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
• 5 nights Darwin

Day 1: Depart UK

Depart the UK from your chosen airport.

Included: International flight

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:  Arrival transfer, hotel

Days 3 & 4: Sydney 

You now have two full days to explore this fantastic city! Why not head to Circular Quay to join a harbour cruise or take some must-have photos next to the iconic Sydney Opera House? Enjoy some lunch overlooking the mega yachts in Darling Harbour and take on the Sydney Harbour Bridge climb for unrivalled views across the city.

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.

We can help you book any of these activities, ask your consultant.

Included: Breakfast, 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

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

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, 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 domestic 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 a 5-night stay.

Included: Departure transfer, domestic flight, arrival transfer, hotel

Day 10: Darwin

Located in the always-warm, tropical Northern Territory of Australia - Darwin is a small city with a big character. Surrounded by national parks rich with history, culture and striking landscapes Darwin provides a perfect base to explore this fascinating region.

Spend your first day exploring the city, visit the resident saltwater crocodiles in Crocosaurus Cove, cool off in the lagoon or wave pool down at the waterfront or relax and enjoy a beer in one of Darwin’s friendly pubs and bars.

Included:  Hotel

Day 11: Litchfield day tour

Today we’ve included a day trip to nearby Litchfield National Park. Your early start is rewarded as you stop for a closer look at the Magnetic and Cathedral termite mounds, with some standing as high as 6 metres! These feats of architecture contain arches, tunnels and chimneys built by their insect inhabitants.

Once at the park you will explore waterfalls, spring-fed streams and rugged sandstone escarpments before enjoying a BBQ lunch. Afterwards, discover rock holes and swim in the cascading falls of Buley Rockhole before heading back to Darwin for early evening.

Included: Day tour, lunch, hotel

Day 12: Kakadu & Mary River adventure

After breakfast, you will be collected by your tour group for a day tour into Kakadu National Park. You’ll pass through the monsoonal rainforest, sandstone country and the worlds most protected river system, the South Alligator River along the way. Spend time at Kakadu’s premier art site, Ubirr, visiting rock art galleries and shelters. The hundreds of paintings on display here offer just a glimpse across the timeline of Aboriginal history, with original drawings still being created up to as recently as 40 years ago.

After lunch, you’ll join a cruise through the Mary River wetlands system which houses the world’s highest concentration of crocodiles as well as a myriad of bird species, wallabies and water buffalo. Enjoy a welcome glass of sparkling wine as you cruise through serene, sacred, lotus lilies. As the day draws to a close, you’ll be taken back to your hotel in Darwin by early evening.

Included: Day tour, lunch, hotel

Day 13: Darwin

Today is a free day for you to enjoy Darwin, on Sundays and Wednesdays be sure to head to Mindil Beach Sunset Market near the Marina, with quirky stalls and tons of street food on offer, watching the sunset on the beach with a beer in hand is a Darwin tradition!

Included: Hotel

Day 14: 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:  Departure transfer, international flight

Day 15: Arrive UK

Why not combine this with a trip to Bali?