If you’re looking for an authentic Australian Outback experience, the Northern Territory should be top of your list. This region is easily accessible from Australia’s key cities and via Darwin, it’s connected internationally, which opens up a wide variety of twin-centre holiday options meaning it’s easy to reach and fun to explore!
If it’s your first time in Australia, how about combining all the iconic Sydney sights with a once-in-a-lifetime Outback experience in the Northern Territory? Touch down in Sydney for a few days exploring the sights, perhaps climbing Sydney Harbour Bridge or taking a cruise around the harbour. Then jump on a 3.5 hour flight direct to Ayers Rock Airport for a total contrast: glamping under the stars and hiking through stunning landscapes. From the Red Centre, you could fly (or take the luxury Ghan train) up to Darwin to discover the Top End’s incredible parks and wildlife.
How about twinning two classic Aussie experiences – rock and reef? With handy flight connections into Darwin, Alice Springs and Uluru (Ayers Rock), you can really up the contrast setting for your trip. One day you could be exploring the Red Centre of the country and marvelling at a sunrise or sunset over Uluru, hiking the rim of Kings Canyon and gazing at the Olgas – and the next, you could be on the east coast ready to snorkel over the Great Barrier Reef!
With the city of Adelaide as your base it’s easy to visit the Barossa wine valley and Kangaroo Island which is a great place to spot Aussie wildlife. In Adelaide, you can board the famous Ghan train which will take you north all the way up to Darwin on a 3 day/2 night journey via Alice Springs.
You can expect a luxurious journey with all meals included whist you enjoy the views from the comfort of your cabin. The train stops in Alice Springs for 4 hours and although it doesn’t visit Uluru, you can disembark in Alice Springs and stay here for a few days. We can help you add on a helicopter flight, book a camel ride or take a tour to Uluru and Kata Tjuta.
At just 2.5 hours flying time, Darwin’s closest international connection is Bali in Indonesia. You can easily twin and Outback trip in the Top End with an Indonesian beach break over in Bali.
Darwin’s year-round tropical climates is always popular, but a great time to visit is actually during UK summer holidays when the weather is more temperate – perfect for a family holiday. Spot crocs at Crocosaurus Cove and in the wild on a Yellow Water river cruise or stay at Bamurru Plains in the Mary River region for some luxurious down time in one of Australia’s best lodges - and once you’ve experienced the highlights of the Outback - hop over to Bali for the beaches!
Singapore is just a 4.5 hour flight from Darwin, so why not contrast your Outback experience with a stay in this Asian hub?
First, explore Darwin’s surrounds on a guided group tour into Litchfield and Kakadu National Parks. Look out for giant termite mounds and bathe in waterfall plunge pools before uncovering incredible examples of Aboriginal rock art. Continue on to untouched Arnhem Land and you’ll be able to explore even further with the help of a local aboriginal guide.
Next, hop over to Singapore where you can shop the latest trends, slurp on spicy Singapore noodles beside the locals at one of the hawker centres, visit Singapore Zoo or enjoy a Singapore Sling where it was invented at the Raffles Hotel. A Singapore city break won’t disappoint.
We can tailor-make your trip to Australia to include anywhere and everywhere you’d like to see, from the Red Centre to the Top End, Sydney to the reef. If you’re planning a bigger trip, we can also suggest multi-stop flight itineraries that include Australia, or even help you build a round the world holiday.
To speak to an Australia specialist, just call us on 1273 320 580 make an enquiry by email.
Travelling friend
at Travel Nation
Travelling friend
at Travel Nation
Travelling friend
at Travel Nation
Travelling friend
at Travel Nation
UK Sales Team Manager
at Travel Nation
Travelling friend
After finishing her Geography degree, George settled into a digital marketing role and never managed to take a gap year. That didn’t stop her pooling every available week of annual leave to visit the USA, Brazil, Mexico, Vietnam, Australia and Venezuela. She joined Travel Nation in 2011 as Digital Marketing Manager and has since added Japan, Malaysia, Thailand and Cambodia to her visited spots. When George isn't at work you can find her walking her dog and thinking up new ways to use her Travel Nation travel fund to visit any destination accessible from SFO where her American in-laws are based (Hawaii, anyone?)