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15 daysAustralia

Experience the ultimate Australian journey on this 15-day Small Group expedition from Adelaide to Darwin, uncovering Australia’s most iconic landscapes. Explore Wilpena Pound, Coober Pedy, Uluru, Kings Canyon, and Kakadu National Park, with expert-led tours and premium accommodation. Experience wine tastings, a Nitmiluk (Katherine) Gorge cruise, and a magical Uluru sunset. Discover ancient Aboriginal rock art, encounter vibrant wildlife, and immerse yourself in breathtaking scenery. With expertly curated experiences, this adventure offers an unforgettable exploration of Australia’s rugged heartland.

Length
15 days
Route
Adelaide to Darwin
Meals
14 breakfasts, 3 dinners
Style
Small Group
Group size
24

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Highlights

  • Join guided tours of the Adelaide Central Market Explore Wilpena Pound, a natural amphitheatre in the ancient Flinders Ranges National Park, a MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience Visit the Wadlata Outback Centre in the Flinders Ranges Learn about living underground and how to mine for opals at iconic Coober Pedy Witness an unforgettable sunset at Uluru, complete with sparkling wine On a MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience – Discover a maze of waterways on a cruise through Nitmiluk (Katherine) Gorge and learn about the Jawoyn people, the owners of the gorge Cruise on Yellow Water Billabong in Kakadu National Park, a MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience Includes three UNESCO sites of Uluru-Kata Tjuta, Kakadu and Watarrka National Parks Discover stories of Indigenous culture Marvel at natural wonders like Karlu Karlu (Devils Marbles), Mataranka Thermal Springs, and Kings Canyon Visit the Ubirr Rock Art Site
  • What to BringComfortable walking shoes Warm layers in cooler months Sunglasses, sunscreen and hat Water bottle Camera
  • Flight InformationDay 1: Flights to arrive prior to 12.30pm into Adelaide Airport Day 15: Flights to depart anytime from Darwin Airport Airport to Hotel transfers are available to purchase on request. Flights to and from your tour are not included in the tour price.
  • Fitness RequirementsMedium level of Fitness Required for the Wilpena Pound hike. This 6km hike to the Homestead will be suitable for most guests however the track has uneven surfaces and is rocky in places. Retractable hiking poles may be useful. A shuttle bus is available (at own cost) to transfer guests to the start of the 3 km return track. High level of fitness required for the Kings Canyon Rim Walk. This 6km hike will not be suitable for all guests. The first 30-minute incline is considered “Difficult”. The Tour Director will offer guest an easier alternative along the creek walk for those that are unable. Medium Level of Fitness Required for the climb to the top of Nadab Lookout at Ubirr in Kakadu National Park will not be suitable for all guests. To get to the lookout guests are required to scale up uneven rocky paths and steps to get to the lookout. There is an alternate route on a fairly flat gravel path for those unable climb to the top so they will not miss out on Rock Art.

Itinerary

  1. AdelaideDay 1
  2. Flinders RangesDay 2
  3. Port AugustaDay 3
  4. Coober PedyDay 4
  5. UluruDay 5
  6. Kata Tjuta / Mount OlgaDay 6
  7. Kings CanyonDay 7
  8. Alice SpringsDay 8
  9. Simpsons GapDay 9
  10. Tennant CreekDay 10
  11. KatherineDay 11
  12. Kakadu National ParkDay 12
  13. DarwinDays 13–15
Day 1Welcome to AdelaideAdelaide

Adelaide effortlessly blends culture and charm, drawing in food lovers, history buffs, and art enthusiasts alike. Meet your Travel Director and fellow travellers over a drink, then explore the city’s highlights on a guided tour, including a visit to the legendary Central Market to meet a local gourmand who will take you behind the scenes - taste testing stall to stall.

Stay: Crowne Plaza Adelaide, Adelaide

Day 2Adelaide - Flinders RangesFlinders Ranges

Depart Adelaide and journey through the Clare Valley, where rolling vineyards produce fragrant Rieslings and bold reds beneath wide blue skies. Continue north to Hawker, a small town that inspired artist Jeff Morgan’s striking depictions of the Outback. Visit his gallery to view large scale works and a unique collection of memorabilia. Arrive at Wilpena Pound Resort for a MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience, set within a vast natural amphitheatre of the Flinders Ranges. Here, towering ridgelines and ancient landscapes surround you, offering a powerful introduction to South Australia’s rugged interior and the beginning of an unforgettable Outback journey.

Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Stay: Wilpena Pound Resort, Wilpena Pound Resort

Day 3Flinders Ranges - Port AugustaPort Augusta

River red gums frame Hills Homestead on an easy walk along Wilpena Creek to Wangarra Hill Lookout, unveiling sweeping views across Wilpena Pound. Travel on to heritage listed Quorn, once a former railway hub on the route of the original Ghan and the Central Australia Railway. Continue through the dramatic Pichi Richi Pass to Port Augusta for a visit to the Wadlata Outback Centre, tracing the region’s journey from dinosaurs to today, the formation of the Flinders Ranges and beyond.

Meals: Breakfast

Stay: Majestic Oasis Apartments, Port Augusta

Day 4Port Augusta - Coober PedyCoober Pedy

Uncover history at Woomera, once a rocket-testing site, now home to a fascinating aerospace park showcasing Australia’s innovations. Journey through sunbaked landscapes so surreal they resemble the moon, arriving at Coober Pedy, the opal capital of the world. Go beneath the surface with a Local Guide, discovering the underground mines where dazzling opals are unearthed - maybe even finding your fortune! Explore the town’s unique subterranean homes and facilities, a testament to life in one of the country’s most extreme and isolated environments. The South Australian Outback holds endless surprises.

Meals: Breakfast

Stay: Desert Cave Hotel, Coober Pedy

Day 5Coober Pedy - UluruUluru

Leaving Coober Pedy’s underground dwellings, your journey into the Northern Territory begins at Uluru-Kata Tjuta, Australia’s spiritual heart and a World Heritage listed wonder. As sunset paints the iconic monolith in shifting hues, capture nature’s brilliance with every snapshot. Raise a glass, savour delicious bites, and share stories with fellow adventurers beneath the vast Red Centre Outback sky. Ask us about pre-booking our optional experience exclusive Uluru Barbecue Dinner for tonight.

Meals: Breakfast

Stay: Desert Gardens, Uluru

Day 6Uluru Sunrise - Kata TjutaKata Tjuta / Mount Olga

Early starts are well worth it when you witness a breathtaking Red Centre sunrise - words cannot describe how beautiful it is. On this MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience, encounter Uluru, standing 348 metres tall and dating back half a billion years - even loftier than the Eiffel Tower. At its base, embark on a guided walk to the serene Mutitjulu Waterhole, a place sacred to the Anangu people, steeped in ancient stories. More soul stirring landscapes unfold at Kata Tjuṯa, where immense sandstone domes guide you into tranquil Walpa Gorge. Sheltered from the harsh desert, this cool corridor nurtures rare plants, spearwood trees, birdlife and animals that flourish in surprising abundance.

Meals: Breakfast

Stay: Desert Gardens, Uluru

Kata Tjuta
Day 7Uluru - Kings CanyonKings Canyon

Rise before dawn for a breathtaking glimpse of the Uluru Field of Light, an optional experience, where 50,000 glowing bulbs transform the desert landscape into a mesmerising spectacle. It’s an unforgettable way to begin your day. Among Australia’s record-breaking rock formations, few are as striking as Attila (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. Then, 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.

Meals: Breakfast

Stay: Kings Canyon Resort, Kings Canyon

Kings Canyon
Day 8Kings Canyon - Alice SpringsAlice Springs

The Northern Territory Outback is a land of vast scale, from sprawling cattle stations to the dramatic MacDonnell Ranges, which stretch toward Alice Springs on our drive today. The town holds a special place in Australian history with its 1872 Telegraph Station, one of 11 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.

Meals: Breakfast

Stay: DoubleTree by Hilton Alice Springs, Alice Springs

Couple Admiring Horse And Cart Alice Springs Telegraph Station Credit Tourism Nt And Shanna Mcnaught
Day 9Alice Springs SightseeingSimpsons Gap

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 tranquil 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.

Meals: Breakfast

Stay: DoubleTree by Hilton Alice Springs, Alice Springs

Couple Admiring in Royal Flying Doctor Service Museum Credit Tourism Nt And Shanna Mcnaught
Day 10Alice Springs - Tennant CreekTennant Creek

Begin your day with a visit to the School of the Air, broadcasting lessons across 1.3 million square kilometres. If touring during the school term, you might observe live educational sessions. Depart Alice Springs and head towards 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. You can walk through the boulders, marvelling at their impressive size and the natural beauty of the area. Continue your journey to Tennant Creek, your base for the night, known for its rich gold mining history.

Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Stay: Bluestone Motor Inn, Tennant Creek

Couple Exploring Devil's Marbles Credit Tourism Nt And Helen Orr
Day 11Tennant Creek - KatherineKatherine

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.

Meals: Breakfast

Stay: Contour Hotel Katherine, Katherine

Mataranka Credit Tourism Nt And Sean Scott
Day 12Katherine - KakaduKakadu National Park

The Jawoyn people have called Nitmiluk (Katherine) Gorge home for millennia, their deep connection to Country reflected in the ancient tale of the cicada, symbolising their spiritual bond with the land on a cruise through the gorge, a MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience. Journey into Kakadu National Park, where the Yellow Water Billabong cruise unveils untouched wetlands bursting with diverse wildlife and breathtaking scenery, MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience. Glide through this unique landscape, spotting majestic crocodiles, vibrant birdlife, and lush vegetation, all guided by local experts. 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.

Meals: Breakfast

Stay: Kakadu Crocodile Hotel, Kakadu National Park

Yellow Water Billabong Cruise Kakadu National Park Credit Tourism Australia
Day 13Kakadu - DarwinDarwin

The vast beauty of Kakadu is best admired from above. Take an optional experience morning flight for sweeping views of this immense wilderness, gaining insight into its Indigenous significance. 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 the movie Crocodile Dundee. As night falls, Darwin’s tropical energy takes over. Begin at the Mindil Beach Sunset Market, where a fusion of global flavours awaits, setting the perfect tone for an unforgettable evening.

Meals: Breakfast

Stay: Hilton Garden Inn Darwin, Darwin

Mindil Beach Market - Credit: Tourism NT/Adrian Brown
Day 14Darwin Free TimeDarwin

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 one of our optional experiences. Explore Litchfield National Park, a spectacular blend of magnetic termite mounds, cascading waterfalls, and refreshing waterholes (seasonal swimming). No matter how you spend the day, gather in the evening for a memorable dinner, celebrating the incredible experiences shared along the journey.

Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Stay: Hilton Garden Inn Darwin, Darwin

Wangi Falls Litchfield National Park Credit Tourism Nt
Day 15Farewell from DarwinDarwin

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

Meals: Breakfast

Mindl Beach Darwin

Hotels

Adelaide, Australia

1 night

Crowne Plaza Adelaide

Hotel

Enjoy a culturally-rich and inspiring escape at Crowne Plaza Adelaide with stunning views from the city’s tallest building in design-led rooms. Stay in the East End— Adelaide’s sweet spot— close to Lot Fourteen and Adelaide Botanic Garden with easy access to the casino, Adelaide Convention Centre and Adelaide Oval.

Hotel and room features

Hotel Pool, Gym, Bar, Room Service, Restaurant

Room Air Conditioning, Iron & ironing board, TV, Telephone, Tea & coffee facilities, Wi-Fi

Wilpena Pound Resort, Australia

1 night

Wilpena Pound Resort

Resort

Wilpena Pound Resort is spectacularly located within the Flinders Ranges National Park, South Australia. Enjoy a haven of outback hospitality, stop and stay awhile as you soak up the incredible beauty of one of the earth’s oldest landscapes.

Hotel and room features

Hotel Restaurant, Bar, Pool

Room Tea & coffee facilities, Mini fridge, TV, Iron & ironing board, Air Conditioning, Wi-Fi

Port Augusta, Australia

1 night

Majestic Oasis Apartments

Contemporary

Majestic Oasis Apartments is perfectly positioned overlooking the waters of the Upper Spencer Gulf in sunny Port Augusta, only 3 hours drive North of Adelaide in South Australia. The property comprises 75 self-contained serviced apartments.

Hotel and room features

Hotel Laundry

Room Air Conditioning, TV, Iron & ironing board, Safe, Wi-Fi

Coober Pedy, Australia

1 night

Desert Cave Hotel

Hotel

For the best in Outback Accommodation and Tours - an experience of a lifetime. The Desert Cave Hotel allows you to experience dug-out style living, underground shops, bar and opal display areas - all within sandstone surrounds in the heart of Coober Pedy.

