DAY 1 (L): WAGGA WAGGA TO SYDNEY – Monday, 26^th May 2025

Welcome to our incredible tour to Darwin & the Top End returning via Central Australia. Today we start our journey with an easy up the highway to Sydney, stopping along the way for lunch. We arrive, late afternoon, at our accommodation, across the road from Sydney Domestic Airport. You will have the option tonight to head across the road to the airport terminal for dinner, or book yourself into the hotel restaurant. We then bed down for the night ready to begin our adventure.

Lunch en-route

Mantra Sydney Airport

 

DAY 2 (LD): SYDNEY TO DARWIN – Tuesday, 27^th May 2025

We have an early start this morning. We will check out of our accommodation and make our way to the domestic terminal to check in for our flight. Once through security, we will have time to find some breakfast in the terminal, before boarding our flight to Darwin. A light refreshment will be served on board. We arrive at Darwin Airport and transfer to our hotel. You’ll find yourself in Darwin during the best time of the year with warm days and low humidity. Tonight, we are in for a treat, dinner is on board the Spirit of Darwin as we watch the sunset on the harbour. What an incredible way to finish our day.

Light refreshment served in flight | dinner onboard Spirit of Darwin

DoubleTree by Hilton Esplanade Darwin | 4 nights

 

DAY 3 (BLD): LITCHFIELD NATIONAL PARK – Wednesday, 28^th May 2025

Today we visit Litchfield National Park. With untouched rainforests, stunning waterfalls and magnificent scenery, Litchfield has gained the reputation as the jewel of the Northern Territory’s crown. We enjoy lunch at Litchfield Tourist Park before spending some time exploring the National Park. There are some great photo opportunities as we stop to see the magnetic anthills and see the cascading Florence Falls. For anyone looking for a swim – take a dip in the Wangi Falls plunge pool. We return to Darwin this afternoon where dinner tonight is at the hotel.

Breakfast and dinner in hotel | Lunch at Litchfield Tourist Park

 

DAY 4 (BL): DARWIN – Thursday, 29^th May 2025

Let’s uncover the fascinating sites and interesting past of Darwin with a local expert. Many people aren’t aware of the importance of Darwin during World War II so we’ll take a look at the city and learn the history of the bombings of Darwin. On our guided tour, we’ll see visible reminders and relics left behind after the bombing devastated Darwin and seriously threaten Australia. On our tour we’ll also visit the Darwin Military Museum. After dropping off our guide, we’ll enjoy lunch at Saltwater @ Bundilla before our afternoon visit to the Museum and Art Gallery of the Northern Territory. While here, make sure you enter the Cyclone Tracey exhibition and meet ‘Sweetheart’ the resident crocodile.   This evening, we have the opportunity to explore the Mindil Beach Sunset Markets. With the multicultural background of Darwin, be tempted by the delicious smells of food stalls featuring cuisine from across the world including Sri Lankan, Turkish and Greek cuisines. After dinner, find the perfect gift among the arts and crafts stalls to take home or be entertained by the fire twirlers, musicians and street performers. At a pre-arranged time, our coach will transfer us back to our hotel.

Breakfast in hotel | Lunch at Saltwater @ Bundilla | dinner own cost at markets

 

DAY 5 (B): FREE DAY – Friday, 30^th May 2025

We have a free day today, to explore Darwin. Now is your chance to see the sights and visit the attractions that are most of interest to you. Some suggestions include a to visit Crocosaurus Cove, discover the unique Aquascene or wander Bicentennial Park, whatever you chose to do, enjoy the day.

