As this Inspiring Journey departs early morning, accommodation will need to be pre-booked for the previous night at Mantra on the Esplanade, Darwin.
Your epic Top End adventure begins in the tropical northern city of Darwin. Join your Journey Director and board your luxury 4WD vehicle to experience stunning Litchfield National Park. Hear how the local Aboriginal people’s ancestral spirits have shaped the landscape, before embarking on a cross-country journey along the rugged Marrakai Track (seasonally accessible) to the Mary River Wetlands. Tonight, stay in private, permanent safari tents. Join your Journey Director for a Welcome Reception with drinks and canapés followed by dinner.
Included: Lunch and Dinner with wine
Wildman Wilderness Lodge
Wildman Wilderness Lodge invites you to voyage into Australia’s Top End for an immersive adventure. Just two hours east of Darwin, on the fringe of Kakadu National Park, the lodge offers the ultimate in bush luxury, nestled in the lush Mary River wetlands area.
Wake up with the wildlife and head to Corroboree Billabong, for a cruise with a local guide to explore its floodplains and spot different bird species and estuarine crocodiles that find sanctuary in its lotus-covered waters. Next, journey into the tropical depths of iconic Kakadu National Park, enjoying a sunset walk at the rock-art galleries of Ubirr. Perched atop Nadab Lookout, watch the sun set over the lush Kakadu floodplains.
Included: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner with wine
Mercure Kakadu Crocodile Hotel
Their indigenous owned deluxe accommodation is uniquely shaped to represent Kakadu's most famous inhabitant, the saltwater crocodile. Relax in the recently refurbished rooms, unwind in your private courtyard, by the shaded outdoor pool or take in the landscaped interior garden view from the balcony.
Enjoy a leisurely start to your day, or take to the skies on an optional experience early-morning flight over Kakadu before venturing to Nourlangie to admire the ancient Dreamtime art of the Bininj and Mungguy people. Continue cross-country to Gunlom Falls, where a hike to the summit is rewarded with a refreshing dip in the crystal-clear plunge pool. Lunch in the shade of rustling gum-trees before driving on to tonight’s five-star eco-lodge accommodation.
Included: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner with wine
Cicada Lodge
Cicada Lodge, your sanctuary from which to embrace the ancient landscapes and indigenous culture within the iconic Nitmiluk National Park.
Meet didgeridoo expert Manuel Pamkal this morning and share in his passion for the rich traditional culture into which he was born. Hear about life in the bush and experience first-hand the fine art of rarrk (cross-hatch) painting. Later, board a dinner cruise on Katherine Gorge and learn about the history and culture of the local Jawoyn people.
Included: Breakfast, Lunch and Local Dining Experience
Cicada Lodge
Cicada Lodge, your sanctuary from which to embrace the ancient landscapes and indigenous culture within the iconic Nitmiluk National Park.
A leisurely start to the day could see you relaxing at the lodge or setting off on a comfortable walk. Later, emerge from the wilderness to journey north along the Stuart Highway on your return to Darwin, stopping to cool off in the cascading waters of Edith Falls and visit the poignant Adelaide River War Cemetery. Tonight, enjoy an evening at leisure in Darwin.
Mantra on the Esplanade
Whether you're visiting Darwin for business or pleasure, you'll love the tropical style of the refurbished Mantra on the Esplanade. Their hotel has a range of modern accommodation options with sweeping views across the harbour or city including Hotel Rooms and self-contained One, Two and Three Bedroom Apartments, as well as the luxurious Penthouse Suites.
After a morning flight to Alice Springs meet your Red Centre Journey Director and group of fellow travellers. Visit the Royal Flying Doctor Service to see how this facility provides vital medical assistance to outback inhabitants. Nearby, call into the School of the Air, a crucial service providing education to children living in remote Australian communities. This evening, join your Alice Springs family hosts for a Local Dining Experience barbecue dinner around a cosy campfire, as the Milky Way lights up the sky.
