Northern Territory Dreaming
Northern Territory Dreaming
Northern Territory Dreaming
12 Days Starting in Darwin, Australia and ending in Alice Springs, Australia
Visiting: Kakadu National Park, Nitmiluk National Park, Darwin, Alice Springs, Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park, Uluru
Tour operator:
Tour code:
MNCR26
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Group size:
0 - 22
Tour operated in:
EnglishTrip Styles:
Interests:
Activities:
Tour Overview
Embark on the "Northern Territory Dreaming" tour and immerse yourself in the rich cultural tapestry and stunning landscapes of Australia's Northern Territory. Begin your journey in Darwin, exploring the lush Litchfield National Park and the diverse Kakadu National Park, where you'll encounter ancient Aboriginal art and vibrant wildlife. Indulge in luxury at Cicada Lodge in Nitmiluk National Park, and enjoy a serene dinner cruise along Katherine Gorge. Traverse the rugged outback to Kings Canyon and Uluru, experiencing breathtaking walks, cultural insights, and unforgettable sunsets. Conclude your adventure in Alice Springs, with opportunities to explore local art galleries and enjoy a traditional bush BBQ under the stars. This 11-day tour offers premium accommodations, expert guides, and a maximum group size of 22, ensuring an intimate and enriching experience.
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1: Darwin - Litchfield - Kakadu
Location: Kakadu National Park
Accommodation Name: Mercure Kakadu Crocodile Hotel
Meals Included: Dinner
Welcome to Darwin! This morning meet your Journey Director and board your luxury vehicle to begin your journey of discovery in the Top End. Travel across the Finniss River to Litchfield National Park. You'll visit tumbling Florence Falls and you'll also enjoy a swim to cool off at Wangi Falls, surrounded by tropical monsoon rainforest and hear about its importance in Aboriginal custom. (Swimming is seasonal and opening controlled by NT Parks). Get ready for a cross-country journey into the magnificent Kakadu National Park. Keep your eyes open for Crocodiles as you cross the South Alligator River, Brolgas, Magpie Geese and Jabiru as you traverse along the long grasses of the marshes and wetlands. Kakadu really is a diverse UNESCO world heritage site. This afternoon check into the renowned Crocodile Hotel in the town of Jabiru and enjoy the wonderful Aboriginal Art Gallery within the hotel before getting to know your fellow travellers over dinner with wine.
Day 2: Kakadu National Park
Location: Kakadu National Park
Accommodation Name: Mercure Kakadu Crocodile Hotel
Meals Included: Dinner
This morning there’s a chance to take to the air an optional scenic flight over Kakadu. One of the best ways to experience the enormity of this wonderful National Park as well as the diversity from waterfalls and billabongs to flood plains and wildlife. Join your Journey Director on a walk at Kakadu’s stunning Ubirr rock art site. You'll see ancient rock art and take a walk to discover remarkable views over the surrounding wetlands and escarpments from the fantastic vantage point, Nadab lookout. After lunch the famous Yellow Waters Billabong boat cruise will be a highlight of your journey. You will see a myriad of different bird species, spot estuarine crocodiles and simply enjoy the stunning billabong and floodplains system. Returning to your hotel you will have the chance to relax and unwind with a refreshing dip in the hotel’s shaded outdoor pool or even wander through the on-site art gallery before enjoying a delicious dinner with wine.
Day 3: Kakadu - Nitmiluk National Park
Location: Kakadu National Park
Accommodation Name: Cicada Lodge
Meals Included: Dinner
This morning you’ll visit Burrungkuy (Nourlangie) to see its fascinating Aboriginal rock art for yourself. You’ll also hear first-hand from your local local Bininj Aboriginal guide a detailed interpretation of the art and the rich Aboriginal culture as you explore the various outdoor ‘galleries' with art that dates back some 20,000 years. You will continue driving through the ancient lands of Kakadu National Park through to the town of Katherine and further on to Nitmiluk National Park. Indulge in five-star luxury at Cicada Lodge, a stunning architect designed eco-lodge surrounded by nature, where each room has a private balcony that opens to the glories of Nitmiluk National Park. Cool off from the heat of the day while enjoy a swim in the pool as the sunsets before a beautiful dinner.
Day 4: Nitmiluk (Katherine) Gorge
Location: Nitmiluk National Park
Accommodation Name: Cicada Lodge
Meals Included: Lunch, Dinner
Today relax as you have a slow start to the day. Enjoy all of the amenities that Cicada Lodge has to offer. Why not have a relaxing swim in the resort pool. You will enjoy lunch on the deck of Cicada Lodge overlooking this natural surrounding before having a free afternoon to relax. This evening indulge on a special sunset dinner cruise along Nitmiluk (Katherine) Gorge. You’ll marvel at the gorges while you spot wildlife and learn about the history and culture of the local Jawoyn people. Enjoy the peaceful ambiance during the native flavour three course dinner cook on board your boat.
