Best Buys
Northern Territory Explorer
11 Day Guided Vacation | Darwin to Uluru (Ayers Rock)
Travel Period
The Northern Territory is the only pocket of Australia with two World Heritage-listed national parks: Kakadu and Uluru-Kata Tjuta. You’re one of the few to experience both, on this life-changing Darwin to Uluru tour. Wherever you go, you’ll experience the rich Indigenous culture the state nurtures, whether in Alice Springs’ art galleries, at Mindil Beach Sunset Market in Darwin or cruising Katherine Gorge.
Prices From Code: NDAU
$4135
$5110
$3725
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Northern Territory Explorer
Best Buys
11 Day Guided Vacation
Darwin to Uluru (Ayers Rock)
The Northern Territory is the only pocket of Australia with two World Heritage-listed national parks: Kakadu and Uluru-Kata Tjuta. You’re one of the few to experience both, on this life-changing Darwin to Uluru tour. Wherever you go, you’ll experience the rich Indigenous culture the state nurtures, whether in Alice Springs’ art galleries, at Mindil Beach Sunset Market in Darwin or cruising Katherine Gorge.
Highlights
Flexible Vacations
Follow the lead of laidback locals in Darwin and Alice Springs and enjoy the sights and adventures at a relaxed pace.
Iconic Sites
From the vast wetlands of Kakadu to the sheer cliffs of Katherine Gorge and Uluru sunsets, this is Australia in a postcard.
Time For You
You’ll want to appreciate the full, blazing glory of the sun setting over Kakadu. There’s no rush to move on – relax and enjoy.
Sustainable Travel
Support Aboriginal-owned and -operated Pudakul Indigenous Experience when you learn about one of the world’s oldest culture.
Itinerary
Northern Territory Explorer (Travel Period: 01 May 2022 – 31 Jul 2022)
Arriving at the tropical top end capital of Darwin the weather and friendly locals will instantly make you feel relaxed. The Darwin waterfront is the gathering place for locals and tourists, and this is where you will get to know your tour director and fellow travellers while enjoying some refreshing drinks and nibbles at your welcome reception.
Hotel: Vibe Hotel Darwin Waterfront, 2 nights
Waking up on the first day of your Northern Territory Explorer board your luxury coach to discover all of Darwin’s fascinating attractions including East Point Military Reserve and the Darwin Museum. This afternoon you are free to explore or relax. The choice is yours. You could visit the Royal Flying Doctor Service Tourist Facility to enjoy their fascinating Bombing of Darwin experience or soak up the atmosphere and flavours of the iconic Mindil Beach Sunset Market with over 200 unique stalls of food, craft and arts.
Included Meals: Breakfast
Diving deep into indigenous culture when you connect with a local family run authentic, aboriginal culture and nature based experience right next to a billabong. Discover local indigenous history and learn and understand the local customs and traditions of the aboriginal people of the region. After this enlightening experience you will venture deep into Kakadu National Park with a stop at the Bowali Visitor Centre to reveal the history of the park.
Hotel: Mercure Kakadu Crocodile Hotel, Jabiru, 2 nights
Included Meals: Dinner, Breakfast
Seeing Kakadu National Park by air is one of the best ways and you might choose this morning to take to the skies on an optional scenic flight. Exploring deep into the National Park today to discover ancient aboriginal rock art and then cruising the famous Yellow Waters Billabong to search for big saltwater crocodiles and discover plan and bird life that will amaze you. Finish the day with the sun setting over this spectacular World Heritage UNESCO site.
Included Meals: Breakfast
Traversing through remarkable country from one famous National Park to another arriving at Nitmiluk National Park. Board your boat with your local guide as you cruise the spectacular Katherine Gorge with its towering cliffs and winding bends. Keep an eye out for the small freshwater crocodile as you hear stories of how this spectacular gorge was formed.
Hotel: Contour Hotel Katherine
Included Meals: Dinner, Breakfast
Departing the town of Katherine arriving at Elsey Homestead that was used in the filming a famous story about outback life, ‘We of the Never Never’. This stop is also home to the famous Mataranka thermal hot springs. Walking down the palm lined walkway for a swim there is nothing more refreshing. When you think of an outback pub, the Daly Waters Historic Pub is what you probably imagine. Rustic and eclectic start to describe this interesting watering hole as we divert of the Stuart Highway to check it out.
Hotel: Bluestone Motor Inn
Included Meals: Dinner, Breakfast
Leaving Tennant Creek behind, some amazing and everchanging country of the territory is what you will see today. Travelling the highway along some amazing straight road then Karlu Karlu (Devils Marbles) come into sight. Seeing these massive granite boulders jutting out in the middle of nowhere is fascinating. Stretching your legs and wander through and around the boulders and discover the Dreaming story about the fossilised eggs of the Rainbow Serpent. Arriving into Alice Springs a quick drive up to Anzac Hill to not only enjoy this memorial, but also panoramic views of Alice Springs and the East & West MacDonnell Ranges before heading for your hotel for the evening.
Hotel: Doubletree by Hilton Alice Springs, 2 nights
Included Meals: Breakfast
This morning is free so you might choose to rest as this outback town awakens or you might choose to rise early and take an optional Hot Air Balloon ride as the desert awakens or choose to explore the West MacDonnell Ranges on a half day guided tour. The choice is yours. After lunch you are out to explore the town of Alice Springs and explore the historic Telegraph Station and the Alice Springs School of the Air to gain an insight into outback and remote learning.
