Top End to Red Centre Rail Break

Tour Code: ant-dry9

Highlights   • Kakadu National Park • Litchfield National Park  • The Ghan  • Uluru – Kata Tjuta National Park  • Kings Canyon

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).Accommodation: Darwin Central Hotel (DRY9F), Mirambeena Resort (DRY9R) or Melaleuca On Mitchell (DRY9L), 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.Accommodation: Gagudju Crocodile Holiday Inn (DRY9F), Aurora Kakadu (DRY9R) or Kakadu Lodge (DRY9L). (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 time for an optional scenic flight (own expense) before returning to Darwin. Accommodation: Darwin Central Hotel (DRY9F), Mirambeena Resort (DRY9R) or Melaleuca On Mitchell (DRY9L), Darwin, 2 nights. (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: Litchfield National Park – Darwin

Leaving Darwin, we follow the Stuart Highway via the township of Batchelor to Litchfield National Park. View Florence Falls from a high vantage point before making your way down to the plunge pool below with an opportunity to swim. Travel to Buley Rockhole (when accessible) where you can take this opportunity to swim in the many rock pools and also visit Tolmer Falls for a magnificent view of the water cascading down to the deep waterhole below. We venture to Wangi Falls for another opportunity for a swim and an optional steady climb through the rainforest to the top of the falls. During the day we stop for a picnic lunch. Stop to photograph the amazing Termite Mounds. (L)

Note: A good level of fitness is required to access some of the waterfalls. Seasonal conditions may affect inclusions from time to time, in which case alternative touring may be arranged.

Day 5: 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 6: 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 learn how this facility operates to provide a 'Mantle of Safety' to the people of the 'outback'. Visit the School of the Air where we sometimes are able to listen to the children take lessons on air. At the Alice Springs Reptile Park you will see unique central Australian reptiles, such as the Perentie Lizard and Thorny Devil. Finish the day with views of Alice Springs from the top of Anzac Hill.Accommodation: Alice Springs Resort (DRY9F), Aurora Alice Springs (DRY9R) or Alice Springs Plaza Hotel (DRY9L), Alice Springs.

Day 7: Alice Springs – Uluru (Ayers Rock)

Travel through the West MacDonnell and James Ranges. Visit a camel farm where there is time to take a camel ride (own expense). Stop at Mt. Ebenezer roadhouse for morning tea (own expense). Later stop to view majestic Atila (Mt. Conner), before arriving at Ayers Rock Resort. This afternoon tour to Kata Tjuta where there is time to walk to the Valley of the Winds Lookout. View a majestic 'outback' sunset and enjoy a glass of sparkling wine and nibbles. Travel on to enjoy a delicious barbecue dinner and stargazing (weather permitting). Accommodation: Outback Pioneer Budget Rooms (DRY9L), Outback Pioneer Hotel (DRY9R), Desert Gardens Hotel (DRY9F), Ayers Rock Resort, 2 nights. (D – Day 7 only)

Day 8: Kings Canyon

An early start this morning to drive through sand hill country to Kings Canyon stopping for breakfast at Kings Creek Station (own expense) along the way. Make the rocky climb to the rim of the canyon to be rewarded with marvellous views of Watarrka National Park. The climb may take up to 3 hours and is for those with a good level of fitness. Alternatively you may wish to explore the boulder strewn canyon floor, an easier walk. After lunch (own expense) we make our way back to Ayers Rock Resort.

Note: During the hotter months, part of the Valley of the Winds walk and the Kings Canyon rim climb may not be available in hot weather conditions. Alternative itineraries on Day 7 and/or Day 8 may apply.

Day 9: 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 watching sunrise at Uluru and a visit to Mutitjulu Waterhole and the Uluru – Kata Tjuta Cultural Centre. See page 21 for more itinerary details. In the afternoon you will be transferred to Ayers Rock Airport for your flight. Flight (not included) to depart after 1.30pm

Departs:   Sat (Apr – Mar) & Tue (May – Jul) from Darwin

Concludes:   At Ayers Rock Airport

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