Breakfast at hotel | Lunch and dinner own arrangements and cost

 

DAY 6 (BLD): DARWIN TO KAKADU – Saturday, 31^st May 2025

It’s time to leave cosmopolitan Darwin behind and experience the magic of World Heritage listed Kakadu National Park. Kakadu is one of the world’s greatest natural wonders with remarkable scenery and unique flora and fauna. We visit Marrawuddi Gallery, which promotes fine art by artists in the local Kakadu region. We then head across the road to the Mercure Kakadu Crocodile Hotel for lunch. Nest, we make our way to Warradjan Aboriginal Cultural Centre, which tells the story of the local of the traditional owners through displays, artefacts and exhibitions. Here, we board our incredible Yellow Water Sunset Cruise. Look out for a vast range of wildlife including Jacana, Egrets, Sea Eagles and maybe a crocodile or two. After this incredible experience, we arrive at our hotel for the night, check in and enjoy dinner in their restaurant.

Breakfast and dinner at hotel | Lunch at Mercure Kakadu Crocodile Hotel

Kakadu Lodge Cooinda

 

DAY 7 (BD): KAKADU TO KATHERINE – Sunday, 1^st June 2025

Today, we enjoy an easy going day on the road, with our short trip down to Katherine. Along the way we will explore Australia’s 50,000-year aboriginal heritage through the incredible rock art galleries that fill this area. The unique walls of Burrungkuy (Nourlangie) rock art site, have served as a shelter and canvas for thousands of years, providing windows into a rich cultural tradition. As we make our way out of the Kakadu National Park, we will head to Pine Creek, an old mining town and home to the Pine Creek Railway Museum. This classic Outback Train Station was built during the gold rush of 1889 as the new terminus of the line coming out from Darwin. Following a brief visit to this historic town, we will get back on our way to Katherine. Arriving in the early afternoon, you will have time for a quick look through the town, and to find yourself some lunch. We will then check into our accommodation for the next 2 nights, while we explore this incredible area and enjoy dinner in their bistro.

Breakfast and dinner at hotel | Lunch own arrangements and cost

Knotts Crossing Resort, Katherine | 2 nights

 

DAY 8 (BLD): KATHERINE – Monday, 2^nd June 2025

This morning, we are in for a real treat as Golden Guitar winner and horseman extraordinaire, Tom Curtain, delights and entertains us with his Katherine Outback Experience. The show celebrates life in the outback through real horse starting, working dog demonstrations, live music and storytelling. Before leaving we enjoy lunch.  This afternoon we visit Top Didj Cultural Experience and Art Gallery, that showcases work from local artists, as well as, artifacts, a large range of didgeridoos, boomerangs, weaving, clap sticks and carvings. Local Top End artist, Manuel Pamkal will showcase his local culture and the significance of his painting style, as well as how he lived off the land and the weapons he used to do so.  This afternoon, we travel to Nitmiluk to enjoy a journey of discovery through the magnificent Nitmiluk Gorge. Be transported to the spiritual world of the Jawoyn culture and history as we cruise down the tranquil waters. Witness the changing colour of the setting sun against the glorious backdrop of cliff faces before a delicious candle lit dinner under the sparkling stars. What a magical evening!

Breakfast and dinner at hotel | Lunch at Katherine Outback Experience | Dinner at Nitmiluk Tours

 

DAY 9 (BLD): KATHERINE TO TENNANT CREEK – Tuesday, 3^rd June 2025

We have an early start today with a morning stop in Mataranka. This National Reserve is a 4-hectare park with a superb thermal pool and stands of cabbage tree palms and paperbarks. We have some time to enjoy the mineral pools here. This is the last remnant of tropical Australia that we will see today. From here the vast spaces of Central Australia stretch from horizon to horizon as we follow the Stuart Highway through to our lunch venue at Daly Waters. The last leg of today’s journey takes us through Elliott and Renner Springs to Tennant Creek for our overnight stay.

Breakfast and dinner at hotel | Lunch at Daly Waters

Bluestone Motor Inn, Tennant Creek

 

DAY 10 (BLD): TENNANT CREEK TO ALICE SPRINGS – Wednesday, 4^th June 2025

This morning, we continue our travels south, stopping at Devils Marbles for a break. These gigantic rounded granite boulders are scattered across a wide, shallow valley and are spectacularly poised in a remarkable landscape. The Devils Marbles are a nationally and internationally recognised symbol of Australia’s outback. Lunch today is at the Ti Tree Roadhouse before we continue through to Alice Springs for the next two nights.

