The Ultimate Territory Tour 2023

Board The Ghan in Adelaide, heading for the Flinders Ranges and beyond. (L,D)

OVERNIGHT: 1 night The Ghan

Wake to an unforgettable outback sunrise at Marla and enjoy the jaw-dropping natural landscapes that pass by as you travel to Alice Springs. Upon arrival into Alice Springs, join your choice of Off Train Experiences. Once complete, you will be transferred to your hotel to enjoy the evening at leisure. (B)

OVERNIGHT: 2 nights at DoubleTree by Hilton Alice Springs

Today your 5-night Red Centre adventure with Outback Spirit Tours starts. You will be met by your professional crew and enjoy a brief afternoon tour of Alice Springs, learning what makes this unique outback outpost tick, before dinner at the hotel. (B,D)

Today, depart Alice Springs and travel the Mereenie Loop through the Western MacDonnell Ranges. Visit Standley Chasm and Ormiston Gorge before arriving at Kings Canyon. (B,L,D)

OVERNIGHT: 2 Nights at Kings Canyon Resort

Experience the wonders of majestic Kings Canyon with your choice of walk, including the 6km rim walk, featuring breathtaking views of the Watarrka National Park, or a less arduous 2.6km walk along the canyon floor. In the afternoon, there is an opportunity to take a helicopter flight over Kings Canyon and the Watarrka National Park. PLEASE NOTE: Additional costs are applicable and weight limits apply to all scenic flights.  (B,L,D)

Pass through Kings Creek Station and enjoy an informative paper talk and lunch at Curtin Springs, before arriving at Uluru. This evening’s unique ‘Sounds of Silence’ dining experience under the stars begins with canapes and chilled sparkling wine, accompanied by the sound of the didgeridoo and the resident star talker who decodes the southern night sky as you feast on a premium bush tucker-inspired buffet. (B,L,D)

OVERNIGHT: 2 nights at Sails in the Desert

Early risers will experience the sun rising over Uluru and the colours spreading across the landscape. After breakfast, visit Kata Tjuta (the Olgas) and admire the stunning rock formations on a guided walk into Walpa Gorge. Learn about traditional Anangu culture on a tour around the base of Uluru. This evening, head to an exclusive dune-top location with majestic views of Uluru. Enjoy drinks and canapes as artist Bruce Munro’s global phenomenon ‘Field of Light’ comes to life, before exploring the stunning display via dedicated pathways.

PLEASE NOTE: Dinner this evening will be at approximately 9pm. (B,L,D)

After a leisurely breakfast, set your sights on Alice Springs. Pause at Mount Conner, one of the ‘Three Giants’ of the desert, before arriving at your hotel in Alice Springs in the afternoon. (B,L)

OVERNIGHT: 1 night at DoubleTree by Hilton Alice Springs

Check out after breakfast and join a scheduled transfer to the Alice Springs Rail Terminal. Then it’s time to get back on board The Ghan and be reacquainted with your cabin. As the train heads north, take in the beautiful scenery through the window and relax with fellow travellers in the Outback Explorer Lounge. (B,D)

OVERNIGHT: 1 night The Ghan

The landscape continues to transform as you head towards Katherine, where you’ll embark on an Off Train Experience exploring natural wonders you’ll never forget. A few hours later, you’ll arrive in Darwin and transfer to your accommodation. (B,L)

OVERNIGHT: 1 night Hilton Darwin

Depart Darwin heading towards Kakadu National Park. Much of the route is along the Arnhem highway, passing the productive region of Humpty Do, where a vast array of tropical fruits is grown, and crossing the Adelaide River, with its vast wetlands, which attract migratory birds. At the Mary River, take to the water on a cruise that showcases the local wildlife, including saltwater crocodiles and the abundance of birdlife in the region.

Continuing east, you’ll arrive at World Heritage-listed Kakadu National Park and check in to the Crocodile Hotel at Jabiru, so named for the crocodile shape it takes. (B,L,D)

*During March and April, the cruise will be on Adelaide River, with crossings at Mary River, West & South Alligator Rivers

OVERNIGHT: 2 nights at Mercure Kakadu Crocodile Hotel

*Due to availability some stays maybe at Cooinda Lodge

Begin the day with a drive to the East Alligator River region, known as the gateway to Arnhem Land. Take a walk to the World Heritage Ubirr art site, home to some of the world’s most outstanding rock art. There will be time for those feeling fit to climb to the top of the escarpment for a magnificent view across the Magela floodplain.

Next up, take a local indigenous cruise on the East Alligator River. Hear the stories of the region as you spot the large saltwater crocodiles that dwell in these waters. Returning to our sturdy yet comfortable vehicle, we’ll traverse Cahill’s Crossing to visit the town of Oenpelli, stopping at the Injalak gallery to admire the indigenous artworks.

Returning to Jabiru, you’ll gain another perspective on the incredible environments you experienced today on a 30-minute scenic flight that takes you over ancient escarpments, floodplains and winding rivers and exhibits the results of 1.8 billion years of continuous erosion. This flight includes live commentary from your pilot as you glide over these spectacular ancient lands. (B,L,D)

**During March and April, touring may visit Nourlangie Rock Art, the Bowali Visitor Centre, and cruise the South Alligator River in place of Ubirr, Injalak Gallery and cruising the East Alligator River. Order of sites subject to change with weather conditions.

Check out after breakfast to return to the Arnhem highway, diverting towards the town of Batchelor, the gateway to Litchfield National Park.  Litchfield National Park contains several types of typical Top End habitats, including lush monsoon forests, termite mounds, unusual rock formations, waterfalls, and cascades. Your first stop is Florence Falls, but one waterfall is never enough, so you’ll continue on to Wangi Falls. After a light lunch, you can take a dip in the large, crystal-clear pool of the waterfall before returning to Darwin and checking in to your hotel. (B, L)

OVERNIGHT: 2 nights Hilton Darwin

Explore Darwin at your leisure. Tonight, enjoy a dinner cruise on Darwin Harbour Cruises’ Charles Darwin catamaran. View the spectacular harbour sunset in air-conditioned comfort while savouring a delicious Territory-style dinner. (B,D)

This morning, it’s time to check out of your hotel, completing your ultimate Northern Territory adventure. (B)