AAT Kings 11 Day Red Centre and Top End Tour

Cost Saver Tour

Tour Code: PYD

Itinerary

Day 1: Arrive Ayers Rock
On arrival in Ayers Rock you will be transferred to your hotel. This evening travel out to the Uluru sunset viewing area. Enjoy a complimentary glass of sparkling wine and nibbles as the sun sets over the western horizon and the evening sky brings out the many shades of colour for which Uluru is renowned.
Hotel: Outback Pioneer Hotel, Ayers Rock Resort, 2 nights.

Day 2: Kata Tjuta (The Olgas)
Rise early to see the Red Centre set alight by the first rays of the sun at Uluru. Later travel through the desert plains to Kata Tjuta (the Olgas) to see these massive 36 domes of red conglomerate rock. Continue on to the base of Walpa Gorge. The walking trail through the gorge follows the natural creek bed between two of the tallest domes of Kata Tjuta. Marvel at the unique flora and fauna that has survived in this harsh environment. Then take in a magnificent outback sunset at Kata Tjuta while enjoying a complimentary glass of sparkling wine. B

Day 3: Kings Canyon
This morning we travel through spectacular desert scenery to Kings Canyon. You can make the rocky climb with your Guide to the rim of Kings Canyon to be rewarded with breathtaking views of Watarrka National Park. Alternatively, you may wish to explore the boulder-strewn canyon floor, an easier walk. The sheer red rock face of the canyon soars over 100 metres above lush palm forests, sheltering them from the surrounding desert conditions. The park is a conservation area whose rock holes and gorges provide refuge for over 600 species of plants and many native animals. While the Luritja Aboriginal people have called the area their home for over 20,000 years, it was little known to Europeans until recently.
Hotel: Kings Canyon Resort, Kings Canyon. B D

Day 4: Alice Springs
We depart Kings Canyon for Alice Springs. On arrival we?ll tour the sights of ?The Alice? including the School of the Air, which provides an educational service for children living in remote areas. Stop at the Royal Flying Doctor Service. Learn how this marvellous facility operates to provide a 'mantle of safety' to the people of the outback. Conclude with a panoramic view of Alice Springs and the surrounding ranges from the top of Anzac Hill.
Hotel: All Seasons Oasis, Alice Springs, 2 nights. B D

Day 5: Alice Springs 'Free Time'
You have the day free to relax or explore Alice Springs. You may wish to join an optional 4WD Safari to Palm Valley. You?ll travel through the West MacDonnell Ranges to Hermannsburg, renowned for its Aboriginal art collection and then to Palm Valley to see rock formations, white sands and an oasis of rock pools and palm trees. Or perhaps visit the Alice Springs Desert Park and learn about Australia?s unique desert marsupials and reptiles. B Day 6: Tennant Creek Travelling north we arrive at Karlu Karlu (Devils Marbles). There is time to walk around these precariously balanced boulders that have been worn smooth by the harsh elements of nature over many thousands of years. On arrival in Tennant Creek we join a local guide for a tour of the historic Battery Hill Precinct. We?ll tour an underground mine and experience the life of an early miner.
Hotel: Bluestone Motor Inn, Tennant Creek. B D

Day 7: Mataranka Thermal Springs
We travel across vast outback stations. Visit the historic Daly Waters Hotel then continue on to Mataranka, 'Land of the Never Never'. You can visit the replica of the original Elsey Homestead, used in the filming of 'We of the Never Never' or take the beautiful palm lined walkway for a swim in the famous thermal springs. Travel on to Katherine, often described as the place where 'the outback meets the tropics'.
Hotel: Knotts Crossing Resort Motel, Katherine. B D

Day 8: Katherine Gorge
We join our local guide on an early morning cruise through Katherine Gorge in Nitmiluk National Park. You have the opportunity to see wildlife and prolific birdlife. Our cruise through the gorge takes us past sheer sandstone walls and all manner of flora and fauna. We then continue deep into Kakadu National Park.
Hotel: Aurora Kakadu, South Alligator, 2 nights. B D

Day 9: Kakadu National Park
Our first stop is at Nourlangie Rock where we view ancient Aboriginal rock art. We travel on to the Bowali Visitor Centre. The displays here will take you on journey through Kakadu's varied habitats and landscapes. Join a cruise on the famous Yellow Water Billabong. We should see a variety of birdlife and with luck may also see the feared estuarine crocodile basking in the muddy waters. We visit the World Heritage listed area of Ubirr and take a short walk to view ancient Aboriginal rock art dating back some 20,000 years. Our guide will interpret some of the meanings behind these Aboriginal art galleries. There is time for an optional scenic flight over the Kakadu wetlands. B D

Day 10: Darwin
This morning we travel to Darwin and enjoy a sightseeing tour of this tropical city on arrival, including Parliament House, Fannie Bay Gaol and the lush Botanic Gardens.
Hotel: Travelodge Mirambeena Resort, Darwin. B D

Day 11: Depart Darwin
Your tour concludes this morning after breakfast. You will be transferred to Darwin Airport for your onward flight. B

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