Outback Safari
Outback Safari
Outback Safari
11 Days Starting in Uluru, Australia and ending in Darwin, Australia
Visiting: Uluru, Kata Tjuta, Kings Canyon, Alice Springs, Tennant Creek, Katherine, Kakadu National Park, Darwin
Tour operator:
Tour code:
NUADF25
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Tour operated in:
EnglishTrip Styles:
Interests:
Activities:
Tour Overview
World Heritage Sites like Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park are just the entrée to this deep dive into the Northern Territory. Main course includes Nitmiluk (Katherine) Gorge tours, Kings Canyon hikes, Earth Sanctuary stargazing, sunrise at Uluru, a Yellow Water Billabong cruise… and eating a lot of good food. Wherever you venture, Aboriginal Songlines are strong, permitting you the privilege to glimpse millennia-old rock art, go-to-the artistic source and sample bush tucker.
Make Travel Matter
On your cruise along Nitmiluk Gorge learn about the local culture of the traditional Jawoyn landowners through your indigenous guide’s expertise.
Itinerary
Day 1: Welcome To Uluru
Location: Uluru
Accommodation Name: Desert Gardens
Today is one of colours. The ochre soil spiked with cycads as your plane comes into land. The endless blue sky, from horizon to infinity. The russet hues of Uluru that appears on just about every Australian postcard… And that’s all before enchanting hour. Uluru has been home to the Anangu for millennia. You will discover their connection to the land when you arrive in the Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park at sunset watching the shifting colours transform the desert. Not ready to return to your hotel yet? Elevate your evening with our exclusive Uluru Barbecue Dinner (own expense).
Day 2: Uluru Sunrise - Kata Tjuta
Location: Kata Tjuta
Accommodation Name: Desert Gardens
Help protect the highlights of Australia's wilderness through your bucket list visit to Uluru Kata Tjuta National Park. You’ll encounter the iconic Uluru, half a billion years old, standing 348 metres high and taller than the Eiffel Tower. If you’re looking for a reason to roll out of bed before dawn, make it an Uluru sunrise. We’re not saying it’s better than last night’s sunset. But being up with the birds certainly has its benefits. Like being cool when you explore the base of Uluru, the world’s biggest monolith. A circumnavigation is 11 kilometres (that’s your step-count sorted for the day) if you’re up for it. Or join a shorter guided walk to Mutitjulu Waterhole, a sacred spot decorated with millennia-old Aboriginal rock paintings. Dive even deeper into First Nations traditions at the Uluru-Kata Tjuta Cultural Centre – you won’t be able to resist a purchase, opening your wallet sweetened by the fact that you’re supporting local Aboriginal communities. Then wander through Kata Tjuta’s Jurassic domed rock formations into Walpa Gorge between the two tallest Kata Tjuta domes. More bubbles to serenade the day’s end at your Kata Tjuta sunset?
Day 3: Uluru - Kings Canyon
Location: Kings Canyon
Accommodation Name: Kings Canyon Resort
The only other reason to get up before dawn is to glimpse the Uluru Field of Light, a dazzling installation by British artist Bruce Munro that sees 50,000 stem-like globes blanket the Uluru soil (own expense). It’s optional – we won’t judge you for sleeping in, steeling yourself for today’s adventures. But if you’ve come this far, it would be a shame to opt for shut-eye over eye-popping. Speaking of which, did you know Australia has the largest population of wild camels in the world, and Kings Creek Station, your next stop at lunchtime, is the largest exporter of these doe-eyed creatures? Next stop is Kings Canyon, part of the immense Watarrka National Park. Walk off those carbs and enjoy perspective-resetting views over the Red Centre. Feeling fit? Get your heart pumping on the 500 step climb on the 6km rim walk or take it easier on the creek bed walk.
Day 4: Kings Canyon - Alice Springs
Location: Alice Springs
Accommodation Name: DoubleTree by Hilton Alice Springs
Cattle stations are the size of small nations in the Northern Territory outback, as you’ll discover on your journey toward Alice Springs. The other ‘big’ thing in these parts is the MacDonnell Ranges, the stark mountain massif undulating across the red earth like a caterpillar's spine. Back in 1872, Alice Springs was a hive of activity, as a Telegraph Station – one of 12 – was built here to connect Adelaide and Darwin as part of the Overland Telegraph Line. Sweat and tears went into the country-spanning project, as you’ll discover browsing the grounds, now an intimate museum. Finally – panoramas from Anzac Hill steal the scene.
Day 5: Alice Springs
Location: Alice Springs
Accommodation Name: DoubleTree by Hilton Alice Springs
Visit Alice Springs Desert Park. It's home to a vast range of plants and wildlife native to the area. You can really appreciate the beauty and diversity of this incredible landscape. In remote parts of Australia, community is everything, whether to ensure stories of the Arrernte people are not forgotten (you’ll learn all about them today), or to help those who, well, need urgent help. The passionate Royal Flying Doctor Service health workers commute hundreds of kilometres every day to provide aid to those living in far-flung corners of Australia. Their stories are at once uplifting and inspiring. End your day on a high at Earth Sanctuary World Nature Centre, where the Falzon family host a BBQ Be My Guest dinner under the stars. This is a lesson in off-the-grid, sustainable living. Let it inspire you to follow suit back at home.