Breakfast and dinner at hotel | Lunch at Ti Tree Roadhouse

DoubleTree by Hilton Alice Springs | 2 nights

 

DAY 11 (BD): WESTERN MACDONNELL RANGES – Thursday, 5^th June 2025

A great day is in store as we explore the impressive Western McDonnell Ranges. The landscape in this area is outstanding! We stop at Simpsons Gap to see the soaring cliffs and enduring water hole before travelling to see the towering walls of Standley Chasm. Admire the glow from the reflecting sunlight to create a breathtaking display of colour, making it a must-see experience. We return to Alice Springs where we spend the rest of the afternoon is spent immersing ourselves in the culture and heritage of Central Australia through visual and performing art at the Araluen Cultural Precinct and Art Centre. Learn about the Aboriginal dreaming and discover the local identities that helped shape and develop Alice Springs. Tonight, we head to Earth Sanctuary – a World Nature Centre at Quandong Homestead to enjoy a mouth-watering bush BBQ. We’ll be treated to music and entertainment and experience the spirit of the outback through stories of the Aboriginal Dreamtime. What an incredible day.

Breakfast at hotel | Dinner at Earth Sanctuary | Lunch own arrangements and cost

 

DAY 12 (BLD): ALICE SPRINGS TO ULURU – Friday, 6^th June 2025

We farewell Alice Springs this morning and begin our journey to Uluru – we have a travel day today but the landscape will be interesting as we pass through the desert country, dotted with spinifex and desert oaks. At Erldunda, we stop for lunch before turning west; Mt Conner will be on our left. This sandstone mesa is often confused as Uluru. Tonight, we arrive into Yulara and check into our accommodation. We’ll spend some time at the Rock tomorrow, but this evening we drive to Sunset Strip – the colour of the Rock changes depending on the time of day and the weather but in the evening, at sunset, Ayers Rock puts on a remarkable light show as it changes colour from red to orange to lilac in a matter of minutes. We enjoy this special experience with drinks and nibbles before returning to the resort.

Breakfast and dinner in hotel | Lunch at Erldunda

Desert Gardens Hotel, Ayers Rock Resort | 2 nights

 

DAY 13 (BD): EXPLORING ULURU – Saturday, 7^th June 2025

For the very early risers, at around 6.00 am the coach will depart for the Sunrise Viewing Area to experience the first glimpse of the day and some brilliant photo opportunities.  Breakfast is served on return and for those not wanting such an early morning, there will be breakfast at the resort.  Mid-morning, we return to the National Park and arrive at the rock for the Ranger-Guided Mala Walk. Learn about Aboriginal perceptions of Uluru, its powerful spiritual significance and how Anangu Traditional Owners and Rangers are looking after the Park together. We can enjoy some free time back at the resort, with time to purchase lunch then this afternoon we head straight to the Olgas, called by the Aboriginal people, ‘Kata Tjuta’ or place of many domes.  There are excellent views from an observation deck then time for a walk among the ancient domes. Once at the Valley of the Winds lookout, we take some time to gaze out over the central valley of Kata Tjuta before returning to the Ayers Rock Resort. Tonight, a special gourmet dinner as we dine out at the Sounds of Silence. Winner of many tourism awards, Sounds of Silence offers a unique outback experience. The romance of the desert, the setting of the sun behind the domes of the Kata Tjuta and Uluru and the haunting sounds of the didgeridoo. This is the best of the Red Centre, distilled into four magical hours.

Breakfast in the hotel |Dinner at Sounds of Silence | Lunch at own arrangements and cost

 

DAY 14 (BD): ULURU TO COOBER PEDY – Sunday, 8^th June 2025

An early start this morning as we farewell Uluru, crossing the Northern Territory/South Australian border and continuing south through Marla to Coober Pedy for our 2-night stop.  Coober Pedy, South Australia’s biggest opal mining town yields around 80% of the world’s production of opals. Coober Pedy’s lunar-like landscape has attracted many visitors who dig for opals.  Many opal miners escape the heat of summer by living underground in elaborate dugouts.

