AAT Kings: Outback Icons - Small Group Tour 2026

Nestled in the Clare Valley, Knappstein Enterprise Winery crafts fragrant Rieslings and rich reds, complemented by rolling vineyards and endless blue skies. Just north lies Hawker, a town that fuelled Jeff Morgan’s passion for vast Outback panoramas, beautifully depicted in his larger-than-life paintings. Visit his gallery, where you’ll also find a fascinating collection of memorabilia. But the highlight awaits - arriving at Wilpena Pound Resort, a MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience, set in the dramatic shadows of a natural amphitheatre, where breathtaking landscapes and untamed wilderness create an unforgettable experience. The journey through South Australia’s rugged beauty has only just begun.

Staying in:

• Wilpena Pound Resort (1 night)

The towering river red gums surrounding Hills Homestead create a breathtaking scene. A leisurely walk along Wilpena Creek leads you to Wangarra Hill Lookout, where sweeping views showcase the pound’s peaks and curves. The journey continues through Pichi Richi Pass, unveiling rugged landscapes before reaching Quorn, a town steeped in ANZAC history. With a Local Guide, uncover Quorn’s role in the Gallipoli campaign, then ease into Port Augusta, where the night offers time to reflect on the day’s rich stories and stunning scenery.

Staying in:

• Majestic Oasis Apartments (1 night)

Uncover history at Woomera, once a rocket-testing site, now home to a fascinating aerospace park showcasing Australia’s innovations. Journey through sunbaked landscapes so surreal they resemble the moon, arriving at Coober Pedy, the opal capital of the world. Go beneath the surface with a Local Guide, discovering the underground mines where dazzling opals are unearthed—maybe even finding your fortune! Explore the town’s unique subterranean homes and facilities, a testament to life in one of the country’s most extreme and isolated environments. The South Australian Outback holds endless surprises.

Staying in:

• Desert Cave Hotel (1 night)

Leaving Coober Pedy’s underground dwellings, your journey into the Northern Territory begins at Uluru-Kata Tjuta, Australia’s spiritual heart and a World Heritage-listed wonder. As sunset paints the iconic monolith in shifting hues, capture nature’s brilliance with every snapshot. Raise a glass, savour delicious bites, and share stories with fellow adventurers beneath the vast Red Centre Outback sky. Ask us about pre-booking our exclusive Uluru Barbecue Dinner for tonight (own expense).

Staying in:

• Desert Gardens (1 night)

Early starts are well worth it when you witness a breathtaking Red Centre sunrise - words cannot describe how beautiful it is. On this MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience, encounter Uluru, standing 348 metres tall and dating back half a billion years - even loftier than the Eiffel Tower. At its base, embark on a guided walk to the serene Mutitjulu Waterhole, a place sacred to the Anangu people, steeped in ancient stories. More soul-stirring landscapes await at Kata Tjuta, where towering domes lead to the peaceful Walpa Gorge. This afternoon, enjoy free time to experience Uluru however you choose - whether soaking in its beauty or uncovering its rich cultural significance.

Staying in:

• Desert Gardens (1 night)

Rise before dawn for a breathtaking glimpse of the Uluru Field of Light, where 50,000 glowing bulbs transform the desert landscape into a mesmerising spectacle (own expense). It’s an unforgettable way to begin your day. Among Australia’s record-breaking rock formations, few are as striking as Attila (Mt. Conner) - its flat-topped silhouette is impossible to forget. Pause at Kings Creek Station, Australia’s largest wild camel exporter, where camel burgers make for a unique outback lunch. Then, prepare for the awe-inspiring Kings Canyon rim walk, a 440-million-year-old geological wonder, featuring soaring sandstone domes, dramatic plateaus, and hidden rock pools - a true feast for the senses.

Staying in:

• Kings Canyon Resort (1 night)

The Northern Territory Outback is a land of vast scale, from sprawling cattle stations to the dramatic MacDonnell Ranges, which stretch toward Alice Springs on our drive today. The town holds a special place in Australian history with its 1872 Telegraph Station, one of 11 connecting Adelaide to Darwin over 3,200 kilometres. See it up close, then take in its significance from Anzac Hill, where sweeping views offer a glimpse into the landscapes that inspired many works in Alice Springs’ galleries.