Day 5: Katherine - Darwin
Location: Darwin
Accommodation Name: Hilton Garden Inn Darwin
Emerge from the wilderness to journey north on your return to Darwin, stopping to cool off in the cascading and clear waters of majestic Edith Falls. Later, visit the poignant Adelaide River War Cemetery.
Day 6: Darwin - Alice Springs
Location: Alice Springs
Accommodation Name: Crowne Plaza Alice Springs Lasseters
After a morning flight to Alice Springs your Central Australia Journey Director will share with you their take on what life is like in such an isolated town as Alice Springs. Visit the historic Overland Telegraph Station, site of the first European settlement in the town. Then the stunning landscapes of the West MacDonnell Ranges take centre stage, as you embark on a walk through Simpsons Gap.
Day 7: Alice Springs - Kings Canyon
Location: Alice Springs
Accommodation Name: Kings Canyon Resort
Meals Included: Dinner
Now we’re off the beaten track exploring the 4WD Giles Track, crossing dry river beds and outback landscapes to Kings Canyon Resort. Another unique Local Dining Experience, Under a Desert Moon, awaits you this evening. The flickering glow of the fire is the perfect accompaniment to sparkling wine and canapés followed by dinner, prepared from fresh produce and ingredients unique to the Australian outback.
Day 8: Kings Canyon - Uluru
Location: Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park
Accommodation Name: Sails in the Desert Hotel
Gaze across the deep chasm at the edge of Kings Canyon as you embark on a six-kilometre rim walk past the domed ‘Lost City’ and the luscious ‘Garden of Eden’. If you’d prefer a more relaxed walk you can stroll along the boulder-strewn canyon creek bed. Immerse yourself in First Nations' culture on a visit to the Wanmarra Aboriginal Community and learn about the Luritja and Pertame people’s spiritual connection to the land. Discover bush food and medicine used for spirituality and healing. Leaving Kings Canyon behind travel across desert landscapes to Curtin Springs Station, a vast farming property, for lunch. Afterwards, arrive at Ayers Rock Resort, your launchpad to Australia’s heart, in Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park. This evening, watch as the outback sun bids a fiery farewell, the perfect backdrop for sparkling sundowners at Uluru
Day 9: Uluru & Kata Tjuta
Location: Uluru
Accommodation Name: Sails in the Desert Hotel
Meals Included: Dinner
Enjoy a relaxed start to the day before exploring, and learning about the spiritual connection the local Anangu caretakers have with the land. Skirt the red walls of Uluru, hear ancient tales and see rock art, when visiting the Mutitjulu Waterhole. Relax by the resort pool or take to the skies to see Uluru from above before an afternoon visit to Kata Tjuta for a walk through Walpa Gorge. This evening enjoy dinner at Ilkari Restaurant.
Day 10: Field Of Light - Uluru - Alice Springs
Location: Alice Springs
Accommodation Name: Crowne Plaza Alice Springs Lasseters
Meals Included: Dinner
Observe the shifting lights of Bruce Munro’s impressive Field of Light art installation as the desert awakens and the sunrise lights up across Uluru. Traverse the vast and fascinating outback, before arriving in Alice Springs. Enjoy free time to wander around the town. The Todd Street Mall has cafés and Aboriginal art galleries to explore. This evening, immerse yourself against the backdrop of the outback at our open-air bush BBQ Celebration Dinner. Located off the beaten track in the heart of the East MacDonnell Ranges, you'll enjoy drinks as a bush balladeer sings classic Australian songs and shares stories of outback living, under the Southern Hemisphere’s Milky Way.
Day 11: Farewell From Alice Springs
Location: Alice Springs
Relax this morning as your journey comes to an end. You might choose to take an optional hot air balloon ride to experience the scenic landscapes of the outback before your journey comes to an end.
What's Included
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Small group
The tour includes a small group with a maximum of 22 guests.
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Unforgettable experiences
The tour offers 21+ unforgettable experiences.
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Included meals
The tour includes 23 meals.
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Premium accommodation
The tour includes 10 nights of premium accommodation.
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Specialist Journey Director & Driver Guide
A highly experienced Journey Director and Driver Guide with specialist accreditation for Kakadu National Park, Uluru National Park, and Watarrka National Park are included.
