Cloud 9 (Alice Springs to Darwin)

Tour Details

Operator

Adventure Tours Australia

Destinations

Ayers Rock (Uluru), Alice Springs, Kata Tjuta (The Olgas), Kings Canyon, Kakadu National Park, Katherine Gorge, Litchfield National Park, Mary River Wetlands, Ubirr and Jim Jim Falls

Departs From

Alice Springs

Tour Description

THIS ITINERARY IS FOR TRAVEL POST 01 APRIL 2011 - IF YOU WOULD LIKE MORE DETAILS ON PRE APRIL ITINERARY WHICH MAY HAVE BEEN SUBJECT TO ITINERARY CHANGES PLEASE ENQUIRE BEFORE MAKING YOUR BOOKING.

Pre-tour overnight dorm accommodation in Alice Springs is included

Day 1 – Alice Springs to Kata Tjuta & Uluru
Kick off your adventure on top of a camel! Our first stop is the Outback Camel Farm where you can choose to ride atop one of these desert giants (at own expense). From here it’s off to Uluru (Ayers Rock), and a bite to eat. Kata Tjuta will fascinate you, and you will discover some of the secrets of this ancient landform on the Valley of the Winds hike. You’ll be mesmerised as the desert sun sets over Uluru, and as the night grows darker, curl up in your swag (Aussie bedroll) under millions of stars. (LD)

Day 2 – Uluru to Kings Canyon
It’s an early start this morning, but you’ll be rewarded with a glorious Uluru sunrise. While the morning’s fresh (and your legs are too!) enjoy an unguided walk around the base of Uluru. You will then deepen your understanding of the land and the Mala people as you take a cultural interpretive walk with an Aboriginal guide (and interpreter). Explore the many caves of the Mala people, learning how they lived and prepared for ceremonies. Your Aboriginal guide will also share the sensitive story of the Mala people who lived at Uluru with their friend the Itjaritjari (marsupial mole). There is also a visit to sacred Kantju Gorge, a quiet water hole at the base of a dramatic rock face. Afterwards, you will have the opportunity to purchase Aboriginal arts and crafts at the Cultural Centre before we travel to our exclusive campsite within the Watarrka National Park (Kings Canyon) where we sleep for the night. (BLD)

Day 3 – Kings Canyon to Alice Springs
Get your hiking shoes on today as we head out to explore the impressive formations of Kings Canyon. You’ll be left breathless by the sheer beauty of the canyon as we trek through the Amphitheatre, the Lost City, the lush and ancient Garden of Eden and the North and South Walls. Lunch is a welcome prospect, before we make our way back to Alice Springs. (BL) Overnight dorm accommodation included.

Day 4 – Alice Springs to Tennant Creek
We pass by the Tropic of Capricorn then stop at the Barrow Creek Pub, home to a telegraph station – catch a glimpse of what outback telecommunication used to be like! Precariously balanced on their rocky perch are the Devils Marbles, a site sacred to its traditional owners. Last stop for today is our private campsite near Tennant Creek where we camp for the night. (LD)

Day 5 – Tennant Creek to Katherine Gorge
No visit to the Top End would be complete without a visit to the famed Daly Waters pub, a quintessential outback roadhouse and ‘watering hole’ for travellers from far and wide. Mataranka lies in the heart of the ‘never-never’, and you’ll feel a million miles from anywhere as you soak in the steamy thermal springs. As the day draws to a close, we reach our overnight camp nearby stunning Katherine Gorge. (BLD)

Day 6 – Katherine Gorge to Darwin
The gorge is all yours this morning, with a half day to spend canoeing or cruising (at own expense and seasonal) the spectacular waters. Want to see more? Jump aboard a helicopter flight (at own expense) which will take you high above the vast gorge system. We’ll head to Darwin after a stop at idyllic Edith Falls. Overnight dorm accommodation included. (BL)

Day 7 - Darwin to Mary River
A refreshing start to your day checking out the waterfalls of Litchfield National Park. Travel west into Woolna Country and receive a Cul Cul or unique ‘Welcome to Country’ by the traditional owners of the land the Limilngan – Wulna people. Experience the local Aboriginal Culture, cooking your own bush tucker, playing the didgeridoo, basket weaving and spear throwing. To finish the day we head to the spectacular Mary River Wetlands, where birds aren’t the only wildlife abundant around here; keep your eyes out for lurking crocodiles on our private river cruise! A secluded campsite in the Mary River Region is where we’ll stay tonight. (LD)

Day 8 - Mary River to Kakadu
Discover ancient Aboriginal rock art at Ubirr, our first stop this morning. Clamber to the top of a rocky lookout for fabulous views over the Nardab floodplain. Next it’s on to Maguk (Barramundi Gorge), where a hike is rewarded with a reviving swim in the plunge pools. Tonight we stay at our permanent camp within Kakadu NP. (BLD)

Day 9 - Kakadu to Darwin
Get ready for some 4WD action today on our way to Jim Jim Falls! Once we get there, we’ll hike to the base of the falls before continuing on to Twin Falls. Feel the beauty of the stunning gorge and powerful falls from the National Park operated boat and boardwalk experience. The impressive scenery will continue to amaze you as we journey back to Darwin in the afternoon. (BL)