Today travel from Kings Canyon along the Mereenie Loop Road to Alice Springs. Along the way stop at Hermannsburg and visit the Namatijira School of Art, where you view magnificent authentic art pieces before enjoying lunch at Gosses Bluff crater. This afternoon arrive in Alice Springs where you will enjoy a tour of this iconic township.
Embark on the Kings Canyon Rim Walk. On this challenging hike, venture around the rim of the canyon’s incredible sandstone walls, then after reaching the lookout, marvel at the canyon itself. About halfway along is the Garden of Eden, featuring a waterhole and riverine vegetation.
Head to Simpsons Gap, just one of the scenic areas that pierce the West MacDonnell Ranges. This sacred area is an important spiritual site to the Arrarnta Aboriginal people, where several dreamtime stories have said to take place. The area also contains one of the most prominent waterholes in the region. Here, be sure to keep an eye out for Black-footed Rock-wallabies. Continue to the West MacDonnell Ranges National Park, a vast and spectacular section of the ranges. This is an outstanding example of ancient landscapes shaped over time by climatic elements. Here, cool scenic gorges are important refuges for a collection of plants and animals from the harsh elements, many of which are found only here.
The landscapes you see played a significant role in the stories of Western Arrernte Aboriginal culture, which have been passed on to generations for thousands of years. At Angkerle – Standley Chasm, follow a creek where spring-fed pools attract a variety of unique birdlife. The chasm’s European name is a tribute to Ida Standley, who became the first school teacher in Alice Springs in 1914. Afterwards, visit the beautiful Ormiston Gorge, filled with stunning geology and is also home to a variety of unique species, including the Long-tailed Dunnart. Later, enjoy the afternoon at your leisure to perhaps, take some time to relax and unwind form a hard day’s exploration before enjoying a special Signature Experience later in the evening.
Signature Experience – Outback Bush Barbecue
Delight in an evening of exceptional entertainment and outback dining, set against the dramatic backdrop of the remote East MacDonnell Ranges. Savour a gourmet two-course bush barbecue paired with premium beverages, as a talented bush balladeer brings Australia’s rich heritage to life through timeless song.
Daily: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 11 Alice Springs, Tennant Creek
Today, make your way to Tennant Creek. Along the way, stop at Karlu Karlu – Devils Marbles. A living cultural landscape, be in awe as the golden sunlight shines upon these giant granite boulders. Geologically, the marbles were formed from an upsurge of molten rock that cooled and became solid beneath a layer of sandstone. Over time water infiltrated the cracks of these solid structures, breaking down the sandstone, and then the granite. As a result, rounded granite boulders perched on top of each other have been revealed. Karlu Karlu is also recognised as of great cultural importance, with nearly the entire Reserve a registered sacred site, with many stories and traditions associated to this area. Arrive at Barkly Homestead and enjoy dinner.
Stay: Tennant Creek, Barkly Homestead
Daily: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 12 Lorella Springs Wilderness Park
Today make your way to Lorella Springs Wilderness Park. Enjoy lunch at the iconic Heartbreak Hotel. Continue to Lorella Springs Wilderness Park, a one million-acre working castle station that stretches all the way to the Gulf of Carpentaria.
Stay: Two Nights, Lorella Springs Wilderness Park
Daily: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 13 Lorella Springs Wilderness Park
Spend the day within Lorella Springs Wilderness Park, exploring natural swimming holes, hot and cold springs, fishing spots, billabongs, gorges and kilometres of coastline. A once-in-a-lifetime Signature Experience unveils a prized section of the wilderness park. Tonight, a delicious dinner awaits at your hotel.
Signature Experience – Scenic Flight Over the Lost City Enjoy a scenic flight over the unique rock formations of the Lost City. A series of sandstone outcrops, the Lost City evokes the remains of an ancient civilisation.
Daily: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 14 Lorella Springs Wilderness Park, Katherine
Leave Lorella Springs Wilderness Park behind and make the journey to the remote township of Katherine, home to ancient Aboriginal culture, hot springs and waterfalls.
Stay: Contour Hotel, Katherine
Daily: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 15 Katherine, Darwin
Arrive in Darwin this evening, say goodbye to newfound friends and your Tour Director and driver during a special farewell dinner.
Signature Experience – Nitmiluk (Katherine) Gorge Cruise
Board a cruise through Katherine Gorge and marvel at the network of gorges carved from centuries-old sandstone.
Signature Experience – Darwin Sunset Dinner Cruise
Set off at across the city's harbour aboard the Spirit of Darwin, admiring a spectacular sunset while feasting on a delicious buffet dinner.
Stay: Vibe Hotel Darwin Waterfront
Daily: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 16 Depart Darwin
Your amazing adventure draws to a close. After breakfast, you will be transferred to Darwin airport for your onward flight.
Daily: Breakfast