Staying in:

• DoubleTree by Hilton Alice Springs (1 night)

Start your day with a scenic drive to the stunning West MacDonnell Ranges. Marvel at the rugged beauty and unique rock formations as you explore Simpsons Gap, a picturesque gorge with towering cliffs and a tranquil waterhole. Return to Alice Springs for a visit to the Royal Flying Doctor Service Visitor Centre, where you’ll learn about the incredible medical services provided to remote Australian communities. The afternoon is yours to enjoy at leisure. Unwind by the hotel pool, soaking up the sun, or take the opportunity to discover more of Alice Springs at your own pace. Whether you choose to explore local shops, visit art galleries, or simply relax, this day offers the perfect blend of adventure and relaxation.

Staying in:

• DoubleTree by Hilton Alice Springs (1 night)

Begin your day with a visit to the School of the Air, broadcasting lessons across 1.3 million square kilometres. If touring during the school term, you might observe live educational sessions. Depart Alice Springs and head towards Karlu Karlu (Devils Marbles), a fascinating collection of boulders formed over millions of years. These unique rock formations vary in size, with some reaching up to 6 metres high. You can walk through the boulders, marvelling at their impressive size and the natural beauty of the area. Continue your journey to Tennant Creek, your base for the night, known for its rich gold mining history.

Staying in:

• Bluestone Motor Inn (1 night)

Since the 1930s, the Daly Waters Pub has been a beloved Outback institution, serving up schnitzels, barramundi burgers, and hearty steaks. Its walls tell stories, adorned with quirky keepsakes left behind by travellers - from bras to boots. What will you add to the collection? Next, the Land of the Never Never awaits in Mataranka, where you can visit a replica of the Elsey Homestead, featured in the 1982 film We of the Never Never. Or take a peaceful stroll through palm-lined walkways and indulge in a soak at steamy thermal springs - the perfect remedy for weary limbs before arriving in Katherine.

Staying in:

• Contour Hotel Katherine (1 night)

The Jawoyn people have called Nitmiluk (Katherine) Gorge home for millennia, their deep connection to Country reflected in the ancient tale of the cicada, symbolising their spiritual bond with the land, a MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience. Journey into Kakadu National Park, where the Yellow Water Billabong cruise unveils untouched wetlands bursting with diverse wildlife and breathtaking scenery, MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience. Glide through this unique landscape, spotting majestic crocodiles, vibrant birdlife, and lush vegetation, all guided by local experts. Keep your eyes peeled for sea eagles, brolgas, and kingfishers, their striking colours adding to the magic of the Top End - an unforgettable immersion into Australia’s wild beauty.

Staying in:

• Mercure Kakadu Crocodile Hotel (1 night)

The vast beauty of Kakadu is best admired from above. Take a morning flight for sweeping views of this immense wilderness, gaining insight into its Indigenous significance (own expense). Back on solid ground, uncover the Aboriginal art of Ubirr, where ancient rock galleries tell stories of the land’s deep cultural heritage. Climb to the top for panoramic vistas across floodplains and escarpments, a backdrop made famous in the movie Crocodile Dundee. As night falls, Darwin’s tropical energy takes over. Begin at the Mindil Beach Sunset Market, where a fusion of global flavours awaits, setting the perfect tone for an unforgettable evening (own expense).

Staying in:

• Hilton Garden Inn Darwin (1 night)

Your final full day in the Northern Territory is fittingly warm and tropical embrace the relaxed rhythm of the Top End. Spend the morning your way, whether it’s sleeping in before indulging in a tropical breakfast or setting off on an optional adventure. Explore Litchfield National Park, a spectacular blend of magnetic termite mounds, cascading waterfalls, and refreshing waterholes (seasonal swimming). Alternatively, venture to the Tiwi Islands, where First Nations guides offer deep insights into Indigenous history and art (both own expense). No matter how you spend the day, gather in the evening for a memorable dinner, celebrating the incredible experiences shared along the journey.

Staying in:

• Hilton Garden Inn Darwin (1 night)

It’s time to say farewell and head home, sorting through snapshots of an unforgettable journey. But the best souvenirs? The lasting memories of two weeks immersed in untamed Outback experiences.