Intrepid Best of Northern Territory (Twin Share Room)

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Eight days through the Outback landscapes and First Nations culture of the Red Centre and the Top End: rock wallabies in the West MacDonnell Ranges (Tjoritja), Kings Canyon and sunrise over Uluru, then Litchfield's waterfalls and crocodile country in Kakadu.

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Days

8 days, 7 nights

Age

Group size

Small group

Start / finish

Alice Springs / Darwin
Darwin, around 5:30pm

Return

Darwin, around 5:30pm

Accommodation

7 nights in hotels, twin share

Transport

Private vehicle and river cruise boat with a local leader; Alice Springs to Darwin flight not included

Meals

4 breakfasts, 3 lunches and 3 dinners

Included experiences

Earth Sanctuary — Outback barbecue and stargazing
Simpsons Gap — walk with a First Nations guide
Kings Canyon — Rim Walk
Uluru — sunset and sunrise viewing
Kata Tjuta — Walpa Gorge walk
Litchfield National Park — swims at Wangi and Florence falls
East Alligator River — cultural cruise with an Aboriginal guide
Ubirr and Burrungkuy — rock art walks

Intrepid Best of Northern Territory (Twin Share Room)

Pictures / Videos

Itinerary

Day 1: Alice Springs

Welcome to Alice Springs, or Mparntwe in the language of the Arrernte people, the Traditional Owners of the land. The trip begins with a welcome meeting at 6pm at your hotel, where you meet your local leader and group.

Drive to Earth Sanctuary and get to know each other over an Outback barbecue while the sun sets over the Eastern MacDonnell Ranges. Then watch the southern sky come alive with constellations and stories on a guided stargazing experience with an astronomer, with a chance to look through Earth Sanctuary's deep sky telescopes.

Day 2: West MacDonnell Ranges to Kings Canyon

Head to Simpsons Gap in West MacDonnell Ranges National Park (Tjoritja). Keep an eye out for rock wallabies on a guided walk through this spiritual site with a First Nations guide, who shares insights on the local plants and animals and the story of the great Tjunba (perentie) totem that protects the gorge. The walk follows the riverbed that marks the boundary between the Eastern and Northern Arrernte peoples.

Next, drive along the Stuart and Lasseter highways through colourful semi-desert to Watarrka National Park, home to Kings Canyon. Your leader takes you along the Kings Creek Walk, between huge cliffs and rock formations.

Tonight there's an included dinner, before an optional visit to the Light Towers, a visual and sound display.

Day 3: Kings Canyon, Kata Tjuta and Uluru

Spend the morning on the famous rim walk up and across the Kings Canyon plateau. From the sandstone domes of the Lost City to the oasis of the Garden of Eden, walk across red rock cliffs and take in views of the palm forest below.

Then drive across the sprawling landscape to Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park. At Kata Tjuta (formerly the Olgas), a collection of 36 towering rock domes, walk to a lookout to admire the formations.

Finish the day at Uluru, one of Australia's most spiritually significant sites, watching from a prime spot as the sun sets and the landscape shifts in colour.

Day 4: Uluru to Alice Springs

Start the day early watching sunrise over Uluru. Take a short walk across the rust-coloured landscape to a nearby waterhole to see traditional art sites, as your leader explains the history and nature here and how the Anangu people are deeply connected to the lands.

Stop at the Uluru-Kata Tjuta Cultural Centre to continue learning about First Nations culture, then hit the highway for Alice Springs just after lunch. Here you say goodbye to your local leader and the members of the group who are leaving.

Day 5: Alice Springs to Darwin

An included transfer takes you from the hotel to Alice Springs Airport. Fly to Darwin (flight not included), or Gulumerrdgen in the language of the Larrakia people, the Traditional Owners of the land.

Transfer to your hotel in Darwin, then meet your new group members and new leader at the second welcome meeting at 6pm.

Day 6: Litchfield National Park

Drive into Litchfield National Park, set on a huge sandstone plateau with waterfalls, swimming spots and towering rocky pillars. The first stop is Wangi Falls, for a short loop walk or a plunge in the natural pool.

