AAT Kings - Outback Safari Itinerary

On arrival at Ayers Rock Resort, you’ll meet your Travel Director and travelling companions. Drive the short distance to dual World Heritage listed Uluru – Kata Tjuta National Park, where sparkling wine is served at a Welcome Reception as you watch the sunset over Australia’s most renowned natural landmark. Witness the phenomenon of the changing colours on the massive sandstone monolith before returning to the comfort of your hotel for the night.

Accommodation: Uluru - 2 Nights

Rise early to experience a majestic Red Centre sunrise while sipping a warming cup of tea or coffee. After a tour of the base of Uluru, you may like to take either a self-guided walk around its 11km perimeter or a shorter guided walk to Mutitjulu Waterhole. Your Travel Director will explain the significance of the ancient Aboriginal rock paintings you’ll encounter and the culture of the traditional owners, the Anangu people.

This afternoon’s journey takes you to superb Kata Tjuta, a series of 36 magnificent domes of orange-hued sedimentary rock, where you can toast the magnificent sunset with a glass of sparkling wine.

Included Meals: Breakfast

Awe-inspiring Kings Canyon is your destination today. Stop for a lunch break at Kings Creek Station, the largest exporter of wild camels in Australia, and hear the intriguing story of owners Ian and Lynn Conway and their dedication to Aboriginal children in the region’s remote communities.

Continue to Kings Canyon, a spectacular natural formation whose sheer sandstone walls soar to a height of over 100 metres. A 6km ‘rim walk’ around the canyon will reward you with marvelous views of Watarrka National Park. An easier walk along the canyon’s boulder-strewn creek bed is another option.

Included Meals: Breakfast, Dinner with Wine

Accommodation: Kings Canyon - 1 Night

Travelling past vast cattle properties today, you’ll develop a true appreciation of the enormous magnitude of the Australian outback. On arrival in Alice Springs, visit the historic Telegraph Station established in 1872, and drive to Anzac Hill for panoramic views over ‘The Alice’.

Included Meals: Breakfast

Accommodation: Alice Springs - 2 nights

Note: 29 July 2023 HOTEL CHANGE: to Mercure Alice Springs

After breakfast this morning, join an Aboriginal guide to gain an insight into the culture and traditions of the local Arrernte people at the Alice Springs Desert Park. Later, at the headquarters of the Royal Flying Doctor Service, you’ll learn how this iconic facility provides emergency medical assistance in the outback.

This evening, join the Falzon family for a Be My Guest home-cooked barbecue dinner at Earth Sanctuary World Nature Centre, and later listen as they speak of their passion for local ecology, astronomy, and culture.

Included Meals: Breakfast, Be My Guest Dinner

Before leaving Alice Springs this morning, visit the School of the Air to witness a classroom lesson broadcast over 1.3 million square kilometres to children living in remote locations. Then travel north, stopping to visit Karlu Karlu, an intriguing group of precariously-balanced granite boulders.

Later, settle into your accommodation at the former gold-mining town of Tennant Creek.

Included Meals: Breakfast, Dinner with Wine

Accommodation: Tennant Creek - 1 Night

Travel further north, visiting the quirky Daly Waters Pub before continuing to Mataranka, where a swim in the warm, crystal-clear waters of the thermal springs is a must-do. Tonight is spent in Katherine.

Accommodation: Katherine - 1 Night

This morning travel to Nitmiluk National Park, where a tranquil cruise along the spectacular Katherine Gorge will allow you to sense the spirituality of the land. Catch glimpses of the resident freshwater crocodiles and learn about the history and culture of the local traditional owners, the Jawoyn people. Then, travel deep into Kakadu for a cruise on the famous Yellow Water Billabong, famed for its stunning variety of birdlife including sea eagles, brolgas and tiny, brilliantly-hued kingfishers. You’ll also see estuarine crocodiles basking on the sandy banks.

Included Meals: Breakfast, Dinner with Wine

Accommodation: Kakadu - 1 Night

This morning you’ll have the opportunity to take an optional flight over Kakadu and Arnhem Land. Later visit Ubirr and view Aboriginal rock art dating back some 20,000 years. Climb to the top of this rocky outcrop for spectacular views over the flood plains and escarpment country. You may recognise the location from the famous Australian film, Crocodile Dundee! This afternoon you will arrive in tropical Darwin. After a brief tour around Darwin the evening is free to explore. We highly recommend you explore the popular Mindil Markets for dinner and to watch a famous top end sunset over the beach.

Included Meals: Breakfast

Accommodation: Darwin - 2 nights

Travel to Litchfield National Park, pausing to examine the amazing termite mounds that dot the landscape. Then continue to Florence Falls, a double plunge waterfall leading to a popular swimming hole. Venture on to Wangi Falls for the opportunity to swim in the large waterhole before heading back to Darwin.

This evening, join your Travel Director and fellow travellers for a Darwin Harbour Farewell Dinner Cruise.

Included Meals: Breakfast, Farewell Dinner

Say farewell to your fellow travellers when your holiday comes to an end this morning after breakfast.

Included Meals: Breakfast

Highlights

• Discover the sacred sites and rock art of Uluru (Ayers Rock)
• Sparkling wine at the inspiring Uluru sunset
• Explore the 36 mystical domes of Kata Tjuta (the Olgas)
• Climb Kings Canyon
• Learn about Aboriginal culture and native wildlife at Alice Springs Desert Park
• Dine with Falzon family at Earth Sanctuary
• Visit the Royal Flying Doctor Service
• Discover Karlu Karlu (Devils Marbles)
• Soak and relax at Mataranka Thermal Springs
• Cruise on Katherine Gorge and discover rock art
• Spot wildlife on the Yellow Water Billabong
• View the rock art galleries of Ubirr in Kakadu
• Swim beneath Litchfield’s Wangi Falls
• Darwin Harbour sunset dinner cruise
• Included Choice Experiences in Darwin

What’s included

• Quality accommodation
•  Travel by luxury coach
•  Experienced Travel Director and Driver Guide
•  Airport transfers on arrival

Dining

• 10 Full buffet breakfasts
•  1 Be My Guest dinner
•  4 Dinners with wine
•  1 Farewell Dinner

Fitness Requirements

• Moderate level of fitness required for walks at Uluru, Kata Tjuta and Kings Canyon
•  Walking on uneven surfaces is required to complete the walks, though there are alternate options

Flight Information 

•  Day 1 - flights to arrive prior to 3.00pm into Ayers Rock Airport
•  Day 11 - flights to depart anytime from Darwin Airport