Intrepid Travel: Best of Northern Territory

Hit the road to Simpsons Gap in West MacDonnell Ranges National Park (Tjoritja). Keep an eye out for rock wallabies on a guided walk through this spiritual site with a First Nations guide. They’ll share insights on the local flora and fauna and the story of the great Tjunba (Perentie) totem that protects the gorge. The walk will also take you along the riverbed that marks the boundary between the Eastern and Northern Arrernte tribes. Next, drive along the Stuart and Lasseter Highway and through the colourful semi-desert to Watarrka National Park, home to Kings Canyon. Your leader will take you along the Kings Creek Walk, following the trail between huge cliffs and ethereal rock formations. You’d be hard-pressed to find a more magical place! Tonight enjoy an included dinner before an optional visit to the Light Towers – an immersive visual and aural display.

Your travel time today will be approximately 4.5 hours. Please note that First Nations people have complex community obligations, and at times activities or experiences may be cancelled at late notice due to cultural commitments.

Activities:

• Tjoritja-West MacDonnell Ranges - Simpsons Gap Guided Aboriginal Cultural Walk
• Watarrka National Park - Kings Canyon Creek Walk

Staying in:

• Hotel (1 night)

Spend the morning exploring the rugged Kings Canyon and do the famous rim walk up and across the Kings Canyon plateau. From the sandstone domes of the 'Lost City' to the oasis of the 'Garden of Eden', you’ll walk across red rock cliffs that protrude from the land and take in views of the palm forest below. Then hit the road again for a scenic drive across the sprawling landscape to Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park. Arrive at Kata Tjuta (formerly known as The Olgas) – a collection of 36 towering rock domes – and walk to a popular lookout to admire the formations. After, head to one of Australia’s most spiritually significant and iconic sites, Uluru. Enjoy the view from a prime location as the sun sets over the epic sandstone monolith – watching the landscape shift in colour is a sight you won’t soon forget!

Your travel time today will be approximately 5 hours. Your trekking time today will be approximately 4 hours or 6 km. The King Canyon rim walk is a Grade 4 walk, which requires a good level of fitness and mobility. Your leader can suggest shorter options for those seeking an easier walk. Sturdy enclosed shoes are required for all walks within the national park. If the temperature is over 36 degrees, the Kings Canyon rim walk will be closed and an alternative activity will be provided. To show respect for Uluru’s cultural and spiritual significance to the Anangu people, alcohol is not served at the sunset experience.

Activities:

• Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park - Kata Tjuta Walpa Gorge Walk
• Watarrka National Park - Kings Canyon Rim Walk
• Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park - Uluru Sunset Viewing

Staying in:

• Hotel (1 night)

You'll start the day early in one of the best ways imaginable – watching a spectacular sunrise over Uluru. Embark on a short walk across the rust-coloured landscape to a nearby waterhole and marvel at some of the traditional art sites. Your leader will shed light on the history and nature here and explain how the Anangu people are deeply connected to the lands. After, stop by the Uluru-Kata Tjuta Cultural Centre to continue learning about First Nations culture. Stop by Yulara for any travellers finishing the trip here. Then, hit the highway for Alice Springs just after lunch. This is where you’ll say goodbye to the members of your group who are leaving today and your local leader.

Your leader-led Kuniya walk at the base of Uluru runs from the Kuniya carpark to Mutitjulu Waterhole and is a 1km Grade 2 (easy) walk. As this is a combination trip, your group leader and some of your group part ways at this location. You'll be unaccompanied tonight and during tomorrow's flight until the next group meeting in Darwin. You're welcome to attend, as this is a great chance to meet your new fellow travellers.

Staying in:

• Hotel (1 night)

Your included airport transfer will take you from the hotel to Alice Springs Airport today. Fly to Darwin (flight not included), or Gulumoerrgin in the language of the local Larrakia people, who are the Traditional Owners of the land on which Darwin is now located. Transfer to your hotel in Darwin, then meet your new group members and new leader during your second welcome meeting at 6 pm tonight.

The flight from Alice Springs (airport code ASP) to Darwin (airport code DRW) today is not included. Please book directly through the airline or through your agent. We recommend booking flight Qantas QF1959 departing at 9.20 am. The airport transfers to Alice Springs airport and from Darwin airport are included. Please provide your flight details to your booking consultant.

Staying in:

• Hotel (1 night)

This morning, travel into Litchfield National Park. Situated on a huge sandstone plateau, the park is home to waterfalls, secret swimming spots and towering rocky pillars. Your first stop will be Litchfield’s Magnetic Termite Mounds – these 100-year-old natural sculptures are distinctive to the northern parts of Australia. Then, it’s off to and Florence Falls. Hidden among monsoon forest, you'll stop for a picnic lunch next to a bubbling creek. Next up is Buley Rockhole, where you can go for a refreshing swim while your leader prepares lunch. After lunch, head to the Tolmer Falls lookout, and then to Wangi Falls, where you can take a short loop walk or plunge into the natural pool. Later, continue back to Darwin where you’ll stay tonight.

Your travel time today will be approximately 4 hours. Please make sure you have your swim suits ready today, as there will be plenty of opportunities for you to swim in the waterfalls and rockholes of Litchfield National Park today.

Activities:

• Litchfield National Park - Wangi Falls
• Litchfield National Park - Tolmer Falls
• Litchfield National Park - Florence Falls
• Litchfield National Park - Termite Mounds

Staying in:

• Hotel (1 night)

This morning drive towards Kakadu National Park – covering an enormous 20,000 sq km, the park is a world of its own. Along the way, stop at the Mamukala Wetlands and see if you can spot the wetland birds, before continuing to Ubirr – one of Kakadu's rock art gems, where you’ll learn more about the local First Nations history and hear stories from your leader. This afternoon, hop aboard a cruise up the East Alligator River (despite the name, you won’t see any alligators – this is crocodile country) and take in the surrounding wilderness of this UNESCO World Heritage landscape. As you float along the river, hear about the cultural significance of the landscape, and the plants and animals that live here from an Aboriginal guide. Later, travel to your accommodation in Kakadu. Tonight, join your group for dinner to celebrate the last night of your trip through Australia’s Top End.

Your travel time today will be approximately 4.5 hours.

Activities:

• Kakadu National Park - Guluyambi Cultural Cruise on the East Alligator River
• Kakadu National Park - Ubirr Rock Art Cultural Walk
• Kakadu National Park - Mamukala Wetlands

Staying in:

• Hotel (1 night)

Your final morning at Kakadu National Park starts with breakfast, followed by a drive to Burrungkuy (Nourlangie) – known for its UNESCO World Heritage-listed rock art created by the Bininj people. When you arrive, set off on one of the various short walks, each offering a different perspective on the wildlife, art and natural features of the area. Next up you’ll visit the local cultural centre and, depending on the time of day, you may be able to join a weaving or damper-making class. You then have the option to explore the natural wonders of Kakadu National Park with an Indigenous-owned cruise along the Yellow Water Billabong (at own expense). After lunch, drive back to Darwin where your adventure will finish at around 5.30 pm. If you’d like to extend your stay in Darwin, just speak to your booking agent ahead of time.

Your travel time today will be approximately 5 hours.

Activities:

• Kakadu National Park - Burrungkuy (Nourlangie) rock art site