Welcome to our 18 day odyssey as we embark on an unforgettable journey from Adelaide to Darwin.  Today we arrive into Adelaide by flight, where our coach and driver eagerly await our arrival, ready for the adventure ahead.  We check into our overnight accommodation and gather together with our fellow travellers for a warm, welcome dinner marking the beginning of our remarkable expedition.

Adelaide Rockford | 08 8211 8255
Lunch at own cost/arrangement | Dinner at Hotel

Leaving Adelaide, we commence our journey northward to Port Augusta. Located at the top of the Spencer Gulf, this once-busy shipping port serves as a pivotal hub for the major east/west and north/south highways. It is also where transcontinental rail services intersect. Upon arrival the Wadlata Outback Centre beckons us. Through hands-on displays and audio-visual presentations we learn about the outback culture, its history and the incredible achievements of both the Aboriginal and European people through graphic displays. Next is a visit to the Australian Arid Lands Botanic Gardens, where we delve into the significance of this town as a key centre for arid land explorations. These gardens serve as a focal point for national efforts in conserving arid zone ecosystems and strive to enhance the public as well as scientific understanding of the arid environment. Following our exploration, we retire to our hotel and unwind for the evening.

Standpipe Golf Motor Inn | 08 8642 4033
Breakfast & Dinner at Hotel | Lunch at own cost (at Wadlata Centre)

After breakfast our path leads us to Woomera, renowned for its long-range missile and rocket testing site. As the largest land-based range in the world, we are afforded the opportunity to delve into its intriguing history at the Heritage Centre. The remainder of the afternoon is dedicated to travelling to our next destination, Coober Pedy. Beneath the earth’s surface lies a maze of underground residences, hotels and even shops providing refuge from the summer heat above ground.

2 nights | The Desert Cave Hotel, Coober Pedy | 08 8672 5688
Breakfast and Dinner at Hotel | Lunch in Woomera

We are joined by a local guide who will introduce us to the region this morning. We are in for an interesting journey as we take a town tour and visit an underground home as well as a church. An Opal Mine tour will allow us to see what all the fuss is about as we watch an opal cutting demonstration.  We also take in the sensational views from the Big Winch Lookout.  After time to wander town to purchase lunch we head out to the Breakaways. This reserve consists of spectacular flat-topped, colourful mounds that have risen from the desert floor.  Definitely one of South Australia’s best kept secrets! On our return to town, be sure to ask about the story behind the Coober Pedy Opal Fields Golf Course – the only course in the world with reciprocal rights to St Andrews (the home of golf) in Scotland.  Dinner tonight will be at John’s Pizza Bar & Restaurant.

Breakfast at Hotel | Lunch at own cost | Dinner at John’s Pizza Bar

We have a travel day as we cross the border into the Northern Territory. Look out the window at the seemingly endless horizon where you truly get a sense of how vast this area is. Travelling west from Erldunda through the spinifex and desert oak landscape, Mt Connor will come into view on our left. This sandstone mesa is often confused as Uluru. We then make our way to Yulara, the gateway to the World Heritage Listed Uluru – Kata Tjuta National Park. The rock itself rises 348 metres from the desert floor and has a girth of 9.4km. This evening we head out to the Sunset Strip for an experience of a lifetime to watch the changing colours of this magnificent rock as the sun sets. Uluru puts on a remarkable light show as it changes from red to orange to lilac in a matter of minutes. We enjoy this special experience before returning to the resort for dinner.

2 nights | Voyages Desert Gardens Hotel | 08 8957 7703
Breakfast and Dinner at Hotel | Picnic Lunch enroute

For the very early risers, the coach will depart for the Sunrise Viewing Area to experience the first glimpse of the day and some brilliant photo opportunities. After breakfast, we are joined by our accredited guide who will enlighten us with a drive around the base of Uluru, teaching us about Aboriginal perceptions of Uluru, its powerful spiritual significance and how Anangu Traditional Owners and Rangers are looking after the Park together. Lunch today is available from the resort hotel or one within the Yulara Shopping Village. Early afternoon we head out to Kata Tjuta. Here we can take a walk into the beautiful and overwhelming Mount Olga Gorge.  This evening we are treated to a special dinner. Our Sounds of Silence experience begins with canapes, sparkling wine and the sound of a didgeridoo as the sun sets in the spectacular Uluru Kata Tjuta National Park. We will be treated to a bush tucker inspired buffet incorporating native ingredients before we sit back and listen to a resident star talker to decode the night sky. 

