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from
$2616*
Experience some of Outback
Australia's finest aboriginal icons and then travel via one of the world's great
rail journeys - The Legendary Ghan - deep into the Northern Territory.
Australia Aboriginal Tour
Highlights:
·
Uluru
·
Kata Tjuta National Park
·
Kings Canyon
·
The Ghan
·
Kakadu National Park
·
Litchfield National Park
DEPARTS: Fri and Mon
2.30pm/3.30pm from Ayers Rock Resort
Concludes: In Darwin
Day 1: Uluru (Ayers Rock)
Travel to the mystical 36 domes of
Kata Tjuta. On the way, stop at a lookout for panoramic views of its eastern
side. Continue on before arriving at the base of Walpa Gorge. Spend some time
exploring the gorge and the unusual conglomerate rock formations. The walking
trail through Walpa Gorge follows the natural creek between two of the tallest
domes of Kata Tjuta. In the late afternoon we travel to the Uluru sunset viewing
area. Witness and photograph the striking colour changes of Uluru at sunset
whilst enjoying nibbles and a glass of wine. Accommodation: Outback Pioneer (R),
Desert Gardens (F), Ayers Rock Resort
Day 2: Kata Tjuta (Olgas) – Alice
Springs
Travel to the sunrise viewing area
at the eastern end of Uluru and watch the first sunlight of the day creep across
the desert plains. Enjoy a warming cup of tea or coffee as the morning sun
slowly changes the colour of Uluru. Travel to the base of Uluru for a closer
view of this huge monolith. Join your AAT Kings Driver/Guide for a tour around
the base of Uluru. Travel by coach to the Mutitjulu Walk where you will be
escorted into the beautiful Mutitjulu Waterhole. View Aboriginal rock art and
learn about the Aboriginal and European history of Uluru. Travel around the base
of Uluru in the comfort of the coach as your Driver/Guide provides commentary
about the numerous sacred areas and features to be found at Uluru. Visit the
Uluru – Kata Tjuta Cultural Centre, where you can learn about Aboriginal culture
and see Aboriginal arts and crafts, before travelling to kings Canyon.
Accommodation: Standard Rooms (R, F), Kings Canyon Resort.
Day 3: Kings Canyon - Alice
Springs
This morning join your guide for
the rocky climb to the rim of magnificent Kings Canyon which is located in
Watarrka National Park (this is a 3 hour walk and is for those with a good level
of fitness, sturdy footwear required). Alternatively, you may wish to explore
the boulder-strewn canyon floor, an easier shady walk. There is time to purchase
lunch at Kings Canyon Resort (own expense) before travelling to Alice Springs.
Accommodation: Aurora Alice Springs (R), Crowne Plaza (F), Alice Springs.
Note: During the hotter months
of the year where temperatures can reach and exceed 36° C or 97° F, the Watarrka
National Park Rangers strongly advise that visitors do not take part in the
Kings Canyon Rim Climb. In this drier desert climate heat exhaustion, over these
hotter months, is a very high possibility and a danger in such remote regions.
To ensure the safety and enjoyment of our clients we offer a guided walk along
the Kings Canyon creek-bed floor and at Kathleen Springs as a suitable
alternative on such days.
Day 4: Alice Springs – The Ghan
Travel west from Alice Springs
following the spectacular West MacDonnell Ranges. Pass the John Flynn Memorial
(founder of the Royal Flying Doctor Service). Our first stop is at Simpson’s Gap
where you will be served morning tea among the red gums. Continue to Angkerle (Standley
Chasm). Walk along the stony watercourse lined with cycads, ghost gums, and
acacias. A light lunch will be provided before you depart for Alice Springs
Desert Park. Explore the Desert Rivers, Sand Country and Woodland habitats and
discover many of the secrets of the Central Australian deserts. Visit the
Nocturnal House and witness free-flying birds of prey in the nature theatre at
the Birds of Prey presentation. Afterwards you will be transferred back to Alice
Springs. The afternoon is at your leisure. In the early evening you will be
transferred to the Alice Springs railway station to join The Ghan to Darwin. Sit
back and relax from the comfort of the train as the ‘outback’ scenery passes by.
(L) Accommodation: Red Service Sleeper Cabin (R), Gold Service (F), The Ghan.
Day 5: The Ghan – Darwin
On arrival to Darwin railway
station you will be transferred to your hotel. The remainder of the afternoon is
at your leisure. Accommodation: Mirambeena Resort (R), Holiday Inn Esplanade
(F), Darwin.
Day 6: Darwin - Kakadu
Travel deep into Kakadu National
Park. Take a guided walk to view Aboriginal rock art at Nourlangie Rock. After
lunch join the famous Yellow Water Billabong Cruise to observe saltwater
crocodiles and prolific bird life. Visit the Warradjan Aboriginal Cultural
Centre and view the informative displays and exhibits. (L) Accommodation: Aurora
Kakadu (R), Gagadju Crocodile Holiday Inn (F), Kakadu.
Day 7: Kakadu - Darwin
This morning stop at Ubirr with a
short walk to view rock art. Join the Guluyambi Cruise along the East Alligator
River in search of saltwater crocodiles. We have an Aboriginal guide with us and
with the special permission of the local people; we will be able to go ashore in
Arnhem Land. Visit the Bowali Visitor Centre. There is the opportunity for an
optional scenic flight (own expense) over the Arnhem Land Escarpment. Return
journey to Darwin. (L) Accommodation: Mirambeena Resort (R), Holiday Inn
Esplanade (F), Darwin, 2 nights.
Note: During the months November
to April, access to Ubirr and East Alligator River is not always possible.
Alternative touring will be arranged
Day 8: Litchfield National Park –
Darwin
Leaving Darwin, we follow the
Stuart Highway via the township of Batchelor to Litchfield National Park.
Visiting the main falls of the Park, you have the opportunity for scenic and
interpretive bush and monsoon vine forest walks. View Florence Falls from a high
vantage point before making your way down the stairs to the plunge pool below
with an opportunity to swim, making your way back via the monsoon forest and
open woodland. We visit Tolmer Falls for a magnificent view of the water
cascading down to the deep waterhole below and venture to Wangi Falls for
another opportunity for a swim in the large crystal clear pool and an optional
steady climb through the monsoon vine forest to the top of the falls. During the
day we stop for a picnic lunch. A great day also for taking many interesting
photos, including the amazing stand of termite mounds. (L)
Note: A good level of fitness is
required to access some of the waterfalls. Seasonal conditions may effect
inclusions from time to time, in which case alternative touring will be
arranged.
Day 9: Darwin
You will be transferred to Darwin
airport for your flight (airfare not included in tour price).
Tour Code: SO10039 (Superior)
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