Outback Adventure

Outback Adventure

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15 Days From

$6695

$5691

Outback Adventure

15 Days Starting in Adelaide, Australia and ending in Darwin, Australia

Visiting: Adelaide, Flinders Ranges, Coober Pedy, Uluru, Kata Tjuta, Kings Canyon, Alice Springs, Tennant Creek, Katherine, Kakadu National Park, Darwin

Tour operator:

AAT Kings

Tour code:

NAADF25

Guide Type:

Fully Guided

Physical rating:

Medium

Tour operated in:

English

Trip Styles:

Adventure Tours

Activities:

Walking

From: $6695 $5691 Operator discount: -$1004 -15%

NB: Prices correct on 08-Nov-2024 but subject to change.

Tour Overview

How do you condense South Australia and the Northern Territory into two weeks? With the kind of skill that comes from operating in Australia for more than a century. This epic exploration traverses record-breaking canyons and gorges, national parks and World Heritage Sites. It’s nature writ large – small wonder TV and movie directors find inspiration here, as you will, too. And then there are the cities, from flavourful Adelaide and the wine country it covets, to tropical Darwin, where sunsets are as brash as the characters that call it home.

Make Travel Matter

Wilpena Pound Resort is not just a pretty place to stay. When you Check in, you’re contributing to the local Adnyamathanha people and regional conservation projects.

Itinerary

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Day 1: Welcome To Adelaide

Location: Adelaide

Accommodation Name: Crowne Plaza Adelaide

Meals Included: Dinner

At once cultured yet cool, Adelaide attracts foodies, historians, and art aficionados in equal measure. Explore it on a city tour, before meeting a local gourmand at the legendary Central Market, before joining your Travel Director for a Welcome Dinner.

Day 2: Adelaide - Flinders Ranges

Location: Flinders Ranges

Accommodation Name: Wilpena Pound Resort

Sitting pretty in the Clare Valley, Knappstein Enterprise Winery produces sweet-scented rieslings and mineral-rich reds. The only thing that distracts from your glass is the setting: all rolling fields of vines and wide blue skies. Hawker lies just to the north, the town inspiring artist Jeff Morgan to paint enormous panoramas capturing the outback. Drop in to see his works, plus the memorabilia he has collected over the years. The best is yet to come, as you arrive at Wilpena Pound Resort in the shadows of a vast natural amphitheatre.

Day 3: Flinders Ranges - Port Augusta

Location: Flinders Ranges

Accommodation Name: Majestic Oasis Apartments

The river red gums that envelop Hills Homestead will leave you lost for words. You get here on a leisurely walk along Wilpena Creek and continue to Wangarra Hill Lookout for views over the pound’s peaks and curves. The drama is echoed as you travel to Pichi Richi Pass and the historic town of Quorn, where with a Local Guide, you'll hear the importance of this town in the ANZAC's Gallipoli Campaign, before easing into Port Augusta.

Day 4: Port Augusta - Coober Pedy

Location: Coober Pedy

Accommodation Name: Desert Cave Hotel

Secrets are revealed at former rocket-testing site Woomera, today home to a park where you can glimpse Australia’s aerospace innovations. Speaking of space, you may will think you’ve landed on the moon as you travel through sun-baked country to isolated Coober Pedy, aka ‘the opal capital of the world’. Things get deep as you travel underground with a local to see how these gleaming gems are mined, and visit the town’s head-scratching subterranean facilities.

Day 5: Coober Pedy - Uluru

Location: Uluru

Accommodation Name: Desert Gardens

Once you emerge from your Coober Pedy cave, first stop in the Northern Territory is, fittingly, Australia’s spiritual heart: World Heritage-listed Uluru-Kata Tjuta. Come sunset, you’ll want a full camera SD card – with every “click”, the countryside around the world’s mightiest monolith changes colour. Toast the day with a glass of bubbles and nibble while you mingle with your fellow adventurers.

Day 6: Uluru Sunrise - Kata Tjuta

Location: Kata Tjuta

Accommodation Name: Desert Gardens

Pre-dawn wake-up calls are worth it when you get to enjoy a Red Centre sunrise. On this MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience you’ll encounter iconic Uluru, or ‘The Rock,’ half a billion years old, standing 348 metres high and taller than the Eiffel Tower. Marvel at the majesty of Uluru at its base on a guided walk to the Mutitjulu Waterhole. This landscape takes you back to the beginning of time, a sacred place among the Anangu. More soul-salving landscapes await at Kata Tjuta, cool relief provided as you walk amid its domes to Walpa Gorge. To complement the already spectacular view, enjoy sparkling wine as you watch the sunset.

