Rock N Top Reverse 2011 - 12

Itinerary

DAY 1 DARWIN TO MT BUNDY STATION VIA LITCHFIELD 

We start in Darwin, capital of the Top End, heading south for our first stop at Litchfield National Park – it’s an irresistible combination of lofty waterfalls, cool rainforests and peaceful swimming holes. We’ll spend some time here, drinking in the oasis, before travelling to our homestead for the night – go for an optional horse ride! (L, D)

 

DAY 2 MT BUNDY STATION TO KAKADU 

Making tracks early, we stop off quickly at the nearby Adelaide River Inn, before making our way to Kakadu National Park. A World Heritage site and one of the true highlights of any Australian trip, we’ll spend a couple of nights exploring the locales. First off is a relaxed Guluyambi cruise along the East Alligator River – expect breathtaking scenery and an introduction to the indigenous culture and mythology of the region. We’ll stop in Arnhem Land and be treated to a demonstration of traditional hunting and gathering, before heading back along the river. (B, D)

 

DAY 3 KAKADU 

Get a feel for Kakadu, where wetlands meets sub-tropical wildlife. There's an optional scenic flight in the morning before we travel to Ubirr, an important site for the Indigenous people. Take in the sunset over an inland version of paradise, before trying local delicacies such as crocodile or kangaroo. (B, L, D)

 

DAY 4 KAKADU TO GUNLOM 

Ease your way into the day, with a relaxing breakfast on us. Then we'll head southwards for Gunlom Falls, a picturesque spot in a National Park absolutely full of 'em! Spend some time exploring the cool, blue swimming pools and soak up the sun. (B, L, D)

 

DAY 5 GUNLOM TO MANYALLALUK VIA KATHERINE 

We leave Kakadu behind today, heading first for Edith Falls, a stunning spot of natural beauty, and also a great place to stop for lunch. It's not far from here to Katherine, third largest town in the Territory. We'll grab some supplies before heading for the majestic Katherine Gorge in Nitmiluk National Park – enjoy a canoeing adventure with the crew or upgrade to an optional boat cruise. Expect towering cliffs surrounding lush vegetation, while we sweep across the azure waters. Then in the evening, we drive to the nearby Manyallaluk Community for an insight into the Dreamtime. (B, D)

 

DAY 6 MANYALLALUCK TO TENNANT CREEK 

Heading “down the track” further we stop in at Mataranka, a beacon of cool amongst the searing temperatures – take a swim in the impossibly blue waters. Then visit the Territory's most famous Outback pub when we roll into Daly Waters. Enjoy a quiet beer with locals, before we arrive in Tennant Creek, a town made rich after discovering plentiful gold deposits nearby. (B, L, D)

 

DAY 7 TENNANT CREEK TO ALICE SPRINGS 

The first highlight of today is the Devil's Marbles, a rocky outcropping so spherical in shape that you'd swear they were man-made. We'll also get a feel for the local Indigenous culture of the area. After lunch we'll hit the road once more, stopping for refreshments at Ti Tree, before crossing the Tropic of Capricorn and reaching Alice Springs. (B, L)

 

DAY 8 ALICE SPRINGS 

Get a taste of the bright morning sky with an optional hot air balloon ride today – the views are spectacular! Take in the MacDonnell Ranges, including the towering Simpsons Gap, and the foreboding Standley Chasm (it’s over 5 metres wide). We’ll return to Alice for lunch and some free time: check your emails, go quad biking, even a spot of shopping. Tonight we’ll feed rock wallabies just before dinner. (B, D)

 

DAY 9 ALICE SPRINGS TO AYERS ROCK 

We commence our voyage by heading south to the Outback Camel Farm, for an optional camel ride. Then we head to our Yulara campsite, before meeting fellow travellers from the nearby airport. Get a feel for Uluru (the traditional owners’ name for Ayers Rock) in the afternoon, with a guided tour of the rock’s base and the ancient paintings that abound. (B, L, D)

 

DAY 10 AYERS ROCK TO KINGS CANYON 

We start early today, in order to catch the sunrise at Kata Tjuta (The Olgas). This dramatic collection of 36 domes is a world-renowned site of natural beauty, with plenty of flora and fauna to discover. Then we’ll pay a visit to Kings Creek Station, a working cattle farm in the middle of the Red Centre, before arriving at our destination of Kings Canyon Lodge. Cool off with a swim before dinner perhaps? (B, L, D)

 

DAY 11 KINGS CANYON TO ALICE SPRINGS 

Bring your walking shoes today. We go for a hike through Kings Canyon, visiting towering sandstone cliffs, idyllic watering holes and lush greenery on the valley floor. It’s a true highlight of the trip, bringing the natural world to bear in all its magnificence. After lunch back at Kings Canyon Resort, we head over rolling sand dunes towards Alice Springs and the end of our holiday together. (B, L)