Catch a stunning sunset at Uluru
Get to know Sydney on a 3 night city break
See Twin Falls in Kakadu National Park
Cool off in water holes at Ormiston Gorge
Explore the Outback surrounding Uluru
Feast on a fresh seafood platter in Sydney
Test your nerves at Crocosaurus Cove
Soak up the sun on Bondi Beach
Discover Australia on this holiday that takes you from Sydney to Uluru and the Red Centre, then on to Darwin, in the 'Top End'.
Enjoy a Sydney city break for a few days, which is enough time to see the main sights including Circular Quay, the harbour bridge and the opera house. Then, leaving the city behind, you'll fly from Sydney to Uluru (Ayers Rock) for a journey into the heart of Australia - the Red Centre.
Here you’ll join your very own Outback experience on a small group tour led by local guides who'll help you see as much as possible. Catch a spectacular sunrise and sunset over Uluru and watch as this majestic rock changes colour before your eyes as the sun falls and rises.
Visit spectacular Kings Canyon for a morning's hike around the rim with time to explore Kata Tjuta (The Olgas) afterwards. In the evenings, enjoy the company of the rest of your small group as you dine and trade stories around your campfire.
It doesn’t end here; from Alice Springs, you'll fly to your next destination - Darwin, a tropical city that never sees winter, so it's warm year-round. We've included 5 nights here to explore Darwin, from its night markets and breath-taking sunsets to the scenic national parks and abundant wildlife and bird life of the Top End. With included day trips, you could find yourself wading under waterfalls and seeking out the towering termite mounds of Litchfield National Park and cruising beside crocodiles on a journey through the wetlands, along Mary River
This itinerary can be tailored to suit your requirements; please contact one of our consultants to start planning your dream trip. We can add extra time in each destination, switch your trips to private touring and show you how to combine Australia with other destinations or stopovers within the same trip,
Depart the UK from your chosen airport.
On arrival in Sydney, you will be met and taken by shared transfer to your hotel where you will check in for a 3-night stay.
You now have two full days to explore this fantastic city! Why not head to Circular Quay to join a harbour cruise or take some must-have photos next to the iconic Sydney Opera House? Enjoy some lunch overlooking the mega yachts in Darling Harbour and if you’re feeling brave, perhaps take on the Sydney Harbour Bridge climb for unrivalled views across the city (ask us to pre-book this one for you!)
You could also book a day trip out of the city and sample some of the local tipples on a wine tour around the Hunter Valley, or instead visit the mystical Blue Mountains for grand views and beautiful walks.
We can help you book any of these activities, ask your consultant.
You will be collected from your hotel after breakfast today and taken to the airport to connect with your domestic flight from Sydney to Uluru (Ayers Rock) where you will meet the rest of your small group early in the afternoon.
This afternoon, we head to the Red Centre’s indigenous interpretive cultural centre where we have a chance to learn about the cultural, ecological, historical and geological significance of this very special national park.
With the anticipation and excitement growing we make a short drive towards the base of Uluru as we begin to comprehend the sheer size and magnificence of the giant monolith, getting up close and personal to explore further. Walking to Mutitjulu waterhole we discover sacred rock art sites in family caves and hear the creation stories of Kuniya and Liru as we continue our base walk towards Kuniya Piti. From here we drive around sacred sites towards Kantju Gorge where we envisage the highest waterfall in Central Australia, (truly a spectacle to behold, even more so when raining) an elder’s cave and the world’s oldest pantry.
After exploring the world’s most impressive rock up close and personal, we retreat for panoramic views to witness one of the most incredible sunsets on the planet, all whilst having dinner cooked for you, to feed those hungry eyes and allow you to get to know your fellow travellers.
Another early start today as you watch the spectacular sunrise in Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park. You thought Uluru was special and just when you think it couldn’t get any more majestic, we approach the stunning silhouette of Kata Tjuta. Here we set off on a hike through the Valley of the Winds or Walpa Gorge marvelling at the mighty conglomerate rock formations. After exploring Kata Tjuta, we make our way towards Kings Canyon region
We head off early to explore the mighty Kings Canyon (Watarrka) venturing into the ancient landscape and sacred grounds of the Ulpanyali and Lilla people. Arriving at the jewel in the crown at the centre of Watarrka National Park (Kings Canyon) we find ourselves surrounded by towering 100 metre cliff faces, views of sandstone chasms and jaw dropping backdrops that will make the hairs stand up on the back of your neck. Grab your water, hat and sturdy shoes as we set off on foot to explore (the most seasonally applicable part of) the canyon in more detail.
