Sydney to Uluru & Darwin: city and outback experience

Itinerary in brief:

• 3 nights Sydney
• 3 nights Red Centre (small group tour)
• 1 night Alice Springs
• 1 night Darwin
• 4 nights Kakadu National Park (small group tour)
• 1 night Darwin

Day 1: Depart UK

Depart the UK from your chosen airport.

Included: International flights

Day 2: Arrive in Sydney

On arrival in Sydney, you will be met and taken by shared transfer to your hotel where you will check in for a 3-night stay.

Included:  Transfers, 4* hotel 

Days 3 & 4: Sydney 

Sydney is home to some of the most iconic architecture in the world – the harbour bridge and the unique Opera House. Wander around Circular Quay for brilliant views of both before exploring the Botanical Gardens where sulphur-crested cockatoos fly overhead, squawking as they go. Heading out of the city you could take the ferry to Manly for a stroll down the beach or even try hiking the trail from Bondi to Coogee Beach with endless views over the Pacific Ocean.

We've included the Burrawa BridgeClimb, where you'll discover the aboriginal history of Sydney as you climb the iconic Harbour Bridge. Burrawa is a local Aboriginal word that means 'above' or 'upwards'. During this spectacular experience, you can admire unrivalled views of the Indigenous landmarks around Sydney Harbour including Bennelong and Barangaroo, while hearing the stories of Australia's First Nations people. Your guide will tell stories about local history from an Aboriginal perspective whilst looking down on the shores where Patyegarang taught William Dawes the language of Sydney.

You could also book a day trip out of the city and sample some of the local tipples on a wine tour around the Hunter Valley, or instead visit the mystical Blue Mountains for grand views and beautiful walks.

Included: BridgeClimb, 4* hotel 

Day 5: Sydney to Uluru (Ayers Rock)

You will be collected from your hotel after breakfast today and taken to the airport to connect with your domestic flight from Sydney to Uluru (Ayers Rock) where you will meet the rest of your small group early in the afternoon.

This afternoon, we head to the Red Centre’s indigenous interpretive cultural centre where we have a chance to learn about the cultural, ecological, historical and geological significance of this very special national park.

With the anticipation and excitement growing we make a short drive towards the base of Uluru as we begin to comprehend the sheer size and magnificence of the giant monolith, getting up close and personal to explore further.  Walking to Mutitjulu waterhole we discover sacred rock art sites in family caves and hear the creation stories of Kuniya and Liru as we continue our base walk towards Kuniya Piti.  From here we drive around sacred sites towards Kantju Gorge where we envisage the highest waterfall in Central Australia, (truly a spectacle to behold, even more so when raining) an elder’s cave and the world’s oldest pantry. 

After exploring the world’s most impressive rock up close and personal, we retreat for panoramic views to witness one of the most incredible sunsets on the planet, all whilst having dinner cooked for you, to feed those hungry eyes and allow you to get to know your fellow travellers.

Included: Breakfast, departure transfer, domestic flight, arrival transfer, dinner, touring

Day 6: Uluru to Kings Canyon

Another early start today as you watch the spectacular sunrise in Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park. You thought Uluru was special and just when you think it couldn’t get any more majestic, we approach the stunning silhouette of Kata Tjuta.  Here we set off on a hike through the Valley of the Winds or Walpa Gorge marvelling at the mighty conglomerate rock formations. After exploring Kata Tjuta, we make our way towards Kings Canyon region. 

Included: All transport, touring, meals, swag camping

Day 7: Kings Canyon to MacDonnell Ranges

We head off early to explore the mighty Kings Canyon (Watarrka) venturing into the ancient landscape and sacred grounds of the Ulpanyali and Lilla people. Arriving at the jewel in the crown at the centre of Watarrka National Park (Kings Canyon) we find ourselves surrounded by towering 100 metre cliff faces, views of sandstone chasms and jaw dropping backdrops that will make the hairs stand up on the back of your neck. Grab your water, hat and sturdy shoes as we set off on foot to explore (the most seasonally applicable part of) the canyon in more detail.

Rest up in the bus as we head back up north, passing through Alice Springs and heading out towards the West MacDonnell Ranges for an evening of stargazing at our bush camp.

Included: All transport, touring, meals, swag camping

Day 8: MacDonnell Ranges to Alice Springs

Known traditionally as Angkerle Atwatye, meaning “Gap of Water”, Standley Chasm is a 3-metre-wide, 80-metre-high gorge amongst the West MacDonnell Ranges. At dawn we hope to spot the native wildlife as we enjoy breakfast and look forward to the day ahead. Tracking west you are welcome to enjoy a dip in Ellery Creek Bighole, known traditionally as Udepata, surrounded by tall red cliffs and sandy Ellery Creek.

