Red Centre to Top End Rail Break

Tour Code: ant-yrd9

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

Day 1: Uluru (Ayers Rock)

On arrival at Ayers Rock Airport you will be transferred to your hotel (flight into Ayers Rock Airport prior to 1.00pm). This afternoon join your Driver/Guide for a tour of the base of Uluru and a guided walk into Mutitjulu Waterhole. Visit the Uluru – Kata Tjuta Cultural Centre. View sunset at Uluru and enjoy nibbles and a glass of wine. Accommodation: Outback Pioneer Budget Rooms (YRD9L), Outback Pioneer Hotel (YRD9R), Desert Gardens Hotel (YRD9F), Ayers Rock Resort.

Day 2: Kata Tjuta (Olgas) – Kings Canyon

This morning enjoy sunrise at Uluru (tea, coffee and biscuits included). Travel out to Kata Tjuta for a guided 2 –3 hour walk through its spectacular domes. The path is rocky and is for those with a good level of fitness. The trail leads to a lookout point with spectacular views deep into the Valley of the Winds. This afternoon travel to Kings Canyon Resort. Accommodation: Kings Canyon Resort – Rangeview Rooms (YRD9F, YRD9R) or Kings Canyon Lodge (YRD9L).

Day 3: Kings Canyon – Alice Springs

This morning join your Guide for the rocky climb to the rim of magnificent Kings Canyon which is located in Watarrka National Park (this is a 3 hour walk and is for those with a good level of fitness, sturdy footwear required). Alternatively, you may wish to explore the boulder-strewn canyon floor, an easier shady walk. There is time to purchase lunch at Kings Canyon Resort (own expense) before travelling to Alice Springs, arriving at approximately 7.15pm.Accommodation: Alice Springs Resort (YRD9F), Aurora Alice Springs (YRD9R) or Alice Springs Plaza Hotel (YRD9L), Alice Springs.

Note: During the hotter months, the Kings Canyon rim climb may not be available in hot weather conditions. An alternative itinerary including guided walks at Kathleen Springs and along the Kings Canyon creek-bed floor may apply.

Day 4: Alice Springs – The Ghan

Meet members of the local Aboriginal community and learn about their culture through a wide range of historic photographs and exhibits. Enjoy demonstrations of boomerang throwing and learn about traditional sources for food and medicine. At certain times of the year there is the opportunity to sample seasonal bush foods. Following morning tea, learn about Aboriginal life, languages, art, and music and enjoy an Aboriginal dance performance. In the early afternoon you will be transferred to the Alice Springs railway station to join The Ghan to Darwin. Sit back and relax from the comfort of the train as the 'outback' scenery passes by.

Day 5: The Ghan – Darwin

On arrival at Darwin railway station you will be transferred to your hotel. The remainder of the afternoon is at your leisure. Accommodation: Darwin Central Hotel (YRD9F), Mirambeena Resort (YRD9R) or Melaleuca On Mitchell (YRD9L), Darwin.

Day 6: 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. Accommodation: Gagudju Crocodile Holiday Inn (YRD9F), Aurora Kakadu (YRD9R) or Kakadu Lodge (YRD9L). (L)

Day 7: Kakadu – Darwin

This morning stop at Ubirr with a short walk to view ancient Aboriginal 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. Take an optional scenic flight (own expense) over the Arnhem Land Escarpment. Return to Darwin. Accommodation: Darwin Central Hotel (YRD9F), Mirambeena Resort (YRD9R) or Melaleuca On Mitchell (YRD9L), 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 8: Litchfield National Park – Darwin

Travel from Darwin to Litchfield National Park. View Florence Falls before walking down the stairs to the plunge pool below (opportunity for a swim). We travel to Buley Rockhole (when accessible) where you can 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 in the large crystal clear pool and an optional steady climb through the rainforest to the top of the falls. Stop at the amazing Termite Mounds before returning to Darwin. (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 will be arranged.

Day 9: Darwin

You will be transferred to Darwin airport for your flight (airfare not included in tour price).

Departs:   Fri (Apr – Mar) & Sun (May – Jul) at 2.45pm (Apr – Sep), 3.30pm (Oct – Mar) from Ayers Rock Resort (except 23 Dec)

Concludes:   At Darwin Airport

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