Day 7: Uluru - Kings Canyon

Location: Kings Canyon

Accommodation Name: Kings Canyon Resort

If you’re an early bird (or even if you’re not), we highly recommend an optional pre-dawn call to glimpse the Uluru Field of Light – a blanket of 50,000 glowing bulbs (own expense). What a way to start the day. There are so many record-breaking rock attractions in this part of the country that you may not have heard of Attila (Mt. Conner) before – but once you’ve glimpsed the table-like formation, you certainly won’t forget it. Stretch your legs again at Kings Creek Station, the largest exporter of wild camels in Australia. Guess what meat stars in the burgers for lunch? All your senses will be activated on the Kings Canyon rim walk, 440-million years in the making and forged through layers of sandstone and hard shale creating soaring domes and plateaus that plummet to an oasis of natural rock pools.

Day 8: Kings Canyon - Alice Springs

Location: Alice Springs

Accommodation Name: DoubleTree by Hilton Alice Springs

Things are bigger in the NT outback, from the cattle stations to the MacDonnell Ranges, which stretch like a caterpillar toward the town of Alice Springs. Alice Springs makes Australian history for her 1872 Telegraph Station, one of 11 along the Overland Telegraph Line that traverses a whopping 3,200 kilometres between Adelaide and Darwin. Glimpse it up close, then from afar as you ascend Anzac Hill for panoramic views that inspired many of those paintings in Alice Springs' galleries.

Day 9: Alice Springs Sightseeing

Location: Alice Springs

Accommodation Name: DoubleTree by Hilton Alice Springs

Meals Included: Dinner

Aboriginal culture is strong in Alice, as you’ll fast find on a tour of the Alice Springs Desert Park. It’s home to a vast range of plants and wildlife native to the area. You can really experience the beauty and diversity of this incredible landscape. The Arrernte people, traditional owners of the park, are also on hand to share their local wisdom and knowledge. The other thing that’s mighty is community spirit – it’s essential when there are so few people scattered over such a vast area of land. Enter the Royal Flying Doctor Service, its base a museum that goes behind the scenes of the life-saving health services delivered to people in remote realms. One of the benefits of being this far-flung is the lack of light pollution. And at Earth Sanctuary World Nature Centre, this equates to epic stargazing. Your Be My Guest BBQ dinner here with the Falzon family is enlightening and uplifting - think stories of self-sufficient living, astronomy and even a tune or two on the didgeridoo.

Day 10: Alice Springs - Tennant Creek

Location: Tennant Creek

Accommodation Name: Bluestone Motor Inn

1.3 million square kilometres – that’s the eye-watering distance the School of Air’s lessons are broadcast across daily. If touring during the school term, you may be lucky enough to observe live educational sessions featuring children who otherwise may not have access to public education. Approximately an hour south of Tennant Creek is Karlu Karlu, the Devils Marbles, a collection of hundreds of boulders that vary in size, with some 6 metres high. These boulders have formed over millions of years and continue to crack and change over time. The most prized rock found in this part of the world is, however, gold, which is why your base for the night, Tennant Creek, exists.

Day 11: Tennant Creek - Katherine

Location: Katherine

Accommodation Name: Contour Hotel Katherine

Since the 1930s, the time-tested Daly Waters Historic Pub has been dishing up schnitzels, barramundi burgers and hearty steaks. The walls here are lined with treasures that passers-by leave behind, from bras to boots. What can you contribute over lunch? ‘Land of the Never Never’ awaits at Mataranka. Yes, you can visit a replica of the Elsey Homestead, used in the filming of 1982 Aussie drama We of the Never Never, an autobiographical flick about life in the outback. Or wander palm-lined walkways to take a dip in the region’s steamy thermal springs – the ultimate antidote to weary limbs before arriving in Katherine.

