Itinerary Highlights
- Marvel at the Red Centre's Uluru and Kata Tjuta on guided tours and enjoy a unique dining experience 'Sounds of Silence'
- Discover Alice Springs history on a guided tour visiting attractions including School of the Air and Royal Flying Doctors
- Overnight rail journey on the Ghan from Alice Springs to Darwin
- Spend two nights on the 50,000 acre family owned and operated working cattle station Finnis River Lodge
- Best time to travel May - October
What's Included
- Accommodation Throughout
- Domestic Flights
- International Flights
13 nights from £8,235 per person
Sarah
Travel Specialist
Take a cultural journey through the Northern Territory and Australia’s Outback. After a few days exploring the cosmopolitan city and beaches of Sydney your journey takes you to the heart of Australia and its Red Centre. Guided tours of Uluru and Kata Tjuta, unique dining experiences under the starry desert skies and a walk through the incredible field of lights are some of the highlights included in this itinerary. In Alice Springs you will visit the Royal Fly Doctors Service from where medical aid is despatched to remote reaches of the Outback and visit The School of Air where children that have no access to school are educated over the radio. Board one of the world's greatest rail journey's on The Ghan, an overnight journey from Alice Springs travelling through vast deserts to the tropical north. Off train experiences offer opportunities to discover Nitmiluk Gorge before reaching Darwin. Complete your Northern Territory Cultural Journey with a unique stay at Finnis River Lodge, a 50,000-acre family-owned and operated working cattle station, with luxury accommodation and a whole host of experiences included.
Itinerary
Day 1 Arrive Sydney
On arrival at Sydney International Airport, you will be me by your driver and transferred by private vehicle to your hotel. The day is yours to explore Sydney and its iconic attractions. Visit the city's many art galleries showcasing modern and contemporary art and explore the Royal Botanic Garden Sydney, one of the most beautiful in the world.
Day 2 Private Rocks Historic Signature Walking Tour
Discover Sydney's historic Rocks District on a 90-minute private guided walking tour. Wander down hidden alleyways, along cobbled lanes, and learn of the history and heritage of Australia's first British settlement. Hear stories of the plague, Nurses Walk, and the rogues that called it home. After your our is complete, spend extra time to peruse the shops and market stalls and enjoy lunch in one of the historic pubs or waterfront restaurants.
Staying at
Crown Towers Sydney
Day 3 Sydney Opera House & Dine Tour
Take a tour of what is considered one of the most iconic and greatest buildings of all time. You will learn the saga behind creating the world’s most famous opera house. This small group tour takes you through the public areas and performance halls. Finish at Opera Bar or House Canteen where you can choose a main course and dine Sydney’s spectacular harbour as your backdrop.
Staying at
Crown Towers Sydney
Day 4 Sounds of Silence Dinner - Ayers Rock Resort
Transfer to Sydney Airport for a 3.5-hour flight to Ayers Rock, the heart of Northern Territories Red Centre. Transfer to Ayers Rock Resort where your desert hotel is and enjoy the afternoon at your leisure. This evening you will witness the sun setting over the desert while enjoying your Sounds of Silence Dinner experience.
Day 5 Morning Kata Tjuta Tour, Dot Painting and Field of Lights
Watch the changing colours as the sun rises over the 36 domes of Kata Tjuta. Enjoy a gourmet picnic breakfast and learn about the significance of the men’s sacred ceremonial site at Walpa Gorge. This afternoon you will join Anangu artists for an introduction to the unique art of dot painting. In the evening watch sunset over Uluru while the magnificent spectacle of 50,000 glass spheres come to life and create a spectacular desert light show.
Staying at
Voyages Sails in the Desert
Day 6 Morning Uluru Trek and Evening Outback Sky Journeys
As you start your sunrise trek around base trail of Uluru you will embrace the culture, geology and environment that is the essence of this amazing monolith. Along the trail you will witness sunrise, visit waterholes and the rock art sites of the ancients and learn of Uluru’s cultural significance to the Anangu people. In the evening marvel at the spectacular night sky and learn more about stars and the Milky Way from your astronomer guide.
Staying at
Voyages Sails in the Desert
Day 7 Ayers Rock to Alice Springs
Spend a morning by the hotel or explore the Red Centre further on an optional experience such as scenic helicopter flights, tour by Segway or Harley Davidson. This after transfer by coach to Alice Springs.
Day 8 Afternoon Historical Alice Tour
Nestled in the heart of Australia's Red Centre, the outback town of Alice Springs has a fascinating history. Spend the morning following "Alice's" Arts Trail, discovering Dreamtime stories and ancient history, or visit the Kangaroo Sanctuary where orphaned Kangaroos are cared for by the 'Kangaroo Rescuer'. This afternoon join a small group tour visiting historical sites such as the School of Air, the Telegraph Station, and the Royal Flying Doctors Service.
Staying at
Crowne Plaza Alice Springs Lasseters
Day 9 The Ghan Overnight Train Journey to Darwin
Your morning is free to explore Alice Springs art galleries and cultural sites before boarding one of the most famous train journey's on The Ghan. Enjoy dinner onboard before your overnight journey through Northern Territory desert towards Darwin.
Day 10 The Ghan Train Journey
As dawn breaks in the tropical Northern Territory, enjoy breakfast onboard The Ghan. Desert landscapes give way to rocky gorges and fast-flowing canyon streams as you pull into Katherine. Here you have a choice of Off Train experiences including a Nitmiluk Gorge Cruise, and seasonal activities such as Cutta Cutta Caves Tour and Katherine Outback Experience on a working cattle station. After the day's activities, you'll reboard the Ghan for the final leg of your rail adventure.
Day 11 Outback Gourmet Dinner & Aboriginal Art Tour
Darwin
One of the best ways to experience a new destination is through its food. Today, join a four-hour tour to enjoy a variety of tasting plates at Darwin's award-winning restaurants. This tour showcases the region's culinary delights which are served while the chef or staff will explain more about each ingredient while you enjoy enjoy each course. Local delicacies may include barramundi, crocodile, prawns, and tropical fruits. As you take the short walk between each restaurant, stops will be made at some of Darwin's cultural attractions.
Staying at
Mindil Beach Casino Resort
Day 12 Finnis River Lodge
Just a 90-minute transfer from Darwin is Finnis River Lodge, set on a 50,000-acre family-owned and operated working cattle station. A stay at Finnis River Lodge gives you a unique insight to life on the station. Secluded on the edge of vast wetlands, the station commands expansive views of fiery sunsets. Three meals, selected beverages and a selection of guided activities like air boating on the wetlands, bushwalking and wildlife watching are included. Staying at Finnis RIver Lodge
Day 13 Finnis River Lodge
Start your day with a hearty breakfast and endless views over the cattle station and wetlands. A choice of experiences are included such as ATV tours along bush tracks and walk-about safaris with opportunities to spot abundant wildlife. Learn more about the cattle station on a guided tour or for an additional cost, add-on experiences such as fishing charters, helicopter flights and private Australian wildlife tours with Andrew Ucles are offered. Staying at Finnis RIver Lodge
Day 13 Depart Darwin
A final hearty breakfast will be served at Finnis River Lodge before you transfer to Darwin for your flight.
Sarah
Travel Specialist
Would you like to speak to a Australasia expert?
Contact our Travel Specialists for a bespoke quote or some first-hand knowledge.
Monday - Friday: 9am - 7:30pm
Saturday: 9am - 5pm
Sunday: 10am - 4pm
13 nights from £8,235 per person