Then it's off to Tolmer Falls and Florence Falls, with a picnic lunch beside a creek in the monsoon forest. The last stop is Litchfield's Magnetic Termite Mounds, up to 100 years old and unique to northern Australia, before returning to Darwin for the evening.

Day 7: Kakadu National Park

Rise early and drive to Kakadu National Park, which covers an enormous 20,000 square kilometres. Stop at the Mamukala Wetlands to spot wetland birds, then drive on to Ubirr, one of Kakadu's rock art gems, where your leader shares local First Nations history and stories.

In the afternoon, cruise up the East Alligator River (this is crocodile country) through World Heritage wilderness. An Aboriginal guide gives insight into the cultural significance of the landscape, the local mythology and the plants and animals, and you can step ashore on the Arnhem Land side of the river.

Continue to your Kakadu accommodation for an included dinner with your group.

Day 8: Kakadu to Darwin

The final morning begins with a drive to a cultural arts centre at Jim Jim Creek, where, depending on availability, you may take part in a weaving class and hear local stories about the significance of weaving in the culture.

After lunch, drive to Burrungkuy (Nourlangie), famous for its World Heritage-listed rock art created by the Bininj people, with several short walks to choose from. Then drive north back to Darwin, where the trip finishes at around 5:30pm.

Good to know

Meeting point: Welcome meeting at 6pm on day 1 at the joining hotel in Alice Springs.
Finishes: Day 8 in Darwin, at around 5:30pm.
Minimum age: 15 years.
Fitness: Moderate. Some days involve many hours of driving through very remote country, and the days can be long.
Accommodation note: Twin-share rooms. A single supplement can be booked if you'd prefer not to share, subject to availability.
Please note: This trip combines two shorter trips, so some of your group may change in Darwin. Book your Alice Springs to Darwin flight separately. Temperatures can be extreme, so use sun protection and drink plenty of water. The order of activities may change with sunrise and sunset times and the weather, and First Nations experiences may occasionally be replaced if guides have cultural commitments.

What to bring

Sunscreen
Hat
Water bottle
Small backpack
Warm clothing for cool evenings

What is included

7 nights in hotels, twin share
4 breakfasts, 3 lunches and 3 dinners
Transport by private vehicle and boat, with a local leader
Alice Springs hotel to airport transfer
Earth Sanctuary barbecue dinner and stargazing
Simpsons Gap guided Aboriginal cultural walk
Kings Creek Walk and Kings Canyon Rim Walk
Kata Tjuta Walpa Gorge walk
Uluru sunset and sunrise viewing, Kuniya walk to Mutitjulu Waterhole and the Cultural Centre
Litchfield: Wangi, Tolmer and Florence falls and the termite mounds
Kakadu: Mamukala Wetlands, Ubirr rock art walk, Guluyambi cultural cruise and Burrungkuy (Nourlangie)

Not included

Flight from Alice Springs to Darwin
Kings Canyon Light Towers by night (optional, AUD30)
Accommodation on the last night in Darwin (can be booked on request)

FAQ

Preparing for the trip

Do I need travel insurance?

Insurance is important in protecting visitors from loss or damange of goods, medical problems, cancelation by passengers or other casualties. Its highly recommended. Some tours on this website require you to have travel insurance. If you are Australian then it is not necessary.

Where can I get more information about this trip?

If you find that this tour page doesn't answer all your questions, then please get in contact with us! Our passionate team are always available to answer any queries you may have.

What immunisations do I need?

For the latest information on immunisations, we strongly recommend you or contact the Travellers Medical and Vaccination Centre (www.traveldoctor.com.au) to discuss health requirements for your trip. They will advise you about appropriate inoculations.

Do I need to take any medical supplies?

It is not necessary to bring any medical supplies other than any personal items you may require. Each tour carries a first aid box, and the tour guides are all certified in First Aid.

Will I be able to use my mobile whilst on tour?

