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HIGHLIGHTS:

Alice Springs - West Macdonnell Ranges - Kings Canyon - Kata Tjuta - Uluru - Yulara - Darwin - Litchfield National Park - Kakadu National Park

Day 1 Alice Springs.

G'day and welcome to Alice Springs (Mparntwe in the language of the traditional owners of the land on which Alice Springs is now located). This quintessential laidback Aussie town is the perfect place to start your journey into the ancient culture and landscapes of Australia's Outback. This is your launching pad to reach some of the top spots on the agenda over the next few days. Your adventure officially kicks off with a welcome meeting at 6 pm, where you'll meet your group leader and new travel companions. Until then, feel free to check out some of the town's sights or tuck into an Outback inspired meal at one of the quirky local cafes.

Day 2 West Macdonnell Ranges to Kings Canyon.

This morning, you'll hit the road for Simpsons Gap in the West MacDonnell Ranges National Park (Tjoritja). Keep an eye out for rock wallabies as you take part in a guided walk through the important spiritual site. A First Nations guide will share their insights on the local flora and fauna and will tell the story of the great?Tjunba (Perentie) totem that protects the gorge and its present importance to the Eastern and Northern Arrernte People. The walk will also take you along the riverbed that marks the boundary between the Eastern and Northern Arrernte tribes. Next, drive along the Stuart and Lasseter Highway and through the colourful semi-desert to Watarrka National Park, home of the majestic Kings Canyon. Your leader will take you along the Kings Creek Walk, following the trail between soaring cliffs and ethereal rock formations. You'd be hard-pressed to find a more magical place! Tonight enjoy an included dinner before visiting the Light Towers - an immersive visual and aural display.

Day 3 Kings Canyon to Kata Tjuta to Uluru to Yulara.

Spend the morning exploring the rugged landscape of Kings Canyon and enjoy the 3-hour rim walk up and across the famous Kings Canyon plateau, from the sandstone domes of the 'Lost City' to the oasis of the 'Garden of Eden'. You'll walk across the red rock cliffs that protrude from the land and take in views of the palm forest below. Then hit the road again for a scenic drive across the red landscape to Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park. Keep your eyes out, there's chance that you might spot brumbys, camels or wallabies on the drive. First up today, you'll arrive in Kata Tjuta (formerly known as The Olgas) - a towering collection of 36 domed rock formations. Here, you'll embark on a walk to a popular lookout to admire the stunning red formations that make up Kata Tjuta - these ochre-coloured shapes are a mesmerising sight. After, you'll make your way to one of Australia's most spiritually significant and iconic sites, Uluru. From a prime location, you'll enjoy the view as the sun sets over the epic sandstone monolith - watching the incredible landscape shift in colour is a sight you won't soon forget!

Day 4 Uluru to Alice Springs.

You'll start the day early in one of the best ways imaginable - watching a spectacular sunrise over Uluru. Embark on a short walk across the rust-coloured landscape to a nearby waterhole and marvel at some of the traditional art sites. Your leader will shed light on the history and nature here and explain how the Anangu people are deeply connected to the lands. After, stop by the Uluru-Kata Tjuta Cultural Centre to continue learning about First Nations culture. Stop by Yulara for any travellers finishing the trip here. Then hit the highway for Alice Springs just after lunch. Arrive in Alice Springs in the evening and say goodbye to your Tour Leader. You will be unaccompanied until the Welcome Meeting in Darwin tomorrow at 6pm.

Day 5 Alice Springs to Darwin.

Your included airport shuttle will take you from the hotel to Alice Springs Airport this afternoon. Fly to Darwin (flight not included), or Gulumerrdgen in the language of the local Larrakia people, who are the traditional owners of the land on which Darwin is now located. Meet your new group member and Tour Leader with a welcome meeting at 6 pm. After the meeting, enjoy a restful evening before an early start and exciting day tomorrow.

Day 6 Litchfield National Park to Darwin.

Today, drive into the magnificent Litchfield National Park. Situated on a huge sandstone plateau, the park is home to stunning waterfalls, secret swimming spots and towering rocky pillars. Your first stop will be the Wangi Falls, where you'll be able to take a short loop walk or go for a plunge in the picturesque natural pool. Then it's off to the dramatic Tolmer Falls and Florence Falls. Hidden amongst monsoon forest, you'll have a picnic lunch next to a bubbling creek. The last stop for the afternoon is Litchfield's famous Magnetic Termite Mounds, which are up to 100 years old and unique to the northern parts of Australia, before returning to Darwin for the evening.

Day 7 Kakadu National Park.

Rise bright and early, have breakfast and drive towards Kakadu National Park this morning. Covering an enormous 20,000 sq km, the park is a world of its own. Stop for a stretch at the Mamukala Wetlands (and see if you can spot the wetland birds), then journey across Cahill's Crossing into Arnhem Land. There you'll visit the entrance to Mikkinj Valley, with its stunning scenery of billabongs, wildlife and towering escarpment providing a great backdrop for your lunch stop. Then, drive on to Ubirr, one of Kakadu's rock art gems, where you'll learn more about the local First Nations history and stories. Later in the afternoon hop aboard a cruise down the East Alligator River (despite the name, you won't see any alligators - this is crocodile country). You'll be joined by an Aboriginal guide who'll provide a unique insight on the cultural significance of the landscape and the plants and animals that live there. After, continue to your Kakadu accommodation for an included dinner with your group.

Day 8 Kakadu National Park to Darwin.

Your final morning at Kakadu National Park begins with a drive to a local cultural arts centre at Jim Jim Creek. Here, you'll take part in a cultural weaving class, learning the craft and listening to local stories about the significance of weaving in the local culture. After lunch, a drive will take you to Burrungkuy (Nourlangie), famous for its World Heritage-listed rock art created by the Bininj people. There are various short walks available while you're here, each offering a different perspective on the wildlife, art and natural features of the area. Then, a drive north will take you back to Darwin where your adventure will finish. If you'd like to extend your stay in Darwin, just speak to your booking agent.

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