Ocean to Outback

Sample Itinerary (Subject to change)

Day 1: Arrive Sydney, Australia

G’Day, welcome to Australia. After arrival, make your way to your hotel and the remainder of your day in Sydney is at your leisure.

Days 2-4: Sydney

You have plenty of time in Sydney to choose your adventure. Explore the famous sights in this city and surrounding region such as the Sydney Harbour Bridge, Sydney Opera House, The Blue Mountains National Park or perhaps the Hunter Valley wine region.  Ask us if you would like us to arrange sightseeing and transfers while in Sydney (additional expense).

Day 5: Sydney – Uluru (Ayers Rock)

This morning, fly from Sydney to Ayers Rock in the Red Centre (flight additional cost, not included in price). Arrive prior to 1.30pm and start your outback adventure in the heart of Australia. Visit the Uluru- Kata Tjuta Cultural Centre and travel around the base of Uluru (Ayers Rock) to learn about numerous sacred sites. Learn about the native flora, fauna and intriguing culture of the traditional owners (the Anangu) and the Kuniya Walk to the beautiful Mutitjulu Waterhole. In the late afternoon, witness the striking colour changes of the desert sunset over Uluru (Ayers Rock) while you relax with a sparkling wine and witness the incredible changing colours as the sun sets below the horizon.

Day 6: Uluru – Kings Canyon – Uluru

Leave Uluru today, travelling through spectacular desert scenery to Kings Canyon, stopping for breakfast at Kings Creek Station along the way. This outback cattle station is the largest exporter of wild camels in Australia. After arriving at Kings Canyon, get ready for hike to remember! Make the steep rocky climb to the rim of the Kings Canyon for spectacular views of Watarrka National Park. Follow the rim of the canyon stopping to look down into the canyon gorge from a series of look-out points along the way. Time permitting, your guide may take you to the green oasis of the ‘Garden of Eden’ waterhole.

Note: Kings Canyon Rim walk – High level of fitness required – This 6km hike will not be suitable for all travellers, the first 30-minute incline is considered ‘Difficult’. The whole circuit takes approximately 3-hours to complete and is rocky and steep in parts. It is recommended for those with a good level of fitness. Kings Canyon Creek Bed walk (alternative option) – Low level of fitness required – You may wish to take the easier, shorter walk to explore the boulder strewn canyon floor and get up close to the native plants and birdlife that call this part of the world home. After your hike, return to Ayers Rock.

Day 7: Uluru & Kata Tjuta

Rise early this morning to travel to Talinguru Nyakunytjaku, the Uluru sunrise viewing area. Watch the first rays of sun light up the desert while enjoying a cup of coffee. After sunrise , travel to the mystical 36 domes of Kata Tjuta. On the way, enjoy panoramic views of the southern side of Kata Tjuta at a dune viewing platform before arriving at Walpa Gorge. Explore the gorge and the unusual conglomerate rock formations. The 1.3km walking trail through Walpa Gorge follows the natural creek between two of the tallest domes of Kata Tjuta. Tonight see another magical Uluru Sunset.

Day 8: Uluru (Ayers Rock) – Darwin

Rise early again to see the Field of Light, created in the desert by artist Bruce Munro. Then depart the Red Centre, flying from Ayers Rock north to Darwin in the tropical ‘Top End’ of Australia (flight not included in price).  After arrival in Darwin, the rest of your day is at your leisure.

Day 9: Darwin – Kakadu

Cruise on the Adelaide River, home to over 1,600 crocodiles to see these prehistoric creatures up-close. Then travel into World Heritage-listed Kakadu National Park, covering more than 20,000 sq. km. The combination of mangrove fringed coastal areas, expansive flood plains, lowland hills and open woodland and forest habitats make Kakadu one of the most diverse landscapes you will experience. Home to a myriad of animals, hundreds of bird species and thousands of insects and plants. Enjoy lunch in Kakadu National Park before a stop at the Marrawuddi Art Gallery. Continue to Ubirr, where you’ll climb up through the ancient Aboriginal rock art galleries, believed to be 20,000 years old, to the lookout for a spectacular view over the surrounding wetlands.

Day 10: Kakadu – Katherine

This morning there is the opportunity for an optional scenic flight (optional, additional expense). Wander around the Burrungkuy (Nourlangie) Rock art site that has provided shelter to the indigenous people for many thousands of years and evolved into a canvas that illustrates the traditional owner’s deep spiritual culture. The Bininj people are the traditional custodians of Kakadu, you will also visit the Warradjan Cultural Centre where you will be introduced to their way of life. Later, join a local guide for a cruise on Yellow Water Billabong, Kakadu’s most famous wetland that is home to thousands of saltwater crocodiles and up to 60 species of colourful birdlife. In the afternoon, travel to Katherine where you will overnight.

Day 11: Katherine to Darwin

Enjoy a morning cruise through Nitmiluk (Katherine) Gorge. One of the most visited sites in Australia’s Top End, this is a stunning network of thirteen gorges carved from billion-year-old sandstone that are home to many rapids and falls flowing from the Katherine River. The cruise goes to the heart of Katherine Gorge among freshwater crocodiles, wonderful birdlife and some of the most amazing scenery the Northern Territory has to offer. Visit the Nitmiluk Visitor Centre, the Display Centre and Heritage Museum features large scale models of the region and artefacts handmade by the Jawoyn people. Stop in Pine Creek, a historic gold mining town and Adelaide River War Cemetery, the resting place for many of those killed in the World War II air raids on Darwin, before returning to Darwin.

Day 12: Depart Darwin

Your Australia adventure comes to an end today.

Ask our team about adding your flights and airport transfers to this package, extending your itinerary to add more of Australia, to visit New Zealand or perhaps add an island stopover in Fiji.