Short Breaks
Territory Tracks
7 Day Rail Break | Uluru to Darwin
Travel Period
Explore the Red Centre by coach then take a momentous journey to the Top End on board Australia’s most famous train, The Ghan. You’ll delve into the rich indigenous culture of Uluru – Kata Tjuta National Park, then explore the diverse natural landscapes and wildlife of Kakadu. There’s something for everyone!
Departs
2.30pm
Returns
Morning of Day 7, Darwin
Trip Details
What's included
- • Accommodation
- • Uluru - Kata Tjuta National Park Ticket
- • Kakadu National Park Ticket
- • Experienced Driver Guide
- • Comprehensive commentary
- • Travel in an air-conditioned coach
What to Bring
- • Consider packing a light breakfast or bring snacks
- • Water bottle to hold 1.5 litres
- • Cash if purchasing Aboriginal artwork
- • Sunglasses, sunscreen and hat
- • Warm layers in cooler months
- • Flynet in summer months (optional)
- • Sturdy walking shoes (Shoes with heels, sandals, flip-flops or open toe shoes are not permitted)
Fitness Requirements
-
• Nourlangie Rock - Low level of fitness required
The 1.5km walk around the base has built in steps along the path -
• Ubirr - Low to moderate level of fitness required
Walk is slightly uneven around the base but quite steep on the way to lookout -
• Walpa Gorge Walk - Grade 3, moderate
Uneven surfaces to complete Walpa Gorge walk. Guests can return to the coach at any time if needed. Moderate level of fitness required to complete the Walpa Gorge Walk -
• Short guided walk at Uluru - Mutitjulu Waterhole - Low level of fitness required
Approximately 1 hour gentle walk
Dining
- • Breakfast (1)
- • Lunches (3)
- • Dinner (1)
Flight Information
- • Day 1: Flights to arrive prior to 1.30pm into Ayers Rock Airport
- • Day 7: Flights to depart anytime from Darwin airport
Itinerary
On arrival at Ayers Rock Airport you will be transferred to the resort (flights to arrive prior to 1.30pm). At the Uluru–Kata Tjuta Cultural Centre see locally-made arts and crafts. Drive around the base of awesome Uluru. At Mutitjulu Waterhole view Aboriginal rock art, as your Driver Guide explains Uluru’s history and native flora and fauna. Travel to the sunset viewing area to enjoy sparkling wine while watching the effect of the setting sun on the colour of Uluru.
Hotel: Desert Gardens
Rise early this morning to travel to Talinguru Nyakunytjaku, the Uluru Sunrise Viewing Area. Watch the first rays of sun light up the desert while enjoying a warming cup of tea or coffee. After sunrise travel to the mystical 36 domes of Kata Tjuta. On the way, enjoy panoramic views of the southern side of Kata Tjuta at a dune viewing platform before arriving at Walpa Gorge. Spend some time exploring the gorge and the unusual conglomerate rock formations. The 1.3km walking trail through Walpa Gorge follows the natural creek between two of the tallest domes of Kata Tjuta.
This afternoon sit back and relax as you travel through spectacular desert scenery from Ayers Rock Resort to Alice Springs. Pass through Curtin Springs cattle station and see Atila (Mt. Conner). Stop at Erldunda, a roadhouse located at the junction of the Stuart Highway and Lasseter Highway, where you can purchase afternoon tea.
Hotel: Crowne Plaza Alice Springs Lasseters
Enjoy a free day in Alice Springs. Late this afternoon make your own way to Alice Springs Railway Station to board The Ghan. Enjoy a drink in the Outback Explorer Lounge followed by dinner in the Queen Adelaide Restaurant before your overnight journey to the Top End.
Hotel: The Ghan Gold Service, Overnight Train
Included Meals: Dinner
Welcome to Katherine. Enjoy breakfast before leaving the train for a day of cultural delights, where endless options await. A late lunch awaits back on board. Then kick back and savour the last few hours of this epic journey. Roll into Darwin Train Station at 5.30pm then ease back into ‘life on the land’. You’ll be transferred to your hotel, and later perhaps explore the harbour, the bars and restaurants of this laid-back tropical city.
Hotel: Travelodge Darwin Resort
Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Depart Darwin and travel deep into Kakadu National Park. Take a cruise on the Yellow Water Billabong to see prolific wildlife, including saltwater Crocodiles. Visit Warradjan Cultural Centre before a guided walk to view Aboriginal rock art at Nourlangie.
Hotel: Mercure Kakadu Crocodile Hotel
Included Meals: Lunch
This morning join your Driver Guide to explore the World Heritage Area of Ubirr, where you’ll climb up through the ancient Aboriginal rock art galleries, believed to be 20,000 years old, to the lookout for a view over the surrounding wetlands. Join the Guluyambi Cruise on the East Alligator River. An Aboriginal guide will provide an insight into their culture, including local mythology, the river’s abundant food chain, as well as bush survival skills. With special permission of the local people, you are able to go ashore in Arnhem Land. Visit the Marrawuddi Art Gallery before returning to Darwin, where your short break concludes.
Hotel: Travelodge Darwin Resort
Included Meals: Lunch
Your Short Break concludes this morning in Darwin. (Airport transfer is an additional cost.)
Note: From November to May access to Ubirr and East Alligator River is not always possible. Alternative touring will be arranged on Day 6.
Please note: This itinerary may be subject to change.
Prices may vary according to your departure date.
Accommodation
Choose from a range of accommodation standards below. AAT Kings has hand-picked a range of hotels in key destinations to suit all kinds of budgets and we’ve pre-negotiated amazing prices for you.
Day 1 - Desert Gardens
Voyages Desert Gardens Hotel is centrally located to all resort and touring facilities and offers a range of accommodation, from shaded poolside rooms to deluxe rooms overlooking the desert.
Day 2 - Crowne Plaza Alice Springs Lasseters
The hotel is nestled beneath the famous MacDonnell Ranges. All rooms feature a private balcony with views of the nearby 18-hole Alice Springs Golf Course, the Todd River, swimming pool or the MacDonnell Ranges.
Day 3 - The Ghan Gold Service, Overnight Train
During the day, the compact Twin Berth Sleeper Cabins offer a comfortable three seater lounge, converting to an upper and lower sleeping berth at night. Your journey will be made even more comfortable with service from our hospitality attendant including fresh sheets, bath towels, pillows, doonas and complimentary toiletries. Twin Berth Sleeper Cabins have private en suite facilities with a hide-away compact toilet, wash basin and shower.
Day 5 - Mercure Kakadu Crocodile Hotel
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.
Day 4 - Travelodge Darwin Resort
Located in the heart of the CBD, Travelodge Mirambeena Resort Darwin is an inner city oasis, close to everything in town while providing privacy in a lush setting.
Day 6 - Travelodge Darwin Resort
Located in the heart of the CBD, Travelodge Mirambeena Resort Darwin is an inner city oasis, close to everything in town while providing privacy in a lush setting.
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.