Top End - 12 Day Territory in Depth
Top End
The Top End 12 Day Territory in Depth tour's intinerary is:
Day 1 - Darwin to Mary River
A refreshing start to your day; the waterfalls of Litchfield National Park, followed by the spectacular Mary River Wetlands. Birds aren’t the only wildlife abundant around here; keep your eyes out for lurking crocodiles on our private river cruise! A secluded campsite at Point Stuart Wilderness Lodge is where we’ll stay tonight. (LD)
Day 2 - Mary River to Kakadu
Discover ancient Aboriginal rock art at Ubirr, our first stop this morning. Clamber to the top of a rocky lookout for fabulous views over the Nardab floodplain. Next it’s on to Maguk (Barramundi Gorge), where a hike is rewarded with a reviving swim in the plunge pools. Tonight we stay at our permanent camp within Kakadu NP. (BLD)
Day 3 - Kakadu to Darwin
Get ready for some 4WD action today on our way to Jim Jim Falls! Once we get there, we’ll hike to the base of the falls before continuing on to Twin Falls. Feel the beauty of the stunning gorge and powerful falls from the National Park operated boat and boardwalk experience. The impressive scenery will continue to amaze you as we journey back to Darwin in the afternoon. Overnight motel accommodation included.(BL)
Day 4 - Darwin
Relax and explore Darwin. Overnight motel accommodation included. (Meals at own expense).
Day 5 - Darwin to Katherine Gorge
Leaving Darwin, we stop for a break at Adelaide River on the way to Katherine. We spend the whole afternoon at the majestic Katherine Gorge (Nitmiluk), which is part of the Nitmiluk National Park. Experience the striking beauty while canoeing or cruising (at own expense) through the gorge itself. Tonight we stay at our permanent camp near Katherine Gorge. (LD).
Day 6 - Katherine Gorge to Tennant Creek
Not far to the south is Mataranka, where you can revive in a sparkling thermal pool surrounded by lush tropical forest. Next stop is the iconic Daly Waters outback hotel, the Territory’s oldest pub. Nearby lies Australia’s first international airport, but you won’t get a flight back home from here these days! After lunch, we continue south to Tennant Creek where we camp overnight at Juno Horse Farm. (BLD).
Day 7 - Tennant Creek to Alice Springs
This morning we check out the sacred site of the Devils Marbles, which balance precariously on their rocky perch. From here we stop in at Barrow Creek Pub, home to the historic Telegraph Station - catch a glimpse of what Outback telecommunication used to be like! A visit to Ti Tree gives you the chance to buy original works of art by Indigenous artists, before crossing over the Tropic of Capricorn to arrive in Alice Springs late in the afternoon. (BL) Overnight motel accommodation included.
Day 8 - Alice Springs
Relax and explore Alice Springs. Overnight motel accommodation included. (Meals at own expense).
Day 9 - Alice Springs to Kata Tjuta & Uluru
Welcome to the Outback! Our first stop is the Outback Camel Farm where you can see the world from the top of a camel if you choose to take a ride (at own expense).
Next it’s onto Uluru, in the heart of the Red Centre. After lunch, we explore fascinating Kata Tjuta (the Olgas) on a guided interpretive walk through the Valley of the Winds. We make it back to camp in time for an enthralling desert sunset over Uluru. After dinner, curl up in your swag (Aussie bedroll) and watch the stars come out to play in the darkening sky. (LD).
Day 10 - Uluru to Kings Canyon
Sunrise over Uluru is magical! It’s an early start to catch it. While the morning’s fresh (and your legs are too!) take a walk around Uluru’s base, or climb to the top if you choose - however, the Anangu traditional owners prefer it if you don’t. Gain a further insight into the land, its stories and the people who inhabit it at the Cultural Centre, where you’ll also have the opportunity to invest in original arts and crafts by Indigenous artists. We’ll have some lunch before heading over to Kings Canyon. Tonight’s dinner is cooked in a camp oven and the result is delicious! We spend the night at our permanent campsite at Kings Canyon Resort. (BLD).
Day 11 - Kings Canyon to Glen Helen
There’s a lot to explore at Kings Canyon and we check out the Amphitheatre, Lost City, the lush and ancient Garden of Eden and the sheer outcrops of the North and South walls. After lunch, we travel along the well-known Mereenie Loop Track (also called the Red Centre Way) where we check out the 140 million year old meteorite crater, Gosse Bluff. We pass by the home of acclaimed Indigenous artist Albert Namatjira as we travel towards Glen Helen, where we spend the night in our permanent campsite nestled in the western end of the majestic MacDonnell Ranges. (BLD)
Day 12 - Glen Helen to Alice Springs
Discover the spectacular geological features of Ormiston Gorge, before we jump back into the vehicle for some 4WD action through the ancient track of the Finke River. Most of today is spent at Palm Valley and Cycad Gorge, exploring what was once a prehistoric inland sea. Keep your eyes out for the Livistonia Mariae, a tropical palm and one of the rarest trees in the world. The spectacular Western MacDonnell Ranges will continue to impress you all the way back to Alice Springs. (BL).
About Top End
The Top End, home to Kakadu National Park (the third largest park in the world) is one of Australia’s gems but little known by many international travellers. Boasting some of the country’s most impressive landscapes with dramatic waterfalls framed by rugged escarpments and the scenic gorge system of Nitmiluk (Katherine Gorge) as well as a rich Aboriginal history and a unique collection of birds and wildlife. Choose from a selection of coach touring and four-wheel driving experiences to explore this territory.
