Northern Territory Self-Drive Tour

Australia's Northern Territory - the real outback - is the most incredible place. It presents itself with a variety of natural attractions and diversified flora and fauna. It is wetlands, billabongs, escarpments, gorges, deserts and semi-arid plains. In this land of contrasts, everything is bigger, brighter and bolder, where you can actually hear the silence and the horizon appears to be out of the picture.

There's something mystical about the Northern Territory too - from sculptured landscapes surrounded by Aboriginal legends, ancient cave paintings in Kakadu to the sacred Aboriginal monolith Uluru/Ayers Rock. But its not only the nature and age old culture that will enrich your self drive journey through this region, it is also the 'Territorians' – the people who live there that will make their trip a memorable one.

Daily itinerary

Day 1 - Arrive Alice Springs

Fly via Sydney to Alice Springs. Arrive in Alice Springs and check into your accommodation before exploring Alice Springs this afternoon. Visit many local attractions and historical sites such as the Royal Flying Doctor Service, School of the Air, Alice Springs Telegraph Station, Reptile Centre, Ghan Preservation Society, and National Pioneer Women’s Hall of Fame before settling down this evening for dinner, perhaps the Red Centre Dreaming Dinner & Show. Overnight: Alice Springs in one of the various accommodation properties or campgrounds

Day 2 - Explore Alice Springs

Begin your day early rising above the heart of the red centre with a hot air balloon flight witnessing the stunning desert landscapes at sunrise followed by a sumptuous hot chicken breakfast. This afternoon spend a few hours discovering the many endangered animals and natural wonders at the Alice Springs Desert Park. You may choose to take a Camel ride along the Todd River this evening followed by a three course home cooked dinner. Overnight: Alice Springs

Day 3 - Alice Springs to Glen Helen

Make your way this morning through the West MacDonnell Ranges heading for Glen Helen. There are many natural attractions along the way and unique scenery at places such as Simpsons Gap and Standley Chasm. Take a swim at Ellery Creek Big Hole and Ormiston Gorge before arriving at Glen Helen Resort where you can overnight and wake up to the changing colours of the West MacDonnell Ranges the next day. Overnight: Glen Helen

Day 4 - West MacDonnell Ranges

This morning drive back along the Namatjira Drive until you reach the turn off to the Larapinta Drive junction. Head west to Hermannsburg, the birthplace of famous artist Albert Namatjira where you will also find a faithfully restored 1870s Lutheran mission that showcases Namatjira’s and other local artists’ works. If you have a 4WD vehicle, just outside of Hermannsburg is the breathtaking Finke Gorge National Park, best known for Palm Valley and contains groves of unique and beautiful palms that are remnants from millions of years ago. This afternoon make your way back to Alice Springs for a relaxing evening. Overnight: Alice Springs.

Note: If you have a four-wheel-drive vehicle, depart Glen Helen and travel on the four-wheeldrive Mereenie Loop to Kings Canyon. Stop along the way at Redbank Gorge and Tnorala (Gosse Bluff) Conservation Reserve - a huge crater formed by a comet over 130 million years ago.

Day 5 - Alice Springs to Kings Canyon

Commence your drive to Kings Canyon early to arrive late morning in time to take in the breathtaking views over the red landscape on a canyon rim walk. This can be a challenging climb to the top descending via the ‘Garden of Eden’ a tropical oasis in the depths of the canyon. An easier option will lead you along the canyon floor to a peaceful spring-fed waterhole at the head of Kathleen Gorge. Relax this evening watching the sunset over the canyon before dining at Carmichael’s Restaurant or the magnificent Sounds of Firelight Dinner under the stars, which should be pre-booked as space is limited. Overnight: Kings Canyon Resort (accommodation ranges from camping to hotel rooms)

Day 6 to 8 – Uluru/Kata Tjuta National Park

Today continue your drive to Uluru/Kata Tjuta National Park and Kings Canyon via the Pioneers` Way tourist drive where you will find one of Australia’s most recognisable natural icons standing 348 metres high – Uluru. To the west by 40 kilometres the massive piles of rock domes known as the Kata Tjuta/The Olgas date back 500 million years. Both icons have great cultural significance to the Anangu traditional landowners and you will learn more about by visiting the Cultural Centre located near Uluru itself. Over the next two days join an Aboriginal guided tour to learn more about the area or perhaps join a Dot Painting Workshop at the Cultural Centre. Explore the base of Uluru at your own walking pace and later join an afternoon/evening tour out to Kata Tjuta for a Valley of the Winds Walk. During the evenings sip on a glass of champagne as the sun sets over the red domes of Uluru and Kata Tjuta. Try many of the resorts tantalising dining options, from gourmet under a desert sky to grilling a barramundi or kangaroo steak on a cook-your own barbeque. There are more than 10 dining options at the resort to select from, no matter which accommodation you choose. Overnight: Ayers Rock Resort (various hotel properties or camping options)

Day 9 – Uluru/Kata Tjuta to Alice Springs

Soak up one last look at the sun rising over Uluru/Ayers Rock and a hearty breakfast before making your way back to Alice Springs. If you have a four-wheel-drive vehicle make sure you stop off at magical Rainbow Valley, a massive sandstone formation of coloured bands. Relax this evening with dinner at one of the various restaurants in town or perhaps enjoy dinner in the gardens of Australia’s oldest date plantation at the Date Farm.