Day 6: Alice Springs - Tennant Creek
Location: Tennant Creek
Accommodation Name: Bluestone Motor Inn
The whole of Peru covers 1.3 million square kilometres – the same size playing field that the School of the Air broadcasts daily classes to. If you are lucky enough to be there during school term you might see a live session with kids in some of Australia’s most remote reaches, providing them with educational tools that would otherwise be unavailable. We can understand why they would want to call this pocket of the country home. It’s beautiful in a hypnotically mesmerising way. Undeniably otherworldly are the precariously balanced boulders that characterize Karlu Karlu (Devils Marbles) and the landscapes surrounding gold-rich Tennant Creek.
Day 7: Tennant Creek - Katherine
Location: Katherine
Accommodation Name: Contour Hotel Katherine
When you’re not working hard in the Australian outback, you’re having a lot of fun. Case in point the Daly Waters Historic Pub, where the food – schnitzels, burgers – comes second to the atmosphere. Follow the lead of those here before you and leave a memento to add interest the walls; since the 1980s, visitors have been redecorating with everything from bras to boots. If you were a fan of 1982 Australian TV drama We of the Never Never – an autobiographical film about Jeannie Gunn’s life in the outback – you’ll recognise your next destination without pause: the (replica) Elsey Homestead in Mataranka. Explore the grounds, or soak in the palm-shrouded thermal springs.
Day 8: Katherine - Kakadu
Location: Kakadu National Park
Accommodation Name: Mercure Kakadu Crocodile Hotel
Explore the natural beauty of Nitmiluk National Park on a MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience cruise along Nitmiluk Gorge. You’ll wind through this gorge carved through ancient sandstone alongside steep cliff walls, watching for lush rainforest gullies in giant cracks, and maybe a freshwater crocodile or two on the banks. You can almost feel the spirits yawning as they created this landscape on Jawoyn land, part of Nitmiluk National Park. A sprinkling of crocs, a flutter of rare birds, the ripples on the water. It takes your breath away. More wildlife lurks in Kakadu’s Yellow Water Billabong, which is a mecca for sea eagles, brolgas and little kingfishers – and yet more crocs in the muddy shallows.
Day 9: Kakadu - Darwin
Location: Darwin
Accommodation Name: Hilton Garden Inn Darwin
The best way to grasp the immensity of Kakadu National Park? From the air, should you wish to take a scenic flight (own expense). You won’t regret it – perspective is always enlightening. Speaking of which, Ubirr’s Aboriginal rock art dates back an eye-watering 20,000+ years. Your guide will share stories behind the murals you see, revealing Aboriginal Creation stories passed down through generations. If this part of the Northern Territory looks familiar, that’s because it starred in classic Aussie rom-com, Crocodile Dundee. This part of Australia was clearly made for film-sets. Get your Darwin bearings on a quick city tour, then explore at your leisure – we want to give you as much time as possible to enjoy the Mindil Beach Sunset Market.
Day 10: Darwin Free Time
Location: Darwin
Accommodation Name: Hilton Garden Inn Darwin
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 and opening is controlled by NT Parks). 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 11: Farewell From Darwin
Location: Darwin
‘Ma Muk’ (‘See you later’), as the Larrakia people would say. This Outback adventure is over for now, but we’re positive your memories will last forever.
What's Included
What's Not Included
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Flights
Flights to and from the start/end of your trip are not included in the trip price.
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Optional Activities
Optional activities such as the exclusive Uluru Barbecue Dinner and the Uluru Field of Light installation are not included and are at your own expense.
Mode of Transport
Travel comfortably with arrival and departure transfers included. Note that flights to and from the start/end of your trip are not included in the trip price.
Accommodation
Enjoy centrally located premium hotels throughout your journey, including 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
- 10 Full Breakfast (B)
- 4 Dinner with Wine (DW)
- 1 Be My Guest Dinner (BGD)
- 1 Farewell Dinner (FD)
Cultural Immersion
- Thirsty visitors have been leaving mementos on the walls of the Daly Waters Pub for 40+ years. Over a beer think about what you can contribute.
Fitness Requirement
- Low level of fitness required. A high level of fitness is required for the Kings Canyon Rim walk. Other options available to those with lower fitness levels.
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 3.00pm into Ayers Rock AirportDay 11 – flights to depart anytime from Darwin Airport Return arrival and departure airport to hotel transfers are included
Local Connection
- Go behind the scenes with local guides (they know where to spot crocs) while cruising Kakadu’s Yellow Water Billabong, or touring the School of the Air.
What to Bring
- Sunglasses, sunscreen and hat Water bottle Warm layers in cooler months Camera Comfortable walking shoes
World Class Nature
- Mataranka Thermal Hot Springs is a natural wonder with crystal-clear waters surrounded by lush tropical vegetation and palm trees.
Check out our Q&As
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What kind of fitness level is required for the Outback Safari tour?
A low level of fitness is generally required for the tour, but a high level of fitness is needed for the Kings Canyon Rim walk. There are other options available for those with lower fitness levels.
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Are flights included in the Outback Safari tour package?
No, 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.
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What type of accommodation can I expect on the Outback Safari tour?
You will stay in centrally located premium hotels throughout the journey, including 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.
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What unique experiences are offered during the Outback Safari tour?
The tour offers unique experiences such as a cruise along Nitmiluk Gorge with an indigenous guide, a visit to the School of the Air, and a chance to leave a memento at the Daly Waters Historic Pub. You can also explore the Uluru Field of Light installation and take a scenic flight over Kakadu National Park at your own expense.
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What wildlife might I see during the Outback Safari tour?
During the tour, you might see freshwater crocodiles in Nitmiluk Gorge, sea eagles, brolgas, and little kingfishers in Kakadu's Yellow Water Billabong, and possibly wild camels at Kings Creek Station.
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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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Book with Confidence
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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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