Rock N Top 2012 - 13

Itinerary

Day 1 Alice Springs to Kata Tjuta & Uluru.

Our first destination is the Outback Camel Farm, where these friendly guys are available to ride (optional). We then head to Uluru (Ayers Rock) for lunch, before travelling to nearby Kata Tjuta (The Olgas). Then it’s back to Uluru to watch the sunset. So get warm in your swag (Aussie bedroll) as tonight we’re sleeping under the stars. (L, D)

Day 2 Uluru (Ayers Rock) to Kings Canyon.

We’re up early for sunrise over Uluru and a base tour of the landmark. Get an insight into the lives of indigenous people at the Cultural Centre. There’s time for lunch before we travel to our campsite in Watarrka National Park, best known as Kings Canyon. (B, L, D)

Day 3 Kings Canyon to Alice Springs.

Prepare for some serious walking today at Watarrka National Park (home of Kings Canyon). We’ll complete the rim walk into the centre of the Canyon and the start of Kings Creek. Along the way expect to see verdant plant life, azure water holes and rocks shaped by the elements over millions of years – it’s a place that sums up all that is great about the Red Centre. We head back to the station for lunch before our Outback drive to Alice Springs. (B, L)

Day 4 Alice Springs to Tennant Creek.

Passing the Tropic of Capricorn, we’ll stop at the nearby Barrow Creek Pub, once a remote telegraph station amongst the vast open spaces – get a feel for what outback communication was like back in the old days. Not far from here is the precariously balanced Devils Marbles: trust us, they are exactly how you imagine, only larger! Then we travel to our stop for the night, Tennant Creek where we’ll be camping. (B, L, D)

Day 5 Tennant Creek to Katherine Gorge.

Today we stop in at the infamous Daly Waters pub, a slice of Outback culture like no other and a popular spot to meet friendly locals. Mataranka is our next destination where you’ll find yourself soaking and relaxing in the thermal springs in the heart of the ‘Never Never”. (B, L, D)

Day 6 Katherine Gorge to Darwin.

Spend the morning exploring the spectacular Katherine Gorge, a series of 13 sandstone gorges teeming with flora and fauna. Canoe over the pure waters, or laze aboard a cruise (both optional and seasonal). Perhaps you’d rather soar high above the gorge in a helicopter flight (optional). After leaving the Gorge we’ll have time to stop at the heavenly Edith Falls before arriving at Darwin and our overnight accommodation. (B, L)

Day 7 Darwin to Mary River.

Start your day with a refreshing visit to the waterfalls of Litchfield National Park – often considered the most beautiful falls in all of Australia. We head into Woolna Country and visit the traditional owners of the land the Limilngan-Wulna people. Try your hand at time-honoured indigenous practices like cooking bush tucker, playing the didgeridoo, spear throwing or basket weaving. We then travel to the magnificent Mary River Wetlands for a private river cruise teeming with wildlife. Keep your wits about you – this is crocodile country. We’ll finish up at a safe, secluded campsite within the area. (L, D)

Day 8 Mary River to Kakadu.

Discover ancient indigenous rock paintings at Ubirr and take in the views of the surrounding landscape at the top of the rocks. We’ll then head to Maguk, otherwise known as Barramundi Gorge, where a short hike precedes an invigorating swim in the cool waters. Not far from here we make camp for the night within the boundaries of Kakadu National Park. (B, L, D)

Day 9 Kakadu to Darwin.

Today is all about four-wheel driving. Get a feel for World Heritage-listed Kakadu as we travel over to Jim Jim Falls. Once there we’ll head on foot to the base of the waterfalls before carrying on to Twin Falls. It’s a truly gorgeous site, absolutely full to the brim of natural beauty. We’ll get a feel for the place with the boat and boardwalk experience (run by the National Park) before travelling through superb scenery on our way back to Darwin in the afternoon, where our trip concludes. (B, L) 

A sleeping bag is required for camping in the Northern Territory. Bring your own or hire one locally for AUD$20. 

NOTE: This trip is operated by our Local Specialist Partner, Adventure Tours Australia.