You can use your mobile while touring in Australia or New Zealand, but coverage may be limited in remote areas. For best connectivity, consider purchasing a local SIM card or an international roaming plan.

How fit do I need to be?

These tours are designed to be fun, informative and active, and can be enjoyed by anyone with a moderate degree of fitness and agility. Travellers should be comfortable with hiking or walking up to 5km each day.

What should I pack?

Depending on where in Australia or New Zealand you decide to visit, your luggage will vary. For exact information please visit the "What to bring" section of each tour page.

Private tours and families

Is it possible to travel in a private group?

If you are looking for a private tour based on one of these trips, please contact us directly and we may be able to help. Over the years we have worked with families, groups of friends, schools, clubs and charities to put together the perfect trip.

Booking the trip

How far in advance do I need to book my tour?

As a rule of thumb, try to book at least 2 weeks prior to departure, this will usually get you a seat on the date you want. That being said, we cannot guarantee that spaces will be available at the time of your booking so, if you can, book as soon as possible. Bookings can still be made right up until the departure date of the tour if seats are available. If you know when you'd like to travel, please contact us and we will let you know if you need to book soon or if you have time.

Do I have to book this tour online?

Definitely not. Our website is designed to make is easy and convenient for you to schedule your tour. However we understand sometimes its nice to talk to someone directly. So by all means give us a call and we can organise your trip over the phone.

If I book more than one tour can I get a discount?

Absolutely! If you are booking multiple tours then we may be able to offer you a discount. Send us an email at info@lostinaustralia.org and let us know what you thinking of doing and we can put together a price for you.Also, be sure to look out for monthly specials on tours. We often have some great bargains.

Does the tour price include flights?

No. Tour prices do not include any travel arrangements other than for the duration of the tour itself. If you need assistance with booking flights or buses our travel team and certainly help - Just ask!

How do I know when a tour is available?

You can check the departure dates of tours by using our calendar on the top right hand corner of the tour page. This will tell you what days the tour departs. For availability of seats please contact us directly at info@lostinaustralia.org or call us.

If I make a deposit only, when will I need to pay the balance?

Balance on tours need to be paid at least 30 days prior to departure. Failure to do so could result is the cancellation of your seat with a fee charged. If you need more time to clear your balance then let us know ASAP and arrangements can be made.

Who travels with us

Is it ok to travel alone on one of these tours?

Plenty of travellers book these tours on their own. Solo travellers are very much welcomed and encouraged. During your outback adventure you'll meet new and interesting people and forge relationships that last a lifetime.Solo travellers will usually share a room with a travelling companion of the same sex, but even if you do get your own room you won't be charged extra. On camping tours there are generally enough tents available that you can have your own if you choose to.For more information please contact us directly.

Cost and Fees

Do I need to tip the guide?

If you had an amazing time on tour and wish to tip your guide, that is completely up to you. Tipping is not customary in Australia and is not at all expected.

Will I need additional money?

Travellers are advised to bring some cash, as ATMs and banks can be few and far between in the remote parts of the trip. It is handy to have some extra cash, as the tour does stop by local shops and cafes.

Are there any hidden fees I need to know about?

Our tour prices are completely transparent. There are no additional fees involved that are not included in the overall tour price shown. If you wish to do optional activities such as helicopter rides or wildlife safaris, then an extra cost may be needed. However, this will always be made clear at the time of your booking.

What does Paid Locally mean?

Some tours require you to pay national park fees directly, in cash, to the tour guide on the morning of departure. Rest assured this will be subtracted from the tour price when reserving your tour.

Whilst on tour

Can I book extra accommodation for the start and end of the tour?

We know our country inside and out and would be happy to give you good recommodations. Please contact us for recommendations.

Where do I meet the tour?

For pick-up times and locations, please check the "Start/Finish" section directly under the itinerary, which lists every pick-up point and its time.There is a lot of information there to help you plan your flights and arrival.Please review it carefully, as pick-ups can vary from tour to tour.