Onwards to where massive geological forces created the towering red walls of Ormiston Gorge. Spend time here admiring nature and its finest before we begin our leisurely journey back towards Alice Springs, with our final stop at another amazing feature of the Tjoritja West MacDonnell region, Simpsons Gap, where several dreaming trails and stories cross. Featuring a permanent waterhole this is also a great place to spot resident wildlife.

Now we’ve had our fix of the best of central Australia’s natural icons, we deliver you back to Alice Springs.

Included: All transport, touring, breakfast, lunch, 4* hotel

Day 9: Alice Springs to Darwin

You will be collected from your hotel this morning and taken by shared transfer to Alice Springs Airport to connect with your internal flight to Darwin. On arrival into Darwin Airport, you will join your shared transfer for the short journey into Darwin city centre where you will check into your hotel for one night, before heading off on another small group tour tomorrow. 

Included: Transfers, internal flights, 4* hotel 

Day 10: Darwin to Arnhem Land

Depart Darwin on day one. There’s no time to waste, so get cracking at 6.50 am and hit the road to Wulna Country, where your Limilngan-Wulna hosts – the land’s Traditional Owners – will greet you with a Cul Cul or ‘Welcome to Country’. Learn about their culture during bush tucker talks and didgeridoo and basket weaving demonstrations. Continue to the border of Kakadu and Arnhem Land for a Guluyumbi cruise along the East Alligator River with a Bininj guide. Learn about the cultural importance of the East Alligator River to the Bininj people and take in the tranquillity and rugged beauty.

Back on land, jump in a private vehicle and drive to Arnhem Land’s Mawurndaddja. This sacred complex (only recently opened to visitors) has a spectacular series of rock art that research indicates is over 50,000 years old. Spend the afternoon exploring this atmospheric site and learning about its history from your guide. Head to Kakadu for an overnight stay.

Included: All transport, meals, swag camping

Day 11: Kakadu National Park, Twin Falls & Jim Jim Falls

After fuelling up with an early breakfast, head to Jim Jim Falls, Kakadu’s most iconic natural attraction. Take a challenging walk through monsoon forest and over boulders, then recharge with a cooling dip in the clear waters beneath the falls.

After lunch head to Anbangbang, another incredible site that features ancient art on what was originally Warramal land. Sadly, there are no surviving Warramal people, so the care of the site is maintained by the neighbouring Mirarr and Djok communities. This afternoon, you have the option of taking a scenic flight over Kakadu or visiting the Bowli Cultural Centre.  

Included: All transport, meals, swag camping

Day 12: Kakadu National Park

After breakfast, head to either Gunlom Falls or Maguk (Barramundi Gorge) for a swim in another pristine waterhole. Maguk flows down the steep walls of rugged gorge into a beautiful natural plunge pool, while the steep climb to the Gunlom Falls plunge pool is rewarded with sweeping views of Kakadu and the welcome shade of gum trees. Neither option will disappoint.

After a relaxing morning, it’s time to hit the road. Stop in the old gold-mining town of Pine Creek for lunch before continuing for another 3 hours to your private campsite on the doorstep of Nitmiluk National Park. Once comfortable, have dinner with the group before settling in under the stars for the night.

Included: All transport, meals, swag camping

Day 13: Nitmiluk (Katherine) Gorge

Spend the day exploring the deep Nitmiluk (Katherine) Gorge and greater Nitmiluk National Park, a wonderland of colours, ancient rock art, waterfalls and wildlife. While here, you can explore on foot or choose to take a cruise or rent a kayak to get a closer look. Keep in mind that these optional activities are seasonal and at your own expense. In the afternoon, travel to Edith Falls, a hidden oasis of clear, cool waters surrounded by bronze boulders. After a quick swim in the huge rock pools, continue to tonight’s camp located at the edge of Litchfield National Park, where dinner awaits.

Included: All transport, meals, swag camping

Day 14: Litchfield National Park to Darwin

After breakfast, head to Litchfield National Park. A bit of a local secret, Litchfield is awash with tropical rainforest, gorgeous waterfalls and crystal-clear waterholes. Visit Florence Falls, Wangi Falls or Bluey Rockholes, then tuck into a picnic lunch. Enjoy a stroll through the steamy rainforests and refreshing dip in one of the park’s gorgeous swimming holes. In the afternoon, make the 2-hour drive back to Darwin.

Included: All transport, meals, swag camping

Day 15: Depart Darwin

You will be collected from your hotel and taken to the airport by shared transfer to connect with your international flight back to the UK.

Included: Transfers, international flights

Day 16: Arrive UK