargo – and never left!
DAY 05: Tennant Creek to Katherine (673 km)
Today is another long drive, so we suggest an early start. 26 kilometres out of town is ‘Three Ways’, this is the intersection of the Barkly and Stuart Highways. Continue north through this scrub and desert land to Daly Waters and Mataranka. There are thermal springs at Mataranka, a great spot to stop and relax for a while. From Mataranka it is only 110 kilometres on to Katherine, the major intersection between northern, southern and western routes.
DAY 06: Katherine to Kakadu National Park (310 km)
The Katherine Gorge is located 30 km from the town centre; here the river flows between towering walls of colour. This morning take the included 2 hour gorge cruise. Katherine Gorge is a system of 13 gorges all joining by rapids. The best way to see the Gorge is from the water, there are also scenic flights and plenty of marked walking tracks. Leave Katherine and head north the Stuart Highway towards Pine Creek. At Pine Creek you join the Kakadu Highway and travel on north to the heart of Kakadu National Park.
DAY 07: Kakadu National Park
This morning take your 1.5 hour cruise on Yellow Waters for views of colourful birdlife and the ever present crocodile. The scenery of Kakadu is dramatic and the area has prolific wildlife and birdlife. In addition, the aboriginal rock art is amongst the finest rock art in the world and there are 120 known galleries in an area of 5 square kilometres on the escarpment, with some paintings carbon dated back 23,000 years. The most accessible sites by road are at Ubirr Rock and Nourlangie Rock.
DAY 08: Kakadu National Park to Darwin (210 km)
Depart Kakadu via the Arnhem Highway and pass the Bark Hut Inn, a great spot to take a break for morning tea or a cool drink. En route, take a cruise on the Adelaide River to see the jumping crocodiles or stop at Window on the Wetlands Visitor Centre. At Fogg Dam you can also view the prolific birdlife before the final stretch into Darwin, the capital of the Northern Territory.
Return the vehicle tomorrow by the same time it was collected on Day 1 so as to avoid any additional charges.
*Prices are subject to availability and conditions apply. Valid until 31 March, 2021. For dates after this or if you would like to make any changes, please contact us direct for a quote.