Breakfast and dinner in the Hotel | Lunch at own arrangements and cost

Opal Inn Hotel Motel, Coober Pedy | 2 nights

 

DAY 15 (BD): COOBER PEDY – Monday, 9^th June 2025

First time visitors, in particular, will be fascinated by Coober Pedy. About 80 per cent of the population lives underground, as temperatures can exceed 50°C in summer. Our host from the Umoona Opal Mine and Museum will show us around today. Highlights of the day will be an opal cutting demonstration, the tour of an underground house and a mine tour. From the Big Winch Lookout, we will enjoy some sensational views of Coober Pedy. We will call in at an underground church; and see the Coober Pedy Golf Course. We next head to The Breakaways, a reserve consisting of colourful low hills which have broken away from the Stuart Range. We return to Coober Pedy, with time to freshen before dinner at John’s Pizza Bar & Restaurant.

Breakfast in the Hotel | Dinner at John’s Pizza Bar & Restaurant | Lunch at own arrangements and cost

 

DAY 16 (BLD): COOBER PEDY TO PORT AUGUSTA – Tuesday, 10^th June 2025

We have an early breakfast, this morning, before our drive south through Glendambo to Pimba and Woomera. Woomera is just 90 kms south of the huge mining operation at Olympic Dam. The Woomera Rocket Range carried out 3,000 missile and rocket launches during its 30 years of operation. Since its beginning in 1947 undoubtedly the most ambitious and probably most expensive project was sponsored by the European Launcher Development Organisation which, amongst other things, was to place European communication satellites into orbit making Woomera a household name. On arrival we enjoy lunch at the Woomera Heritage Centre, which will give us a fascinating insight into the Woomera Rocket Range. This afternoon we continue to Port Augusta at the Head of the Spencer Gulf.

Breakfast and dinner at the Hotel | Lunch in Woomera Heritage Centre

Standpipe Golf Motor Inn, Port Augusta

 

DAY 17 (BLD): PORT AUGUSTA TO MILDURA – Wednesday, 11^th June 2025

Our journey today takes us to Burra, a copper mining town that saved South Australia from bankruptcy in the 1840s. Here we’ll stop to see the “Monster Mine” which, at the time, was the largest metal mine in the country employing 1,000 people. From here we travel to the Overland Corner Hotel for lunch. Continuing this afternoon, we stop to view the Paringa Silo Art, pained by renowned artist Jack Fran. The silo features four distinct images (two on the front facing the Sturt Highway and two on the rear) linked together with soaring pelicans. We then cross the border into Victoria and travel on to Mildura.

Breakfast and dinner at motel | lunch at Overland Corner Hotel

Best Western Chaffey International Motor Inn

 

DAY 18 (BL): MILDURA TO WAGGA WAGGA – Thursday, 12^th June 2025

Following breakfast, we depart Mildura and begin our journey across the expansive Hay Plain. Our first stop of the day is in Balranald, where we pause for a break at the Balranald Discovery Centre. Later, we reach Hay, where we indulge in lunch at Shear Outback. This acclaimed tourist and educational facility offers a range of experiences, including the Australian Shearers Hall of Fame. The innovative centre is dedicated to providing insights into the fascinating world of shearing and its cultural significance.  We arrive home later today after a fantastic holiday discovering The Top End and Central Australia.

Breakfast at motel | lunch at Shear Outback

 

Tour Cost (GST Inclusive)

$9195 per person (Twin/Double Share)

$2185 single Supplement

 

For bookings, full itineraries and further information, please – CONTACT US

 

Please note that travel insurance is not included in this tour. It is strongly recommended that you acquire travel insurance for this and all tours.

All itineraries are subject to change due to occasional restrictions in opening times/days of some attractions, e.g. churches, wineries. We cannot be held responsible for any changes due to closures, inclement weather.