Day 12: Katherine - Kakadu

Location: Kakadu National Park

Accommodation Name: Mercure Kakadu Crocodile Hotel

The Jawoyn have called Nitmiluk (Katherine) Gorge home for millennia. Find out about the ancient story of the cicada, embodying the spiritual connection between the Jawoyn people and their land. Traversing across the land in into Kakadu National Park. The Yellow Water billabong cruise is a mesmerising journey through pristine wetlands, teeming with diverse wildlife and breathtaking scenery, offering a truly unforgettable experience of Australia's natural beauty. Witness the majestic crocodiles, colorful birdlife, and lush vegetation while immersing yourself in the tranquility of this ancient landscape, guided by knowledgeable locals. We challenge you to spot the sea eagles, brolgas and kingfishers that colour this part of the Top End.

Day 13: Kakadu - Darwin

Location: Darwin

Accommodation Name: Hilton Garden Inn Darwin

The best way to appreciate the immensity of Kakadu is from the air. A morning flight swoops low over these beauties, giving you a feel for its Indigenous significance (own expense). On the ground, meanwhile, Aboriginal art awaits at Ubirr. Scamper to the top of the rocky outcrop for seemingly endless views over floodplains backdropped by sheer escarpments. If your backdrop looks familiar, that’s because it features in Crocodile Dundee. The night is yours in steamy Darwin, where the characters are as large as the shadows cast at sunset. First stop: the Mindil Beach Sunset Markets, where there is a melting-pot of multi-cultural cuisines (own expense).

Day 14: Darwin Free Time

Location: Darwin

Accommodation Name: Hilton Garden Inn Darwin

Meals Included: Dinner

It’s fitting that your final full day in the Northern Territory is sultry – the steamy climate demands it. Today, go your own way. That might mean sleeping in, then heading out for a delicious tropical breakfast. Or signing up for optional experiences, like explorations into Litchfield National Park. This pocket of the NT is a staggering union of magnetic termite mounds and waterfalls, not to mention the waterholes where you can cool off with a refreshing dip (swimming is seasonal). Alternatively, head north to the Tiwi Islands, where you take a deep dive into Indigenous history and art with First Nations guides (both own expense). Whichever route you go, we’ll see you at the Farewell Dinner.

Day 15: Farewell From Darwin

Location: Darwin

Time to bid adieu and head home to sort through all those photos. Perhaps even better – and longer lasting – are the memories; two weeks of wild outback adventures.

What's Included

What's Not Included

  • Flights to and from the start/end of your trip

    Flights to and from the start/end of your trip are not included in the trip price.

  • Optional experiences

    Optional experiences such as the Field of Light at Uluru, flights over Kakadu, and explorations into Litchfield National Park or the Tiwi Islands are not included.

  • Personal items

    Personal items such as sunglasses, sunscreen, hat, water bottle, warm layers, camera, and comfortable walking shoes are not included.

Mode of Transport

Travel in comfort with private arrival and departure transfers, and enjoy the convenience of a specialist team of two highly experienced Travel Director and Driver accredited with Uluru and Kakadu National Parks.

Accommodation

Stay in centrally located premium hotels including Crowne Plaza Adelaide, Wilpena Pound Resort, Majestic Oasis Apartments, Desert Cave Hotel, Desert Gardens, Kings Canyon Resort, Doubletree by Hilton Alice Springs, Bluestone Motor Inn, Contour Hotel Katherine, Mercure Kakadu Crocodile Hotel, and Hilton Garden Inn Darwin.

Dining Summary

  • 8 Dinner with Wine (DW)
  • 14 Full Breakfast (B)
  • 1 Be My Guest Dinner (BGD)
  • 1 Farewell Dinner (FD)

Cultural Immersion

  • Put life into perspective glimpsing 40,000-year-old rock art with an Indigenous guide. From Uluru to Kakadu, Songlines are strong.

Fitness Requirement

  • Kakadu – Nadab Lookout - Medium Level of Fitness RequiredThe climb to the top of Nadab Lookout at Ubirr in Kakadu National Park will not be suitable for all guests. To get to the lookout guests are required to scale up uneven rocky paths and steps to get to the lookout. There is an alternate route on a fairly flat gravel path for those unable climb to the top so they will not miss out on Rock Art. Kings Canyon Rim Walk - High level of fitness requiredThis 6km hike will not be suitable for all guests. The first 30-minute incline is considered “Difficult”. The Travel Director will offer guest an easier alternative along the creek walk for those that are unable.

Flight information

  • Flights to and from the start/end of your trip are not included in the trip price. Day 1 – flights to arrive prior to 12.30pm into Adelaide AirportDay 15 – flights to depart anytime from Darwin Airport Return airport to hotel transfers are included in the holiday price

Local Connection

  • Go off-grid at Earth Sanctuary, where the Falzon family inspire a sustainable lifestyle. Learn how you can, too, over a Be My Guest dinner and stargazing.

