Mono Northern Territory

Day 1 - Hello Darwin! Arrive Airport and transfer to hotel, rest of the day at leisure

Today is the beginning of your trip to Darwin, seat in coach transfer to accommodation.

Overnight stay in Darwin

Day 2 - Exploring Aurora Kakadu on own

After breakfast, a coach will pick you up from your hotel for your transfer to 69 Mitchell Street, the departure point of your tour. At 6.30am join your coach to commence a three day Kakadu and Litchfield National Parks tour.

Depart Darwin and travel across Adelaide River and Marrakai Plains into World Heritage-listed Kakadu National Park. Covering some 20,000 square kilometres, Kakadu is Australia's largest and arguably most famous national park. Kakadu's vast wetlands and ancient escarpment are home to one of Australia's largest and most diverse bird populations, supporting up to one-third of all Australian bird species.

Visit rock art sites at Nourlangie Rock -the name Nourlangie' is an anglicised version of Nawurlandja. Enjoy lunch before boarding the Yellow Water billabong cruise to observe saltwater crocodiles and the colourful range of birdlife that this region is renowned for.

Late in the afternoon visit Warradjan Aboriginal Cultural Centre and view the informative displays and exhibits depicting the traditions of the Aboriginal people in Kakadu. An optional 50 minute scenic flight over Kakadu is available today (own expense).

Overnight accommodation at Aurora Kakadu in a Superior Room.

Day 3 - Travel to Ubirr

Travel to Ubirr to explore the galleries of ancient Aboriginal artwork. After lunch, join the Guluyambi cultural cruise along the East Alligator River with an Aboriginal guide. Watch for a variety of wildlife including crocodiles and learn about the ancient culture and legends of the region. With special permission from the local custodians, disembark on the Arnhem Land side of the river for a short walk into Arnhem Land.

Visit the Bowali Visitor Centre then in the late afternoon commence the return journey to Darwin. Overnight accommodation at Travelodge Mirambeena resort Darwin in a Motel Room

Day 4 - Explore Litchfield National Park

Leave Darwin and follow the Stuart Highway via the township of Batchelor to Litchfield National Park.

Visiting the main falls of the park, you have the opportunity for scenic and interpretive bush and monsoon vine forest walks. View magnetic termite mounds then travel to view Florence Falls before making your way down the stairs to the plunge pool below with an opportunity to swim (conditions permitting).

Then visit Tolmer Falls for a magnificent view of the water cascading down to the deep waterhole below. Enjoy a picnic lunch. Venture to Wangi Falls for another opportunity for a swim in the large crystal clear pool and an optional steady climb through the rainforest to the top of the falls. Tour concludes at approximately 6.00pm, at which time hotel drop offs will commence.

Overnight at your Hotel

Day 5 - Depart Darwin fly into Alice Springs

Arrive Alice Springs Airport by 1145Hrs and seat in coach transfer to the hotel and check-in.

This afternoon join half Day seat in coach tour to “A Town like Alice Tour departing 1330hours as an optional. Tour the sights of 'The Alice' including The School of the Air. We learn how children who cannot access schools are educated by radio, we may have the opportunity to listen to and observe lessons in progress on air.

Stop at the historic Telegraph Station, which marks the original site of the first European settlement in Alice Springs. Visit the Royal Flying Doctors Service, where you will see how medical aid reaches those who live in the remote 'outback'.

We also make a stop at the Alice Springs Reptile Centre, where you can see up close and maybe touch some of the lizards and snakes of Central Australia's semi-arid desert, such as the Perentie Lizard and the Thorny Devil. The tour concludes with a panoramic view of the township of Alice Springs and the MacDonnell Ranges from the top of Anzac Hill.

Overnight at your Hotel

Day 6 - Optional tour to Macdonald Ranges

Post breakfast; this morning join the full day seat in coach West MacDonald ranges tour (a bit of walking in rough terrain is required during this tour) on own

First stop is Angkerle (Standley Chasm). Take a walk along the stony watercourse, where spring-fed pool. Attract a great array of wildlife and birds. Return from your walk and enjoy morning tea. Next up is Ellery Creek Big Hole, a spectacular watercourse, which cuts through a gorge in the ranges. Visit the Ochre Pits to see the natural ochres in the cliff face that have provided a source of materials for indigenous people for thousands of years.

At Ormiston Gorge, the rugged scenery is complemented by a near-permanent waterhole, which attracts a range of water birds and fish. Enjoy a Ploughman’s Lunch at Glen Helen Gorge. Final stop is Simpson Gap, one of the best known destinations in the ranges. Walk through the gap to the waterhole, keeping an eye out for the elusive black-footed rock wallabies hiding among the rocks.

Overnight at your Hotel

Day 7 - Check out and head to Ayers Rock

After breakfast, check-out and head to Ayers Rock. This early morning join the half day seat in coach transfer to Ayers Rock Resort enroute travel south through the MacDonnell and James Ranges.

Your friendly Driver Guide will provide comprehensive commentary of your surrounds. Visit a camel farm where there is time to take a short camel ride (own expense). Later you will have the opportunity to purchase a light lunch at Mount Ebenezer. Marvel at majestic Atila (Mt. Conner) before arriving at Ayers Rock Resort.

Arrive Ayers Rock Resort and check-in, later afternoon half day seat in coach Uluru Sunset Tour as on optional is available. Late evening seat in coach transfers to Field of Light Self Guided Tour (Keep National Park Ticket handy - Infant above 1year charged as Child) as an option.

Overnight at the Resort

Day 8 - Optional tour to Kings Canyon and Watarraka National Park

Full Day SIC Kings Canyon & Watarraka National Park Tour ex Ayers Rock Resort and return (Good level of fitness is required during this tour - must carry 3 liters of water per person)

Travel from Ayers Rock Resort to Kings Canyon, stopping for breakfast at Kings Creek Station (included) along the way. Make the rocky climb to the rim of the canyon for marvelous views of Watarraka National Park. Follow the rim of the canyon stopping to look down into the canyon gorge at look-out points.

Time permitting, you may choose to descend into the green oasis of the 'Garden of Eden'. The circuit walk takes approximately 3 hours to complete and is rocky and steep in parts. It is recommended for those with a good level of fitness. Alternatively, you may wish to take an easier, shorter walk to explore the boulder strewn canyon floor. After lunch (own expense), return to Ayers Rock Resort.

(Hotel Breakfast is NOT included today as early morning departure of tour - Infants & young Children are not recommended to travel on this Tour)

Day 9 - Departure from Ayers Rock

Have a filling breakfast and then transfer to the airport on seat in coach basis for departure.