Breakfast at Hotel | Lunch at own cost | Sounds of Silence Dinner

We say goodbye to Uluru National Park after breakfast and travel to Curtin Springs to stretch our legs and look through the gift shop. We stop for lunch in Erldunda before arriving in Alice Springs. Nestled between the East and West MacDonnell Ranges, “Alice” is famous for its beautiful desert landscapes and colourful outback characters. Arriving at our hotel, freshen up and enjoy dinner in the onsite restaurant.

3 nights | Crowne Plaza Alice Springs | 08 8950 7777
Breakfast & Dinner at Hotel | Lunch at Erldunda Roadhouse

We take in the sights of Alice Springs with a visit to ANZAC Hill for panoramic views of the town and the surrounding area. We visit the School of the Air, a service dedicated to educating students in remote areas before visiting the Old Telegraph Station and the original Alice Springs. With incredible indoor and outdoor displays, the story of the connection of Australia and the rest of the world through telegraph communication unfolds. After time to wander down Todd Mall to purchase lunch we visit the Royal Flying Doctor Base. Hear the incredible history of one of the largest and most comprehensive aeromedical organisations in the world. Using the latest in aviation, medical and communications technology, it delivers extensive primary health care and 24-hour emergency service to those who live, work and travel throughout Australia. Our last visit of the day is to the National Road Transport Hall of Fame. Discover how Australia’s tough terrain broke the best vehicles the world could throw at it and how war at Australia’s doorstep brought mechanisation and development to this nation, Central Australia in particular. We learn how a unique breed of road transport pioneers used improvisation, innovation, ingenuity, common sense and sheer will to carve a road transport network from stark wilderness to give us an industry that has been the backbone of Australia’s development. A highlight of Central Australia is a visit to the Earth Sanctuary, a dinner show venue overlooking the spectacular East MacDonnell Ranges.  From the moment we arrive, we are welcomed into an experience that we will long remember. From sunset drinks to a delicious home-cooked gourmet dinner under the stars, stories of local ecology, culture and astronomy follow our meal, capping off an amazing evening. 

Breakfast at Hotel | Lunch at own cost/arrangement | Dinner at Earth Sanctuary

This morning, we take in the majestic Western McDonnell Ranges. The landscape in this area is outstanding! We stop at Simpsons Gap to see the soaring cliffs and enduring water hole before travelling to see the towering walls of Standley Chasm. Admire the glow from the reflecting sunlight to create a breathtaking display of colour, making it a must-see experience. We return to Alice Springs where we spend the rest of the afternoon immersing ourselves in visual and performing art at the Araluen Cultural Precinct. Lean about the Aboriginal dreaming and discover the local identities that helped shape and develop Alice Springs.

Breakfast and Dinner at Hotel | Lunch at own cost

Departing Alice Springs this morning, we cross the Tropic of Capricorn not long out of town. We’ll also pause at Central Mount Stuart, the geographical centre of Australia. We stop to visit the Karlu Karlu Devils Marbles, steeped in aboriginal legend as the eggs of the sacred rainbow serpent. We have time to marvel at the collection of massive granite boulders which seemed to have dropped from the wide blue skies of the Barkly Tablelands. Arriving into the modern outback mining town of Tennant Creek, we have time to settle into our motel and freshen up before dinner.

Bluestone Motor Inn, Tennant Creek | 08 8962 2617
Breakfast and Dinner at Hotel | Packed Lunch included

We have time to visit the Battery Hill Mining Centre, the historic site of a Gold Stamp Battery. The museum will introduce us to the ‘Freedom, Fortitude and Flies’ exhibit, a look at social life on the goldfields. We then make our way to Renner Springs for our lunch break at the Desert Inn. Developed as a settlement during the construction of the Overland Telegraph Line, the springs support a large range of birdlife such as Kingfishers and Lapwings.  We continue travelling north, seeing the vast landscape stretch out before us, from horizon to horizon. We arrive into Daly Waters to check into our accommodation.

Daly Waters Pub | 08 8975 9927
Breakfast & Dinner at hotel | Lunch at Renner Springs

Re-boarding the coach, we head to the small pastoral town of Mataranka, made famous by the novel, ‘We of the Never Never’.  Take a look at the replica homestead made for the movie then take some time to relax in the Thermal Pools before lunch at the Homestead. Katherine is our destination and we arrive in time to participate in a highlight of the Top End. Undertaking an afternoon cruise of Nitmiluk (Katherine Gorge), we witness the spirituality of the Jawoyn culture and history against the magnificent backdrop of sheer sandstone walls and breathtaking scenery. Relax as we cruise through the tranquil surrounds transporting us into a world of unspoilt beauty. Arriving into Katherine later, we enjoy dinner then settle into our rooms for the night.

