17 day Outback Wonders tour with AAT Kings

Inclusions

• 16 nights superior accommodation
• Many meals including breakfast daily, 9 dinners, 1 exciting highlight dinner & 1 'You are invited' dinner
• Touring by luxury air-conditioned coach with professional tour director and driver
• Airport transfers
• Hotel porterage
• Travel wallet and map
• Welcome drink

Itinerary

Day 1    Sydney - Hay
Depart Sydney and travel along the Hume Highway via Goulburn and the Riverina to Hay. Hotel: Cobb Inlander Motel, Hay.

Day 2    Hay - McLaren Vale
We cross the Murray River into Victoria then over the border into South Australia and on to the wine producing and olive growing region of McLaren Vale.
Hotel: Serafino, Mclaren Vale. 

Day 3    McLaren Vale - Adelaide
We depart for Adelaide where we join our local food expert for a guided tour of the 140 year old Adelaide Central Market. Hotel: Crowne Plaza, Adelaide.

Day 4    Adelaide - Flinders Ranges
See the sights of Adelaide before we make our way north and sample some local wines at Sevenhill Cellars, the oldest existing winery in the Clare Valley. Travel through the spectacular Flinders Ranges and to Wilpena Pound, a remarkable natural amphitheatre covering nearly 8,000 hectares. Hotel: Wilpena Pound Resort, Flinders Ranges. 

Day 5    Port Augusta
Enjoy time to explore Wilpena Pound, before we travel through picturesque Pitchi Richi Pass to Port Augusta where we will visit the Wadlata Outback Centre. Hotel: Majestic Oasis Apartments, Port Augusta.

Day 6    Coober Pedy
Visit Woomera before travelling to isolated Coober Pedy, the opal capital! Visit an underground church and home. Hotel: Desert Cave Hotel, Coober Pedy. 

Day 7    Uluru (Ayers Rock)
We cross the border into the Northern Territory and continue to Uluru – Kata Tjuta National Park. This evening enjoy a complimentary glass of wine as the sun sets over the western horizon and the evening sky brings out the many shades of colour for which Uluru is renowned. Hotel: Desert Gardens Hotel, Ayers Rock Resort, 2 nights.

Day 8    Kata Tjuta (the Olgas)
Rise early to view sunrise at Uluru. Enjoy a guided walk to Mutitjulu Waterhole and stop at the Uluru – Kata Tjuta Cultural Centre. Travel to Kata Tjuta (the Olgas) and spend time exploring Walpa Gorge. Enjoy sunset at Kata Tjuta with a complimentary glass of sparkling wine.

Day 9   Kings Canyon
Travel to Kings Canyon today. A guided climb to the canyon rim will be rewarded with magnificent views of Watarrka National Park. Or you may prefer to explore the canyon floor, an easier walk. Hotel: Kings Canyon Resort, Kings Canyon. 

Day 10    Alice Spring
Leaving Watarrka National Park behind, we travel through to Alice Springs. Our sightseeing includes a visit to the School of the Air, which provides an educational service for children living in remote areas, and the Royal Flying Doctor Service.
Hotel: Chifley Alice Springs Resort, Alice Springs, 2 nights.

Day 11    Aboriginal Culture
 Spend time with a local Aboriginal guide at the Alice Springs Desert Park. You will learn of life and survival of the Arrernte People, including bush food, the search for water and kinship. Visit the Nocturnal House and enjoy reserved seating at the Birds of Prey Presentation. Later, you’ll visit the historic Telegraph Station and continue on to Simpson’s Gap, a prominent waterhole in the West MacDonnell Ranges, with its lovely river red gum scenery.  You are invited to join us on a discovery tour at the Earth Sanctuary World Nature Centre. Enjoy dinner and afterwards hear from the Falzon brothers, Tom and Danny, about the sustainable lifestyle they have established. They may even lead you on a sing-a-long accompanied by the didgeridoo and guitar.

Day 12    Tennant Creek
Travelling north we arrive at Karlu Karlu (Devils Marbles). There is time to walk around these precariously balanced boulders. On arrival in Tennant Creek we join a local guide for a tour of the historic Battery Hill Precinct. Tour a mine and experience the life of an early miner. Tonight enjoy a delicious barbecue dinner at the Battery Hill Mine Centre. Hotel: Bluestone Motor Inn, Tennant Creek.

Day 13    Mataranka Thermal Springs
Travel across vast outback stations. Visit the historic Daly Waters Hotel, before continuing into ‘Never Never’ country. Stop at the tropical oasis of Mataranka for a relaxing dip in the thermal springs or stroll through the Elsey Homestead replica.
Hotel: Paraway Motel, Katherine.

Day 14    Katherine Gorge - Kakadu
Join our local guide on an early morning cruise through Katherine Gorge in Nitmiluk National Park and then continue deep into Kakadu National Park. Later we cruise on the famous Yellow Water Billabong. We should see a variety of birdlife and with luck, we may also see the feared estuarine crocodile basking in the muddy shallows. Hotel: Gagudju Crocodile Holiday Inn, Jabiru.

Day 15    Darwin
We stop at Bowali Visitor Centre. The displays here will take you on a journey through Kakadu’s varied habitats and landscapes. Travel to Ubirr and view Aboriginal rock art dating back some 20,000 years. Climb to the top of this rocky outcrop for rewarding views over the flood plains and escarpment country. This afternoon travel to Darwin and enjoy a sightseeing tour of this tropical city on arrival. Hotel: Mantra Pandanas, Darwin, 2 nights.

Day 16    Litchfield National Park
We travel to Litchfield National Park to see beautiful Florence, Tolmer and Wangi Falls and the mysterious Magnetic Termite Mounds. Dine out this evening at Crocosaurus Cove. Enter the world of the awesome Northern Territory saltwater crocodile. See the largest display in the world of Australian reptiles, a two storey fresh water aquarium and a turtle sanctuary.

Day 17    Depart Darwin
Your tour concludes this morning after breakfast. You will be transferred to Darwin Airport to connect with your onward flight.

Departure date and Prices*

*Terms and Conditions

• Prices current as at 1 May 2012
• Price is per person in AUD$ based on twin share
• Prices are subject to change (eg due to currency fluctuation).
• Offer is subject to availability and may be withdrawn at any time.
• Further conditions apply please see AAT Kings Northern Territory 2012/2013 brochure