Day 10 – Alice Springs to Wycliffe Well

Heading north from Alice Springs, stop off at Ti Tree and sample fine table grapes and sparkling mango wine produced in the outback by visionary farmers. Enjoy the rich colours of the desert travelling north to Wycliffe Well – reputed to be Australia’s UFO capital. Overnight: Wycliffe Well (accommodation ranges from camping to 3 star motels)

Day 11- Wycliffe Well to Tennant Creek

Marvel at the extraordinary Devils Marbles, finely balanced piles of huge boulders believed by Aboriginal people to be the eggs of the Rainbow Serpent. Explore the friendly town of Tennant Creek in the afternoon. The site of Australia’s last major gold rush in the 1930s, the town offers many opportunities to experience gold fever – with tours, heritage sites, fossicking and panning for gold. Cool off with a dip in nearby Mary Ann dam. Overnight: Tennant Creek (motel accommodation available)

Day 12 – Tennant Creek to Daly Waters

Explore the scenic Elliot and Newcastle Waters Discovery Trail, a network of roads (some are four-wheel-drive only) branching off the main highway to huge cattle stations, character-filled outback pubs and landmarks of World War II. Overnight: at the Hi-Way Inn, at the junction of the Stuart and Carpentaria highways, the gateway to the fishing paradise of the Gulf region, or continue on to Daly Waters, a tiny hamlet built around the Territory’s oldest pub

Day 13 – Daly Waters to Mataranka

Call in at the historic Larrimah Wayside Inn for a cool drink – and make time for a visit to the Larrimah Museum for a fascinating look at the area’s World War II heritage. Continue to Mataranka for a pleasant dip in the warm thermal springs. Overnight: Mataranka at a motel or campsite, or camp overnight in Elsey National Park

Day 14 – Mataranka to Katherine

Explore the Katherine region, especially spectacular Katherine Gorge (Nitmiluk). Boat cruises and canoeing are great ways to experience the grandeur of this special place, or go bushwalking in the area. A short drive from Katherine is Springvale Homestead, built from sandstone by explorer and pastoralist Alfred Giles in 1878. Enjoy a Devonshire tea while learning more about the area’s history. Overnight: at one of the beautiful bed and breakfast properties like Maud Creek or Donkey Camp, or various motels.

Day 15 to 18 – Katherine to Kakadu National Park

Head to Kakadu National Park on the Nature’s Way Tourist Drive, which branches off the Explorers Way at Pine Creek. Spend the next few days experiencing Kakadu with the many Aboriginal rock art sites, walks to escarpment lookouts, waterfalls and impressive visitor centres. One of the best ways to experience Kakadu is from the air, so consider a scenic flight. There are also day trip options with indigenous experiences and Twin Falls boat cruises. Another must-do is the Guluyambi East Alligator River Cruise, the best place to experience Kakadu’s prolific wildlife with a local Aboriginal guide. Experience the Yellow Water Billabong, home to a wide variety of wildlife, by cruising quietly amongst the wonder and beauty of this wetland habitat. Accommodation ranges from camping and budget cabins to hotels. Birdwatchers and nature lovers should stop along the way at the Fogg Dam Conservation Reserve, Window on the Wetlands Visitor Centre and a jumping crocodile cruise on the Adelaide River. Mary River’s wetland region is home to one of the largest concentrations of saltwater crocodiles in the Territory and also a paradise for birdwatchers and nature lovers. Mary River is an ideal rest stop for travelers between Kakadu and Darwin. Overnight: Darwin (a wide range of backpacker, motels, hotels or apartment accommodation)

Day 19 – Darwin

Spend the morning relaxing with a stroll around this tropical city enjoying its atmosphere before joining an afternoon city sights tour to discover the highlights of Darwin. Don’t miss Darwin’s acclaimed Museum and Art Gallery - a must see. This evening enjoy a relaxing sunset cruise on Darwin’s harbour or dine at one of the many restaurants at Cullen Bay Marina or the Wharf Precinct. Overnight: Darwin

Day 20 – Darwin

Spend a few hours this morning exploring the award winning Territory Wildlife Park situated south of Darwin, off the Explorers Way drive, before continuing after lunch to Litchfield National Park. Enjoy a lazy afternoon swimming in the crystal-clear waterfalls and rock pools or explore one of the many bushwalking tracks, admiring the bird and wildlife species. At the end of the day, drive 90 minutes back up the highway to Darwin. Spend another evening dining at one of the sumptuous restaurants in Darwin. Overnight: Darwin

Day 21 – Darwin

The day is free for you to enjoy at your leisure before departing Darwin.

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