What to Bring

  • Sunglasses, sunscreen and hat Water bottle Warm layers in cooler months Camera Comfortable walking shoes

World Class Nature

  • Coober Pedy is hot in more ways than one. This lunar landscape is as stark as it is staggering – even more incredible are the opals you’ll find when you dig deep.

Check out our Q&As

  • What kind of fitness level is required for the tour activities?

    The tour includes activities that require varying levels of fitness. For example, the climb to the top of Nadab Lookout at Ubirr in Kakadu National Park requires a medium level of fitness due to uneven rocky paths and steps. The Kings Canyon Rim Walk requires a high level of fitness, with a difficult 30-minute incline. However, there are alternative routes available for those who prefer less strenuous options.

  • Are flights included in the tour package?

    Flights to and from the start and end of the trip are not included in the trip price. However, return airport to hotel transfers are included in the holiday price.

  • What kind of accommodation can I expect during the tour?

    The tour includes stays in centrally located premium hotels such as Crowne Plaza Adelaide, Wilpena Pound Resort, Majestic Oasis Apartments, Desert Cave Hotel, Desert Gardens, Kings Canyon Resort, Doubletree by Hilton Alice Springs, Bluestone Motor Inn, Contour Hotel Katherine, Mercure Kakadu Crocodile Hotel, and Hilton Garden Inn Darwin.

  • What is the role of the Travel Director and Driver during the tour?

    The tour is accompanied by a specialist team of two highly experienced Travel Director and Driver who are accredited with Uluru and Kakadu National Parks. They ensure a smooth and informative experience throughout the tour.

  • What unique experiences are included in the tour?

    The tour offers unique experiences such as a Be My Guest dinner and stargazing at Earth Sanctuary, learning about 40,000-year-old rock art with an Indigenous guide, and exploring the opal capital of the world, Coober Pedy. Additionally, guests can enjoy a Yellow Water billabong cruise in Kakadu National Park and have the option to take a morning flight over Kakadu.

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • How long has the tour company been trading?

    Over 100 years

  • 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.

Reviews of this operator

Ann Purcell  

Well worth the money

24-Feb-2023

Absolutely wonderful trip. Tastes of southern Australia. Hotels were good quality. Sightseeing was amazing. Manuela our travel director was lovely. A great trip all round

Feefo Trusted Reviews
Lynda Whittingham  

Particularly loved QUEENSTOWN (jet boat) and plane ride over Mt Cook

18-Feb-2023

Great guide “Dexter” who was pleasant and knowledgeable, skilled and pleasant driver, Aaron, interesting activities, and comfortable hotels in good locations. I have been on organized bus trips in different countries and this company stands out. I would travel with them again. Read less

Feefo Trusted Reviews
Trusted Customer  

Milford Sound , West Coast , Queenstown, Christchurch

22-Feb-2023

The most professional tour group i have ever travelled with. Both tour director (Hope) & driver (Dave) had extensive knowledge of NZ. Highly recommended.

Feefo Trusted Reviews
Keith Jones  

Christchurch, Milford Sound and the Franz Joseph Railway journey

02-Mar-2023

Very professional service throughout. Friendly experienced tour guide imparting excellent knowledge and local anecdotes. Friendly professional driver enhanced the overall pleasure. Excellent hotels throughout the holiday.

Feefo Trusted Reviews
Allison Cooper  

Wonderful experience, highlight had to be Uluru so spiritual and beautiful

22-Feb-2023

Very professional. Excellent travel director very knowledgeable and a lovely guy. Amazing experience seeing do many great places.

Feefo Trusted Reviews

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Tuesday - Tuesday

Jun 10, 2025 - Jun 24, 2025
$6695 $5691

Operator discount: -$1004

Tuesday - Tuesday

Jul 08, 2025 - Jul 22, 2025
$6695 $5691

Operator discount: -$1004

Tuesday - Tuesday

Aug 05, 2025 - Aug 19, 2025
$6695 $5691

Operator discount: -$1004

Tuesday - Tuesday

Sep 02, 2025 - Sep 16, 2025
$6695 $5691

Operator discount: -$1004

Prices last published on 05-Nov-2024

Book with Confidence

  • 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.

  • 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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