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AAT Kings 11 Day Top End and Red Centre Tour

Cost Saver Tour

Tour Code: PDY

Day 1: Arrive Darwin
On arrival in Darwin you will be transferred to your hotel. This afternoon join a city orientation tour of Darwin including Parliament House, Fannie Bay Gaol and the Botanic Gardens. Enjoy a welcome drink and dinner with your Tour Director and travelling companions this evening.
Hotel: Travelodge Mirambeena Resort, Darwin. D

Day 2: Kakadu National Park
We depart Darwin and travel deep into Kakadu National Park. We visit Ubirr and view Aboriginal rock art dating back some 20,000 years.
Hotel: Aurora Kakadu, South Alligator, 2 nights. B D

Day 3: 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 a journey through Kakadu's varied habitats and landscapes. Join an afternoon cruise on the famous Yellow Water Billabong. See a variety of birdlife and with luck we may also see the feared estuarine crocodile basking in the muddy shallows. There is time for an optional scenic flight over the Kakadu wetlands this afternoon. B D

Day 4: Kakadu - Katherine
Departing Kakadu we travel south through the town of Pine Creek to Katherine, where we cruise through Katherine Gorge as it winds its way through Nitmiluk National Park.
Hotel: Knotts Crossing Resort Motel, Katherine. B D

Day 5: Mataranka Thermal Springs
We stop at Mataranka where there is time for a dip in the thermal springs, which maintain a constant temperature of 34-35c. We have the opportunity to mix with the locals at the historic Daly Creek Hotel. This afternoon enjoy a tour of the historic gold mining precinct of Battery Hill. Join a local guide on an underground mine tour and experience the life of an early miner.
Hotel: Bluestone Motor Inn, Tennant C reek. B D

Day 6: Tennant Creek - Alice Springs
As we travel south there is time for a walk around Karlu Karlu (Devils Marbles), the precariously balanced rounded granite boulders that have been worn smooth by the harsh elements of nature over many thousands of years. Later this afternoon we cross the Tropic of Capricorn and arrive in The Alice.
Hotel: All Seasons Oasis, Alice Springs, 2 nights. B D

Day 7: 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. This 4 Wheel Drive Safari travels through the West MacDonnell Ranges down the bed of the Finke River, one of the oldest watercourses in the world, into Palm Valley. Marvel at spectacular rock forms, white sands and an oasis of rock pools and palm trees. Visit the spectacular rock formation known as the Amphitheatre. Enjoy a picnic lunch within Finke Gorge National Park. We'll visit Hermannsburg, an Aboriginal community and historic precinct which is renowned for its Aboriginal art collection and the works of Albert Namatjira. On the return journey to Alice Springs watch the changing colours of the West MacDonnell Ranges in the afternoon sunlight. (Morning or afternoon tea is included) Or perhaps visit the Alice Springs Desert Park and learn about Australia's unique desert marsupials and reptiles. B

Day 8: Kings Canyon
This morning 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. Later we depart for Kings Canyon.
Hotel: Kings Canyon Resort, Kings C anyon. B D

Day 9: Kings Canyon - Ayers Rock
In the cool of the morning 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. The climb may take up to three hours and is recommended for those with a good level of fitness. 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. This evening enjoy complimentary wine and nibbles as we watch the sunset change the colours of Uluru (Ayers Rock).
Hotel: Outback Pioneer Hotel, Ayers R ock Resort, 2 nights. B

Day 10: Kata Tjuta (the Olgas)
Rise early to view sunrise 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 11: Depart Ayers Rock
Your tour concludes this morning after breakfast. You will be transferred to Ayers Rock Airport to connect with your onward flight. B

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