Included: Breakfast and Local Dining Experience
Crowne Plaza Alice Springs Lasseters
Nestled at the foot of the majestic MacDonnell Ranges in Alice Springs, the 4.5 star Crowne Plaza Alice Springs Lasseters offers rooms with a balcony or patio. Guests enjoy free WiFi, a heated pool, a spa bath and a 24-hour health and fitness centre.
Visit the historic Overland Telegraph Station, site of the first European settlement in Alice Springs , and learn how it relayed messages between Darwin and Adelaide for 60 years. Then the stunning landscapes of the West MacDonnell Ranges take centre stage as you embark on a walk through Simpsons Gap and dramatic Angkerle (Standley Chasm), which was created over millions of years. The deep red sandstone formation contrasts with the lush green ferns and gum trees on the valley floor. Later, back in Alice Springs, you’ll have some free time to relax by the pool or choose to explore more, at your own pace.
Included: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner with wine
Crowne Plaza Alice Springs Lasseters
Nestled at the foot of the majestic MacDonnell Ranges in Alice Springs, the 4.5 star Crowne Plaza Alice Springs Lasseters offers rooms with a balcony or patio. Guests enjoy free WiFi, a heated pool, a spa bath and a 24-hour health and fitness centre.
En route to Kings Canyon you’ll travel off-road along the 4WD Mereenie Loop Road passing Tylers Lookout and Gosses Bluff. On arrival, gaze across the deep chasm at the edge of Kings Canyon as you embark on a 6km rim walk past the domed ‘Lost City’ and the luscious ‘Garden of Eden’. Another unique wilderness dining experience, Under a Desert Moon, awaits you this evening. The flickering glow of the fire is the perfect accompaniment to sparkling wine and canapés followed by dinner, prepared from fresh produce and ingredients unique to the Australian outback.
Included: Breakfast, Lunch and Local Dining Experience
Kings Canyon Resort
440 million years in the creating, Kings Canyon rises 270 metres above sea level and is at the heart of Australia's Red Centre. It is here that an unforgettable outback adventure will unfold in an extraordinary place of ancient beauty.
Now you’re bound for Uluru. On the way visit Curtin Springs Station, home to the Severin family since 1956. Kick back in true Aussie-style at a barbecue lunch while hearing from one of the locals about the Severin’s and the logistics of running a million-acre cattle property. Afterwards, enter Uluru–Kata Tjuta National Park, experiencing the magnificence of the 36 red conglomerate rock domes that form Kata Tjuta, and joining your Journey Director for a guided walk through the immense Walpa Gorge. Later, witness the spectacular changing colours as the sun sets over Uluru, then join your Journey Director and fellow travellers for a Celebration Dinner at Ilkari Restaurant.
Included: Breakfast, Lunch and Celebration Dinner
Sails In The Desert
In the heart of Australia's Red Centre, Sails in the Desert hotel beautifully contrasts Uluru's raw natural beauty with a decidedly luxurious outback holiday experience.
Experience a majestic sunrise over Kata Tjuta and Uluru from the fantastic Kata Tjuta dune viewing platform. From here it’s off to the Uluru–Kata Tjuta Cultural Centre for breakfast and an insight into the history of the local Anangu people. Take a walk around to the base of Uluru, hearing timeless stories, viewing spectacular rock art, and visiting the culturallysignificant Mutitjulu Waterhole. In the late morning, when your Inspiring Journey comes to an end, you’ll be transferred to Ayers Rock Airport for your onward flight.
Flight InformationDay Prior – flights to arrive anytime into Darwin AirportDay 10 – flights to depart after 1.00pm from Ayers Rock AirportFlights are not included in the holiday price.Internal-holiday flight: Land Only price requires the following internal-holiday flight to be purchased separately in order to fulfil the holiday itinerary:Day 6 – Darwin to Alice Springs: QF1937
