Top End to Red Centre Rail Break

Tour Code: ant-dry7

Highlights   • Kakadu National Park  • The Ghan   • Uluru – Kata Tjuta National Park

Day 1: Darwin

On arrival at Darwin you will be transferred to your hotel. The afternoon is at your leisure. You may like to book a sunset cruise on Darwin Harbour (own expense, see page 47).Accommodation: Darwin Central Hotel (DRY7F), Mirambeena Resort (DRY7R) or Melaleuca On Mitchell (DRY7L), Darwin.

Day 2: Darwin – Kakadu

Travel deep into Kakadu National Park. Take a guided walk to view Aboriginal rock art at Nourlangie Rock. After lunch join the famous Yellow Water Billabong Cruise to observe saltwater crocodiles and prolific bird life. Visit the Warradjan Aboriginal Cultural Centre and view the informative displays and exhibits depicting the traditions of the Aboriginal people. Accommodation: Gagudju Crocodile Holiday Inn (DRY7F), Aurora Kakadu (DRY7R) or Kakadu Lodge (DRY7L). (L)

Day 3: Kakadu – Darwin

This morning stop at Ubirr with a short walk to view rock art.
Join the Guluyambi Cruise along the East Alligator River in search of saltwater crocodiles. We have an Aboriginal guide with us and with the special permission of the local people, we will be able to go ashore in Arnhem Land. Visit the Bowali Visitors Centre. There is the opportunity for an optional scenic flight (own expense) over the Arnhem Land Escarpment. Return journey to Darwin. Accommodation: Darwin Central Hotel (DRY7F), Mirambeena Resort (DRY7R) or Melaleuca On Mitchell (DRY7L), Darwin. (L)

Note: During the months November to April, access to Ubirr and East Alligator River is not always possible. Alternative touring will be arranged

Day 4: Darwin – The Ghan

You will be transferred to the Darwin railway station to join The Ghan to Alice Springs. Sit back and relax from the comfort of the train as the 'outback' scenery passes by.

Day 5: The Ghan – Alice Springs

On arrival at Alice Springs railway station you will be transferred to your hotel. In the afternoon tour the sights of 'The Alice' including the historic Telegraph Station. Visit the Royal Flying Doctor Service and the School of the Air. At the Alice Springs Reptile Park you will see unique central Australian reptiles. Stop at Anzac Hill for great views. Accommodation: Alice Springs Resort (DRY7F), Aurora Alice Springs (DRY7R) or Alice Springs Plaza Hotel (DRY7L), Alice Springs.

Day 6: Alice Springs – Uluru (Ayers Rock)

Travel through the West MacDonnell and James Ranges. Stop at a camel farm for an optional camel ride (own expense) and later stop to view majestic Atila (Mt. Conner), before arriving at Ayers Rock Resort. The afternoon is spent touring Kata Tjuta, before travelling to the Uluru sunset viewing area to watch sunset at Uluru and enjoy nibbles and a glass of wine. Accommodation: Outback Pioneer Budget Rooms (DRY7L), Outback Pioneer Hotel (DRY7R), Desert Gardens Hotel (DRY7F), Ayers Rock Resort.

Day 7: Uluru (Ayers Rock)

This morning there is the option to do the Uluru Sunrise, Climb and Base Tour (Y18) or for the non-climbers, the Uluru Sunrise and Guided Cultural Base Walk (Y41). Both tours include a visit to Mutitjulu Waterhole and the Uluru – Kata Tjuta Cultural Centre (see page 21 for itineraries). In the afternoon transfer to Ayers Rock Airport for your flight. Flight must be booked to depart after 1.30pm (airfare not included with in tour price).

Departs:    Sun (Apr – Mar) & Wed (May – Jul) from Darwin

Concludes:   At Ayers Rock Airport

†Single traveller will be required to pay the single supplement.