Rest up in the bus as we head back up north, passing through Alice Springs and heading out towards the West MacDonnell Ranges for an evening of stargazing at our bush camp.
Known traditionally as Angkerle Atwatye, meaning “Gap of Water”, Standley Chasm is a 3-metre-wide, 80-metre-high gorge amongst the West MacDonnell Ranges. At dawn we hope to spot the native wildlife as we enjoy breakfast and look forward to the day ahead. Tracking west you are welcome to enjoy a dip in Ellery Creek Bighole, known traditionally as Udepata, surrounded by tall red cliffs and sandy Ellery Creek.
Onwards to where massive geological forces created the towering red walls of Ormiston Gorge. Spend time here admiring nature and its finest before we begin our leisurely journey back towards Alice Springs, with our final stop at another amazing feature of the Tjoritja West MacDonnell region, Simpsons Gap, where several dreaming trails and stories cross. Featuring a permanent waterhole this is also a great place to spot resident wildlife.
Now we’ve had our fix of the best of central Australia’s natural icons, we deliver you back to Alice Springs.
You will be collected from your hotel this morning and taken by shared transfer to Alice Springs Airport to connect with your domestic flight to Darwin. On arrival into Darwin Airport, you will join your shared transfer for the short journey into Darwin city centre where you will check into your hotel for a 5-night stay.
Located in the always-warm, tropical Northern Territory of Australia - Darwin is a small city with a big character. Surrounded by national parks rich with history, culture and striking landscapes Darwin provides a perfect base to explore this fascinating region.
Spend your first day exploring the city, visit the resident saltwater crocodiles in Crocosaurus Cove, cool off in the lagoon or wave pool down at the waterfront or relax and enjoy a beer in one of Darwin’s friendly pubs and bars.
Today we’ve included a day trip to nearby Litchfield National Park. Your early start is rewarded as you stop for a closer look at the Magnetic and Cathedral termite mounds, with some standing as high as 6 metres! These feats of architecture contain arches, tunnels and chimneys built by their insect inhabitants.
Once at the park you will explore waterfalls, spring-fed streams and rugged sandstone escarpments before enjoying a BBQ lunch. Afterwards, discover rock holes and swim in the cascading falls of Buley Rockhole before heading back to Darwin for early evening.
After breakfast, you will be collected by your tour group for a day tour into Kakadu National Park. You’ll pass through the monsoonal rainforest, sandstone country and the worlds most protected river system, the South Alligator River along the way. Spend time at Kakadu’s premier art site, Ubirr, visiting rock art galleries and shelters. The hundreds of paintings on display here offer just a glimpse across the timeline of Aboriginal history, with original drawings still being created up to as recently as 40 years ago.
After lunch, you’ll join a cruise through the Mary River wetlands system which houses the world’s highest concentration of crocodiles as well as a myriad of bird species, wallabies and water buffalo. Enjoy a welcome glass of sparkling wine as you cruise through serene, sacred, lotus lilies. As the day draws to a close, you’ll be taken back to your hotel in Darwin by early evening.
Today is a free day for you to enjoy Darwin, on Sundays and Wednesdays be sure to head to Mindil Beach Sunset Market near the Marina, with quirky stalls and tons of street food on offer, watching the sunset on the beach with a beer in hand is a Darwin tradition!
You will be collected from your hotel and taken to the airport by shared transfer to connect with your international flight back to the UK.
Why not combine this with a trip to Bali?
Peak season in Sydney is from December to February at the height of summer and during this time temperatures can reach the high 30s or beyond. Christmas and New Year are popular times to visit and must be booked well in advance; prices will be at a premium. March-May and October-November are shoulder seasons with pleasant temperatures and fewer crowds. Sydney is a year-round destination; however, with lots of activities that run every day.
October to April is the ‘wet season’ so Darwin and Kakadu National Park will experience heavy rains, flash flooding, and many roads close at some point. The included tour may operate a different programme at this time depending on the roads in the national parks. We recommend that you visit during May-September when roads are open, and the sun is shining in Kakadu and Darwin, the town is buzzing with visitors during these months, so booking ahead is worthwhile.
We’re experts in planning tailor-made holidays, so whether you’re looking for a luxury Australia holiday, ideas for a road trip, or multi-stop flights to Australia with stopovers – let us help you with the planning. Our experts can tailor-make precisely the trip you’re looking for - this itinerary is purely a suggestion, so please contact us with your dates and requests, and we’ll put together a bespoke quotation for you.
11 nights in 4* standard accommodation and permanent tents as part of your group tour.
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