Knotts Crossing Resort, Katherine | 08 8972 2511
Breakfast and Dinner at Hotel | Lunch at Mataranka

This morning we are in for a real treat as Golden Guitar winner and horseman extraordinaire, Tom Curtain, delights and entertains us with his Katherine Outback Experience. The show celebrates life in the outback through real horse-training, working dog demonstrations, live music and humorous bush tales.  Lunch follows then we make tracks for the next part of our adventure.  At Pine Creek we veer onto the Kakadu Highway, taking us to the Top End’s most important asset where we will connect with the oldest living culture on earth.  World Heritage Listed Kakadu National Park has a big story to tell. During our visit we’ll hear a little bit of that story as we immerse ourselves into the living cultural landscape of Kakadu. Add the magnificent scenery and unique flora and fauna and we are in for a great stay.    Settling into our accommodation,  we freshen up for dinner.

2 nights | Mercure Kakadu Crocodile Hotel Kakadu | 08 8979 9000
Breakfast and Dinner at Hotel | Lunch in Katherine

We are joined by our accredited local guide this morning in preparation for our day’s touring. We head to Ubirr Rock, the site of one of the best and most accessible rock art galleries in the park. The Main Gallery is an easy 1k walk from the car park and contains examples of mouth sprayed hand stencils, hunters carrying spears and fish, birds and animals presented in x-ray style, revealing internal organs and bone structures. At Nourlangie Rock we see some incredible rock art galleries. The rock walls have served as canvases for thousands of years, providing windows to a rich spiritual tradition. Our lunch venue is the Cooinda Lodge followed by a visit to the Warradjan Aboriginal Cultural Centre to gain an understanding of the Bininj people and their country through their exhibits and displays. Our last adventure today is another highlight of our tour.  Joining the Yellow Water Sunset Cruise on the Yellow Waters Billabong, we should see a host of waterbirds and wildlife in their natural habitat. It is a great way to finish our day’s touring. Dinner awaits us at the hotel afterwards.

Breakfast & Dinner at hotel | Lunch in Cooinda

Checking out of our accommodation, we begin our journey to Darwin. Stopping at Adelaide River, we step aboard the thrilling Jumping Croc Cruise. With our knowledgeable guides leading the way, we learn about these magnificent creatures while watching them as they propel themselves high out of the water to snatch their food – all from the safety of our boat. Lunch follows before continuing to Darwin, our home for the next three nights.

3 nights | DoubleTree by Hilton Esplanade Darwin | 08 8980 0800
Breakfast & Dinner at Hotel | Lunch at Bark Hutt Inn

Accompanied by a local expert, we delve into the captivating sites and rich history of Darwin. Many are unaware of Darwin’s crucial role during World War II, so our exploration includes an examination of the city’s significance and the history surrounding the bombings it endured. On our guided tour, we’ll encounter visible remnants and artefacts left behind in the aftermath of the devastating attacks which posed a serious threat to Australia. Our itinerary also incorporates a visit to the Darwin Military Museum, offering further insights into this pivotal period.  Later today we transfer to the famous Mindil Beach Sunset Markets.  Now a Darwin institution, the markets started from humble beginnings in 1987 to capture the stunning sunset over the Timor Sea. With over 200 unique stalls ranging from food to incredible local arts and crafts, we’ll have plenty of time to experience the atmosphere and flavours of this wonderful market.

Breakfast at Hotel | Lunch & Dinner at own arrangement/cost

Today we visit Litchfield National Park. With untouched rainforests, stunning waterfalls and magnificent scenery, Litchfield has gained the reputation as the jewel of the Northern Territory’s crown. We enjoy lunch at Litchfield Café before spending some time exploring the park. There are some great photo opportunities as we stop to see the magnetic anthills and see the cascading Florence Falls. For anyone looking for a swim – take a dip in the Wangi Falls plunge pool. Our final dinner tonight will be on board the Spirit of Darwin as we watch the sun set on the harbour.

Breakfast at Hotel | Lunch at Litchfield Café | Dinner onboard Spirit of Darwin

Our time on tour has come to an end. With our bags packed we are transferred to the airport for our return flight. We arrive home from an incredible time in Central Australia and the Top End.

Breakfast at Hotel | Lunch at own cost