Included Meals: Breakfast
Learn about local aboriginal culture this morning before heading west from Alice Springs to Uluru. As you venture into the National Park for the first time you will be amazed by the sheer scale of Uluru and then the natural wonder of watching the sunset across it. The changing colours on the rock are spectacular and there is nothing better than toasting to it with a glass of sparkling in your hand.
Hotel: Outback Pioneer Hotel, Ayers Rock Resort, 2 nights
Included Meals: Breakfast
It might still be dark but getting out of bed for a once in a lifetime sunrise over Uluru is worth it. Holding a freshly made coffee or tea as the sunrises and warms not only you but creeps across the face of Uluru is just spectacular. Your Tour Director will show you around the base of Uluru and then some short walks where you will discover the connection and culture of the local Anangu people that makes this place so special. This afternoon is free for you to rest by the resort pool or you might choose to see Uluru from the air on a scenic helicopter ride or cruise around it on the back of a Harley! This evening enjoy a farewell dinner with your fellow travellers and recount the amazing experiences you have had together exploring the Northern Territory.
Included Meals: Farewell Dinner, Breakfast
This morning you might choose to rise early and discover the Field of Light Art instillation and then join your fellow travellers for breakfast before the exploration of the Northern Territory comes to an end.
Included Meals: Breakfast
Please note: This itinerary may be subject to change.
Accommodation
Your Guided Holiday includes a range of quality accommodation for your comfort.
The accommodation you will enjoy on this tour includes:
Perfectly positioned amongst the entertainment and dining hub of Darwin’s seafront promenade, Vibe Hotel Darwin Waterfront is surrounded by great shopping, a range of pubs and night clubs, as well as some of the most amazing restaurants and cafés in the NT.
No matter how you spend your day, Vibe Hotel Darwin Waterfront is the perfect place to retreat to. Dive into the refreshing waters of the pool, enjoy some delicious cuisine or a refreshing drink in Curve Restaurant + Bar, or withdraw to your private, comfortable hotel room.
- Broadband and wireless internet access available (at additional cost)
- Telephone - Voice Mail
- In-room safe
- Security peephole
- Hairdryer
- Ensuite
- Shower
- Iron / Ironing Board
- Manual temperature control
- Work desk with lamp
- Tea & Coffee Facilities
- Flat Screen TV
- In-room Movies (fee applies)
- Mini-bar (surcharge)
Features
The indigenous owned luxury accommodation is uniquely shaped to represent Kakadu's most famous inhabitant, the saltwater crocodile. Relax in the recently refurbished rooms, unwind in your private courtyard, by the shaded outdoor pool or take in the landscaped interior garden view from the balcony.
- Bathtub and shower
- Satellite/cable colour TV
- Broadband Internet access
- Hair Dryer
- Air Conditioning
- Iron / Ironing Board
- Refrigerator
- Ensuite
Features
Contour Hotel Katherine is situated near Katharine town centre, and offers affordable, comfortable accommodation for intrepid travellers.
- Air Conditioning
- Satellite/cable colour TV
- Swimming Pool
- Barbecue facilities
- Wi-Fi (additional cost)
- Gym facilities
- Coffee/tea making facilities
- Iron / Ironing Board
- Hair Dryer
Features
The Bluestone Motor Inn is the perfect base from which to explore the diverse nature and culture of the Australian outback. Bluestone is the perfect place to stay at the halfway mark along the track from Alice Springs to Darwin and back, or coming west from Mt. Isa.
- Air-conditioning
- Ensuite
- Colour TV
- Internet Access
- Iron
- Tea & Coffee Facilities
- Swimming Pool
Features
Experience eco-friendly luxury and enjoy stunning views of the majestic MacDonnell Mountain Ranges when you stay at the DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Alice Springs. Conveniently located just off of Stuart Highway, the hotel is only 15 minutes’ drive from Alice Springs Airport and within walking distance of downtown. Enjoy easy access to many businesses, government offices and attractions such as Simpsons Gap, Desert Park and Anzac Hill. Ideal for both corporate and leisure guests, this Alice Springs hotel offers fantastic business and recreational facilities and friendly service from our dedicated staff.
The Outback Pioneer Hotel provides comfortable, clean accommodation for the traveller who is simply looking for somewhere to rest between their outback adventures.
Standard Rooms are comfortable and spacious and feature one queen and one single bed. All rooms have private en suite, television and movies on demand.
- Air Conditioning
- Heater
- Coffee/tea making facilities
- Private bathroom
- Refrigerator
- ISD/STD phone
- In-house movies
Features
Need accommodation before or after your tour?
Our special discounted rates make booking accommodation with us during your holiday both easy and affordable at selected AAT Kings hotels and resorts. Ask our friendly reservations at the time of booking.
Trip Details
What's included
- • Specialist team of two highly experienced Travel Director and Driver that are accredited with Kakadu & Uluru National Parks
- • Local Specialists (Guides)
- • Centrally located premium hotels
What to Bring
- • Warm layers in cooler months
- • Camera
- • Comfortable walking shoes
- • Sunglasses, sunscreen and hat
- • Water bottle
Fitness Requirements
-
• Kakadu – Nadab Lookout - Medium Level of Fitness Required
The climb to the top of Nadab Lookout at Ubirr in Kakadu National Park will not be suitable for all guests. To get to the lookout guests are required to scale up uneven rocky paths and steps to get to the lookout. There is an alternate route on a fairly flat gravel path for those unable climb to the top so they will not miss out on Rock Art.
Dining
- • Breakfast (10)
- • Dinner (3)
- • Farewell Dinner (1)
Flight Information
- • Day 1 – flights to arrive prior to 3.00pm into Darwin Airport
- • Day 11 – flights to depart anytime (after 10:00am recommended) from Ayers Rock Airport