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Arrival Airport transfer
Arrival airport transfer is included.
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Internal-holiday flights
Internal-holiday flights are included.
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Return airport to hotel transfers
Return arrival and departure airport to hotel transfers are included.
What's Not Included
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Flights to and from the start/end of the trip
Flights to and from the start/end of the trip are not included in the trip price.
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Personal items
Personal items such as comfortable walking shoes, sunglasses, sunscreen, hat, warm layers in cooler months, swimwear, beach towel, and camera are not included.
Mode of Transport
Travel in a luxury vehicle with internal-holiday flights included. Return airport transfers are provided, and a maximum of one medium-sized piece of luggage per passenger is allowed.
Accommodation
Enjoy 10 nights of premium accommodation, including stays at the Mercure Kakadu Crocodile Hotel, Cicada Lodge, Hilton Garden Inn Darwin, Crowne Plaza Alice Springs Lasseters, and Sails in the Desert Hotel.
Check out our Q&As
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What kind of fitness level is required for this tour?
A moderate level of fitness is required for this tour. However, the Kings Canyon Rim Walk requires a high level of fitness due to its 6km hike and a difficult 30-minute incline. An easier alternative walk along the creek bed is available for those unable to hike to the rim.
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Are flights included in the tour price?
Flights to and from the start and end of the trip are not included in the trip price. However, internal-holiday flights are included, such as the flight from Darwin to Alice Springs on Day 6.
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What kind of accommodation can I expect during the tour?
The tour includes 10 nights of premium accommodation, including stays at the Mercure Kakadu Crocodile Hotel, Cicada Lodge, Hilton Garden Inn Darwin, Crowne Plaza Alice Springs Lasseters, and Sails in the Desert Hotel.
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What kind of meals are included in the tour?
The tour includes 23 meals, which are part of the 21+ unforgettable experiences offered during the trip.
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Is there a luggage limit for this tour?
Yes, there is a luggage limit of one medium-sized piece of luggage per passenger due to limited stowing capacity under the coach.
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What should I bring with me on this tour?
You should bring comfortable walking shoes, sunglasses, sunscreen, a hat, warm layers for cooler months, swimwear and a beach towel (if swimming), a camera, and a sense of adventure.
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Are airport transfers included in the tour?
Yes, return arrival and departure airport to hotel transfers are included in the tour.
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What kind of experiences can I expect during the tour?
You can expect a variety of experiences including learning Aboriginal art, a Nitmiluk Gorge dinner cruise, exploring Walpa Gorge, spotting crocodiles on the Yellow Water Billabong, and a bush BBQ Celebration Dinner under the stars.
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Is there an option for a scenic flight during the tour?
Yes, there is an optional scenic flight over Kakadu National Park on Day 2, which offers a unique perspective of the park's waterfalls, billabongs, flood plains, and wildlife.
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What kind of cultural experiences are included in the tour?
The tour includes several cultural experiences such as learning about Aboriginal rock art at Kakadu National Park, a visit to the Wanmarra Aboriginal Community to learn about the Luritja and Pertame people's spiritual connection to the land, and a sunset dinner cruise along Nitmiluk Gorge with insights into the local Jawoyn people's history and culture.
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Who will be my travelling companions on the tour?
The beauty of taking a holiday with us is you’ll have the opportunity to meet and travel with people from all over the globe.
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Can I join the tour once it has departed?
It is important to adhere to departure times while on tour for the comfort of everyone on-board, and to make sure no one misses out on the planned experiences. The coach will not be able to wait for you, and in some instances, if you miss a departure time you will need to make your own way to the next destination to re-join the tour.
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Do you operate a “single share” option and how does it work?
AAT Kings operated Guided Holidays have competitive single supplement rates available if you prefer to confirm your own room. Or we can match you to share with a guest of the same gender at no extra cost. If we fail to match you, we will accommodate you in a single room at no extra cost.
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How long has the tour company been trading?
Over 100 years
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What documents will I receive before I travel?
We will email your documents to you approximately four weeks before your departure date provided you have completed your pre trip registration using the My Travel Portal. If you’ve booked through a travel agent, your documents will be emailed directly to your agent.
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Low Deposit
AAT Kings requires a minimum deposit of 100 GBP per person or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 60 days before departure.
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Cancellation Policy
We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of aat kings charges.
Up to 60 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.
At 59 days before tour starts: Forfeit 30% of booking price.
At 15 days before tour starts: Forfeit 50% of booking price.
At 7 days before tour starts: Forfeit 90% of booking price.
At 1 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.
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