Hotel and room features

Hotel Room Service

Room TV, Telephone, Iron & ironing board, Mini fridge, Tea & coffee facilities, Wi-Fi

Uluru, Australia

2 nights

Desert Gardens

Hotel

Voyages Desert Gardens Hotel: Imagine waking up to a sunrise view of ‎Uluru, blazing red under a sunny Outback sky. Perched within an oasis of native gardens, the hotel's 218 elegant guestrooms provide a relaxing retreat from a day of adventure and the resort’s only views of Uluru. It is centrally located to all resort and touring facilities and offers a range of accommodation, from Deluxe Rock View Rooms to Standard Rooms amidst towering gumtrees and garden beds dotted with native shrubs and flowers.

Hotel and room features

Room Air Conditioning, Iron & ironing board, Telephone, Safe, Tea & coffee facilities

Kings Canyon, Australia

1 night

Kings Canyon Resort

Hotel

Retreat to the luxury of Kings Canyon Resort after an active day of hiking through the rugged terrain of Watarrka National Park. The sensitively designed property is located in Watarrka National Park, just nine kilometres from Kings Canyon. Naturally, the Kings Canyon Resort has been built to blend in harmoniously with the surround.

Hotel and room features

Hotel Restaurant, Bar, Pool, Laundry, 24-hour Front Desk

Room Air Conditioning, Tea & coffee facilities, Mini fridge, Telephone, Non smoking, Wi-Fi

Alice Springs, Australia

2 nights

DoubleTree by Hilton Alice Springs

Hotel

Experience stunning views of the majestic MacDonnell Mountain Ranges when you stay at the DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Alice Springs. Conveniently located just off of Stuart Highway, the hotel is only 15 minutes’ drive from Alice Springs Airport and within walking distance of downtown. Ideal for leisure guests, this Alice Springs hotel offers fantastic business and recreational facilities and friendly service from our dedicated staff.

Hotel and room features

Hotel Restaurant, Business Centre, Pool, Room Service, Gym, Bar

Tennant Creek, Australia

1 night

Bluestone Motor Inn

Hotel

The Bluestone Motor Inn is the perfect base from which to explore the diverse nature and culture of the Australian outback. Bluestone is the perfect place to stay at the halfway mark along the track from Alice Springs to Darwin and back.

Hotel and room features

Hotel Pool

Room Air Conditioning, TV, Iron & ironing board, Tea & coffee facilities, Wi-Fi

Katherine, Australia

1 night

Contour Hotel Katherine

Hotel

Contour Hotel Katherine is situated near Katherine Town Centre, and is the perfect location for exploring Nitmiluk National Park.

Hotel and room features

Hotel Pool, Gym

Room Air Conditioning, TV, Tea & coffee facilities, Iron & ironing board, Wi-Fi

Kakadu National Park, Australia

1 night

Kakadu Crocodile Hotel

Hotel

This accommodation is uniquely shaped to represent Kakadu's most famous inhabitant, the saltwater crocodile. Relax in the recently refurbished rooms, unwind in your private courtyard, by the shaded outdoor pool.

Hotel and room features

Hotel Restaurant, Bar, Pool

Room TV, Air Conditioning, Iron & ironing board, Mini fridge, Wi-Fi

Darwin, Australia

2 nights

Hilton Garden Inn Darwin

Hotel

Overlooking the Darwin Esplanade and Darwin Harbour, Garden Inn Darwin is 2 km from Mindil Beach, 3 km from Darwin Convention Centre and 12 km from Darwin International Airport.

Hotel and room features

Hotel Restaurant, Bar, Room Service, Pool

Room Air Conditioning, Iron & ironing board, Mini fridge, TV, Wi-Fi

What’s included

Optional experiences
  • Wilpena Pound 4WD Tour

    Paid on tour

  • Uluru Barbecue Dinner

    150 minutes

    Paid on tour

  • 20-minute scenic Flight of Uluru (Airplane)

    Paid on tour

  • Uluru & Kata Tjuta 25 min scenic Helicopter Flight

    Paid on tour

  • Field of Light Sunrise

    135 minutes

    Paid on tour

  • Outback Hot Air Ballooning

    Paid on tour

  • Kakadu Air Scenic Flights

    Paid on tour

  • Litchfield National Park Waterfalls

    Paid on tour

  • Darwin Harbour Cruises - Territory Explorer Cruise with Lunch

    Paid on tour

  • D2 - Darwin Half Day City Sights (am)

    Paid on tour

  • D7 - Adelaide River Half Day Jumping Crocs Cruise (pm)

    Paid on tour

  • D27 - Darwin Full Day City Sights and Jumping Crocs Cruise

    Paid on tour

Dates and prices

Per person, twin share

From, per person$7,963

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